FAQs – Over-The-Air Transmitter Channel Changes
FAQs – Over-The-Air Transmitter Channel Changes
Q – Why are these over-the-air channel changes happening?
A – This “TV channel repack” program will open a new band of spectrum to wireless communication providers in both Canada and the U.S.
Q – Who decided to make these over-the-air channel changes?
A – The changes were mandated by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, and by the Federal Communications Commission in the U.S.
Q – When will affected CTV stations change channels?
A – Starting at 12:01 a.m. on August 5, 2020
Q – Who will these changes affect?
A – Viewers who currently receive their television signal over-the-air using a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” will lose reception due to a government mandated signal conversion. A channel re-scan must be performed to find and save channel changes. Viewers watching CTV channels via direct-to-home satellite, cable, and Bell Fibe services will not be affected.
Q – How do I re-scan my television?
A – Channel scanning is usually found under the “Menu” and “Channel” options. Look for a command to “auto program” or “scan” your channels. The process can take several minutes to complete. Consult your TV manual for model specific details.
Q – After the change is completed, will CTV be listed under a different channel number on my TV?
A – The changes taking place are largely hidden to the viewer. The actual frequency of transmission will change, requiring viewers to re-scan, but the channel number displayed on your TV set will remain unchanged. For example, Channel 13 in Ottawa will still appear on your TV as 13.1, but we will in fact be transmitting on the frequency for channel 16.
Q – Will I need to change my antenna?
A – Your existing antenna should continue to work as before.
Q – Which CTV channels will change as a result of this over-the-air transition?
A – There are several rounds of transmitter changes taking place across the country. This round of changes will take place during the early hours of August 5 and include the following stations:
- CTV Ottawa will change from Channel 13 to Channel 16.
Virtual channel to remain as 13.1.
- CTV2 Ottawa will change from Channel 43 to Channel 45.
Virtual channel to remain as 43.1.
- CTV Halifax will change from Channel 48 to Channel 15.
Virtual channel to remain as 48.1.
- CTV2 Fonthill will change from Channel 42 to Channel 29.
Virtual channel to remain as 42.1.
Q – I need more information. Where can I find it?
A – You can find more information for your market online at the home page as follows:
- https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/about/ctv-ottawa-faq
- https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/more/contact-us-about-us
- https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/more/faq
Q – I want to contact my local station. How can I get in touch with them?
A – Email is the best way to contact your local station.
In Ottawa - Ottawa.engineering@bellmedia.ca.
In Halifax - Halifax.engineering@bellmedia.ca
In Fonthill - Barrie.engineering@bellmedia.ca
