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At last. After years of getting by with a lousy 50 channels, the CRTC has finally given the go-ahead to 40 new digital specialty stations which will be premiering this fall in a cable package near you.

At last. After years of getting by with a lousy 50 channels, the CRTC has finally given the go-ahead to 40 new digital specialty stations which will be premiering this fall in a cable package near you.

Pop some corn, sit back in the ’ol lazy boy, and we’ll see you, maybe, in the spring. Here’s an overview of a few of these new stations – for a complete list, visit www.shaw.ca.

Sports

Ten, count-em TEN new sports stations. Well five, not including Leafs TV and Raptors NBA TV, which will probably only be available in Toronto, RDS Sports, which is in French, The Racing Network, which is nothing but horse racing 24 hours a day, and Eurosport News, which is too much soccer and cricket for my tastes.

WTSN – This is essentially TSN for women’s sports. An excellent idea, actually, and it’s about time, too. The station and the Web site at www.wtsn.ca will go live on Sept. 7.

Xtreme Sports – Surfing, skateboarding, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, plus other extreme sports will dominate this CanWest-Global offering. It’s a good idea, too, but it’s hardly original – ESPN 2, or XPN, has been a success in the U.S. for years. There isn’t a Web site just yet, but when it’s ready there will be a link at www.globaltv.ca .

The NHL Network – You only think that you can’t get enough of hockey. With 24 hours of highlights and news, you’ll get your fill and then some. They will broadcast a few games, probably blacked out, during this first season. No word on a Web site yet, but you can be sure it’s coming.

Fox Sports World Canada – Fox Sports World is the same idea as ESPN, TSN and SportsNet, but focuses a lot of its attention on sports like soccer and rugby. Visit www.foxsports.com for more details. You’ll need Flash for this site.

ESPN Classic Canada – Classic moments in sport, especially Canadian sport. This would include events like the ’72 series verses Russia, and the Jay’s World Series victories in the ’90s. Once again, no word on the ESPN Classic Canada Web site, but you can visit ESPN Classic at http://espn.go.com/classic/ .

Nature

It’s ironic, but people seem to spend a lot of time indoors watching what’s going on outside. Granted, you’re not going to see a giraffe give birth in Whistler, but it’s still ironic.

Animal Planet – Dedicated solely to animals, typically documentaries, this Discovery Channel spin-off is already a hit south of the border. Visit www.animalplanet for a preview of what’s ahead. There are also Discovery Channels on Civilization, Health, Wings, and another spin-off for Kids. That’s a lot of television to watch, but at least it’s educational and somewhat inspirational.

WETV – Also known as The Green Channel, WETV focuses its attention on the natural environment, the good, the bad and the ugly. Especially the good – while the station wants to be realistic, it will try to be as positive as possible. Visit www.wetv.com for more information.

Music

When music turned into a visual experience rather than an aural one, I have no idea, but several new music video stations are being launched this fall. I just hope they show the occasional music video to go along with the endless interviews, promos and VJ banter.

MTV Canada – This is basically the same as MTV for the U.S., and that means Tom Green show, Jackass, and as many boy and girl bands as you can stomach. Visit www.mtv.com to get an idea of what to expect.

MuchLoud – MuchMusic for hard music lovers.

MuchVibe – MuchMusic for Hip Hop, R&B, Soul and Reggae, not that these types of music don’t already get their props. Visit www.muchmusic.ca for more on these.

EdgeTV – An alternative music video station, although can any band really be considered alternative once their label spends money taking them the mainstream route of music videos? Visit www.edgetv.com for the answer to this and other important questions.

Movies

Movies are generally one of the more worthwhile uses of the television, especially for all those insomniacs and people busted between Whistler paydays. There are seven new movie channels to choose from.

Lonestar – Western television shows and movies. No site yet.

Movieola – Short films of all kinds, from animated shorts to Academy Award winning vignettes. Presumably for people in a rush. No site yet.

Mystery – Professor Plum in the library with the pipewrench. Movies and television shows where our mental superiors deduce the identity of the murderer in the last five minutes. Visit http://mystery.encoremedia.com/ .

Scream – Horror and suspense movies and television that will raise the hair on the back of your neck, which is unfortunate for anyone hiding behind you. No Web site just yet.

Showcase Action and Showcase Diva – Uncut action movies and chick flicks with the usual Showcase edge. Visit www.showcase.ca for more details.

IFC – Independent Film Channel Canada here, challenging you to tune in.

Personal development

Although the producers of Temptation Island would have us believe otherwise, reality television has a good side.

PrideVision TV – It’s here, it’s queer, for people who prefer their own gear. The first gay station on television to view current affairs, health, fitness, relationships and travel through rainbow coloured glasses, boyfriends and girlfriends. Visit www.pridevisiontv.com for un-straight talk.

One: The Body, Mind and Spirit Channel – Personal growth, healthy living, spirituality and optimism. Visit www.onebodymindspirit.com for the low fat high carbohydrate version.

M – The hormonal opposite of the Women’s Television Network, devoted to men’s interests. No Web site is available; see also "Sports."