MATV systems

What is MATV System? 

MATV stands for Master Antenna Television. It is the means by which many apartment houses, hotels, schools, and other multi-unit buildings distribute TV and FM signals to a number of receivers. In order to accomplish this without a loss of signal quality, these systems must be carefully planned and engineered through the effective use of MATV equipment and techniques. 

An MATV system is basically a network of cables and specially designed components that process and amplify TV and FM signals and distribute them from one central location. If there were 100 TV sets in a building, it would be extremely expensive to Install and maintain l00 separate antennas. Not only would It be unsightly, but reception would suffer because many antennas would interact with each other, causing interference problems. 

MATV systems
Fibre IRS
Internet protocol TV
Five Wire IRS Systems
IRS - Integrated Reception Systems
SMATV Systems
Nine Wire IRS Sytems
Thirteen wire IRS systems

Where is it commonly used?

A mass of commercial premises including hotels, offices, housing developments, and holiday parks, now utilise some form of the structured cable system to supply an array of different programs and information services to their end-user customers.

A modern MATV system can carry analog and digital television signals through an aerial, both free-to-view and subscription, FM radio and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) but it cannot carry satellite signals. Some MATV systems in use today are over 30-years old and the many are unsuitable for carrying digital television signals. These will need to be surveyed and may require modification or replacement. 

MATV System diagram

In a typical MATV system:

  • A high-gain digital TV aerial receives the incoming digital television signals, which are then processed by the system.
  • In older MATV systems that haven't been upgraded for digital broadcasting, this processing stage often becomes a limitation. The equipment was originally designed to handle only analog signals, which can restrict or prevent proper handling of modern digital transmissions.
  • Once processed, the television signals are distributed throughout the building via a structured network. Each household receives the signal through one or more socket outlets—however, only one TV can be connected to each outlet.
  • The design of the distribution network depends on the building’s layout, including the number of dwellings and floors.

Contact us

One Vision has acquired a large amount of practical experience of installing and maintaining these types of systems, by completing major projects for commercial clients across the UK. One Vision can provide the solution to your installation requirements.

Contact us today, to discuss the supply, installation, and maintenance of commercial MATV systems anywhere in the UK.