A $1 million technical survey has been announced by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy in an effort to better understand signal issues for digital TV when analogue TV is switched off in 2013.
Apartment and townhouse residents in Canberra, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney can take advantage of a new Rudd Government initiative on digital television readiness.
"The Rudd Government is getting on with the job of the digital TV switchover. This research arrangement will allow us to meet our commitment in a sensible, considered way," Senator Conroy said.
The survey will address the special digital TV reception issues for some flats, apartments and townhouses, known as Multi-Dwelling Units, and will be conducted by Australian Digital Testing.
It will concentrate on apartment blocks and townhouse complexes that use a single aerial to provide TV reception within the block.
Executive Director of the Rudd Governments Digital Switchover Taskforce, Andy Townend, said the research will provide vital information ahead of the digital switchover, which will be completed by 2013.
"We will survey six hundred sites across the nation to provide estimates of the cost and time-frames needed to rectify problems within different sizes and types of buildings so we can provide timely and practical advice to the public," Mr Townend said.

The Taskforce is calling for expressions of interest from strata owners, building managers and other relevant parties to have their buildings included in the project. If you believe your building could benefit, you should ask your strata manager or building manager to apply for selection in the survey.

The selected buildings will undergo a full inspection and a free report will be provided highlighting the status of the building, conversion cost and likely time-frame of any upgrade.

Expressions of interest from relevant parties can be sent to housing@digi talswitchover.gov.au