Checklist: Are You Ready for Canada's Transition to Digital Television?
Following a decision from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), many Canadian over-the-air television stations will have stopped broadcasting in analog and will be broadcasting in digital by August 31, 2011. Digital broadcasting will provide viewers with better sound and picture quality.
Complete the checklist below for each of your television sets to determine if you are ready for the transition to digital:
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1 |
Does the television set only receive its signals through cable, satellite, or Internet? |
|
Yes |
Your television set will not be affected by Canada's transition to over-the-air digital television. No further steps are required. |
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No |
You receive your television service "over-the-air," for example with an outdoor antenna or "rabbit ears." Your television set may be affected by Canada's transition to over-the-air digital television. Go to question 2. |
|
2 |
Does the television set have a built-in digital tuner[1]? |
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Yes |
Your television set is ready to receive signals from stations that will switch to digital. You will not need to buy additional equipment or subscribe to additional services for this purpose.[2] It is possible however that you will not be able to view some channels if some of your local stations decide to discontinue their over-the-air broadcasting activities. Go to question 4. |
|
No |
Your television set may be affected by Canada's transition to over-the-air digital television. Go to question 3. |
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3 |
Are your local television stations switching to digital broadcasting? To find out, visit www.digitaltv.gc.ca, call 1-855-DTV-5050 or contact your local stations. |
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Yes |
Your television viewing may be affected. To watch digital stations on a television set without a built-in digital tuner[1], you will need to acquire a digital-to-analog converter box[3] or subscribe to a cable, satellite or Internet protocol (IP) television service. Alternatively, you could purchase a television set with a built-in digital tuner. |
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No |
This means your local television stations are either continuing to transmit in analog or they are discontinuing their over-the-air broadcasting. Go to question 4. |
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4 |
Are your local television stations discontinuing their over-the-air broadcasting activities? To find out, visit www.digitaltv.gc.ca, call 1-855-DTV-5050 or contact your local stations. |
|
Yes |
Your television viewing may be affected. To continue watching the stations that are discontinuing their over-the-air broadcasting activities on your television set, you will have to subscribe to a cable, satellite or Internet protocol (IP) television service. |
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No |
If your local television stations are not switching to digital and are continuing their analog over-the-air broadcasting activities, or if your local television stations are switching to digital and your television set has a built-in digital tuner[1], your television viewing will not be impacted. You will not need to buy additional equipment or subscribe to additional services for Canada's transition to over-the-air digital television. |
For more information
Web site: www.digitaltv.gc.ca
Email: info@digitaltv.gc.ca
Toll-free telephone: 1-855-DTV-5050 (1-855-388-5050)
TTY*: 1-888-997-3123
Agents are available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
*TTY is a telecommunication device for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired.
[1] Look for the term "digital tuner" or "ATSC tuner" or "integrated tuner" on your television or consult your owner's manual. You can also contact your manufacturer or visit their Web site for more information. You may need to have your model number close at hand.
[2] A "higher gain" antenna may be required to improve your ability to receive the digital signal. For more information about antennas, visit the FAQ section of www.digitaltv.gc.ca.
[3] A digital-to-analog converter box is a unit that sits on top of or near your television and that picks up digital signals to convert them for display on a standard analog television. The boxes are available at a number of retail outlets and consumer electronics specialty stores. It is also possible to order them online on most retailers' Web sites.
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