US Digital Transition FAQs
  1. How does the US Digital Transition affect you as a Shaw Direct customer?
  2. What is the US Digital Transition?
  3. Who is affected by the US Digital Transition?
  4. What are digital-to-analog converter boxes?
  5. Is a similar digital transition planned for Canada?
  6. Where can I find more details on the US transition?

  1. How does the US Digital Transition affect you as a Shaw Direct customer?

    The US Digital transition does not affect your TV viewing at all. Canada is not mandated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and there will be no change to the way signals are broadcast in Canada. You will continue to receive the same television service you currently get from Shaw Direct. Shaw Direct has and will continue to provide the same 100% Digital signal you know and love.

  2. What is the US Digital Transition?

    The FCC mandated that American television stations end analog over-the-air broadcasts and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format on February 17, 2009.

  3. Who is affected by the US Digital Transition?

    Only television viewers in the United States will be affected. TV sets in the US that use "rabbit ears" or an antenna to receive broadcast channels, and are not connected to cable or satellite, will need a converter box connected to an antenna to continue to receive and display broadcast television. Television sets that do not have a built-in digital tuner will also need a converter box to continue to receive broadcast television after the digital transition occurs.

    Any television set connected to a cable or satellite in the US or Canada will not be affected by the transition.

  4. What are digital-to-analog converter boxes?

    A digital-to-analog converter box is an electronic device that converts digital signals into analog signals so that digital broadcasts can be viewed on analog TVs—enabling analog TV's in the United States to be able to receive TV programming following February 17, 2009.

    Your Shaw Direct receiver handles this digital conversion automatically. Whether you have a new HDTV bought yesterday or an analog TV bought 20 years ago… Shaw Direct has you covered.

  5. Is a similar digital transition planned for Canada?

    Yes, but it is still a few years away and, like the US, satellite and cable customers will not be affected so there will be no impact on Shaw Direct customers. Currently Shaw Direct receives and processes all broadcast signals into the format our customers need to view television in their home. When the transition happens, Shaw Direct will continue to provide 100% digital service and has the technology in place to provide digital television on a TV set without a built-in digital tuner.

  6. Where can I find more details on the US transition?

    Go to www.dtvtransition.orgpop-up! or www.dtvanswers.compop-up! for more information.