Hello,

1. can i change the unit to be a North American unit?
Yes, this is possible. You will need to download the latest software from the website (www.p4c.philips.com and search on RC9800i/17). Then switch off the remote, switch it on again and immediately press and hold the HOME and PAGE buttons, until the "waiting for firmware upgrade" appears. Then plug in the USB cable in the device and start the upgrade program (you will loose all settings and setups by doing this!!!)
Before you do this: I assume you took your AV equipment with you to Canada, so then it is maybe better to stick to the European settings, since the IR database codesets are different for US/Canada and Europe.
Also when you decide not to change region, I advise you to upgrade to the latest firmware (2.0.80). If you do this from the settings, services setup, software udates screen, you will keep your existing setups!

2. Does it really affect me when the unit is in North America?
No, it should not.

3. Does the EPG server care about the location of the unit?
You will need to make a new subscription for the EPG since the program channel lists are different. The server does not care about the location of the unit.