Two Months To Go !
The digital television transition in Canada is two months away.
This means television stations airing in Canada’s major cities will no longer broadcast in analog over the air. But this signal will be replaced by a digital signal that most LCD, LED and plasma televisions are ready to receive via antenna. Most other televisions will require a digital to analog converter box
Of course those of you who subscribe to cable, satellite and IPTV services will not need to do a thing. But on September 1st, 2011 you may have this additional option, depending on where you live.
I’ve dropped my extra outlets and have hooked up several televisions to an antenna, saving $7 in fees per month. And from the information gathered from TV Fool, it appears that I should get all but one or two of my local channels after the transition, which will probably come in if I invest in the Terk antenna
Those who have or are able to erect an antenna outside will probably have the best luck getting the further transmissions. But i’m also considering an attic installation myself, to get all the local stations and possibly PBS from Norwood, NY.
I managed to get the latter with an indoor antenna last summer for a few days and i’m hoping to get it more regularly.
I will of course be doing quite a large amount of experimenting in the last few days of August. But of course it’ll be worth it, just to get off cable.
HMV Canada Sold To Hilko UK
HMV Canada has been sold to British restructuring company Hilko UK.
HMV Canada is expected to expand their online presence with streaming content according to today’s press release, whilst retaining their CD and DVD stores.
“The management team of HMV Canada has built a plan that will extend the period over which the residual hard-copy music and film market can be maintained. The new product categories it is introducing to the business will help sustain sales levels during the transition of entertainment sales into the digital realm.” – Paul McGowan, Hilco UK Chief Executive
HMV Canada is expected to recieve $25 million from Hilco UK to continue their transition plan and additional details will be made available shortly.
Postal Services To Resume Tuesday
Canada Post has stated in an email to customers that postal services will be restored Tuesday, the 28th of June, including mail delivery.
“Canada Post has initiated the process to resume operations following the passage of back to work legislation (Bill C-6, An Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of postal services). In accordance with the Act, employees will begin to report to work for their regularly scheduled shifts on Monday June 27 and on Tuesday June 28.”
All of the mailboxes will be unsealed on Monday but local post offices will open on Tuesday.
Postal Update : Back To Work Legislation Passes
Bill C-6, the “Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act“, has passed Parliament. 158 members votes for the bill whilst 113 voted against the bill.
Postal Talks Broken Off
I’ve just received an email from Canada Post, informing me that talks inbetween the Canadian Union Of Postal Workers have broken off.