About OTA

You may ask, why should I switch to or install an antenna and ATSC OTA tuner? In the United States of America, on February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format.

The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.

Canadian broadcasters are following their American counterparts. Currently, several channels in Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton have started broadcasting OTA channels. These broadcasters include CityTV (CityHD), CBC (HD), CBC French (HD), CBS (HD), Global (HD) and CHCH E! (HD). Two more channels (OMNI1 and OMNI2) are currently testing and should be broadcasting by end of July 2008.

Toronto is located in a unique location due to its close proximity to Lake Ontario. Because of our location, with proper setup we are able to receive pretty much all Buffalo Over-The-Air High Definition and standard definition channels. To summarize, by the end of July 2008 we are able to receive 18 High Definition and 8 Standard Definition digital channels.

Please visit our Channel Listing for channel listing.

The advantages of OTA broadcast:

Firstly and most importantly, Over-The-Air signal is FREE and 100% LEGAL. You do not need to re-program your ATSC OTA receiver, compared to FTA where every time the FTA provider decides to change their coding scheme. You don't need to lose your TV every few weeks, and go and pay someone to get your TV back up. Once your antenna is installed and hooked up, you will enjoy high definition digital signal FREE OF CHARGE. You are only paying a one-time equipment and installation cost.

The quality of the high definition signal in many cases is better than high definition cable or satellite signal. Over-The-Air digital signal is uncompressed, meaning that you get the best picture and sound signal possible. Satellite TV providers (including FTA) and cable TV providers (on most channels) offer down-converted signal. An OTA broadcaster always has full bandwidth to broadcast on.

Long ago, many people switched from roof antennas to cable service because the picture quality of cable TV was better. This argument no longer applies. ATSC OTA channels are like satellite TV: if your receiver is able to receive a channel, the picture will be perfect, snow free and ghost free.

Many OTA broadcasters (i.e. PBS and Fox) provide specialty digital sub-channels in high and standard definitions. Satellite and cable companies have no obligation to pass these along.

Many new HDTVs already come with an OTA tuner/receiver that is properly matched to the monitor and integrated for easy operation. In fact, as of February 2007, TVs sold in USA MUST come with built-in digital OTA ATSC tuner.

Close to 100% of all TV stations in the U.S. are broadcasting DTV - and people in Toronto and surrounding areas can receiver virtually ALL channels coming from Buffalo, NY (and sometimes even Rochester, NY). Virtually all stations are passing along the high definition programming produced by their network.

Useful links

• hdtvprimer.com - All you need to know about OTA
• digitalhome.ca forums - GTA discussions regarding OTA reception, channels, equipment, etc.
• remotecentral.com/hdtv/ - extensive channel listing