Every TV watcher in Canada has been breathlessly awaiting March 1, 2016 - when the Cable and Satellite Companies throughout the Country have been forced by the CRTC to offer a lower-cost basic TV channel package. Today on March 2, it seems that Canadians have been waiting for NOTHING!

The new Starter or 'Skinny Basic' Packages from Bell, Rogers and Shaw are leaving most Canadians deeply disappointed. For instance the new Bell Starter Package in Toronto has 26 channels - which could potentially be enough for a lot of TV watchers, until you look a little closer:

• Of the 26 channels avaialble - 15 are broadcast in French - I'm not saying there isn't need for French Programming, just not more than English Programming in the predominantly English-speaking Toronto
• Of the remaining 11 channels two are Parlimentary Broadcasts and one is the Weather Network. While you may watch the weather channel once in a while - I doubt you watch the Ontario Legislature or CPAC
• Down to 8 Canadian Broadcast Networks (in English) - CBC, CTV, CTV2, OMNI 1 & 2 (only in English a few hours a day), CITY, Global, TVO and YES TV (Religious Broadcasts most of the day)

AND - since the CRTC didn't force them to offer individual channels right away (they become available on Dec 1, 2016) Providers are only offering additional channel BUNDLES which will probably put your bill even higher than it is now when you try to add in your favourite channels.

According to news reports on the CBC - Sales agents from Bell and Rogers have been told to "Downplay" the new cheaper alternatives.

THANK YOU BELL FOR ONCE AGAIN SHOOTING YOURSELVES IN THE FOOT AND MAKING HD TV ANTENNAS EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE TO CANADIANS!!!

In the GTA we receive 25 channels - just like their 'Starter' Package. But that is where the similarity ends.

With an HD Antenna from The Antenna Guys you should receive the following Broadcasts in most areas of the GTA;

• All English Language Canadian Channels available through Bell Starter pkg - CBC, CTV, CTV2, Global, CITY, CBC - French, YES, OMNI 1 & 2, TVO, CHCH in breath-taking 1080i Picture and 5.1 Surround Sound.
• All or most American Broadcast Networks - ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, PBS, ION, MYTV, and more - in 1080i and 5.1 Surround
• American Sub-Channels (additional programs NOT available on Cable or Satellite) - in 480i. Including;
  • Old TV Shows (Antenna TV)
  • COPS - type shows (Justice TV)
  • Comedy TV Shows and Movies (LAFF)
  • Whodunnits and Mystery Shows (Escape)
  • Documentaries (ThinkBright)
  • Classical Music (WNED-FM)
  • Afro-Centric TV Shows and Movies (Bounce TV)
  • County Music Videos (TCN)
  • Men's Shows Westerns and War Movies (GRIT TV)
  • American College Sports (ASN)
  • Sci-Fi Movies and TV Shows (Comet)
  • Classic Movies from Sony's Vaults (GET-TV)
  • Kid's Shows (qubo)
  • Home and Garden / Lifestyle Shows (IonLife)
  • Home Shopping (QVC, HSN)

Why are you Paying to Watch TV?!?!

Install an HD TV Antenna from the Antenna Guys and save a minimum of $300 per year watching HD TV in Full 1080i and 5.1 Surround Sound - FREE!!!