We have received the results of the TV viewer Survey conducted by the Regional District.    First of all, I would like to thank all of our viewers who took the time to complete this survey.    This was very important to the continuation of this service and its funding by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako.

An overwhelming majority ( 89 per cent )  indicated that they wanted to continue supporting the Rebroadcasting Society.    This indicates that a large number of people still value free Over-The-Air TV channels (  tv channels received with an old fashioned TV antenna )  and want to continue to have an alternative to paid TV services.

There is also an appetite for additional channels.    The overwhelming top two choices were The Discovery Channel and the History Channel.    In order to provide additional channels we would be forced to switch at least one channel in each community to a digital format.    No fear, this would NOT be a paid service like cable or satellite !

If we do broadcast a digital channel, it will still be free, but may require different equipment to receive.   If your tv is less than 5 years old, you already have what you need to receive digital channels.    If your tv is  a flat panel type LCD TV, then you are also ready to receive these channels.    If you have an older CRT type TV, then you will need either a convertor box ( about $70 or less ) or a new LCD Tv.

We will  be providing more information over the coming months about the possibility of broadcasting digital channels.     There is also more information on this website about the benefits of going digital.

You can always contact me via the contact form or by phone, if you need more information about any of our services.

The push to switch

to Digital TV in Canada has actually been underway for about 4 years; ever since the US began switching to Digital TV.      In the US, the decision to switch to Digital was made for several reasons.

• To enable broadcasters to broadcast in HDTV
• To allow broadcasters to broadcast more than one channel at a time
• To reverse the decline in TV sales
• To free up broadcast spectrum for other telecommunication services, which could be auctioned off by the US government.   Many stations were forced to switch from VHF channels to UHF channels.
• The switch would also eliminate snowy TV pictures; like satellite TV, you either get a good signal or you don’t.

Because of  previous US – Canada agreements, Canada was forced to follow the Americans to prevent chaos along the border for TV viewers.     Failure to do so, would likely have resulted in severe interference problems for Canadian stations located in the VHF band and near the US – Canada border.

Where are my free TV channels going ???      You have probably seen all those  FOREBODING ADS lately, warning that Free Analog TV is going to disappear from Canadian TV screens and that you need to subscribe to cable or satellite TV  !!!!!!!    RELAX !    Nothing could be further from the truth !     The channels you have been watching for many years will continue to be there for you to enjoy for many years to come.

The only areas being forced to change to Digital are major metropolitan areas.   A number of broadcasters in other areas are voluntarily switching to take advantage of some of the technological benefits. ie.  more channels and or HDTV.

All of the TV channels being broadcast in the Topley-Houston-Smithers area will remain unchanged and available for FREE to everyone in this area.

You can learn more about Digital TV and local  TV and radio channels by checking the links on the right.

Also,  you can read a FAQ on Digital TV provided by the CRTC.

You are also welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Houston-Smithers Rebroadcasting Society,  if you have more questions.   We will be discussing this issue at the meeting.

2011  AGM  –  Thursday – August 11th – 7:30 PM  –  Old Church – First & King  -Smithers