Over-the-air transmitter channel change planned for CTV Windsor

CTV Windsor's Jim Crichton at the anchor desk in Windsor, Ont., on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018.

CTV Windsor would like to inform you about an important change regarding how to access our television channel.

After midnight on April 28, a government mandated transmitter update will take place to free up space in the spectrum to accommodate wireless.

This means that CTV2 Windsor’s Channel 26.1 must change its signal frequency.

Our off air signal will be moving to Channel 17.

Viewers using over-the-air rooftop or indoor antenna will need to re-scan their television channels to restore CTV2 Windsor service.

Follow these easy steps:

-Click “Settings” or “Menu” on your remote control

-Go to the “Channel” tab

-Select “Auto Channel Program”

This will scan your channels and will restore your access to CTV2 Windsor.

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 April 29, 2019

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.

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. The first round of changes will take place during the early hours of April 29 and include the following stations:

- CTV2 Windsor will change from Channel 26 to Channel 17.

Virtual channel to remain as 26.1.

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 Windsor - [e-mail]