Consumer Alert
CTV Ottawa's Michael O'Byrne is covering local consumer stories that are affecting you and your family. If you have a story idea or consumer issue, or if you've been the victim of a consumer scam, email consumeralert@ctv.ca
Tracking the top pedometers
Outside of the gym it's hard to track exactly how much you travel in a given amount of time . . . unless you have a pedometer. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne checks out many models and even some pedometer apps.
Choosing the right elliptical machine
Elliptical machines are a popular exercise tool for their low-impact, high-resistance workout. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne compares several different models to show what they all offer.
Hockey Bags
Just in time for the Bell Capital Cup, one hockey bag company has unveiled a hockey bag with a built in fan to combat the smell. CTV's Pat Foran tests it out to see if it delivers.
The Nissan Leaf
The Chevrolet Volt, a gas-electric hybrid, has some new competition in the green vehicle market. CTV's Pat Foran takes the electric-only Nissan Leaf for a test drive.
How to manage your weight this holiday season
The holidays are seen as a time to indulge, but afterwards your health may pay the price. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne examines how to eat smart over the days to come.
How to shop from home on Christmas Eve
With the countdown to Christmas, many are rushing to finish their shopping or just get started. CTV Consumer Reporter Michael O'Byrne tells you the hottest buys, what will be hard to find, and how you can find deals from the comfort of your home on Christmas Eve.
Last-minute Christmas shopping tips
Last-minute shoppers this one is for you! Consumer report Michael O’Byrne dishes the dirt on buying gifts just a few days before Christmas.
CTV reporters put shipping to the test
Christmas is the busiest shipping season of the year and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which company to ship with and at what cost. CTV Ottawa's Michael O'Byrne teamed up with CTV Edmonton's Laura Lowe to put shipping to the test.
Learning tablet tops this year’s top toys list
The Canadian Toy Testing Council has announced its top toys for Christmas and what’s at the top of the list? The LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne on why it’s the hottest toy of all.
Trivia game wows kids this Christmas
The Canadian Toy Testing Council has released its list of top toys this holiday season. One of them is a trivia game based on the popular TV show Mythbusters. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter reports on why kids love the game.
A sneaky squirrel on top toy list
It's the time of the year when toys fly off the shelves. This year, one of the hottest toys is best described as a 'sneaky squirrel.' CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter reports on why kids love this toy.
New toy helpings kids make their own animations
The Canadian Toy Testing Council has unveiled the top five toys for Christmas and CTV Ottawa is taking them to the toughest critics: kids. One of them is a book that helps them create their own animations. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne has the story.
Dr. Seuss game teaches kids the basics
A Dr. Suess-inspired game is teaching young kids the basics. From colours and shapes to numbers and sounds, it's a fun way for kids to learn. CTV's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne has the story.
Ottawa company offers convenient tire changes
It all started when Crystal Karam couldn't figure out where to get her snow tires put on. Now her Ottawa company offers the service door-to-door.
Capturing memories on camcorder
According to a new consumer report flip-style camcorders are out. Companies aren’t even making it anymore. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne shows you newer ones which have been tested and are small enough to fit in your pocket.
Which tablets work for children?
Kids are getting into technology earlier and earlier in their lives, along with an expanding market of kid-friendly gadgets. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne looks at which tablets are best for children.
Testing fish-oil capsules
Fish-oil capsules are a way for people who don’t eat seafood to get Omega-3 fatty acids, but which ones actually deliver? CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne looks at a dozen capsules to find which ones work, and which don’t.
Local Gift Idea: Boot and Mitten Dryers
It’s very likely you have an Ottawa man’s invention in your home, helping you stay warm this winter. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne shows us the local connection to mitten and boot warmers.
Ranking the top paper towels
There are many kinds of paper towels, but some can take more than others. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne looks at which brands wipe out the competiton.
Holiday drinks that hurt your waistline
People usually indulge over the holiday season, with alcohol no exception. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne talks about which drinks are low in calories.
Arsenic in Juice
A childhood staple could be holding a dangerous chemical. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne on the levels of arsenic found in some apple juice.
University students come up with unique business idea
Three engineering students at Queens University in Kingston wanted to make a little extra money, so they came up with something that fellow students would buy – notes for a class that was missed. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne explains the idea behind Loopnotes.com
Cyber Monday gets shoppers online
Shoppers went online to take advantage of deep discounts offered as part of Cyber Monday. By late Monday afternoon, online commerce across North America was up 43 per cent. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne has the details.
Hot Deals
Are you in the market for a house? The average price for a home in Ottawa hovers around $350, 000. CTV Ottawa's consumer alert reporter shows you what that kind of cash can get you in the capital. more...
Which tablet is best?
With so many tablets on the market, how do you choose which one to purchase? Consumer Reports just tested two new tablets that are giving the iPad some serious competition. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne reports.
Canada’s own set of Black Friday deals
Black Friday may be legendary in the United States for causing massive early lineups for sales, but Canada’s getting in on the savings. CTV Ottawa’s Michael O’Byrne shares some of Canada’s best Black Friday deals.
Apple gifts in demand for kids this Christmas
The iPad is turning out to be one of the hottest gifts for Christmas this year. A new survey shows that Apple has pretty much cornered the market for wish lists among six to 12 year olds. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne explains.
Gifts with a conscience
If you’re feeling guilty about how much you’re spending on gifts, there are some options that give back. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne looks at some presents that help good causes.
Home swapping takes off
Would you be willing to give your home up to strangers for a vacation, if they’d do the same for you? CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne reports on the ins and outs of home swapping.
Holiday shopping goes high-tech
Bayshore Shopping Centre is looking to help you with your gift hunt. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne tells us about the high-tech shopping help they're offering.
The Safest Car Seats for Kids
CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne tells you how to keep your kids safe when riding in the car. more...
Local kids pick top new toys
Adults can try and choose the hottest toys of the 2011 shopping season, but little minds know it best. CTV’s John Hua sat in on a toy-testing session to see what the target audience thinks of this year’s crop of potential gifts.
Do celebrity-hawked acne products work better?
Some acne companies have seen high-profile endorsements. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne talks about if these products are more effective.
A look at today's consumer news
From fake iPads to parents helping their underage kids get onto facebook, CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne brings you the latest in the world of consumerism.
Printers with many functions at a low cost
Printers that scan, copy and print are the most popular in the country, but how can you pick the best one? CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne looks at the best value for your hard-earned paper.
A look at today’s consumer news
From fake iPads to parents helping their underage kids get onto facebook, CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne brings you the latest in the world of consumerism.
The iffy relationship between US and Canadian prices
Prices on either side of the border were quite different with the low Canadian dollar; but as the dollar rose, the prices didn't necessarily even out. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne examines the price gap with our neighbours to the south.
Best batteries at the best price
Canadians buy more than one billion batteries a year. CTV Ottawa's Michael O'Byrne tells you the best batteries for the best price in this consumer alert.
The most haunting costumes for this Halloween
It's the most haunting time of year again and that means its time to pick a costume. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne finds out which Halloween costumes are flying off the shelves this year.
Buying smart when it comes to new cars
Car repairs can be expensive so it’s important to make sure that you purchase a car with a reliable track record. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne tells you what you need to know before you buy.
Natalie Maclean's Bonus Bargain Wine Picks
Picking the right wine can be tough. Wine expert Natalie MacLean tells you how to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to buying wine. more...
Price vs quality: the hunt for a good bargain wine
When buying wines, it can be tempting to think a higher price means a better quality. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne finds some quality wines to look for when you're out shopping. more...
Reviewing the new iPhone
There were more crowds lined up for the release of Apple's new iPhone 4S. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne shares his review.
Finding the best at-home coffeemaker
Most people like to start their day with a warm cup of coffee but which at-home coffeemakers will give you the best brew? CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne sheds light on which coffeemakers are the best.
Haggling for the best deals on electronics
Electronics are some of the hottest items on the market but they can also be some of the most expensive. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne reports on the best ways to score a great deal.
Protecting Privacy on Paper and Plastic
Thousands of Canadians are the victims of identity theft every year. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne tells you what you need to know to protect yourself online, and on paper.
Michael O’Byrne with the latest in consumer news
A new menu item from Tim Hortons, a cell phone warning system and an olive branch from the makers of the blackberry - all part of CTV Ottawa's Michael O'Byrne's consumer alert.
Local business picks Ottawa’s top ten
A new Ottawa-based company has launched a website that tells residents the 'top tens' of Ottawa. The lists range from restaurants, entertainment and products. CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne has that story.
Costco fees to rise by ten per cent
The privilege of shopping at Costco is getting a little bit more expensive. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne reports.
Outlet stores provide great finds for less money
Many shoppers flock to outlet stores to snag some great deals. And it turns out they really are the place to find a great deal for less. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne has the story.
Testing temperatures with the right tools
As we move into cold and flu season, thermometer use is going to pick up as fevers become more common. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne helps you choose which model works for you.
Buyer beware when buying golf clubs online
With golf season quickly coming to a close, this time of year is often seen as the best for finding great deals on golf clubs. more...
Apple rolls out new iPhone4S
Apple announced its new phone Tuesday, with most of the features that its fans wanted, but left some disappointed by only calling it the iPhone 4S, and not the long-expected iPhone 5.
Cashing in wisely on credit card rewards points
You earn them with every dollar you charge on your credit card, but what is the best way to spend your credit card points? more...
If you have a story idea or consumer issue,
or if you’ve been the victim of a consumer scam, email consumeralert@ctv.ca.
