Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
www.crtc.gc.ca
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Moving to digital television: August 31, 2011
In an effort to give Canadians better television choices, the CRTC has set a deadline for the full transition from analog to over-the-air digital TV signals. By August 31, 2011, virtually all over-the-air broadcasting in Canada will be digital. In some areas, broadcasters are already using digital as well as analog signals. They can do this until August 31, 2011. After that, they can only broadcast in digital format.
Why are we switching to digital television?
Broadcasters can only broadcast their signals using certain airwaves. Because digital signals are more efficient, a broadcaster can send several standard-definition digital signals instead of one analog signal. A broadcaster might also decide to send a high-definition digital signal. Converting to digital frees up parts of airwaves. These will be used for advanced wireless and public safety services for police and fire departments, and other important services to benefit Canadians.
How will digital TV affect me?
For you, the viewer, digital TV means sharper pictures and better sound. You could also get more channels and interactive capabilities and choose to receive high-definition television (HDTV), which offers the best available picture and sound quality. You may also need extra equipment, depending on the type of television you have and how you receive your TV signals. These are the most common types of TV sets and signals in Canada:
Analog TV set with set-top converter box
If you have an analog TV set -- and you have satellite, cable, or another type of TV service with a set-top converter box -- you'll still receive service after the changeover. Your service provider will manage the transition for you.
Analog TV set receiving over-the-air signals
If you use an antenna (including outside antennas or "rabbit ears") to receive over-the-air signals on a TV set with only an analog tuner, you'll need a digital-to-analog converter box. The converter box attaches to your antenna.
The US moved to digital on June 12, 2009. If you live along the Canada-US border, and you get American signals over the air, you'll need to start converting the digital signal from American stations in June 2009.
HDTV-ready TV set
If you get TV signals over the air, you'll need to know if the TV has a digital (ATSC) tuner. If it does, you may need an antenna. If it doesn't, you'll need a digital tuner and an antenna. If you get your TV service from a cable or satellite distributor, your service provider will manage the transition for you.
How can I tell what type of TV I have?
To figure out whether your TV is digital or analog, go to What you need to know about the analog-to-digital television transition in Canada.
What should I look for when buying a TV set now?
If you want to buy a TV with a built-in digital tuner, look for one with an ATSC tuner if you intend to watch digital over-the-air signals. Ask the retailer about what programming this TV can receive, and any additional equipment you may need.
What should I look for when buying a set-top converter box now?
If you want to buy a set-top converter box for watching over-the-air signals before the August 31, 2011 deadline, look for one with the analog pass-through feature. The analog pass-through feature renables the reception of both digital and analog signals. Without it, you won't receive analog signals.
If you buy a set-top converter box in order to get TV service from a cable or satellite distributor, your service provider will manage the transition for you.
I hear that American residents are getting vouchers to buy set-top boxes. Will this happen in Canada?
American residents are receiving $40 vouchers to offset the cost of purchasing an over-the-air digital converter box. Such a program does not exist in Canada.
Does the CRTC regulate set-top converter boxes?
The CRTC doesn't regulate the technology or equipment you use to receive TV in your home. So your service provider (cable, satellite, etc.) may charge you to buy or rent equipment to get their service.
