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Television Sector > Digital Television > FAQs
The Transition to Digital Television Service
in Canada
The DTV Transition in Canada
On August 31, 2011 over-the-air (OTA) broadcast channels are expected to convert to digital in most major cities in Canada. The digital television (DTV) transition means that OTA broadcasters will transition from broadcasting in analogue mode to digital transmission. Currently, Canadian broadcasters are already broadcasting in digital in some larger TV markets. After August 31, 2011, only the digital channels will be broadcast. Canadian broadcasters have and continue to invest millions of dollars in order to deliver digital television to Canadians.
1. What are the benefits of digital television?
2. What markets will receive digital TV?
3. How will the transition impact me?
4. Will I need a new TV?
5. Do I already have DTV via digital cable or satellite?
6. Are DTV and HDTV the same thing?
1. What are the benefits of digital television?
Digital technology allows the transmission of higher resolution pictures and higher sound quality than analogue transmission. DTV also enables multi-casting, a practice where several TV programs can be transmitted over the same channel. DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with analogue technology.
An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that this will free up valuable broadcast spectrum for other services such as public safety communications (police, fire departments, and rescue squads). Also, some of the spectrum may be re-licensed to companies that will be able to provide consumers with services such as new Mobile TV that can be received via a mobile handset or vehicular receivers.
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2. What markets will receive digital TV?
Canadian broadcasters have already begun to rollout digital OTA channel in many major cities. A list of communities that will be converted is available from the Canadian Radio-television and telecommunications Commission. http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/contact.htm In areas where broadcasters do not build digital transmitters, broadcasters expect to deliver new digital programming services via both cable and satellite providers.
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3. How will the transition impact me?
It depends on how you receive your television signal whether from a cable, satellite or IPTV provider or via a roof top antenna or “rabbit ears.”
- If you receive TV signals via a roof-top antenna or
rabbit ears
If you have one or more televisions that receive over-the-air television programming (with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), the type of TV you own is very important. A digital TV set (i.e. one with an internal digital ATSC tuner) will allow you to continue to watch over-the-air programming. However, if you have an analogue television, you will need a digital-to-analogue converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set. Digital-to-analogue converters are available at most major consumer electronics retailers.
- If you subscribe to cable, satellite or IPTV service
You should contact your service provider for information about the DTV conversion and to determine how digital and analog TV sets will be served.
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4. Will I need a new TV?
Your current television will continue to receive over-the-air signals until analogue broadcasting stops. Even after the transition is over, analogue TV sets will not become obsolete. A set-top converter box can be used to receive broadcast DTV channels and change these channels into analogue format. If, however, you wish to take advantage of DTV’s picture and sound quality but have not yet acquired a digital television set then you may wish to purchase a digital television set (ie. one with a digital ATSC tuner). Where DTV channels are delivered via cable or satellite, these service providers will ensure that their systems can accommodate both DTV and analogue television sets.
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5. Do I already have DTV via digital cable or satellite?
Your cable or satellite system may be using digital technology as a more efficient way of delivering programming to your analogue TV set. However, if you have an analogue television set, then you aren’t viewing true DTV, even though the signal you’re watching may be somewhat improved. In order to view true DTV and enjoy all the attributes of digital television service, you will need to acquire a new digital television set (ie. one with a digital ATSC tuner).
Similarly, in order to view programs in high-definition (HDTV), your digital television set (ie. one with a digital ATSC tuner) must be capable of displaying pictures in high-definition. Likewise, your cable or satellite set-top box or the CableCARD from your cable company must provide HDTV channels. Otherwise, you must have an antenna that can receive digital HDTV signals over the air. Check with your cable or satellite provider if you have questions about your service.
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6. Are DTV and HDTV the same thing?
No. HDTV, or high-definition television, is the highest quality digital television available, offering more than five times the sharpness of today’s analogue television, along with digital surround sound capability. DTV is also available as EDTV (enhanced definition TV) or SDTV (standard definition TV), each with improved pictures and sound over today’s analogue televisions.
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For more information about the DTV transition
Canadians may consult the websites of Industry Canada or the CRTC.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/h_ca02319.html
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/bdt14.htm
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