53 per cent of Aussie households on digital TV

EVERYTHING is going swimmingly in the switch to digital TV, Broadband and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said this week.

New figures show more than half of Australian households have made the switch, with 53 per cent watching digital free-to-air broadcasts.

And of those households, the overwhelming majority – 82 per cent – are happy with the new service.

“Digital switchover is the latest national format change since decimal currency and progress to date suggests Australians are on board,” Senator Conroy said.

“There is still a significant challenge ahead but evidence shows strong community awareness and satisfaction with the improved picture and sound quality, new content and new channels.”

The latest figures from market analysts GfK show sales of set-top boxes, including personal video recorders, were up 97 per cent in the last quarter.

“Despite a relatively low overall growth rate for the consumer electronics segment, there was plenty of evidence to suggest that consumers are beginning to take note of the digital switchover advertising campaigns,” GfK said.

The Government has committed to completing the switchover by the end of 2013.