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Amiko STHD 8800 2CI 2CX E PVR Combo [C0C74773]

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Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) infrastructure has been rolled out across much of the country by RTÉNL, in preparation for the launch of digital television services by broadcasters. Coverage will extend to all of the country on a phased basis before the end 2012 to facilitate the switch off of the current  Analogue Terrestrial Television (ATT) system.

DTT offers:

• More television channels
• Radio services (including
• RTÉ’s DAB-only services)
• Improved video and audio quality
• Enhanced teletext

Prior to ATT switch-off, the available electromagnetic spectrum can facilitate four DTT multiplexes. This will rise to six DTT multiplexes once ATT is switched off at the end of 2012. The six DTT multiplex system will deliver up to 50 standard definition television services (a mixture of free-to-air and pay services), radio and digital teletext. It will also provide a migratory path to high definition television.

Most reception problems are due to an inadequate or poorly-installed antenna so it is important, therefore, to get this right.

Signals are at their strongest close to the transmitter site.

They get progressively weaker the further one travels from the site. Hills, tall buildings and other obstructions can limit coverage in certain areas. In areas of weak signals, it is important to position the antenna carefully to ensure that it can receive the available signals to best effect.

As traditional analogue television signals become weaker, the viewer notices a deterioration in picture quality as it becomes more and more “snowy”. Digital signals are different as there is no difference in picture quality produced by strong signals close to the transmitter site and relatively weak signals further away.

Beyond a certain point, however, the signal becomes too weak and the decoder is not able to produce a picture at all.

In some areas, DTT transmissions are of higher powers than current analogue services broadcast from the same transmitter sites.

In fringe reception areas, some installations may have a mast-head amplifier in place to boost the analogue signal.

In cases where DTT signals are stronger than the analogue signals, masthead amplifiers may overload. In such cases, the amplifier should be removed from the installation.

Do I need a different antenna for digital television?

In short, a good antenna is one that is best suited to a particular location. In many locations, an indoor antenna may suffice. In others, an antenna can be installed in the attic. In others, an outdoor antenna will be required. Antennas fall into one of four categories as follows:

• Category 1 Should provide adequate DTT reception even for homes on the fringes of coverage areas.
• Category 2 Intermediate standard, suitable for use within the coverage area.
• Category 3 Minimum standard required for good coverage conditions.
• Category 4 Recommended where better wideband performance is required.

The antenna should be aligned correctly in the direction of the transmitter site so as to amplify the incoming signal and avoid, where possible, signals from any other source.

What is meant by antenna polarisation?

For external antennas, these should be mounted using suitable galvanised wall brackets, spaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. As an alternative, special lashing kits (which should also be galvanised) are available for attaching mounting poles to a suitable chimney, without having to drill any holes. Again these must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A pole up to 1.8m in length can be 25mm in diameter, with a wall thickness of 1.2mm. Beyond this length, the pole should be 51mm in diameter and 1.6mm-2.0mm thick. It is recommended that poles and brackets should be galvanised to EN ISO 1461:1999.

Fitting the Antenna

A good quality cable is most important. Poor quality cable will lose a lot of the incoming signal and will allow “noise” or other unwanted signals to combine with the wanted signals, causing interference. Don’t spoil the installation with cheap cable: use a low loss type. When attaching a cable, feed it up from underneath so that rain does not run in to the connection box. Use self-amalgamating tape to waterproof

any holes where water may enter. Leave any drain holes that there may be in

the bottom of a box free for condensation, to drain out and make sure the drain holes, if any, are not obstructed by the cable etc. The antenna should be connected to the STB using good quality cable, such as CT100, conforming to the standard EN 50117-1 1997.

What sort of connectors should be used?

Where possible, “F” connectors should be used. These are easy to fit and must be screwed into place giving a good, reliable fit.

For a demonstration of how to fit an F connector- watch this video:

Where a traditional co-ax plug is required, these should be attached to the cable as shown below. Please note that there should be a very slight kink in the core of the cable to ensure a tight fit.