HEVC/AAC Transition

With the end of life Anik F2, Shaw Broadcast will only have signals available on one satellite, Anik G1. In order to accommodate the hundreds of video and audio signals offered on Shaw Direct and to Shaw Broadcast customers on one satellite, we must transition all services to HEVC, a more efficient compression technology. In addition to the transition to HEVC, all audio, whether dedicated audio stations or audio for video channels, will convert from AC3 to AAC audio.

In July 2023, we will begin to transition services to HEVC and AAC (see February 2023 Bulletin for details). An additional group of services will transition to HEVC and AAC in the Fall of 2023, with the remainder migrating in the spring of 2024. This timeline may change pursuant to any advice from Telesat, given recent technical anomalies (publicly disclosed by Telesat), and, if so, may require a more expeditious transition.

To receive HEVC signals from ANIK G1, your head end must have an xKu LNB and your equipment must be HEVC capable and accommodate AAC audio. Customer equipment requirements will vary. We have attempted to provide some guidance below with respect to making the transition to HEVC. Please contact your preferred equipment supplier(s) prior to acquiring equipment to ensure compatibility.

  • DSR7xxx series receivers can transcode from HEVC to MPEG-4 and can continue to be used provided that the set-top box supports AAC audio.
  • DSR4410 MD - utilize the IP/ASI output of DSR4410MD and acquire a 3rd party transcoder to convert HEVC video and AAC audio into a supportable format.
  • Shaw Direct DSR8xx receivers used in a head end are HEVC and AAC compatible.

Updates to the HEVC plan will be provided through SBS Bulletins which are distributed to customers and available on our website.