Published: June 20, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek
What is SMATV centralized TV system?
Centralized TV system MATV SMATV CATV IPTV : Part4
A Centralized SMATV (Satellite Master Antenna Television) system is a unified TV system that receives signals from both terrestrial antennas and satellite dishes. These received signals are then converted into a format compatible with terrestrial signals, combined, and then extensively distributed to multiple televisions within a building. This system is ideal for apartment buildings, hotels, resorts, condominiums, apartments, flats, dormitories, or office buildings that aim to provide basic TV channels to residents or users, ensuring all viewing points within the building receive equally clear picture and sound. This article will focus solely on satellite signal reception; for details on terrestrial TV signal reception, please refer to the MATV Centralized TV System article.
Methods of Satellite Signal Reception can be categorized into two main types:
1. C-Band Satellite Dish
C-Band satellite signal reception, Prime Focus Satellite Dishes are typically used, although most people simply refer to them as C-Band Satellite Dishes. In SMATV systems, a large C-Band satellite dish, with a diameter of at least 7 feet, should be used. When installing the LNBF (Low-Noise Block Downconverter Feedhorn) with the satellite dish, choose a model that filters out LTE/4G/5G interference to prevent interference from mobile phone signals.
2. Ku-Band Satellite Dish
Ku-Band satellite signal reception, Offset dishes are commonly used to avoid signal obstruction from the LNBF itself, as these dishes are typically smaller. However, most people simply refer to them as Ku-Band Satellite Dishes. In SMATV systems, a Ku-Band satellite dish with a diameter of at least 90-150 cm should be used, as rainfall can affect signal reception. Similar to C-Band, it's recommended to use an LNBF with interference filtering capabilities.
Types of TV Channels via Satellite can be divided into two categories:
1. Free-to-Air Satellite TV Channels
To distribute free-to-air satellite TV channels within an SMATV system, you can align the satellite dish with the desired satellite. Then, use a DVB-S/S2 Transcoder Modulator to convert the satellite TV channel signals into a format compatible with terrestrial antennas, allowing them to be directly distributed into the TV network. In Thailand, popular satellites for reception include Thaicom6/8, AsiaSat5, AsiaSat7, and ChinaSat 6E.
2. Copyrighted Satellite TV Channels
Copyrighted satellite TV channels that are encrypted, such as TrueVisions, Astro, Sky Net, Canal+, LaoSat TV, and other B2B TV content providers broadcasting via satellite, require B2B authorization from the copyright holder before they can be distributed within an SMATV system. (Many people mistakenly believe that personal B2C subscriptions allow for distribution in SMATV systems.)
Once authorization is obtained, to distribute copyrighted satellite TV channels within an SMATV system, align the satellite dish with the desired satellite. Then, connect one satellite receiver from the TV content provider per channel to a modulator that accepts HDMI or A/V signals. This modulator will convert the signal into a format compatible with terrestrial antennas, allowing it to be directly distributed into the TV network.
Currently, the transmission of TV channels via satellite is being increasingly replaced by the distribution of copyrighted TV channels over the internet, known as Video Streaming. Video streaming can also utilize DRM (Digital Rights Management) to control and manage access to these TV channels. Video streaming has lower operational costs and supports diverse viewing options, including traditional TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
