What is an MATV System?

MATV stands for Master Antenna Television. A MATV system enables TV and FM signals to be distributed to a large number of TV receivers, as opposed to individual antennas for each TV.

In simple terms, an MATV system is a network of cables and specifically designed components that process and amplify TV and FM signals, then distribute them from one central location.

MATV systems are separated into two parts, the ‘Head End’ and the ‘Distribution System’. It is essential to carefully plan and engineer both parts using the best MATV equipment and best practice installation techniques to ensure video and audio signals are distributed with minimal loss of quality.

Without a MATV system, any premises that require multiple TVs would need to install and maintain an antenna or satellite dish per TV. This would be expensive, not to mention unsightly. The TV reception would also suffer, because multiple antennas would interfere with each other, causing signal issues.

Many commercial premises such as hotels, retirement villages, and holiday parks now utilise some form of MATV system to supply a section of different programmes and information services to their customers.

A MATV system can carry digital television signals through an aerial or satellite dish (both free-to-view and subscription television), FM radio and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting).

How a typical MATV system works:

• A UHF TV aerial or satellite dish is appropriately positioned to receive digital TV signals.
• Signals received by the aerial or dish are then processed using the Head End equipment.
• A distribution network then delivers all television signals to a socket outlet in each room/area. There can be more than one outlet per area, and splitters can be used in a limited way so that more than one TV can be used on each outlet. Configuration of the distribution network will depend on the number of dwellings and/or floors at the premises.

Benefits of MATV

MATV, or Master Antenna Television, offers a range of valuable benefits that contribute to enhanced viewing experiences and streamlined content distribution. One of its primary advantages is the efficient distribution of broadcast signals to multiple televisions within a building, eliminating the need for individual antennas and simplifying the installation process.

1. Centralised System – MATV eliminates the need for each television to have its own antenna, providing a cleaner and more organized appearance to buildings.
2. Consistent Quality – By amplifying and distributing signals evenly, MATV ensures that all connected televisions receive consistent and high-quality signals.
3. Channel Selection – With MATV, users can access a wide range of channels without having to individually adjust or install antennas.
4. Ease of Maintenance – MATV simplifies maintenance as technicians can focus on maintaining a single antenna and distribution system rather than addressing individual antenna issues.

Applications of MATV

MATV’s ability to centralise content distribution, maintain signal quality, and minimize infrastructure clutter makes it a convenient and efficient choice for delivering television entertainment to diverse audiences including providing a hassle-free solution for residential complexes, hotels, hospitals, and other multi-unit setups. Moreover, its cost-effective nature and reduced maintenance requirements make it an appealing choice for property owners and managers.

• Hotels: MATV systems in hotels offer guests access to a variety of channels without the need for external antennas.
• Apartment Buildings: MATV is commonly used in apartment complexes to provide television services to multiple units.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: MATV ensures patients and visitors can access entertainment and information through TVs in various rooms.
• Educational Institutions: MATV facilitates the distribution of educational content to different classrooms and common areas.
• Offices and Commercial Buildings: MATV provides TV access in break rooms, waiting areas, and meeting rooms.

For a more in-depth look at the components of an MATV system, see below.

Modulation

For audio and video signals to be transmitted using only a portion of the available bandwidth, they are modulated onto carrier signals within a fixed bandwidth, also known as a channel. If TVs are tuned to a particular channel, it is not tuned into a single frequency, but a 7MHz band from which the audio and video information is retrieved.

MATV Head End

The Head End of a MATV system usually consists of an antenna which receives broadcast signals, processing equipment to filter the signals and a distribution amplifier to amplify the signals to compensate for distribution losses. Antennas, amplifiers, taps, filters and attenuators are used in this part of the system.

Antenna

The quality of TV reception can be no better than the quality of the signal from the antenna. Therefore it is vital that the correct antenna be selected for the intended location.

The quality and strength of any signal received is determined by the following:

• Proximity to the transmission tower
• Power of the transmitter
• Quality of the transmission
• Line of sight to the transmission tower
• Weather conditions
• Interference from power lines
• Directional characteristics and orientation of the antenna
• Level of gain of the antenna

Signal Survey

One of the most important steps in Head-End design is determining the signal levels in your area. Completing a signal survey before installing the system will avoid many potential problems. By using a field meter, antenna, and a portable TV, you can measure the amount of signal received on each channel. Some antennas can do much to overcome certain types of interference, so be careful in your selection.

Masthead Amplifiers

If you find you are in a weak signal area, all is not lost! A Masthead Amplifier can amplify the signal before it reaches the distribution amplifier. This ensures a signal of sufficient strength and acceptable quality.

MATV Distribution

To guarantee a good signal at every TV receiver connected to the system, the MATV distribution system must be well designed. Splitters and taps are used in the distribution system to provide a predetermined signal level and to maintain the correct impedance to each of the outputs. Calculations of losses associated with splitters, drop taps, and cable are required. To avoid losing signal quality, each outlet has a defined amount of signal level required, and cable runs should not be longer than the maximum recommendation.

Attenuators

The antenna receives many signals, which may have a wide variation in signal levels. To ensure the same picture quality on all channels, equalisation may be required to prevent the stronger signals from overriding the weaker signals. Attenuators are used for this purpose, as they reduce the stronger signals by a specified amount.

Amplifiers

Amplifiers are used to increase the signal strengths to a level greater than the losses in the distribution system. Signal increase is determined by the amplifier gain, which should be high enough that an acceptable signal level is provided to all televisions on the system. As important as the amplifier’s gain is, the output capability is just as important. The specifications of the amplifier should be checked to ensure the output level is sufficient for the system, and that the strength of the input signal plus the gain of the amplifier doesn’t exceed the amplifiers rated output capability. If the output capability is exceeded, it will result in overloading, distortion and signal deterioration.

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