Thank you for writing to TVO. We are pleased to address your question regarding TVO’s plans for digital broadcasting.
TVO is currently broadcasting in analog only and we are planning for our transition to over-the-air digital broadcasting by the Canadian conversion deadline of August 2011. We will be converting our transmission equipment in the mandatory markets outlined by the CRTC (those with populations greater than 300,000, the National Capital Region and communities with multiple originating stations) by the required date of August 31, 2011; the mandatory markets in Ontario include TVO sites located in Toronto, Kitchener, London, Windsor, Ottawa and Thunder Bay. TVO’s plans for converting medium/full-power transmitters in the rest of the province are not yet solidified - as a relatively small player, we are also waiting to gain an understanding of how the rest of the industry will handle Ontario markets beyond the mandatory ones.
Working collaboratively with the industry and the CRTC, we will be providing viewers with comprehensive public education on how to access TVO’s off-air high definition signal once plans are finalized. You may be interested in knowing that the CRTC is currently discussing and seeking consultation on plans for a possible subsidy to help defray the costs for over-the-air viewers to purchase digital receiving equipment. In addition, the CRTC is looking into a possible free cable channel and satellite package that would consist of all local and regional conventional over-the-air television signals - we, along with other OTA broadcasters, are following these developments closely.
We hope you find this information helpful and would like to assure you that when our digital conversion plan is completed, you will be able to enjoy our programs with continuing improvements in signal clarity, picture sharpness, and sound quality.
