The Canadian Transition to Digital Television
The Government of Canada and the Canadian Radio–television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) have mandated that over-the-air television transmission must switch from analog to digital in many parts of Canada by August 31, 2011.
The majority of Canadians will not be affected by the transition. That's because more than 90% of Canadians today receive their television signals through a cable or satellite provider.
If you subscribe to a cable or satellite television service, such as Shaw Cable or Shaw Direct, or view your programming via the Internet, you will not be affected by this transition.
If you are not watching your television programming through cable or satellite and if you watch analog TV through over-the-air signals via rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna, you are most likely watching at least some analog over-the-air channels and may experience a loss of service. If you have a TV in your home away from home that you watch with the use of rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna, without a cable or satellite subscription, you may be affected by the transition. If you are affected and you wish to continue viewing your local programming, you will need to do the following:
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The Canadian Transition to Digital Television
First, confirm whether your TV has a digital tuner. Many newer TVs already have them built in. Look for the term "digital tuner," "ATSC tuner" or "integrated tuner" on your television or consult your owner's manual. If your TV does have a digital tuner, follow the steps in your manual to set it so that you receive digital signals.
If your TV does not have a digital tuner, you have the following options:
- Subscribe to a cable or satellite television provider. Find out more about Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct services in your area.
- Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box and ensure you have a suitable antenna.
- Purchase a TV with a built-in digital tuner and ensure that you have a suitable antenna.
To help you ensure you are prepared for the transition to digital television, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How do I know if my market is affected?
Remember, if you watch television via cable, satellite or the Internet, you will not be affected by the transition to digital television. If you watch television through over-the-air analog signals, those signals serving the following cities and their surrounding areas are required to change to digital transmission by August 31, 2011:
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- British Columbia: Vancouver and Victoria
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Lloydminster and Lethbridge
- Saskatchewan: Regina and Saskatoon
- Manitoba: Winnipeg
- Ontario: Toronto (including Barrie and Hamilton), London, Windsor, Kitchener and Thunder Bay
- Quebec: Montreal, Quebec, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, Rivière-du-Loup, Saguenay and Rouyn-Noranda/Val d’Or
- New Brunswick: Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton
- Nova Scotia: Halifax
- Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
- Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's
- National Capital Region: (Ottawa-Gatineau)
If you live in Burmis (Alberta), Spillimacheen (BC) or Sainte-Famille (QC), some of your stations may also be affected. To find out more about what stations are affected, visit the Canadian Heritage website. To find out how to continue receiving TV signals in these areas through Shaw Direct, please call 1.866.782.7690.
How can I confirm which local channels will be affected and where they will be moving after August 31, 2011?
The following information is for Global channels in specific Global markets only.
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To find out what other stations are required by the CRTC to make the transition to digital television after August 31, 2011, visit the Canadian Heritage website.
My television service is going to be affected. What are my options?
If your television service is going to be affected, first, confirm whether your TV has a digital tuner. Many newer TVs already have them built in. Look for the term "digital tuner," "ATSC tuner" or "integrated tuner" on your television or consult your owner's manual. If your TV does have a digital tuner, follow the steps in your manual to set it so that you receive digital signals.
- Read more
If your TV does not have a digital tuner, you have the following options:
- Subscribe to a cable or satellite television provider. Find out more about Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct services in your area.
- Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box and ensure you have a suitable antenna.
- Purchase a TV with a built-in digital tuner and ensure that you have a suitable antenna.
What’s the difference between the Canadian Transition to Digital and Shaw’s Digital Network Upgrade?
As the world is going digital so is Shaw. In order to provide customers with more choice, Shaw will also be transitioning tiered channels to digital. We will ensure that you are prepared for any changes taking place so that you can continue to receive great choice and the best in technology from Shaw.
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How are Shaw customers affected?
Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct customers are not affected because your television signals are already being obtained via cable or satellite. Any television sets connected to your cable or satellite service will not be affected by this transition.
Will coupons or converter boxes be made available to Canadians who are affected?
The U.S. government funded a subsidy program during its transition to digital television; however, the Canadian government has not set up such a program.
I live in a non-mandated area that isn't on the list. When is it going to digital?
Global is in the process of converting all 86 of its over-the-air broadcast facility locations to digital and will be adding new markets/locations on an ongoing basis until all markets have been completed by no later than August 2016.
To get more answers to your questions about the Canadian Transition to Digital Television, visit the Canadian Heritage website.
Global Television is owned and operated by Shaw Media, a division of Shaw.