Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - North Shore News - A17
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More questions from readers
MY recent series of columns about cutting the cable cord to your TV in favour of Internet-based content generated a lot of responses from readers. Last week we got to the first batch. Here, we tackle more.
Question: I love watching the NFL, but I can’t seem to find it online. I tried several networks and it seems like they want me to buy a package of unlimited watching for (only) $200! That’s a tad rich for just watching the odd game. Any thoughts? Barry in Vancouver Answer: My own quick search couldn’t find anything for the NFL online either. I did find at least one site offering “free streaming” of televised NFL games and while these might work, I wouldn’t trust sites for “free” on the Internet that isn’t directly from the copyright holder. (See last question below.) The NFL seems to be the one major professional sports league that doesn’t have apps on consoles like the Playstation or Xbox where you can actually watch live games. In contrast, the NHL,
Practical Geek Barry Link
MLB and NBA offer apps on several platforms and devices for on demand viewing with high quality high-definition video feeds. (The CBC runs live NHL games online for free in those years when there isn’t a lockout.) The kicker of course is that you have to buy a pricey annual subscription and home games in your area are stupidly blacked out. Sports programming remains a potential stumbling block in going cable free. Question: I just read Cutting the Cord Part 1 and wanted to bring your attention to a local webpage hdtv4free.info which gives loads of info on how to make a super simple antenna and get free HDTV. We get CTV,
CBC (watched the Olympics in HD), Global, Citytv, Omni (not HD) just with a tiny antenna. You should check it out because it’s the bees knees. I’m biased since the page belongs to my boyfriend, but, truly, it is filled with great info. He gets emails from people all over the world who have hooked themselves up with one of these antennas and been blown away by the free digital signals they could pick up. I love having the option of watching local TV in real-time. I generally watch things on the PC, which is plugged into the TV, and switch to the antenna (with a click of the remote) to watch the news or So You Think You Can Dance. We stopped paying for cable TV three years ago and I can’t imagine ever going back. Alethea via email Answer: I looked at the site and am passing it on to our readers. It’s a well thought-out and helpful guide with more information and expertise about antennas than I can provide here. I like the shoebox antenna and the instructions for building it. I’m a fan of the DIY approach when it comes to consumer tech. Speaking of websites,
readers might want to check out TVFool.com and Antennaweb.org, both recommended during a recent Know How video podcast on the online TWiT network. The Canadianbased Digitalhome.ca also has an active forum on getting free HDTV with over-the-air reception.
Question: When are you going to explore the dark side and write about illegal means of getting TV and movies from the Internet? Newsroom colleague Answer: Not any time soon. Downloading copyrighted material without paying through filesharing methods such as BitTorrent is likely illegal in Canada, despite some greyness in the legality of downloading music files the same way due to prior court decisions. I’m not completely opposed to filesharing — there are interesting libertarian/ anarchist arguments in support of it, and I’m not saying I’ve never done it. But I want the people who create the television and movies I enjoy to make a living and want to encourage the proliferation of paid models of distribution. For now, See Beware page 19
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Open House Development Information Meeting 313 / 315 West Keith Road North Vancouver
Volunteers wanted: Invasive Plant Species Working Group West Vancouver is committed to seeking the advice and tapping into the expertise of residents wishing to work on council policies and projects, as well as serving on boards and committees. As community leaders and volunteers, we value your time and have developed a structure to meet your ability to contribute. If you are a West Vancouver resident and would like to volunteer to serve on a board or committee or working group, opportunities are currently available as follows: ! Invasive Plant Species Working Group. The objective of this working group is to guide the development of and public consultation for an Invasive Plant Species Strategy. The related report Invasive Plant Species Update and Next Steps dated October 3, 2012 which was received by Council at its October 15, 2012 meeting is available on the District’s website at: westvancouver.ca/invasiveplants. Application forms and detailed information are available on the District’s website or in the
Legislative Services Department at Municipal Hall. For information regarding the proposed working group please contact Corinne Ambor, Manager of Parks Planning and Community Stewardship at cambor@westvancouver.ca. Please submit completed applications with a brief personal resume to the Legislative Services Department at West Vancouver Municipal Hall, 750 17th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3. Submissions also accepted by fax (604-925-7006) and email to committees@westvancouver.ca. Apply by 4:30 p.m. on December 7, 2012.
There is an application to develop a new 3 Unit Residential development on this site. The application proposes a Duplex plus an Infill unit that will each be two stories above plus a cellar. Each unit would include a roof top deck. Parking for 4 vehicles is proposed and would be accessible from the lane. You are invited to view and comment on the plans of this proposed project. An open house will be held Tuesday, November 20, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at: St. Andrew’s Church Hall 1044 St. George’s Avenue, North Vancouver Applicant Contact: Bill Curtis 604-986-4550 N. Van. City Contact: Wendy Tse 604-982-3942