Australian households will need access to clear and concise technical information in preparation for the transition from analog to digital television, according to this Australian Commuications and Media Authority (ACMA) report. The report is based on an analysis of 120 households from across the greater Sydney metropolitan region and was conducted to help ACMA, government and other stakeholders gain a better understanding of household usage of digital television and the sorts of issues that households may face in switching to digital.

Observations highlighted in the study include:

• The age and poor condition of many antenna systems;
• Numerous television set-ups;
• The increasing complexity of television and related equipment and options for connecting it;
• Several examples of incorrect connection of equipment; and
• Limited knowledge and general terms for describing aspects of the television set-up, including aerials and connectors/cables.