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Toronto & Buffalo Area OTA HDTV Channel Map
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HDTV Yes, we have high definition television! Contrary to what you may have heard, a wide variety of free off-air digital HDTV programming is available in the Greater Toronto and Buffalo areas. All you need is an antenna and an ATSC receiver - and your television may already have one of those built in! On this page you’ll find a list of all current Canadian and American channels for the region, their status and power levels, plus a location map of all HDTV transmitters currently broadcasting in the Southern Ontario and Western New York areas.

For answers to common questions, please see the Toronto/Buffalo HDTV FAQ.

Comments, suggestions, corrections, or channel updates? Speak out in the HDTV Forum or send me an email!


Current OTA HDTV Status  (For help reading this check the FAQ!)
Updated: April 15, 2012
VirtualActualNetworkGraphPowerHeightFinalLocation
67-1
7-1 METV
WBBZ-DT
Directionality 26.9 kW 577' Concord
(Buffalo)
 
(720p/2.0) At the beginning of August 2011, the troubled WNGS channel officially changed their call letters to WBBZ ("Buffalo Buzz") and dropped their RTN affiliation, in an attempt to lauch themselves as the only local-owned Buffalo station. They are also now a MeTV (Memorable Entertainment TV) affilate, which carries classic sitcoms, dramas and commercials from the 1950s though 1980s. There are currently no plans to increase transmission power.
67-2
 
This TV
(480i/2.0) AKA "This TV Network". A general entertainment channel primarily carrying movies.
67-3
 
METV
(480i/2.0)
67-4
 
Daystar Television Network
(480i/2.0) As part of the deal for selling WNGS/WBBZ, they will continue to carry Daystar religious network programming on a subchannel for a period of 10 years.
9-1
9-1 CTV
CFTO-DT
10.8 kW 1532' CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(1080i/5.1 & 2.0) Now broadcasting on VHF channel 9. Those of you with UHF-only antennas may find this channel difficult or impossible to receive, however I am having good success in Markham.

CFTO is the Digital TVGOS (TV Guide) host for Toronto.

3-1
10-1 CTV Two
CKVR-DT
7.1 kW 1122' Barrie
 
(1080i/5.1) CKVR may be the very last Toronto-area network to begin broadcasting in high definition, but they're doing it with a bang including a name change to "CTV Two" and much higher quality programming. As it is broadcasting on VHF channel 10, those of you with UHF-only antennas may find this channel difficult or impossible to receive, however I am having good success in Markham.
11-1
11-1 CHCH
CHCH-DT
6.1 kW 1175' 15-1, 132kW Hamilton
 
(1080i/5.1) As of August 15th 2011, CHCH has switched from broadcasting on UHF 18 to VHF 11. Those of you with UHF-only antennas may find this channel difficult or impossible to receive. Most users are reporting a greatly reduced signal strength, including the complete inability to receive the new signal. Dropping the easy-to-receive UHF channel was a mistake, as was reducing their VHF transmission power by 98%. Owned since September 2009 by Channel Zero (Movieola, Silver Screen Classics) CHCH now exclusively broadcasts local news during the day and movies at night. Note that as of 2012 the CRTC has approved back to the UHF spectrum on channel 15 at 132 kW broadcasting power, however there is no ETA on when this will occur and there will be a definite issue with WBNF-CA, also on 15.
13-1
13-1 CTV (SWO)
CKCO-DT
12 kW 957' Kitchener
 
(1080i/5.1) Now broadcasting on VHF 13. Those of you with UHF-only antennas may find this channel difficult or impossible to receive.
29-1
14-1 Fox
WUTV-DT
Directionality 1000 kW 981' Grand Island
(Buffalo)
 
(720p/5.1) Thanks to its 1000kW power, WUTV is one of Buffalo's most reliable signals - and they even have a great quality SD upconversion. Since upgrading from 35kW their transmitter is now directional and sends very little power to the North, with reports indicating that it can be difficult to receive in the north-west. Shows some syndicated content in HD, including Two and a Half Men and Seinfeld. As of March 2010, has discontinued the SD subchannel.
29-2
 
The Country Network
(480i/2.0) TCN broadcasts country music videos. Launched on WUTV in October, 2010.
19-1
19-1 TV Ontario
CICA-DT
107 kW 1611' CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(1080i/2.0) TVO flash cut from their analog signal to digital on August 18th 2011, one day earlier than planned. So far the signal seems strong.
5-1
20-1 CBC
CBLT-DT
38 kW 1611' 100 kW
1640'
CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(720p/5.1 & 2.0) Note that as of September 2011, CBLT has changed from broadcasting in 1080i to 720p format, supposedly to maximize satellite transponder efficiency. Although most viewers report little change to picture quality, it is definitely much softer to my eye with more visible "jaggies". Remember that you can catch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy in HD on CBC, although they show no commitment to a reliable broadcast schedule.
51-1
23-1 ION
WPXJ-DT
Directionality 455 kW 906' Batavia
(Buffalo)
 
(720p/2.0) Began broadcasting digitally in the vacated channel 23 as of June 12, 2009. One year later in June 2010, they've upgraded their primary channel to 720p resolution and dropped the 51-4 religious subchannel. The situation is a little confusing now - with "channel 23" broadcasting on 32-1, and "channel 51" broadcasting on 23-1...
51-2
 
qubo
(480i/2.0) Childrens' programming made up of a 6-hour block of shows repeated 4 times each day.
51-3
 
ION Life
(480i/2.0) Lifestyle programming: health and wellness, cooking, home decor, travel and more.
25-1
25-1 CBC French
CBLFT-DT
99 kW 1640' CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(720p/5.1) French programming from Radio-Canada. As with CBC, a huge amount of content is shown in HD. Moved slightly from channel 24 to channel 25. Note that as of September 2011, CBLFT has changed from 1080i to 720p format, supposedly to maximize satellite transponder efficiency.
26-1
26-1 TCT
WNYB-DT
Directionality 234 kW 1519' 1000 kW Jamestown
 
(480i/2.0) Religious network. WNYB has applied for an increase to 1000 kW transmission power.
26-2
 
TCT-HD
(1080i/2.0) Interestingly, the high definition channel is a subchannel rather than the primary channel. Occasionally shows old TV shows such as Bonanza.
26-3
 
TCT Kids
(480i/2.0) AKA "TCT Family". Christian youth programming, added January 2011.
26-4
 
TCT La Fuente
(480i/2.0) Spanish religious programming. Added to WNYB in August 2011.
23-1
32-1 The CW
WNLO-DT
Directionality 1000 kW 994' Grand Island
(Buffalo)
 
(1080i/5.1) One of the two highest powered HDTV channels in the region and very reliable for both Canadians and Americans.
2-1
33-1 NBC
WGRZ-DT
Directionality 480 kW 968' South Wales
(Buffalo)
 
(1080i/5.1) WGRZ can be one of the more difficult channels from south Buffalo to receive reliably, even compared to the lower-powered WKBW. As of March 2009 has upgraded full time to 5.1 audio. In September 2011, the 2-3 RTN subchannel was dropped.
2-2
 
(480i/2.0) Universal Sports was dropped in January, 2012, and replaced with Antenna TV, which airs retro television shows.
36-1
36-1 Crossroads
CITS-DT
20 kW 1110' 493 kW Hamilton
 
(1080i/5.1) Has moved slightly from channel 35 to 36 and increased power, making this difficult-to-receive channel somewhat better.
7-1
38-1 ABC
WKBW-DT
Directionality 358 kW 1420' 723 kW Colden
(Buffalo)
 
(720p/5.1) Despite WKBW's power level and distance, their signal has been unexpectedly reliable for me personally - better than the higher powered WIVB or WGRZ. Former channel 7-3, WCSN SD "World Championship Sports Network" is no longer being carried. Heavy echo effect used to matrix local 2.0 audio to 5.1 surround can be distracting.
4-1
39-1 CBS
WIVB-DT
Directionality 790 kW 1368' Colden
(Buffalo)
 
(1080i/5.1) Considering their high power levels, WIVB is inexplicably one of the most difficult of the 3 South Buffalo channels to receive reliably from my location. Otherwise, all of their early growing pains regarding sound and picture issues have been corrected.
69-1
51-1 OMNI.2
CJMT-DT
18.1 kW 1645' 40-1, 19.5 kW First Canadian Place
(Toronto)
 
(1080i/2.0) OMNI.2 is now broadcasting from channel 51 at higher power from the CN Tower. Note that they plan to move to channel 40 broadcasting from the CN Tower in May, 2012.
41-1
41-1 Global
CIII-DT
100 kW 1650' CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(1080i/5.1) Now broadcasting from channel 41. Global shows a wide range of high definition content, although I personally find their image a touch on the soft side compared to other stations and occasionally suffers from visible compression artifacts. Note to Global engineers: please turn off the volume compression!
41-2
 
Global SD
(480i/2.0) Duplicate SD rebroadcast.
17-1
43-1 PBS
WNED-DT
Directionality 156 kW 1076' Grand Island
(Buffalo)
 
(1080i/5.1 & 2.0) As close to rock solid 24 x 7 HDTV as you can get. Or, at least it was constant HDTV until the shift from the PBS National HD feed to WNED's own feed in February 2009. The end result is more local and special programming, but far less HD.

WNED is the Digital TVGOS (TV Guide) host for Buffalo.

17-2
 
PBS SD
(480i/2.0 & 1.0) WNED-SD channel duplicate. With the shift from the national to local feeds, this channel seems unnecessary.
17-3
 
Think Bright
(480i/2.0 & 1.0) WNED-Th, Kids' educational channel.
 AUD
WNED-FM Classical 94.5
(2.0) Secondary audio program.
 AUD
WNED-AM 970
(1.0) Secondary audio program.
57-1
44-1 Citytv
CITY-DT
21 kW 1645' CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(1080i/5.1) CITY is now broadcasting from channel 44 at higher power from the CN Tower.
47-1
47-1 OMNI.1
CFMT-DT
22.2 kW 1645' CN Tower
(Toronto)
 
(1080i/2.0) OMNI.1 is now broadcasting from channel 47 at higher power from the CN Tower.
49-1
49-1 My TV
WNYO-DT
Directionality 198 kW 1165' Wyoming
(Buffalo)
 
(720p/5.1) On June 12th 2009, WNYO successfully switched to broadcasting on true digital channel 49-1. The transmitter has also been moved from Grand Island back to its original location near Wyoming/Erie. From my location the signal is no longer nearly as strong, but their core Buffalo viewership should see an improvement. As of March 2010, has discontinued the SD subchannel.
49-2
 
theCoolTV
(480i/2.0) Added mid-September 2010 (and not to be confused with Canada's "Cool TV" cable channel). All music video linup, plus a small amount of educational/informative.


Location Map: Ontario, Canada & New York, USA
Toronto & Buffalo HDTV Channel Map Thumbnail

You can also view a very big map or a table of distances.

Have cable service and a QAM-enabled tuner? See what you can watch for free on: Cogeco GTA, Rogers GTA, Time Warner Cable (Buffalo Suburban).


Depending on your location and antenna capabilities, you may also receive these stations:

Rochester & Other Distant HDTV Stations
VirtualActualNetworkGraphPowerHeightLocation
10-1
10-1 CTV Two
CFPL-DT
Directionality 45 kW 991' London
 
(1080i/5.1) Began broadcasting in digital on August 31, 2011. This channel is also broadcast from the former CKXT repeater in Wingham (although in analog, not digital).
10-1
10-1 NBC
WHEC-DT
Directionality 18.1 kW 443' Rochester
 
(1080i/2.0) Active full power. Has returned to broadcasting on VHF channel 10.
10-2
 
MeTV
(480i/2.0) Launching... soon? Already? Let me know!
10-3
 
NBC Weather Plus
(480i/2.0)
13-1
13-1 ABC
WHAM-DT
Directionality 30.0 kW 499' Rochester
 
(720p/5.1) Active full power. Has returned to broadcasting on VHF channel 13. Local news now in HD.
13-2
 
The CW
(720p/5.1) CW-WHAM - now broadcasting dual HD channels!
21-1
16-1 PBS
WXXI-DT
Directionality 180 kW 427' Rochester
 
(1080i/2.0) A surprisingly strong signal in the Toronto area, despite its relatively low power. Due to the number of subchannels and the 1080i resolution of its main channel, compression on HD shows is quite apparent.
21-2
 
PBS World
(480i/2.0) WXXI-W
21-3
 
PBS Create
(480i/2.0) WXXI-C, kids' educational.
 AUD
WXXI-AM 1370
(1.0) Can be difficult to receive as it is not properly configured.
31-1
28-1 Fox
WUHF-DT
Directionality 320 kW 528' Rochester
 
(720p/5.1) Active full power.
31-2
 
theCoolTV
(480i/2.0) An all music video linup, plus a small amount of educational/informative.
8-1
45-1 CBS
WROC-DT
Directionality 1000 kW 446' Rochester
 
(1080i/5.1) Recently switched to full power with a remarkably strong signal.
8-2
 
Bounce TV
(480i/2.0) Promoted as "the first 24/7 digital multicast broadcast network created exclusively for African Americans".
40-1
46-1 MyTV
WBGT 40
Directionality 10.0 kW 449' Rochester
 
Now broadcasting in digital.
40-2
 
This TV
(480i/2.0) AKA "This TV Network". A general entertainment channel primarily carrying movies.


These channels extend the reach of major stations by rebroadcasting their signal in other locations. Some of these can be received quite easily in the GTA.

Southern Ontario & Western New York Repeaters:
6-1
6-1 Global
CIII-TV
4 kW 1037' Paris
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CIII-DT in Toronto.
14-1
14-1 Crossroads
CITS-TV
7.7 kW 879' London
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CITS-DT in Hamilton.
15-1
15-1 TCT
WBNF-CA
15 kW Grand Island
 
(1080i/5.1) Highly directional. Used as a repeater for WNYB-DT in Jamestown.
18-1
18-1 TVO
CICO-DT-18
2.4 kW 1037' London
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CICA-DT in Toronto.
20-1
20-1 OMNI 2
CJMT-TV-1
25 kW 648' London
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CJMT-DT in Toronto.
67-1
23-1 CHCH
CHCH-TV-3
63 kW 1006' Muskoka
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CHCH-DT in Hamilton.
53-1
26-1 TV Ontario
CICO-DT-53
850 kW 984' Belleville
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CICO-DT in Toronto.
28-1
28-1 TVO
CICO-TV-28
20.2 kW 972' 885 kW Paris
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CICA-DT in Toronto.
30-1
30-1 CKWS
CKWS-TV-1
5.5 kW 523' Brighton
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CKWS-DT in Kingston.
31-1
31-1 Citytv
CITY-DT-2
15 kW 961' Woodstock
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CITY-DT in Toronto.
54-1
35-1 CTV
CFTO-TV-54
850 kW 984' Peterborough
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CFTO-DT in Toronto.
69-1
48-1 OMNI 1
CFMT-TV-1
500 kW 648' London
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CFMT-DT in Toronto.
51-1
50-1 CHCH
CHCH-TV-2
190 kW 984' London
 
(1080i/5.1) Used as a repeater for CHCH-DT in Hamilton.


Not Yet Broadcasting Digitally:
N/A
12 CHEX (CBC)
CHEX 12
20 kW
1038'
Peterborough
 
This channel is not broadcasting in digital. Planned to begin broadcasting at the end of 2011, but as of April 2012 this does not appear to have happened.
N/A
22 CHEX (CBC)
CHEX 22
0.7 kW
438'
Oshawa
 
This channel is not broadcasting in digital and there are no definitive plans yet.
N/A
35 CKVR 10.5 kW Hamilton
 
This channel is not broadcasting in digital, however plans have been approved by the CRTC. Note that they will be using the old CITS (SunTV) transmitter, so if you received that then you should be able to receive this when they begin broadcasting.
N/A
42 CKVR 1.34 kW Welland
 
This channel is not broadcasting in digital, however plans have been approved by the CRTC.

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