Todbits: Telus goes PPV, no more CRTC tax, free HDTV network

Telus launches Pay Per View
The telco formerly known as, well, a telco, is increasingly becoming a broadcast carrier. Telus today announced its Pay Per View service which gives its digital TV customers access to sports and other special events. Telus TV carries more than 200 channels, bundled into “theme packs.” Its Channel 1 is an interactive TV and Internet portal which lets clients view one channel while providing access to weather, news, sports and other information.

Private broadcasters no longer have to pay CRTC “tax”
The Federal Court has ruled that private broadcasters and distributors no longer have to pay the CRTC’s “Part II Licence Fees.” These fees are paid over and above payments that defray the cost of the regulation and supervision of the industry. Part II Licence Fees, which now exceed $100 million dollars annually, are levied by the CRTC, but go directly to the Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. While the Judge agreed that the fees are illegal, he did not order repayment. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters is considering going to court to get back past payments.

Free HDTV network desired
The company that runs XM Canada has started a firm which has applied to the CRTC to start a national over-the-air HDTV service, based out of Vancouver. The service will be offered free to Canadians. Currently, with few exceptions, Canadians must pay premiums to cable or satellite distributors to receive high definition programming on a network basis. In addition to original programming, HDTV Networks would broadcast a mix of Canadian and foreign content.

Bell Glo… er, CTVglobemedia.
Bell Globemedia Inc. today announced the company’s name will change to CTVglobemedia Inc., effective January 1, 2007.

TSN launches all-sports broadband channel
TSN has launched Canada’s first fully programmed all-sports broadband channel. Now playing at www.TSN.ca, TSN Broadband features both short-form and full-length TSN programming on-demand, at broadband speeds with enhanced resolution. The ad-supported channel is now live and can be accessed from the TSN website, located at www.TSN.ca.


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One Response to “Todbits: Telus goes PPV, no more CRTC tax, free HDTV network”

    lorraine says:

    Currently, with few exceptions, Canadians must pay premiums to cable or satellite distributors to receive high definition programming on a network basis.

    Some stations that are currently over-the-air have commenced broadcasting over-the-air in HD as well. If you have a look on the UHF channels, you might see them, if you have the right equipment in the right area.