With analog TV signals to be shut down in most Canadian cities in just over a year, nearly one million Canadians aren't ready for the switch, says the CRTC.

On Aug. 31, 2011, television stations in capital cities, areas with a population over 300,000 people, and those served by more than one station will be forced to broadcast only digital signals.

That means people who get their TV programming using an antenna or rabbit ears will need to purchase a converter to continue watching TV — unless they have a digital-ready set with a built-in converter.

The digital converter boxes cost about $75 for each television.

In smaller markets, some local stations may not convert to digital and instead deliver their services solely on cable and satellite.

The CRTC says the switch is intended to free up more broadcasting spectrum as digital signals use less room than analog.

Digital also delivers a better picture and sound quality than analog.

The switch may also mean some stations will move to different channel positions.

A national consumer education campaign outlining the changes and what they mean to consumers is expected to be launched in the spring of 2011.