According to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, more than half of all Australian households have switched over to digital TV.

Senator Conroy released the second Digital Tracker Survey on Friday, which is a quarterly survey of national digital television take-up, awareness and attitudes.

According to the findings 53 per cent of Australian households are now accessing digital television broadcasts; this is up from 47 per cent in the previous quarter.

“Digital switchover is the largest 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.”

In other findings, 93 per cent of Australians are now aware of the digital switchover, which is up from 82 per cent for the previous quarter.

Also around 82 per cent of Australian households that have converted to digital TV have responded that they are pleased they did, which has grown from 77 per cent.

Andy Townend, executive director of the Digital Switchover Taskforce, commented on the Digital Tracker Survey.

“The quarterly digital tracker surveys will provide great assistance to the Digital Switchover Taskforce as we target efforts to get Australia ready and drive a successful national switchover,” he said.

The Rudd Government has made a commitment to complete digital switchover by 31 December, 2013 and has announced a progressive regional switchover timetable starting in the Sunraysia/Mildura area of Victoria in the first half of 2010.