CRTC issues update on digital television transition
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has released additional information concerning the transition from analog to digital television to help broadcasters prepare for the switchover. The transition to digital transmission must be completed by Aug. 31, 2011. The CRTC estimates the approximately 857,000 households in larger markets do not subscribe to either cable or satellite television services. These consumers may need to purchase digital converter boxes to continue watching local stations on their existing television sets. In smaller markets, some local stations may decide not to convert to digital, but instead rely solely on cable and satellite companies to deliver their signal to viewers. The CRTC will modify its regulation to allow television distributors to provide a free alternative to affected viewers in smaller markets where local stations may decide to rely solely on cable and satellite services. This alternative will consist of a package of free local and regional stations that consumers can receive via a satellite dish. The commission estimates that approximately 31,500 households could fall into this category. The CRTC also expects members of the broadcasting industry to participate in a national consumer education program about the switch to digital that should start no later than March 2011. The CRTC has also expressed a willingness to facilitate the establishment of trial markets ahead of the August 2011 deadline to give the industry time to assess its transition preparations.