The tailored digital TV solutions that DAS create are based on extensive on site research and draw on our vast experience in working on thousands of diverse construction projects across the UK.
The basis for much of these bespoke installation designs lie in the generic systems outlined below:
I.R.S.
An Integrated Reception System or IRS offers the ultimate in digital TV choice.
By collecting the broadcast signals from both terrestrial and satellite transmitters, as well as radio signals from the new Digital Audio Broadcasts (DAB), it leaves those who purchase the dwellings you build free to choose exactly how they receive their digital entertainment.
Residents connect their TV set or digital receiver to the socket outlet in their home or they can also connect a satellite receiver which sends commands to a multi-switch which in turn connects it to one of the four trunk cables installed.
In smaller systems, only a single multi-switch is needed within the IRS system, which is often situated at roof level, near to the aerials which feed it.
Larger systems can have single or multiple multi-switches, with up to 12 outputs each. Multiple multi-switches are connected to a backbone of trunk cables that, in a tower block may run through a central riser for example or be fixed onto the outside of the building itself.
An IRS system delivers satellite signals to receivers as if they were connected directly to their own satellite dishes, so the user needs no special equipment whatsoever. Installing two separate feeds to each household, each feed occupying its own output on the multi-switch with a separate cable is becoming standard practice and the preferred option for many residents as it gives them access to the much sought after Sky+ system.
To view a diagram of this system click here.
M.A.T.V
Master Antenna Television or M.A.T.V systems differ from IRS by only offering Freeview and DAB radio. For those projects where giving residents the optimum choice of satellite TV is not a prime objective – such as affordable housing, prisons or hospitals, this can result in a cost saving for the developer.
Many MATV systems in use today are more than 35-years old and may not be suitable for carrying digital television signals.
In a typical modern MATV system the aerial is a conventional UHF TV aerial, receiving both analogue and digital TV signals. These signals are then processed and a distribution network delivers all television signals to a socket in each household. There can be more than one outlet per household, but only one TV set can be connected.
To view a diagram of this system click here.
S.M.A.T.V
Satellite Master Antenna Television or S.M.A.T.V systems are often used in environments where the number and type of channels available needs to be controlled, i.e. care homes, prisons, hospitals and holiday resorts and hotels.
A head-end unit is installed to receive the signals from a digital aerial, satellite dish or in some cases both. This unit processes the signals into the pre-selected range of channels and distributes them to each point. Guests can then access selected satellite or Freeview channels independently of each other.
