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 isn’t 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 they’re 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, it’s 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 doesn’t carry any earthing requirements, making it more practical to work with.

• Although fibre optic cable carries several advantages, it’s installed in the same way as copper coax, except it can be run at much greater distances meaning it’s 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 52222For more log on to

www.aerialservices.co.uk