Published: May 26 2025 By: Rungreuang Huanraluek
Principles of Terrestrial Television Signal Transmission and Reception
The Essential Foundation for Designing Centralized Digital TV Systems (MATV) and Hotel IPTV
MATV, SMATV, CATV, and Hotel IPTV Systems – Part 1
Did you know that the secret to designing centralized TV systems—MATV, SMATV, and Hotel IPTV—for hotels, hospitals, condos, and apartments that are the most affordable, highly efficient, easiest to maintain, and most energy-efficient really exists, and can receive over 20 basic Thai TV channels?
The best, easiest, and most reliable way to receive Thai TV channels is by designing a centralized TV system that captures signals from terrestrial TV antenna arrays. This article explains the entire process—from terrestrial TV signal transmission via broadcast antennas at the transmission station to viewing on television—to provide ideas for designing or installing centralized TV systems in hotels, resorts, hospitals, condominiums, apartments, dormitories, offices, and government agencies.
Why Understanding Terrestrial TV Signal Transmission and Reception Is ImportantDesigning a centralized TV system (MATV) or an IPTV system for hotels and large buildings does not start at the signal distribution point but begins with a high-quality signal reception at the source. This is because if the upstream system is poor, no matter how advanced the downstream technology is, it will not be able to deliver clear and sharp audio and video quality.
The Best Way to Receive Thai Digital TV SignalsReceiving signals through a "terrestrial TV antenna array" is the most stable, cost-effective, and reliable method. It is especially suitable for designing MATV and IPTV systems to distribute signals to multiple locations such as hotels, condos, dormitories, hospitals, and offices.
Watching television or listening to the radio at home seems easy—just turn on the device and you immediately see the picture or hear the sound. However, behind the scenes, there are several important steps that allow the information from the broadcast station to reach us successfully. This happens through what is called "radio frequency" or RF, which carries audio and video data through the air. Let’s take a closer look at how this process works.
Once the television or radio station has prepared or produced the content—whether it’s news programs, music, or entertainment shows—these are converted into audio and video signals. These signals are then combined with radio frequency waves and sent to signal amplifiers. The radio waves are amplified to increase their strength in preparation for broadcasting to viewers and listeners. (The audio and video signals must be combined with radio frequency waves so that the broadcast can cover a wide area and transmit multiple channels, with each channel using a separate, non-overlapping frequency.)
Audio and video signals, combined with radio frequency waves and amplified, are sent via cables to transmission antennas—usually placed on tall buildings or mountains to maximize coverage. These signals travel through the air and weaken with distance. To ensure nationwide coverage, multiple relay stations broadcast signals across Thailand. You can check tower locations at Click Here
Step 3: Receiving TV signals through the receiving antennaIf the receiving point is within the coverage area of the broadcast signal, you can install an antenna, connect it to the TV, and tune in to watch programs immediately. In areas with weak signals, using a higher-gain antenna or installing the antenna at a higher location can improve reception. An important factor not to overlook is choosing an antenna that can filter out interference from mobile phone signals such as LTE/4G/5G. These frequencies were originally used for TV broadcasting and can cause significant interference with centralized TV systems, especially when antennas are installed near mobile phone relay stations. This helps reduce long-term maintenance and repair issues.
Step 4: The TV or radio receiver converts the RF signals into audio and video If a television receiver receives radio frequency (RF) signals with audio and video at an appropriate signal strength (not too strong or too weak), it will be able to separate the audio and video from the RF carrier and convert them into clear images and sound on the TV screen—such as a news anchor’s voice, a drama scene, or music from a radio show.
For analog TV systems, the ideal signal strength (around 65–75 dB) provides the clearest picture. If the signal is too weak, the image may appear snowy (resembling falling snow). If it's too strong, the picture may show lines or overlapping bars (known as saturation).
In modern digital TV systems, appropriate signal strength ensures consistently clear audio and video across all areas, even with variations in signal level. However, if the signal is too weak or too strong, it may cause the picture to freeze or result in complete signal loss.
