HDTV Canada
Three major networks serve Canada whose broadcasts can be picked up through most of the nation; CTV, CBC and Global. None of the Canadian networks broadcast nationally in HDTV and the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Committee) makes no tangible commitment to see Digital broadcast replace NTSC in Canada. It could be a long time before we see the major networks broadcasting in DTV formats in Canada.
Although you can buy an HDTV with a digital tuner in Canada, (a tuner capable of receiving high definition programming through the air) they're no more than a future consideration for Canadian buyers. An HDTV without a digital tuner is also called an HDTV monitor or HDTV "ready". Many HDTV "ready" TV sets also include one or more tuners for standard definition broadcasts.
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So far CTV is the leader in HDTV broadcasting and content. CTV HD East and West began broadcasting in 2004. These limited broadcasts are picked up in the Toronto and Vancouver areas only, otherwise you must subscribe to cable or satellite TV to receive CTV's HD networks. Even though 93% of CTV affiliates have yet to broadcast in HD, CTV remains the leader in DTV broadcasting and content in Canada. Global offers High Definition Digital Television feeds to digital TV subscriber lines like Rogers and ExpressVu only. No digital broadcast announcements have been made by Global. CBC is easily the most sought after Canadian network to offer digital content, specifically by viewers of Hockey Night in Canada. But the network that once led the world in broadcast technology with the first ever coast to coast relay in North America of Hockey Night in Canada for the 1933-34 season. Today CBC drags its feet in the drive to digital broadcasting. Thus far CBC has offered only broken promises of limited high definition broadcasts in select cities (which have never come through) there is nothing available in high definition from CBC to this day.
