1. Watch TV
Large HDTVs are in homes, offices and venues across the country. The CRC was a leader demonstrating high definition TV in the 80s, and CRC research has been key in the adoption of North America's digital television standards resulting in higher quality TV for Canadians.
2. Use the Internet
The CRC is an Internet pioneer: Telidon in the late 70s – an internet before the Internet – used a TV for shopping, business and information services; and the CRC had the first international connection to ARPANET – the foundation of the Internet.
3. Improve Emergency Care
Emergency situations require effective communications. The CRC has been working to enable new applications for first responders, from mobile radio systems for police in the 70s to mobile broadband video today – to help improve emergency services for all Canadians.
4. Listen to music
Radio transmission became more reliable and better quality with the move to digital. The CRC first demonstrated digital radio and Internet radio in the early 90s. Now you can listen to radio broadcasting from anywhere in the world, and stream music and podcasts anytime.
5. Catch the game anywhere
We expect to watch our favorite team play wherever we are. In May 1978, the CRC was part of the world's first ever direct-to-home satellite TV broadcast – a Stanley Cup hockey game (Habs vs. Bruins) to a Canadian's home in Peru.
6. Download content faster
Downloads on fibre optics networks are the fastest. The CRC's research and the discovery of photosensitivity in optical fibre starting in the 70s led to today's high-speed Internet and the digital economy.
7. Turn down the volume
TV commercials used to be so loud that they were annoying. CRC research helped create loudness control standards for TV broadcasting. We now enjoy a better TV experience. And the CRC was recognized with its third Emmy award – yes there are three!
8. Stay connected in more places
At a cottage, a camp site or at any home in rural Canada, Internet access via satellite gives connectivity to the world and access to the digital economy. The CRC is a pioneer in telecommunications satellites, which are key to advances in tele-health, and distance-learning.
9. Send emergency signals
CRC technology for search and rescue beacons enabled the first satellite-assisted rescue from a plane crash in 1982. This technology is used in all commercial airline flights today, and by millions of boats and hikers contributing to thousands of lives being saved.
10. Prepare Canada for the future of wireless
The CRC is focusing on the future of wireless, including 5G – the next generation wireless – that will bring the Internet of Things, self-driving cars, advanced e-health and applications we can't even imagine today. This research ensures that Canadians will continue to succeed in a modern, increasingly wireless, digital economy.
