The Digital TV Transition is coming to Canada. Television signals in mandatory transition markets must turn off their analog transmitters, and begin broadcasting in digital on, or before August 30, 2011. This transition will only affect you watch TV over-the-air, through an antenna. If you subscribe to cable, or a satellite you should not be affected by the transition.
How Do I Know If My TV Is DTV Ready?
You can tell if your television is digital ready in several ways. First, if your TV is hooked up to a cable or satellite service, you don’t have to do anything. Secondly, if you watch TV through an antenna, you have to do some checking. Older style tube televisions, for the most part, are not digital ready. Most newer style, televisions are DTV ready.
You can also check the box, if it says ATSC, DTV Ready, Digital Ready, you should be covered. You can also check the manual to see if your TV is digital ready. If those options fail, you can contact the manufacturer and ask them. If you intend to contact the manufacturer, be sure to have the model number close by.
My TV Is Affected, What Do I Do?
l. Having an older style TV doesn’t mean that you have to throw it out after August 31, it just means that you need to make some changes. You have three options after the switch takes place: purchase a digital converter box, purchase a new TV, or subscribe to cable or satellite.
Converter Box
Purchasing a DTV converter box is the cheapest option to continue receiving television signals after August 31. The boxes can be purchased from electronics retailers. To set up plug the cable from your antenna into the back of the box, and the cable from the box to the back of the TV. Then run a channel scan. These DTV converters work by taking the digital signal,and converting it to an analog signal that you TV can display.
New TV
If after the transition you decide that it is time to update your TV as well, be sure to purchase a TV that has DTV support. After setting up your TV, plug your antenna in the back and find the menu in the TV that lets you scan digital signals. This option allows you to watch high definition broadcasts when the broadcaster transmits in that format. This option is more expensive than purchasing a converter box.
Cable/Satellite Subscription
The most expensive option to continue receiving television after August 31 is subscribing to a cable or satellite service. This option will provide you with all your local television stations*. As well there is generally better picture quality, or problems with transmitter locations. Cable or satellite will both still work on your older style analog TV. Another benefit is the variety of programming available as you will be able to subscribe to even more channels than just the locals.
*Shaw Direct & Bell TV do not carry CIIT-TV (JoyTV11). Shaw Direct does not carry CHMI-TV (CityTV)
