









MATV
A multitude of commercial premises including hotels, offices,
housing developments and holiday parks, now utilise some
form of structured cable system to supply an array of
different programmes and information services to their end-user customers.
These modern 'Multi point' distribution systems normally incorporate
a form of MATV system (Master Antenna Television), which is
dependent upon the client's specific needs. While MATV systems
may vary in size and complexity, the basic structure of the system
includes two clear areas of interest;- 
1. The Head End System
The MATV Head End is primarily tailored to provide the end-
user with 'Off-Air' terrestrial services like BBC1, BBC2, ITV, C4
and C5. The 'Off-Air' services are initially received by a robust
high gain aerial installation, which is mounted at a convenient position on the
premises. A high quality and Mast Head Amplification ensure that signal quality is
optimised at the front end of the Head-End system therefore minimising any
form of inherent noise, prior to the main amplification stages. This
signal feed is then passed through channel equalisation stages to
balance all incoming channels before additional filtering stages are used
to minimise or reject unwanted interference sources. Clients now have
the option of inserting additional UHF/ VHF channels for special
features like information services (Guest Information), Video programmes
(PPV) or 'Off Air' radio services (Radio1 etc), before the signal is then
fed to the main launch amplification for onward distribution.
2. The Distribution System
The output signal from the launch amplifier is now inserted into a structured cabling
system constructed of high grade cable and screened outlet plates, which are
installed within the premises to provide the end user with the required service
package. Structured cabling systems can vary greatly in size, dependent upon
the physical layout of the premises they are being installed into and the
number of outlet points required to support the end-users customer requirements.