Installing aerials in communal

properties

 For regular domestic properties, installing an aerial to

enable TV and radio services is usually quite a
straightforward
process.
However,
for
communal
properties such as hotels, hospitals and residential
homes, a different approach is required.
In the vast majority of communal properties, an
Integrated Reception System (IRS) is used. An IRS system
allows for different individuals within a communal
property to get the services that they desire without the
need to install separate aerials for each person, which
would be completely impractical.

How IRS systems work

Although IRS systems vary from one property to another,
they generally combine a TV, FM and DAB aerial as well as
a satellite dish in some circumstances. Communal aerial
installation is achieved using an IRS system by erecting
these aerials on the roof of the property and then running
the cables down to a distribution centre inside the property
known as the headend.
Since it contains cables, the headend is always placed
inside the property when possible, however it can also be
placed outdoors in a weather-proof cabinet. The purpose of
the headend isnt just to distribute the signals so they can
be sent to the different rooms in the property but also to
amplify the feeds from the antennae so theyre strong
enough to provide service to the entire building.

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The feeds are connected to multiswitches before being sent to
the individual dwellings. This is so all the signals can be sent
through a single cable. When they reach the connection point
of the residents digital equipment, the signals are then
decombined so that the appropriate cable can be connected.
The system detailed above provides access to digital TV and
radio as well as Sky TV. However, there is an increasing
demand for satellite services other than Sky in communal
properties. This can be achieved by installing additional
aerials, however installing additional aerials means running
extra wires to the headend as well as using more amplification
equipment.
IRS systems are referred to by the number of wires used to set
them up. For example, an IRS system that uses two satellites
is known as a 9 wire system, whereas an IRS system that
makes use of 3 satellites is known as a 13 wire system, and so
on.

Fibre optic IRS

More and more, fibre optic cable is being used in IRS
systems. Whilst fibre optic has been used in
telecommunications since the 80s, its a fairly recent
development within the TV industry.
Using fibre optic cable has some key advantages over using
copper coax. Firstly and most importantly fibre optic cable
can transport much more data and over further distances.
Fibre optic cable is also much lighter and thinner, making it
ideal for use in complex IRS systems where multiple cables
have to be run to and from the distribution unit.

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Another key advantage of using fibre optic cable is that

because glass does not conduct electricity, it makes it safer
and also doesnt carry any earthing requirements, making it
more practical to work with.
Although fibre optic cable carries several advantages, its
installed in the same way as copper coax, except it can be
run at much greater distances meaning its excellent for
use in very large communal properties.

Aerial Services Ltd.

Unit 5, 92-98 Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5EL
Tel: 020 7582 8888
Fax: 020 7582 52222
For more log on to
www.aerialservices.co.uk