MONTREAL - The federal broadcast regulator says almost one million Canadian households aren't yet ready for the switch to digital TV signals that's set for Aug. 31, 2011.
The CRTC says viewers who watch TV with a "rabbit ears" antenna may have to buy digital converter boxes to continue watching local stations on their sets.
The CRTC says the converter boxes cost up to $75 for each television in a home.
But it says Canadians who subscribe to cable or satellite television services will not be affected by the transition to digital TV.
The CRTC also says in smaller markets, some local stations may decide not to convert to digital signals and that means some consumers may have to purchase a satellite receiver and dish at a minimum cost of $300 to get a package of local TV stations at no charge.
Digital technology provides better picture and sound and uses fewer airwaves that the CRTC says that can be freed up for emergency communications and mobile phone services.
