Bitove seeks licence for HDTV OTA network

ah802 · 12-16-2006, 12:21 AM

Globe and Mail:

Mr. Bitove, the Toronto businessman who also heads one of two new satellite radio networks, said his proposed eight-city network could be a catalyst for stepping up the spread of HD broadcasting in Canada.

“When you're way behind, your consumers are way behind.”

Industry officials say Canada is facing a “chicken and egg” conundrum in making the transition to broadcast HDTV. Content producers and broadcasters are reluctant to invest the millions it would take to make the adjustment to high-definition technology, as they have little reason to think they would recoup that money any time soon.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl.../Business/home

If things go smoothly, CRTC hearings could be held some time in mid-2007 and the network could reach the airwaves as early as late 2008. Guess I won't hold my breath.... but at least it's an acknowledgment that Canada is lagging.

cackle :: cackle

ah802 · 12-16-2006, 06:38 PM

Another view from a different source..

http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/1673/98/

HDTV Networks applies for Over-the-Air HD Network license

HDTV Networks applies for Over-the-Air HD Network licenseHDTV Networks
Inc., a subsidiary of CSR Investments, the company that brought Canadians
XM Radio, has submitted an application to the CRTC for an eight city
over-the-air HD broadcast license.

HDTV Networks Inc. says it wants to deliver HD programming to English
viewers in eight Canadian cities including: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary,
Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. HDTV Networks gave no
specifics about what it planned to offer viewers in the way of high
definition programming except to say that "In addition to original
programming, HDTV Networks will broadcast a mix of Canadian and foreign
content."

In rationalizing the need for the new over-the-air network, company CEO
John Bitove was quoted in a press release as saying "Canadians are
drastically falling behind in HDTV technology and it is critical that as a
country we deliver high-definition programming around the clock to all
Canadians. Our broadcast system needs to stay relevant to consumer needs
and offer the latest in technology at no cost to the public."

This last statement is puzzling since Canada is considered by many to be a
world leader in HD programming. With the exception of the United States,
Canada has more HD stations than any country in the world.

According to recent research by Digital Home, there are over 40 HD
channels currently available in Canada despite the fact that less than 10%
of all homes subscribe to HD programming.

12-16-2006, 12:21 AM	#1
ah802 Visual Arts Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,241	Bitove seeks licence for HDTV OTA network Globe and Mail: Mr. Bitove, the Toronto businessman who also heads one of two new satellite radio networks, said his proposed eight-city network could be a catalyst for stepping up the spread of HD broadcasting in Canada. “When you're way behind, your consumers are way behind.” Industry officials say Canada is facing a “chicken and egg” conundrum in making the transition to broadcast HDTV. Content producers and broadcasters are reluctant to invest the millions it would take to make the adjustment to high-definition technology, as they have little reason to think they would recoup that money any time soon. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl.../Business/home If things go smoothly, CRTC hearings could be held some time in mid-2007 and the network could reach the airwaves as early as late 2008. Guess I won't hold my breath.... but at least it's an acknowledgment that Canada is lagging. cackle :: cackle

12-16-2006, 06:38 PM	#2
ah802 Visual Arts Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,241	Another view from a different source.. http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/1673/98/ HDTV Networks applies for Over-the-Air HD Network license HDTV Networks applies for Over-the-Air HD Network licenseHDTV Networks Inc., a subsidiary of CSR Investments, the company that brought Canadians XM Radio, has submitted an application to the CRTC for an eight city over-the-air HD broadcast license. HDTV Networks Inc. says it wants to deliver HD programming to English viewers in eight Canadian cities including: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. HDTV Networks gave no specifics about what it planned to offer viewers in the way of high definition programming except to say that "In addition to original programming, HDTV Networks will broadcast a mix of Canadian and foreign content." In rationalizing the need for the new over-the-air network, company CEO John Bitove was quoted in a press release as saying "Canadians are drastically falling behind in HDTV technology and it is critical that as a country we deliver high-definition programming around the clock to all Canadians. Our broadcast system needs to stay relevant to consumer needs and offer the latest in technology at no cost to the public." This last statement is puzzling since Canada is considered by many to be a world leader in HD programming. With the exception of the United States, Canada has more HD stations than any country in the world. According to recent research by Digital Home, there are over 40 HD channels currently available in Canada despite the fact that less than 10% of all homes subscribe to HD programming.