The CBC has one more year to finalize its transition to digital TV.
In 2007, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission mandated that all TV broadcasters switch from analog signals to digital by the end of August this year.
While the majority of Canadian TV viewers won’t be affected by the change, it will affect those accessing analog over-the-air signals with an outdoor antenna or so-called “rabbit ears.”
Those viewers will need a newer TV with a built-in digital tuner or a set-top box to access the digital feeds.
The CBC sought and received a one-year extension from the CRTC, which will keep the analog signals running until Aug. 31, 2012 in 22 markets.
The CRTC said in a release that granting the one-year extension was necessary because the CBC has a unique mandate to serve the entire country’s population.
The CBC must make digital signals available in 28 markets, including capital cities, areas with more than 300,000 residents, and markets with one than one local TV station.
The CRTC will review the national broadcaster’s transition plans during a public hearing to renew its radio and TV licenses next June.
