SMATV

SMATV is Single Master Antenna Television (or Satellite Master Antenna Television),^[1] The purpose of SMATV is for supplying and controlling the number and type of channels to multiple televisions.^[2] Not only TV channels but FM channels as well. 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 also be distributed.

It consists of single outdoor unit or antenna feeding to number of indoor units.^[3] The channels accessible are independent of other users. For maintaining a good signal-to-noise ratio at all the indoor units served, a larger antenna is required, typically 2 metres (6.6 ft) to 3 metres (9.8 ft) in diameter.

A QPSK Digital Satellite Headend by Fracarro.

A SMATV headend is used to receive and rebroadcast satellite television channels throughout a property from a single satellite feed.^[4]

The system consists of a master antenna and a matching transformer to match the balanced antenna with unbalanced cable and amplifiers.^[5] 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 device known as a splitter is used. The amplifier output is fed to the splitter through coaxial trunk lines.^[6]

There are several methods of distribution that are often used in a SMATV headend. These include:

• IPTV (Internet Protocol) TV Systems^[7]
• COM1000 Pro:Idiom Encrypted HD Headend
• L-Band Satellite TV Distribution^[8]

There are two main approaches for distribution of digital TV signals in SMATV installations:

• Transmodulation from satellite quaternary phase shift keying QPSK to quadrature amplitude modulation QAM
• Direct distribution of QPSK^[9]

In the United States, the satellite carriers providing the satellite TV signal for SMATV headend systems are:

• DirecTV
• Dish Network