OTA rant for the GTA:

ah802 · 10-26-2006, 07:51 PM

Subject: Where's the High Definition programming?

I note that both Omni 1 & 2 digital channels are now broadcasting over the air. But it looks like the imported network high definition shows are being downgraded to standard 4:3 aspect and standard definition. Shows like Letterman are always broadcast in HD wide 16:9 aspect and it does a large disservice to the efforts made to pass the highest quality signal at one end, only to down convert to the lowest common denominator. When can we expect to see programming that reflects the hardware being offered consumers at every market?

Reply:

Thank you for your email.

We are currently testing our over-the-air HD system and hope that everything will be fully operational, with Industry Canada approval, by mid-November.

With respect to Letterman and imported game shows, these are from the US and require Canadian broadcasters such as ourselves to obtain the Canadian broadcast rights for their respective HD versions.

We are currently working on acquiring these rights but do not have a time frame for implementation.

You are nonetheless welcome to stay in touch with us in case there are any updates.

Note: As of this evening 8PM's CKXT-DT 66-1 OTA movie, is being broadcast with no sound. Guess we have to live with this sloppy service, kinda defeats the whole concept of TV or perhaps improves our lip reading capabilities....

intrac · 10-30-2006, 02:04 PM

I prefer to watch Letterman/Leno via OTA from Buffalo without the simsubbing which OMNI 1 /2 and Global will do.

They don't have approval for carrying most US HD broadcasts, so only the SD broadcasts are simsubbed.

10-26-2006, 07:51 PM	#1
ah802 Visual Arts Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,241	OTA rant for the GTA: Subject: Where's the High Definition programming? I note that both Omni 1 & 2 digital channels are now broadcasting over the air. But it looks like the imported network high definition shows are being downgraded to standard 4:3 aspect and standard definition. Shows like Letterman are always broadcast in HD wide 16:9 aspect and it does a large disservice to the efforts made to pass the highest quality signal at one end, only to down convert to the lowest common denominator. When can we expect to see programming that reflects the hardware being offered consumers at every market? Reply: Thank you for your email. We are currently testing our over-the-air HD system and hope that everything will be fully operational, with Industry Canada approval, by mid-November. With respect to Letterman and imported game shows, these are from the US and require Canadian broadcasters such as ourselves to obtain the Canadian broadcast rights for their respective HD versions. We are currently working on acquiring these rights but do not have a time frame for implementation. You are nonetheless welcome to stay in touch with us in case there are any updates. Note: As of this evening 8PM's CKXT-DT 66-1 OTA movie, is being broadcast with no sound. Guess we have to live with this sloppy service, kinda defeats the whole concept of TV or perhaps improves our lip reading capabilities....

10-30-2006, 02:04 PM	#2
intrac High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 125	I prefer to watch Letterman/Leno via OTA from Buffalo without the simsubbing which OMNI 1 /2 and Global will do. They don't have approval for carrying most US HD broadcasts, so only the SD broadcasts are simsubbed.