An Integrated reception system (IRS) provides the option of receiving digital TV through an aerial or through a satellite dish. It provides a greater choice for users but has a higher initial cost than an MATV system.
A typical IRS system in a block of 12 flats;
The basic IRS system (5-wires) delivers TV signals (either through the aerial or satellite dish) to the receivers exactly as if they were connected directly to their own aerial or dish, however, it does not allow additional satellite services such as recording and multiple connections and high definition to be used. To access services such as sky+ or Freesat+ a dual feed is required. This can increase costs but has increasingly become the preferred option for residents and property managers.
For residents whose first language is not English, it is possible to have additional satellite dishes added to the system to receive foreign language services. For each additional satellite, a further four wires are added to the system. Nine-wire and thirteen-wire systems are commonly found.
Property managers with high numbers of non English residents often install an IRS system with two satellite dishes (nine-wire system).
Any of the switchover stages have the potential to require changes to be made to communal aerial systems, particularly where channelised equipment, such as filters or amplifiers are being used. Some Integrated Reception Systems (IRS) may be fitted with these and you should contacts your installer or maintenance contractor to see whether any additional works will be required to your system, and whether these will need to be made at each step. Failure to do this may result in televisions connected to the systems not being able to receive the full range of programmes until such time as the system is updated.
There may also be further frequency changes outside of the switchover process where communal aerial systems may need attention.
Digital UK will write to social housing organisations at least one month in advance of switchover to inform of any changes they may need to make.
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