Most buildings with an analog MATV system can move to digital TV without rewiring. The main work is at the headend; the riser cabling and wall outlets can usually be reused once they pass testing.
Executive summary
- Almost always replaced: antennas and channel-specific analog amplifiers or modulators.
- Reusable if tests pass: riser cable, splitters/taps, line amplifiers and wall outlets.
- Budget: far below a new installation, with minimal disruption to residents.
What to replace and what to reuse
| Equipment | Replace? | Reusable when |
|---|
| Rooftop antenna | Usually | Old VHF/analog antennas perform poorly on UHF; use a digital UHF antenna aimed at the transmitter |
| Channel amplifiers / analog modulators | Yes | Tuned to old analog channels only |
| Headend main amplifier | Depends | Broadband with UHF coverage, enough gain and room for an LTE/5G filter |
| Riser cable | Usually reusable | RG6/RG11 in good condition with measured loss within limits; replace old RG59 or damaged sections |
| Line amplifiers | Depends | Must cover UHF with adjustable slope; replace VHF-only units |
| Splitters / taps | Usually reusable | Rated to 862 MHz or above; replace 450–550 MHz types |
| Wall outlets | Usually reusable | Replace loose, corroded or failing units |
| TV sets | No | DVB-T2 TVs connect directly; older sets use a set-top box |
Six-step upgrade
- Survey and measure at the antenna, headend and last outlet of each riser.
- Decide what to reuse based on models and measurements.
- Design and calculate signal levels with a riser diagram.
- Replace the headend: UHF antenna, amplifiers and LTE/5G filter.
- Balance gain and slope across all amplifiers.
- Measure every outlet and hand over the results as the MA baseline.
Add-ons at the same time
- Satellite channels transmodulated to DVB-T2 over the existing cabling.
- In-house channels such as CCTV, notices or hotel welcome videos.
- Consider IPTV or FTTR if a renovation is planned within 3–5 years.
Notes for engineers and consultants
- Outlet level: 65–75 dBµV at every outlet.
- MER: several dB of margin above receiver threshold on every frequency.
- Keep level differences across frequencies small; correct with amplifier slope.
- Fit an LTE/5G filter ahead of the first amplifier.
- Choose output frequencies that do not clash with local terrestrial channels.
- Handover: updated riser diagram, level calculations and outlet test results.
Free consultation and site survey
JJSATs has upgraded MATV systems for condominiums, apartments, dormitories, hotels and hospitals for over 25 years and is a Fracarro distributor in Thailand.
Source: InfoQuest, 19 Aug 2020 (NBTC 700 MHz re-plan)
