Other Communal TV systems
Posted on 12th June at 09:06 AM
Cable TV services
Cable TV services are provided through underground cable by Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ASDL) to an individual property or a group of properties. Sometimes referred to as D-CAB, the provider controls, off site, the signal to the decoder box in the property enabling the services to be received. The subscriber can access an array of public sector broadcasting services and additional channels enhanced by interactivity and on-demand services.
Cable TV services are available across 45% of the UK and the main provider of cable TV services in the UK is Virgin Media (previously NTL: telewest) and SmallWorld. Cable TV providers can offer ‘triple and quad play’ bundles of services - TV, broadband, fixed/mobile telephone services over the fibre optic cables. Virgin Media has introduced V+ which is similar to SKY+, offering an opportunity via cable TV to record TV programmes with a pause and rewind live TV functionality as well as access to a library of free and pay-to-view programmes on demand.
In blocks of flats, where the installation of aerials or satellite dishes is constrained by planning regulations, and large estates of houses, particularly in few towns, have been the recipients of large scale cable TV services. Some of the older schemes have analogue cable which is now obsolete and won’t carry digital signals. Property managers will need to investigate replacement systems or alternative options to maintain continuity of service through switchover.
Cable TV is not available in all areas, Digital UK’s postcode checker will show what services are available in your area.
Digital cable TV service providers:
Virgin Media - http://www.virginmedia.com/
SmallWorld - http://www.smallworldmedia.com/
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
This is a means of delivering television services over a local area broadband network using web protocols, mainly used currently in student accommodation. This technology takes digital terrestrial and/or satellite signals and re-distributes them alongside other services such as video on demand and broadcast local TV channels. TV services are received from satellite or terrestrial transmitters, and are converted into a format known as Internet Protocol, which can be carried on data networks. If a property is being built or re-wired, and is equipped with computer network cabling (e.g. CAT-5) then there is no need to install separate coaxial cables for TV as broadband, TV and telephony can share the same network.
In a typical IPTV system:
- A TV signal is received through a conventional aerial or satellite dish.
- The signal is processed by an IPTV head-end. The head-end hardware is usually situated locally within the building, although some IPTV providers stream broadcasts from an off-site head-end.
- The IPTV signal is distributed to users through a minimum CAT-5 cable network.
- Viewers receive TV services on a TV adapted with an IP digital box on a PC or a laptop.
At present there are no commercial service applications, but the availability of IPTV is likely to become more widespread over the next few years. However, in the mean time, IPTV can be used for TV service distribution within a hotel, hospital, office block, for example.
Certain television services may be delivered to home users via broadband. Click here to find out which service providers offer what. A key point to be aware of when weighing up the benefits and costs of an IPTV system is that an ongoing service contract with the IPTV provider is required. There are ongoing costs, which could either be paid for by residents though subscription to the IPTV service, or built into service charges managed by the property managers.
IPTV providers
The following companies are IPTV providers:
Ask4 - http://www.ask4.com/
Freewire - http://informitv.com/articles/2006/11/02/freewiretvoffers/
Keycom - http://www.keycom.co.uk/index.php?p=home&i=1
Exterity - http://www.exterity.co.uk/
Multi Distribution Box
A Multi Distribution box could help ease the digital switchover process for multiple dwelling units, care homes, bed-and-breakfasts and small hotels. Although it will not generally provide access to all digital public broadcasting services, a 6 RF channel distribution system will deliver BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel Four and Five plus provide a loop-through facility to connect a digital set-top box for extra services.
A Multi Distribution box receives TV channels in digital and converts them to high-quality analogue TV signals that are fed down existing TV distribution systems. It allows all existing analogue TVs, VCRs and DVD-Rs to receive the chosen 5 (+1) Digital channels without the need for any extra set top box, remote control or extra cabling. It also passes all digital signals through so that residents can add a standard digital box for Freeview, if they wish.
A Multi Distribution box box should prove a practical proposition for shared housing accommodation, hotels, bed & breakfast accommodation, care housing, schools, hospitals and prisons or any other location where simplicity and ease of installation is a priority.
A Multi Distribution box could be useful in blocks of flats where residents do not want more than the basic 5 channels or are not willing to pay for a substantial upgrade. It could also provide TV services in properties where major works/ demolition are anticipated after switchover but upgrading an existing system before switchover is not cost effective.
There may also be situations where the use of a Multi Distribution box is a more appropriate system than a MATV or IRS for example where residents could be confused or disorientated by a plethora of TV channels; in hotels or bed and breakfast establishments where fixed or wall mounted TV’s don’t facilitate the attachment of a digital box and remote control boxes could get lost or there are insufficient funds to upgrade all TVs to Integrated Digital TVs.
Installing a Multi Distribution box extends the use of existing televisions. Depending on quality, length and configuration of the cabling, it may be necessary to amplify the signals before launching them into the cabling, to ensure good quality pictures are received.The cost of a six channel Multi Distribution box is in the region of £500 plus installation.
The Multi Distribution box is a professional solution for any location where simplicity and ease of installation is a priority, and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) supports the concept of such a solution
Multi Distribution box Suppliers
The following companies are active in the Multi Distribution box market. For further information about the services they offer please follow the links to their websites.
A2B Electronics – http://multibox.se/6t/
Eurosat - http://www.eurosat.com
Vision - www.vision-products.co.uk
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