SMATV
System for distributing television signals
SMATV (single master antenna television or satellite master antenna television), is a system for supplying and controlling the number and type of communication channels, usually television channels and FM stations to multiple televisions. It provides reception of DBS TV/FM channels for hotels, motels, dormitories, schools, hospitals and commercial properties with multiple tenants. Using a master antenna system video signals, audio signals and decoder signals can be distributed.
01Design
It consists of single outdoor unit or antenna feeding multiple receivers. Accessible channels can vary by user. Maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio requires a larger antenna, typically 2-3 metres (6.6-9.8 ft) in diameter.
A single SMATV headend receives and retransmits satellite television channels throughout a property.
The system consists of a master antenna and a matching transformer to match the balanced antenna with unbalanced cable and amplifiers. Most antennas have an impedance of around 300 Ω. To convert it to 75 Ω, a matching transformer (or balun) is used. For trunk line isolation, a resistive inductive splitter is used. The amplifier output is fed to the splitter through coaxial trunk lines.
02Distribution
Several methods of distribution are supported via SMATV. These include:
- IPTV (Internet Protocol) TV Systems
- COM1000 Pro:Idiom Encrypted HD Headend
- L-Band Satellite TV Distribution
The two main approaches for distribution of digital TV signals in SMATV installations are:
- Transmodulation from satellite quaternary phase shift keying QPSK to quadrature amplitude modulation QAM
- Direct QPSK distribution
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “SMATV”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Fracarro-Portenseigne-Compact-Line-QPSK-Digital-Satellite-x6-Headend-SIG9506UN-Front.jpg by MarcoTangerino, Public domain
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