BANFF – As the deadline to switch from analog to digital television looms, the head of the CRTC on Monday urged the industry to begin preparations for the transition, warning that delays could fuel a crisis.

‘The whole world has converted and we are behind,’ Konrad von Finckenstein told a packed room of delegates at the Banff World Television Festival. ‘The great concern is that the industry will not be ready, [but] that date will not be changed,’ he insisted, referring to the August 31, 2011 deadline set by the federal government.

By then, broadcasters must switch from analog to digital signals, as Canadian consumers will alternatively turn to foreign programs (mostly U.S.) to get the high-definition television they desire if the transition is delayed.

‘You have an interest to see this carried out,’ Von Finckenstein reiterated. ‘We need to catch up.’

The CRTC plans to conduct a trial run early next year in Winnipeg and Quebec City to deal with any problems that may arise from the switch.

There are currently nearly one million Canuck households — in markets that will be converting to digital — that rely on over-the-air signals. They would have to purchase a converter box (costing approximately $75) to receive the new digital signals. Von Finckenstein also suggested the government consider a $67 million subsidy program to offset the cost.

He’s also pushing Ottawa to invest in a consumer education program so that Canadians ‘know what’s coming’ and that they’re aware of their options.

The U.S. made the switch to digital TV last June after some delays. Scores of U.S. households were unable to get their converters on time, while others had to wait to get help from a federally sponsored program as demand exceeded funding.