Published: June 20, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek
What are the basic equipment used in a MATV system?
Centralized TV system MATV SMATV CATV IPTV : Part 3
When designing an MATV (Master Antenna Television) system, it's crucial to understand that some frequency bands previously used for TV broadcasting are now allocated to LTE/4G/5G mobile phone systems. Therefore, selecting equipment such as receiving antennas and signal amplifiers that can filter out LTE/4G/5G interference is essential, especially in urban areas or on rooftops close to cell phone towers.
The basic equipment used in a centralized TV system is not extensive, covering signal reception, control and arrangement, amplification, and distribution to viewing points within the building. These components include:
Essential Equipment for MATV Systems
1. Master Digital TV Antenna
A Digital Terrestrial TV (DVB-T2) antenna is used for receiving terrestrial TV signals, which are now primarily digital in the UHF band. When choosing a digital terrestrial TV antenna, it should have a high gain and good LTE/4G/5G interference rejection capabilities. Installing the antenna higher generally improves signal reception, and there should be no obstructions blocking the signal. Examples include LP45F LTE, ELIKA 700 C.
2. TV Tower/Pole
This serves as a support structure for the antenna. For limited space or budget constraints, options include a ground-mounted galvanized pole or a 90-degree galvanized steel wall mount. For stability, aesthetics, and site suitability, a tower mast can be used.
3. Mast Amplifier
A mast amplifier should be installed as close to the antenna as possible to amplify the still-clear signal to a higher level. This is crucial for weak signal areas or when the cable run from the antenna to the signal control cabinet is long. It helps strengthen the signal for clearer transmission over longer distances. An example is MAP4RU.
4. Compact Headend / Channel Amplifier / Channel Converter This equipment is used for signal equalization and channel arrangement to prevent overlaps. It's ideal for signal reception and distribution in buildings with multiple TV viewing points. Modern versions of these devices are more advanced, offering automatic gain control (AGC) and perfect output signal equalization. This means even if the signal level from the antenna fluctuates due to temperature changes, the output signal level remains consistent. These are channel converters that can shift frequencies, convert analog DSB Modulator signals to SSB Modulator, and include built-in LTE/4G/5G interference filters. Examples include FRPRO EVO HD, FRPRO LIGHT HD, FRPRO10HD.
5. Modulator
A modulator is used to convert video and audio signals into TV signals, which can then be combined with antenna signals to add extra channels. These can include self-produced channels, CCTV camera feeds, or additional copyrighted program channels.
When choosing a modulator, it's essential to check the input signal type (e.g., HDMI, A/V, IP, DVB-T/T2, DVB-S/S2, DVB-C/C2) to select the correct model.
6. Combiner / Diplexer / Mixer
A signal combiner is used to combine signals from multiple antennas or combine signals from an antenna with other sources into a single cable. Examples include MX TT EVO, MX TSAT EVO.
7. Amplifier / Booster
An amplifier is used to boost the signal strength within the building, ensuring it's strong enough to be split and distributed to various TV viewing points. This compensates for signal loss due to cable length and splitting. Multi-Band Amplifiers are used to amplify signals at the main control room (Headend). Wide Band Amplifiers or Distribution Amplifiers are used to amplify signals within the network. Examples include MBX5741T2, AMP9762, AMP9763, WF8130LI, WF8630CL.
8.Splitter / Tap-off / Directional Coupler
8.1 Splitter
A splitter has two main ports: one input port and an output port count equal to the splitter's model (e.g., a 4-way splitter has 4 output ports).
Splitters are typically installed to branch signals from the main line to sub-main lines and at the end of sub-main lines to feed TV viewing points. They come in 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 6-way, and 8-way configurations.
8.2 Tap-off
A tap-off has three main ports: one input port, one output port, and a number of tap ports equal to the tap-off's model (e.g., an 8-way tap-off has 8 tap ports). Tap-offs are commonly used to split signals within sub-main lines. The TAP ports are used to send signals to various TV viewing points (available in 1-tap, 2-tap, 4-tap, 6-tap, and 8-tap configurations). The single Output port has lower signal loss and is used to send the signal to the next tap-off or splitter.
8.3 Directional Coupler
A directional coupler has three main ports: one input port, one output port, and one directional coupler port. In design, directional couplers are often used when an amplifier needs to be placed closer than usual. A directional coupler with a specified attenuation value (e.g., -8dB, -12dB, -16dB) is used to reduce the signal level, ensuring the input signal to the amplifier is at an appropriate level and not too strong.
9. Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables act as the network for signal distribution. RG11 coaxial cable is used for distributing main lines across different floors or to distant TV viewing points. RG6 coaxial cable is used for distributing signals from the main line to TV outlets or individual TV viewing points. Examples include HD1195WV, HD660WV, F1160BV, F660BV.
10.Various Connectors
In design documentation, various types of connectors are often not explicitly mentioned. However, for installing an MATV system, various connectors are essential for connecting coaxial cables to different equipment, such as F-Type RG6, F-Type RG11, F-F Adaptors, and TV Jacks.
11. TV Outlet / Terminal Plate
For smaller centralized TV systems in buildings like small dorms or apartments, cables might be directly connected to a TV jack for direct TV connection without a TV outlet. However, for larger buildings such as condominiums, apartments, hotels, and resorts, TV outlets must be installed at each TV viewing point. A patch cord is then used to connect from the outlet to the TV for a neat appearance. The specific type of outlet may need to be chosen to match the interior design, ensuring it's part of the same series as electrical outlets and switches.
These components form the core of an MATV system, designed to efficiently deliver TV programming to multiple points within the same building.
