Can US hdtv receivers decode Canadian hdtv signals?

[yoda313]

Hello,
I live close enough to Canada that I get there CBC network (Plymouth, Michigan is near Detroit which is next door to Windsor, Canada). I was wondering when we all make the switch in the US to hdtv will we (in the border cities) be able to watch any Candian hdtv brodacasts?

The reason I ask is I know there is the pal vs ntsc issue in recorded media. I was wondering if there will be similar issues between different countries and there hdtv signals.

Any insight would be appreciated.
Kevin

P.S. The reason I'm asking is CBC broadcasts Hockey Night In Canada and the Red Green Show (two personal favorites) -- I do watch US tv, it's just sometimes I like to import shows.

[Doramius]

I'm not aware of any restrictions, though there may be something set up. When I lived in upstate NY, I would get broadcasts from Canada and Vice versa to people in Canada. But that was via analog tuner. Canada is on the same region as the US, so I do not see why you couldn't, but the new HDTVs may have something new to detect certain signals. This I am not sure of. I know there are certain TVs in the US that have viewing guides (IE: guide plus) that are US set up only. The TV can still be used in Canada, but you can't set it to receive the programming guide in Canada. It's probably not much help, but it's all I have to offer.

[yoda313]

Hello,
Thanks Doramius. I don't have hdtv yet but I was curious. That program guide issue sounds scary. Maybe there already jamming the digital borders?? Well we'll find out soon enough
Kevin

[Doramius]

The guide won't work in Canada, not because it doesn't have the ability to, but because it requires you to put in your zip code to correctly identify your local channels and set up the guide properly. It only allows the US 5 digit system. Canada has 6 alpha-numeric for their zip code. So They don't really have to jam any signal. Like I said, it really doesn't deter you from watching the other country's signals, you just can't get a proper guide to know what the heck is on. It might be okay for a Canadian to purchasse a TV like that as long as they know the general zip code the signals are coming from.

You can get Guide Plus for free online. You can download it into your computer and see how it works. I think the online version can be for any country. If you have a tuner card (ATI's AIW cards come with the software automatically) this comes in pretty handy.

[yoda313]

Hello,
Thanks for writing. Well I'll find out soon enough about the signals. Thanks for clarifing the guide problem. Makes more sense.
Kevin