TORONTO – On Wednesday, Canada will changeover to digital transmission of television signals. While cable and satellite subscribers won’t notice the switch, Canadians using antennas to capture TV signals won’t have much to tune into.
TV stations will stop broadcasting over-the-air in analog signals by August 31, following a decision from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
According to the CRTC, only 7 per cent of Canadian television viewers will be affected by the transition.
The switch to digital television (DTV) will provide viewers with enhanced picture quality and sound. The newly freed up airwaves will be used for other purposes, like additional wireless telephone service and public safety services for police and fire departmen
When the U.S. made the switch to digital in 2009, a government-funded subsidy program helped Americans cover part of the cost of purchasing a new digital converter box. The Canadian government will not be offering a similar program, yet stands to gain billions from the sell-off of analog frequencies.
Bidding in Canada’s wireless spectrum auction in 2008 surpassed $4 billion for licensing the rights of freed up airwaves.
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Analog aware
If you’re devoted to your standard analog television, consider installing a digital-to-analog converter box. The unit, required for every TV in the household, connects directly to your TV to translate over-the-air digital signals into analog signals that can be viewed on a standard television.
Converter boxes are available from several electronic stores, priced between $30 and $100. You will not need a converter box if you already have a digital or high definition (HD) TV or cable. For more help with this option, click here.
You can also install a more sophisticated, higher-gain antenna to increase your reception coverage. Make sure the new antenna covers both VHF (channels 2-13) and UHF (channels 14-51) frequency bands.
For indoor antennas, install the new antenna near a window or high above ground. In general, the higher up you place outdoor antennas, the better the signal will be. Place it in an area away from trees or buildings that may degrade the signal.
If you receive analog TV signals using rabbit ears and you’re interested in updating your television, consider buying a digital or HD TV that includes an integrated digital tuner or an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner
Cable & satellite options
Over 90 per cent of Canadians already receive TV programming through a cable or satellite provider.
A number of Canadian telecommunications companies offer competitive digital TV packages.
Shaw Direct is offering a one-time transition assistance program for some households switching to digital TV.
Several other DTV providers are offering incentives to customers making the switch to cable or satellite services.
Telus is offering a $50 rebate for existing subscribers who refer friends or family to Telus TV.
Rogers is offering an introductory digital TV trial package for customers who make the switch ahead of the August 31 cutoff.
Bell TV offers an array of digital packages from basic standard programming to more advanced HD packages including movie and specialty channels.
For more information on Canada’s switch to digital TV, visit the Government of Canada’s website devoted to the transition, digitaltv.gc.ca or call 1-855-388-5050.
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