Before we get too off track discussing adequate ERP levels for digital television, may I direct your attention to this thread, aptly titled "OTA ERP Levels (Analogue vs. DTV) - why so different?"
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=130384

Mille, I really don't think that Montreal stations are broadcasting at these power levels during the transition period. If I recall, TQc is at something like 15 kW. And after transition, the trend seams to be that most stations will reduce their coverage compared with analog. I don't think that overload will be a problem. In fact the problem will be more about people not being able to receive a decent signal and being forced to get cable or satellite.
mille is talking about the V and TQ analog transmitters on Mount Royal, not their digital transmittters elsewhere.

I'm glad to see that channel 13 will be free next august from Trois-Rivieres.

Does it means that WVNY could change their emitting pattern on the north east to pump out more power? Because, right now (i don't have the chart handy)it is really low.

I'm glad to see that channel 13 will be free next august from Trois-Rivieres.

Does it means that WVNY could change their emitting pattern on the north east to pump out more power? Because, right now (i don't have the chart handy)it is really low.
I doubt it. I'm sure that channel 13 still exists as an allotment in the IC/FCC memorandum of understanding.

There are also physical obstructions that limit all Mount Mansfield stations toward the north and northeast. IIRC, the transmitting antennas don't clear the top of the mountain. As someone else here aptly put it once, even an infinite amount of power would not be helpful.

If Channel 13 will no longer be used in Trios-Rivieres, I somehow expect it to be used in a near by market. Perhaps it'll be assigned for use in Quebec City?

As for WVNY-DT, they still have a problem with CJOH-TV in Ottawa. I wish CJOH-TV in Ottawa would use channel 8, and shuts down their Cornwall transmitter. With enough power, the Ottawa transmitter can cover eastern Ontario very well. Much in the same way CBOT-TV covers the area from Ottawa. If that can get done, then WVNY-DT might be able to increase it's power by a few more kw.

As for the CBC transmitter going dark in Trios-Rivieres, I think two well powered transmitters in Montreal, and Quebec City can cover that area.

Does anyone knows if CBC will light up the Mt-Royal transmitter before xmas?

Bad news,
they encountered unexpected problems....
and now, they speak about feb, first..:(

Don't hold your breath for the channel 13 allotment being freed up to allow an American station to increase power. Once Industry Canada negociates an allotment with the FCC, I don't expect them to give it up.

However, if WVNY really cared, they could probably make a case for increasing power towards TR if only because the peak of Mount Mansfield throws a much sharper null northward than the antenna pattern itself does. I don't see that happenning unless Enosburg, VT is a really important OTA market and WVNY's owners want to throw money at it.

CJOH-DT can't move to 8 from 13, because 8 is also allotted to Bancroft for Global, and chances are they are going to use it, as per Shaw's promise to convert non-mandatory markets. Note that the transmitter site for Global is actually much closer to Ottawa than Bancroft itself -- it is in Venachar (http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&lci=org.wikipedia.en&q=45.059444,-77.199722(CIII-TV-2)&ie=UTF8&ll=45.185909,-76.975708&spn=1.641572,3.477173&z=8), just east of Denbigh.
And CJOH has already made their plans for 13, so it would probably be too late to rejig their design and perhaps share the channel 9 antenna with CBOFT.

CBOT covers Cornwall now by virtue of the fact it is grandfathered at an ERP that is overpowered for its EHAAT. (in other words, the transmitting antenna height is higher than is currently allowed for operation at 100kW on VHF-Low).

When CJSS-TV (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=45.176125,-74.527057&num=1&t=h&sll=45.129903,-74.491205&sspn=0.015745,0.032015&ie=UTF8&ll=45.176282,-74.527066&spn=0.003207,0.006791&z=17) was originally licensed as a CBC station in Cornwall in 1958, CBOT was operating from a much lower tower (and lower power, too), adjacent to their studios on Lanark Avenue in the west end of Ottawa, and CJOH was operating from a tower on Hazeldean Road in what was later called Kanata, in western Ottawa.

Ref. Post #1908

Oh! More delays. We've had so many delays that I almost wonder if they're not doing this on purpose to drag it out until the deadline.

Also, W52CD is back on the air.

unexpected problems in the project management world means usually two things :
1. bad planning
2. financial issues (added operational costs) or pressure (delay transition)

c'mon guys this is not R&D..

that transition to digital is like a roller coaster...up and downs.....
and we had more bad news than good these past months...
it's a very slow process, and we are like childrens waiting for christmas gifts...:p

Ref. Post #1908

Oh! More delays. We've had so many delays that I almost wonder if they're not doing this on purpose to drag it out until the deadline.

Also, W52CD is back on the air.
If we are to compare to the US, then they may just request a 6 month extension to the deadline.

If we are to compare to the US, then they may just request a 6 month extension to the deadline.
Yes, but the U.S. gave the populace vouchers to get atsc capable tuners and plenty of warning/widespread notices of the upcoming changes. The only reason I know of it in Canada is because I'm actively pursuing the topic. There is much left to be desired on how this transition is being executed by the powers that be.

Too bad about CBC delays. I was hoping Radio Canada would switch soon. The analog channel 2 was always snowy but watchable, but lately it is very snowy and at times unwatchable. CBC 6 is not bad. I am checking 19 and 20 daily, but looks like it will be snow for the months to come.

The OTA Digital Converter Boxes In Canada (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=127559) thread is where some posts were moved.

Please keep the discussion in this thread about the actual Operational and Technical Status of the stations. :)

W52CD is back on the air since Tuesday. I have to admit that their signal is pretty strong. I get them better here at my location then Global Montreal.Well it's gone again. Just getting snow on channel 52 for the past 2 days. :(

Did they stop broadcasting altogether, or just lower the transmission power? Either way it's rather disappointing because this channel has broadcasted so intermittently over the years.

It was coming in pretty strong the last two months and had some good programming too boot (I love retro TV shows!), I'm not pleased it's disappeared again.

Well it's gone again. Just getting snow on channel 52 for the past 2 days.

Did they stop broadcasting altogether, or just lower the transmission power? Either way it's rather disappointing because this channel has broadcasted so intermittently over the years.

It was coming in pretty strong the last two months and had some good programming too boot (I love retro TV shows!), I'm not pleased it's disappeared again.

There's still snow on W52CD plus their website is silent:

www.retro40.com

Hot news...CTV going didital very soon CH-51

Do you mean over the air? AFAIK, CFCF (CTV Montreal) will flash cut from analog to digital on channel 12 in August.

Channel 51 was originally allocated for use by Global Montreal, but Global wanted to share the CBC's new UHF antenna, and needed to use a lower frquency, so they settled for channel 15. So, yes, channel 51 is available.