Almost a million households not ready for digital TV

More than 850,000 households in Canada’s urban centres may be affected when Canada makes its long-awaited switchover to digital television next August, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission warned in a transition update Friday.

The change to digital from analog television signals will not affect Canadians who subscribe to cable or satellite services, the commission said.

However, the 857,000 or so households in larger markets that rely on either the "rabbit ears," aluminum foil, or some combination of both to watch television will need to get a digital converter box to keep watching after Aug. 31, 2011, when the switch will be made.

These boxes cost about $75, the CRTC said in a release.

Meanwhile, citizens in smaller markets may have to shell out $300 or more to buy a satellite receiver and dish to keep watching.

The problem is, in those smaller regions local television stations may choose not to convert at all and drop their analog broadcasting capabilities altogether. The CRTC has decided to modify its regulations to allow these stations to provide a free package of channels to those affected, but the only way to pick them up is by satellite.

The CRTC expects only 31,500 families will be affected at most.

"Consumer awareness and education is a key component of the digital transition," the CRTC said. "Members of the broadcasting industry are expected to actively participate in the creation and implementation of a national consumer education program."

These programs must begin by March 2011, the commission said.

The transition to digital from analog has been long-telegraphed by the CRTC. It picked its 2011 changeover date based on a similar process in the United States, which switched over in June 2009 after some delay and much resistance.

The analog system has been in place since the advent of television. Over the years, as televisions progressed from black and white images to full colour and stereo sound, the system reached its limits.

Digital signals, on the other hand, are more efficient and offer increased resolution and audio quality.

Countries around the world started turning off their analog broadcasts in 2006, with Luxembourg the first country to complete the transition.