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Adaptation of SMATV / MATV
TV & SAT TV
DVB-T & DAB
Adaptation of SMATV / MATV / shared antenna systems for reception of DVB-T
broadcasts
SMATV (SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION) SYSTEMS
GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN OFFICES, INVESTORS, INSTALLERS
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Alcad channel amplifiers prepared by the manufacturer
Terra twin channel amplifiers tuned by the installer
Cabling
Antennas
• Exchanging televisions for new ones with built-in DVB-T MPEG-4 tuners
• Equipping televisions with external DVB-T receivers (STBs)
• Using Terra headend converting digital COFDM signals (DVB-T
multiplexes) to analog PAL channels
• Professional TERRA multiswitch installations - universal SMATV systems
(DVB-T + SAT)
• 5-cable and 9-cable SMATV systems based on Terra MSV multiswitches
• Cabling
• Example diagrams
Our intention in creating this document was to inform prospective investors,
project offices and installation companies on the issues connected with (S)MATV
/ shared antenna systems, in particular, their modernization and adaptation to
the requirements of DVB-T.
The upgrading plans may also include distribution of satellite signals, both FTA
and from pay-TV platforms. In the second part of the study we'll show the
principles of planning this type of installations and proven solutions proposed by
TERRA.
Amplifier sets operating in MATV systems can be divided into two general
categories:
• broadband amplifiers used in smaller systems (usually up to about 50
outlets),
• channel amplifiers used in small, medium, and large systems.
In the first case, the introduction of digital broadcasts should not pose any
problem. It works somehow "automatically", and the only thing the system
administrator should do is to test whether the gain of the amplifier(s) is
adequate for the new signals (taking into consideration the signal levels in all
outlets).
Generally, the signal levels of DVB-T multiplexes should be 6-10 dB lower in
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relation to the levels of video carriers of analog TV signals. More about the
measurements and parameters of digital signals and the requirements for this
type of installation can be read in the article Measurements and amplification of
DTT (DVB-T) signals.
In the case of channel amplifiers the situation is quite different. The
maintenance person is required to make changes in the system. Many existing
systems are based on sets of Alcad channel amplifiers. Since 2003, the amplifiers
have been installed in thousands of MATV systems.
The number of the channel amplifiers is equal to the number of received and
distributed channels. The amplifier characteristics (linearity in the the entire
width of the channel) makes these amplifiers suitable both for receiving analog
TV channels and DVB-T multiplexes.
As a rule, the sets for analog TV contain power supply and 5-7 channel amplifiers
(modules). As the mounting frame can hold up to 12 modules, the modernization
of the set consists in adding next amplifiers, one module for one digital
multiplex.
Investors and contractors facing the choice of amplifiers for digital terrestrial
television can now use a new generation of channel amplifiers - digitally tuned
channel amplifiers TERRA at420 R82510.
These amplifiers are ideal for every MATV system:
• apartment houses, multi-dwelling units,
• hotels and boardinghouses,
• hospitals, nursing homes, public buildings.
The main advantages of the TERRA at420 amplifiers:
• perfectly working with analog and digital signals,
• digitally tuned, with SAW filters ensuring high selectivity,
• one unit amplifies two analog TV channels or two DVB-T multiplexes freely
chosen within UHF band,
• AGC - automatic equalization of all channel levels to 85 dBuV (analog
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mode) or 80 dBuV (DVB-T mode),
• 12 VDC / 0.1 A power for preamplifiers,
• DIN rail mounting (usually in a 19" RACK cabinet).
Terra also provides other components for a new-generation of MATV systems. A
universal system consists of:
Twin, digitally tuned channel amplifier with AGC, optimized for DVB-T - Terra
at420 R82510
Multiband Amplifier Terra ma400 (FM/VHF/UHF) R82520 - is used to increase
the levels of signals coming from all at420 amplifiers and from RF modulators,
as well as to combine VHF and FM signals.
Twin VSB multi-standard modulator Terra mt420 (ch. 6-12, 21-69, S1-S40)
R82515
DIN rail RACK mounting bracket for up to 8 modules - R82538.
DIN rail power supply DR-60-12 (12 VDC / 4.5 A) - R82532
DC distribution cable 699.20 R82536
F-F coaxial bridge 699.026 R82540
An example set of the Terra amplifiers and modulators for a MATV system.
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The components of the set:
• four twin modulators mt420 R82515 allowing for introduction of 8
channels from external video sources (CCTV cameras, media players, DVD
players, satellite receivers, etc.),
• three twin channel amplifiers at420 R82510 for amplifying 6 DVB-T
multiplexes or analog TV channels,
• multiband amplifier ma400 R82520 combining and equalizing UHF, VHF
and FM signals - the maximum output level (DIN45004B) of 118 dBuV is
sufficient for distributing the signals to over 200 outlets, without using
additional amplifiers.
• All the modules are powered from DR-60-12 R82532 power supply and
mounted on DIN rail mounting bracket R82538 designed for 19" RACK
cabinets. Of course, the modules can be mounted on walls or in other
cabinets.
Application of TERRA amplifiers enables smooth transition from analog to
digital TV over the period of starting DVB-T transmitters and subsequent
switching off analog TV channels. The changes in broadcast parameters of digital
transmitters, including channel shifts of the multiplexes, will not require any
hardware modifications. The intervention will be limited to re-tuning a
particular channel amplifier to the new channel. It is performed by the buttons
on the front panel of the module and takes a minute or so, and does not require
any additional equipment.
In the case of installations currently operating within the whole frequency
spectrum (not using channel converters shifting UHF channels to lower ones),
the necessary adaptation to DVB-T multiplexes will require only some changes
in active equipment (adjusting broadband amplifiers or exchanging/retuning
/adding channel amplifiers).
Systems with older or low-quality cabling may require an exchange, a least in
some fragments. Over time, the old or poor quality cables lose their initial
parameters and show both increased attenuation and lower screening efficiency.
In the case of analog television these flaws may cause only fine snowing and
occasional interferences, whereas digital broadcasts can be pixelated or frozen.
Newly designed systems should absolutely use reputable brands of coaxial cables
with screening efficiency at least at the "Class A" level.
The market leader TRISET-113 PVC E1015 with class A+ screening
and its younger brother TRISET PROFI E1010 belonging to the highest class
A++.
It happens that the investor gives the installer a free hand in selecting the cable.
The investor shouldn't seek cost savings by using cheap cables produced for
other purposes than the distribution of television (e.g. RG-59). The difference in
signal attenuation over a distance of 100 m at 860 MHz for this type of cable and
TRISET-113 is about 18 dB! It means three times lower signal at the end of the
cable length. As mentioned above, what snows a little an analog channel, may
block reception of a digital multiplex.
Antennas for DVB-T reception
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In most cases, the antenna array responsible for the current reception of analog
channels will be suitable for receiving digital TV signals. Due to technical
compatibility, replacement of antennas is not necessary, unless some digital
multiplex is broadcast on a very high channel not properly received by the
existing UHF antenna. Of course, the prerequisite for proper reception is good
condition of the antenna array, so it is necessary to replace corroded or
incomplete antennas or/and mounts. Because of "digital cliff", signal instability
caused by poor technical condition of antenna system is more "dangerous" than
in case of analog TV.
Dipol Tri-Digit A2670 antenna
The initial power of DVB-T transmitters may be low due to the transitional
period (simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals) which can last
up to several years. In such cases, the DVB-T reception can be improved by
replacing the antenna with a model having a higher energetic gain.
The type of antenna for MATV systems preferred by installers is Tri-Digit A2670.
It combines two important features:
• high energetic gain (18 dBi at the upper limit of the UHF band) ensuring
good signal level at the input of the antenna system,
• compact design and small dimensions, which is important also in the case
of antennas mounted on roofs of even large buildings - other types of
antennas having similar gain are 2-3 m long and much more susceptible to
defects associated with external factors (wind, birds), their delicate "X"
directors can easily become deformed.
Some installers "modernizing" antenna arrays eliminate VHF (BIII) antennas,
claiming that DVB-T multiplexes are to be broadcast only in UHF band channels
(channels 21-69). This opinion is very popular, but does not take into
consideration other aspects.
The VHF band III which is in some countries still used for broadcasting analog
television channels (till the end of transitional period), will be used in the future
for T-DAB transmissions (Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting which is to
replace the existing FM radio services).
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The 174-230 MHz band will be divided into 8 channels with width of 7 MHz
(instead of the current 7 channels with width of 8 MHz). Each of them will
contain four "sub-channels" dedicated to broadcasting digital radio programs. As
a result, the band will accommodate 32 digital radio programs broadcast in
T-DAB standard.
But this is not the only reason why antenna installers should refrain from VHF
III antennas. In some countries one of these channels may be used for an
additional DVB-T multiplex. So, it is good to be prepared for such an eventuality.
T-DAB / DVB-T channels in VHF III band
[source: mi.gov.pl]
All installations distributing TV channels only in the VHF band should be
modernized to provide the ability to distribute television programming also in
the UHF band.
Any attempts to postpone the modernization of such installations involving the
application of successive UHF/VHF channel converters should be considered as
a temporary solution. The main reason is the mentioned earlier ultimate use of
the VHF band for other digital services. Another issue is the limitation of the bit
rates of digital multiplexes in the VHF band due to narrower channels.
DVB-T signal regeneration is possible when a single receiver connected directly
to the antenna allows a relatively trouble-free reception of digital broadcasts.
After regeneration, the signal can be amplified and distributed to tens or even
hundreds of outlets. The input threshold parameters usually sufficient for
satisfactory reception/regeneration of the signal are: MER of 26 dB, BER of
0.001.
In such situations it is essential to use antennas with the highest possible
energetic gain, such as Tri-Digit A2670. In combination with Terra ttx311
COFDM/COFDM transmodulator (available on request), which demodulates the
multiplex to the transport stream, corrects signal errors (if it is technically
possible), and modulates again as COFDM RF channel - the antenna system may
provide satisfactory results even in difficult environments.
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COFDM-COFDM transmodulator TERRA ttx311. The module is installed in the
UC-380 base unit R81700 which can house up to 8 units (including other types).
One ttx311 module is responsible for transmodulation (regeneration) of one
DVB-T multiplex.
The idea of using the ttx311 regenerator
An additional advantage of the device is the possibility of modifying transport
stream, very useful in hotels, hospitals, correctional facilities etc. The service
filtering option allows for cutting out some channels from the DVB-T multiplex.
in facilities equipped with large numbers of CRT televisions or LCD/plasma sets
not compatible with the current DVB-T version
(hospitals, jails, hotels, boardinghouses etc.)
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Such facilities equipped with obsolete CRT televisions or newer ones not
compatible with the ultimate standard (e.g. MPEG-4) used in the country, make
a separate category. Due to obvious reasons, the TV sets cannot receive digital
terrestrial TV programs.
Investors facing the need of modernization of the antenna systems can choose
one of three solutions, each of which has both advantages and disadvantages. In
every case, the most appropriate solution depends on the number of outlets,
available budget and individual preferences of the investor.
• 1. Purchasing new televisions equipped with built-in tuners compatible
with the required standard (e.g. MPEG-4). It requires the largest financial
outlays that are primarily dependent on the screen size and quality of the
selected model. However, it will ensure the reception of DVB-T broadcast
in SD and HD quality with the use of the single remote control supplied
with each TV set.
• 2. Supplying each television with external DVB-T receiver (set-top-box STB) etc. Depending on the TV, the STB should provide only SD video (for
CRT televisions and low-resolution LCDs), or be able to transfer HD
channels (in the case of HD and HD-Ready TVs). The disadvantage of this
solution is the necessity of using two remote control units, for the TV and
DVB-T receiver.
DVB-T receiver and media player Signal HD-527 A99252 (MPEG-2/4, PVR
Ready)
However, this solution provides additional functions:
◦ PVR Ready - recording selected programs on external USB memory
device,
◦ EPG - Electronic Program Guide; EPG recording enables recording of
programs chosen from the guide,
◦ Timeshift - possibility of pausing, delaying, then accelerating the
watched program,
◦ Multi-page teletext loaded at the first start of the receiver,
◦ Selection of the language version of the subtitles,
◦ Selection of audio track,
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◦ Parental Lock - possibility of entering the age of the (youngest) child
and password in the menu. Each program with a higher age rating
will require to provide the password.
The above solutions - buying new televisions or additional DVB-T receivers for
all TV sets - are economically justified when the number of the existing
televisions is not high (several to about 30).
• 3. Application of TERRA headends - in the case of a larger number of TV
sets (>30), in many hotels, boardinghouses, jails - it is usually not possible
to replace all the TVs at once or equip them with external DVB-T receivers.
The owners or administrators want to spread it out over a longer time. The
perfect solution for such facilities is the application of TERRA headends
that demodulate COFDM digital signals and use them to generate analog
PAL channels distributed in the antenna systems, which can be directly
received by the older televisions. In parallel, the digital multiplexes are
available for the newer televisions which are successively installed in these
facilities.
The solution presented below based on TERRA equipment allows old televisions
to access the full range of programs broadcast in DVB-T multiplexes.
The idea behind the solution is the installation of MMH-3000 headend in the
central point of the signal distribution system. The headend is equipped with a
suitable number of trans-modulators converting the digital signals to analog
PAL channels. It can be assumed that the solution becomes economically viable
for systems with 30 or more outlets.
An economical solution for the distribution of 8 channels from two multiplexes
The components of the set:
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• base unit UC-380 R81700 incorporating power supply and broadband RF
amplifier with high output level, capable of holding up to 8 individual
modules;
• two trans modulators COFDM-PAL RT-316 R81707 (each of them receives
one digital multiplex, of which one program can be selected for conversion
to analog PAL channel. Other programs from the multiplex can be decoded
from the MPEG2 transport stream by "slave" modules DM-316;
• six MPEG2/H.264 TS decoders / DSB modulators DM-316 R817121 for
decoding the DVB-T MPEG2 and H.264 signals (TS) and converting them
to analog TV channels (PAL)
The base units can be combined for increasing the number of received and
distributed programs:
An extended solution enabling distribution of up to 24 programs from tree
multiplexes
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So, this solution is very flexible. The headed can be easily adapted to the number
of available multiplexes and any changes of the transmission parameters
(frequencies of the multiplexes, program changes).
Other important feature of this solution is possibility of using modules with CI
slots. In the case of introduction of pay DVB-T programs, they may be
distributed throughout the premises without the need for additional receivers or
cards for any TV (of course the owner of the system should sign the relevant
subscription agreement with the content supplier).
The required or recommended systems for residential buildings may depend on
the national regulations. In addition to fiber networks, digital terrestrial TV and
satellite TV signals can be distributed in many countries through multiswitch
systems.
In each case the installer / installation company should obey the local laws.
SMATV systems eliminate individual satellite dishes on facades, balconies or
roofs. They improve the looks of the buildings and minimize potential threats to
life and health of the residents and other people (taking into consideration
strong winds).
Due to a relatively slow development of optical solutions dedicated for the
distribution of television signals and high prices of the optical equipment, which
do not allow for their widespread use, in many countries multiswitch solutions
remain the mainstream of SMATV systems.
Professional multiswitch systems based on TERRA equipment for distribution of
DVB-T and DVB-S
For multi-family buildings, DIPOL offers solutions based on Terra equipment.
They are used in many countries, among others in UK, Germany, Australia,
Poland.
Since 2004, the number of large TERRA multiswitch systems installed in Poland
has reached thousands, and they enjoy excellent reputation.
TERRA SMATV system for 240 outlets placed in a RACK cabinet
The major benefits of TERRA multiswitch systems:
• a complete range of devices allowing for implementation of various
projects, for one or two satellite positions, with different topologies
(optimal for the building/s) and numbers of outlets;
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• scalability - the systems can be used in large single-family houses with ten
or so outlets, in apartment buildings with tens or hundreds of outlets, and
in multi-dwelling units with up to a thousand of outlets;
• failure-free equipment - professional designs, top-class components,
advanced technology, and high quality control standards at the
manufacturing and final stage of the production practically eliminate
failures in the systems based on multiswitches and other devices from
TERRA;
• perfect cooperation with all satellite and terrestrial TV platforms, including
DVB-T;
• high technical parameters such as isolation between inputs, isolation
between outputs, resistance to interference;
• innovative method of powering system components - a distributed
installation wit several hundred outlets can be powered from one 230 VAC
power outlet - the devices are powered via signal lines;
• strong technical support for installers coming from DIPOL, as well as
provided by SatNet utility developed by TERRA for easy and intuitive
designing of even very large SMATV systems.
The SatNet utility for designing TERRA multiswitch systems
SatNet is both simple and powerful design tool suitable for design offices,
installation companies, and individual installers. The main features of the
software:
• the SMATV projects can accommodate satellite and terrestrial signals,
• includes built-in database of Terra products with their actual parameters;
• has the possibility of defining desired levels of the distributed signals in
subscribers' outlets,
• includes the use of cables of different types and classes, also not listed in
the database (user-defined),
• automatically adjusts and shows the necessary settings of the active
components of the system,
• in a few seconds it shows whether the signals levels in outlets are in
conformity with project assumptions and can generate the frequency
response for the signals in any point of the system.
SatNet significantly accelerates the designing and implementing of multiswitch
systems.
MSV TERRA multiswitches for 5/9-cable systems
Technical description and installation planning
The radial multiswitches provide great opportunities in terms of network
scalability. They are ideal for multi-family buildings with multiple floors and
staircases. Installation of several hundred outlets may require only one power
supply. The main idea of the network is the construction of signal bus which
delivers the signals to each subnetwork with MSV multiswitches.
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The components of the 5/9-cable systems:
• MSV multiswitches - available for one satellite position and terrestrial TV
(used in 5-cable systems) or two satellite positions and terrestrial TV (used
in 9-cable systems), with different number of outputs: 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32;
they can be powered remotely (via H lines) or locally (from a power supply
located in the same installation box),
• launch and line amplifiers - used in situations where the signal is to be
distributed in large buildings and/or to a large number of outlets; launch
amplifiers can also supply power (via H lines) to multiswitches and other
system components,
• splitters and taps - divide the network into subnetworks serving smaller
groups of subscribers,
Cabling for multiswitch systems
Modernizing an existing multiswitch system or building a new one, the installer
should put special emphasis on the proper selection of coaxial cables.
The most important parameters:
• attenuation (multiswitch systems distribute signals in very wide frequency
band: 47-2400 MHz); cheap cables are not suitable for these systems due
to high attenuation, especially when the distances between the LNB and
receivers are long;
• screening efficiency - cheap cables have poor shielding which causes
crosstalk between adjacent cables in the harness (arranged of 5 or 9
cables), decreasing C/N ratios.
Example diagrams of multiswitch systems
The topology of multiswitch systems in buildings with multiple floors and
staircases depends on the number and layout of the outlets (two main solutions).
• The first solution is dedicated for buildings with relatively small number of
outlets in each staircase, not beyond the capacity of a single multiswitch
(up to 32). It is possible to implement it in the case of a larger number
outlets, however it would require to use additional coaxial cables in shafts.
The cable bus, composed of 5 (for one satellite position) or 9 (for two satellite
positions) Triset E1015-113 cables, goes from the roof to the basement / garage /
underground car park, and then (at the basement/underground level) to next
staircases with taps providing signals for the multiswitches with the required
number of outputs.
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/Legend: terrestrial TV antenna, satellite antenna, tap, multiswitch, outlet/
Wiring diagram of a system with one quatro LNB in building with maximum 32
outlets in one staircase
/Legend: terrestrial TV antenna, satellite antenna, tap, multiswitch, outlet/
Wiring diagram of a system with two quatro LNBs in building with maximum 32
outlets in one staircase
• The second solution is recommended for buildings with very large number
of outlets, particularly for high apartment buildings and other buildings
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where the number of outlets on each floor is relatively large (e.g. ten or
more).
The cable bus is also run from the roof to the basement / garage / underground
car park, and then through all the staicases at the basement/underground level.
In each staircase there is main tap at the lowest level, and the bus going up in the
shaft to the highest floor, divided by another tap on each floor into a
subnetwork. This way, the number of outlets on every floor and in the whole
building is virtually unlimited.
/Legend: terrestrial TV antenna, satellite antenna, tap, multiswitch, outlet/
Wiring diagram of a system with one quatro LNB in building with more than 32
outlets in one staircase
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/Legend: terrestrial TV antenna, satellite antenna, tap, multiswitch, outlet/
Wiring diagram of a system with two quatro LNBs in building with more than 32
outlets in one staircase
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