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At the outset, it is worth noting that hotels/boardinghouses with (S)MATV systems based on headends will not pose problems with the number of rooms (outlets). The cost mostly depends on the number and arrangement of channels received from satellite transponders. A larger number of outlets is only connected with the need to purchase additional amplifiers that usually are a small percentage of the total cost of the system.
So, the choice of the content is the fundamental problem in creating an approximate calculation for this type of investment. Often, the investor has a difficulty with selecting the optimal list of channels, which is necessary for the cost estimate. We can suggest some strategies for hoteliers and installers interested in building/developing hotel TV systems. In this short guide we will also present examples of practical solutions of headends for reception and distribution of different numbers of channels intended for various kinds of guests.
So, the choice of the content is the fundamental problem in creating an approximate calculation for this type of investment. Often, the investor has a difficulty with selecting the optimal list of channels, which is necessary for the cost estimate. We can suggest some strategies for hoteliers and installers interested in building/developing hotel TV systems. In this short guide we will also present examples of practical solutions of headends for reception and distribution of different numbers of channels intended for various kinds of guests.
Distribution of digital terrestrial television (DVB-T)
Owners of newly built hotels and boardinghouses, equipping them with LCD televisions featuring built-in DVB-T tuners compliant with the broadcasting standard (e.g. MPEG-4), must only provide the antenna signal to outlets in rooms and other facilities. This can be achieved by using appropriate amplifier(s) depending on signal conditions and the number of the outlets.
Smaller hotels or boardinghouses located in areas with good reception conditions and needing ten, twenty or even more than fifty antenna outlets can be equipped with appropriate models of Telmor amplifiers.
From the installer's point of view, the most attractive proposal here will be TERRA's PA321TP R82513 or TERRA's PA420T R82516, with the ability to amplify as many as 20 DVB-T2 MUXes. Moreover, they also offer automatic equalization of signal levels for all channels regardless of their level at the input of the device (while maintaining the minimum required for correct signal quality) of respectively: 113dBμV (for 6 MUXes) – with this functionality, the installer does not have to worry about equalizing the levels of all signals at the input of the system. This means that it is possible to implement a system with a larger number of outlets (about 80, although this number depends on the type and types of passive elements and cabling used in the system) without using additional amplifiers. An alternative option to TERRA amplifiers can be the use of PROFINO Revolution 6711 R89062 amplifier from Johansson or WWK Alpha+ R89864 from Telmor.
Description and comparison of channel amplifiers used in TV systems.
| Specifications |  |  |  |  |
| Model | PA321TP | PA420T | PROFINO 6711 | WWK ALPHA + |
| Code | R82513 | R82516 | R89062 | R89064 |
| No. of inputs | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Operating band | FM + 2 × VHF/UHF | FM + 2 × VHF/UHF + UHF | FM + VHF + 2 × UHF | FM + 3 × VHF/UHF +DAB/VHF/UHF+AUX |
| Frequency range [MHz] | FM: 87...108 VHF/UHF: 174...240/470...694 | FM: 87...108 | FM: 88...108 VHF: 174...240 UHF: 470...694 | FM: 87.5...108 3 × VHF/UHF: 170...230/470...862 DAB/VHF/UHF: 170...230/470...862 AUX: 47...862 |
| Preamplifier power supply ON/OFF | IN1 input: 12 VDC/100 mA | IN1 input: 12 VDC/100 mA IN2 input: 12 VDC/100 mA | DC 12 V or DC 24 V max: 100 mA (total) | 12 VDC/50 mA per input |
| Gain [dB] | FM: 29 VHF/UHF: max 63 | FM: 29 VHF/UHF: max 63 | FM: 35 VHF/UHF: > 60 | FM: 35/25 DAB/VHF/UHF: > 70 AUX: 22/10 |
| Number of supported filters/MUXes | max. 20 | max. 20 | max. 15 | max. 32 |
| AGC function | 46 dB for each of the 20 filters | 46 dB for each of the 20 filters | In real time on all multiplexes | YES |
| Selectivity [dB/1MHz] | > 30 | > 30 | 35 | 35 |
| Converter function | NO | NO | YES | YES |
| Configuration | TERRnet app | TERRnet app | Control by buttons + knob on the amplifier panel | Control by buttons on the amplifier panel |
| RF output level [dBμV] | 90...113 for 6 MUXes | 90...113 for 6 MUXes | 90...107 for 6 MUXes | 98...118 (DIM 45004B) |
| Power supply | Remote power supply via coaxial cable or from the included 12 VDC power supply | Built-in power supply | Built-in power supply | 12 VDC power supply included |
The following diagram shows an example system for digital terrestrial TV in the DVB-T2 standard.
For large facilities and when the facility (hotel, boarding house) is located in an area with poorer signal availability or the signal is interfered with, for example, by other transmitters, it is recommended to use a professional system based on TTX420 R81616 transmodulators from TERRA. The TTX-420 transmodulator, acting as a DVB-T/T2/C signal regenerator, improves signal quality. TTX-420 R81616 transmodulator is used when the error rate (high bit error rate BER and low modulation error rate MER) in the signal directly downstream of the antenna is high and the use of channel amplifiers or frequency converters proves ineffective and does not allow for distribution of the signal in a SMATV system. Such a problem occurs in areas with poor coverage of terrestrial TV signals. Due to high selectivity, the signal processed and amplified by the transmodulators provides a basis for building larger systems.
The components of a system based on Terra devices:
The diagram below shows an example system for terrestrial digital TV in the DVB-T2 standard using TTX420 R81616 transmodulator.
The above diagram uses a set of DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV antennas: DIPOL SMART HORIZON DVB-T2 TV antenna A2230, DIPOL-7/5-12 TV antenna A0710 and Dipol 1RUZ PM B radio antenna A0221. A set of 4 TTX-420 R81616 transmodulators (each module for 1 MUX), ma400 R82520 amplifier and R82533 power supply were used for DVB-T2 signal processing and regeneration. One TTX-420 R81616 module allows reception of 1 DVB-T2 MUX (2 same carriers at the input), then undergoes regeneration and modulation of the signal to the DVB-T COFDM standard. Since the bit rate of the input signal stream for a single DVB-T2 MUX is about 50 Mbps, and the TTX-420 module modulates the signal to the DVB-T COFDM standard with a maximum bit rate of 31.68 Mbps, it was assumed that the signal from 1 DVB-T2 MUX would be split into 2 output multiplexes.
The modularity of the TERRA device system allows for flexible adaptation to both types of systems.
Typical architectures of hotel TV distribution systems:
- star topology - used for smaller systems - all lines to the outlets in hotel rooms come from a central point of the system located e.g. in the attic, basement, server room etc.
- mixed topology - used for larger systems - with subnetworks grouping physically close segments of a system, such as rooms on the same floor or in other part of a building - the signal is usually amplified at the inputs of the subnetworks distributing it further to the outlets with the use of splitters and taps.
Using the former topology, it is necessary to ensure a relatively high output level in the central point of the system. The application of the set of at420 R82510 / at440 R82511 channel amplifiers and ma400 R82520 multiband amplifier with maximum output level of 117 dBμV will ensure the division and distribution of the signal even to up to 100 outlets.
In the case of a larger number of outlets, it would be technically difficult and uneconomical to distribute the signal from one central point. The application of the mixed topology with several subnetworks with individual amplifiers solves the problem.
For this purpose, the ideal choice for input devices are twin channel amplifiers at420 R82510 and four-channel amplifiers at440 R82511 with maximum output level of 82 dBμV. This level is sufficient for division of the signal into multiple paths with additional launch/building amplifiers located at the inputs of the subnetworks. An example of DVB-T system in a hotel is presented below.
Hotel distribution systems can be extended with Terra broadband amplifiers:
Distribution of DVB-T & DVB-S channels - SMATV systems
Headends distributing satellite channels after conversion to DVB-T COFDM digital form are popular solutions used in hotels. Satellite channels can be a complement to terrestrial TV broadcasts or be the main or only source of programming in the system.
Digital Terra headend can be used in a wide range of hotels and other facilities with different number of rooms, including the largest ones. It is easy to extend the programming by adding next modules. Thanks to the conversion of DVB-S/S2 signals into DVB-T COFDM standard, the satellite programming can be received by regular televisions, similarly to normal DVB-T broadcasts. Both the terrestrial DVB-T broadcasts and converted satellite channels can be easily distributed to the outlets via typical TV installations based on coaxial cabling.
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Model | TTX-420 FTA | TDX-420 FTA | TDX-420c | TDX-441 FTA | TDX-481 FTA |
| Code | R81616 | R81618 | R81619 | R81614 | R81621 |
| RF input | DVB-T/T2/C | DVB-S/S2 (8PSK, QPSK) | DVB-S/S2 (8PSK, QPSK) | DVB-S/S2 (8PSK, QPSK) | DVB-S/S2 (8PSK, QPSK) |
| Number of carriers at the input | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 |
| RF output | DVB-T | DVB-T | DVB-T | DVB-T | DVB-T |
| Number of carriers at the output | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Max. bitrate [Mbps] | 2 × 31.66 | 2 × 31.66 | 2 × 31.66 | 4x31.66 | 8x31.66 |
| CI interface | FTA | FTA | 2 × CI | FTA | FTA |
2xDVB-T/T2/C - 2xCOFDM TTX-420 R81616 transmodulator is used for reception of DVB-T/T2/C signals, some corrections of TS parameters (regeneration, filtering etc.) and retransmission of them in COFDM format in selected channel in VHF/UHF frequency range. It allows for distribution of digital TV channels in situations when the signal received by the antenna cannot be directly amplified or converted to a different frequency due to high BER and low MER levels. The output DVB-T COFDM multiplex with MER above 35 dB can be distributed to multiple users even within very large networks.
Modules: TDX-441 R81614, TDX-420 R81618, TDX-420C R81619 and TDX-481 R81621 are used to convert DVB-S/S2 (8PSK/QPSK) signal into DVB-T (COFDM) signal. TDX-420C R81619 allows reception of uncoded and coded channels after placing decoding cards together with CAM CI modules. One panel receives the signal from two transponders (a dozen programs) and then creates two adjacent DVB-T multiplexes allowing distribution of up to 2-3 HD services with a maximum throughput of 31.66 Mbps for each of the 2 multiplexes. If the limit is exceeded, it is possible to feed the signal to further TDX-420C R81619 modules. Transmodulators: TDX-441 R81614, TDX-420 R81618 and TDX-481 R81621 allow conversion of satellite signals to DVB-T COFDM standard for FTA channels (no slots for CAM CI modules). The above table shows the number of input and output signals for each panel.
 |  CAM CI module. |
Devices for LAN, RF, CCTV systems are made with neat installation in mind and the devices are protected from accidental mechanical damage. Specially designed CD001 metal housing with DIN rail BD001 mounted on the rear panel is designed for mounting components of the TERRA headend. Combination of the rail and the sheet metal guarantees a rigid mounting of up to 8 devices on a DIN rail. The fan panel allows for adequate cooling. It consists of three fans and is equipped with a thermostat. It is powered by the included 12 VDC power adapter.
Mounting of headend in CD001 metal enclosure with BD001 DIN rail
Example headend in one of the hotels
The implementation of the headend in a hotel, shown in the diagram above, is a good example to illustrate the principles how to select appropriate elements for this kind of applications.
- 4 × TDX-420C R81619 – 2 × DVB-S/S2 (8PSK, QPSK) – 2 × DVB-T (COFDM) transmodulator is a device that allows you to distribute and manage satellite TV offerings in your own TV system. The device allows you to receive free-to-air and coded channels. One panel receives signal from two transponders (several programs) and creates two DVB-T multiplexes allowing distribution of up to 2-3 HD services for each multiplex.
- UP413 R82533 – power supply is designed to supply 12 VDC power to devices designed to receive and process TV signals
- tap/splitters, by means of which the signal is divided into logical subnetworks covering a given group of rooms (e.g. a floor or wing of a building)
Programmable, multi-band, channel PA420T TERRA amplifier is designed for receiving DVB-T/T2 digital terrestrial television in multi-family buildings, residences, hotels, boarding houses, vacation homes, schools, hospitals, etc. The amplifier has 2 programmable signal inputs for VHF band (174-240 MHz)/UHF band (470-694 MHz), 1 programmable input for UHF band (470-694 MHz) and 1 input for FM band (87-108 MHz). The device has twenty independent amplification paths. Each of the paths is responsible for amplification of one multiplex of digital terrestrial television DVB-T/T2. This means that one device can amplify twenty digital multiplexes with a maximum output level of 108 dBμV.
Example list of TERRA headend modules
The list of components:
Thanks to modular concept, it is easy to extend the programming by adding next TDX-420C R81619 modules.
The lists of satellite transponders and TV channels can be found in the following services:
The new solution has a number of advantages compared with other systems:
- no need for a central unit (lower cost),
- possibility of using redundant power supply,
- easy installation on DIN rail (no problem with installing and changing modules),
- easy access to CAM slots,,
- intuitive configuration via a web browser - no need for additional devices.
The system with transmodulators can be integrated with additional components:
- IPTV streamers that allow for management and distribution of TV programming (SAT, DVB-T, DVB-C) via Ethernet networks (LAN) based on twisted-pair cables or optical fibers
- optical transmitters for transmitting TV signals via optical medium
- other devices for reception and processing of TV signals (broadband and channel amplifiers, analog and digital modulators
How many SD/HD channels can be combined into one DVB-T multiplex?
This issue is connected with bitrates of the required channels, which can be checked at DigitalBitrate.
An example of a table from the DigitalBitrate service with data concerning selected Hotbird 13.0E transponder (11393V) - channel names, PIDs, bitrates etc.
(click on to enlarge)
(click on to enlarge)
Summary statistics for the 11393V transponder
In the example, the total bitrate of the 11393V transponder from Hotbird 13.0E is about 42 Mbps (31.6 Mbps - video streams, 5.4 Mbps - audio streams). Currently, the transponder provides 18 services (channels). The average video bitrates of the five most popular channels are: 4.0 Mbps (TVN), 3.4 Mbps (TVN24), 2.6 Mbps (TVN7), 3.2 Mbps (TVN Turbo and TVN Style). So, the video and audio streams should take about 16.4 Mbps. The web service also provides maximum bitrates occurring during a day. In this case, the total value of the bitrate could amount to 24.4 Mbps. However, the situation in which all the channels have maximum data rates at the same moment is practically impossible.
Private channels in hotel TV systems
Many hotel owners would like to launch in their hotel TV systems "private" channels with a selected content. The typical signal sources include PCs, DVDs/Blu-rays, and very popular media players capable of playing previously prepared presentations and videos. The injection of such a channel into the hotel TV distribution system is possible with the use of an appropriate RF modulator. Digital DVB-T modulators ensure distribution of HD content and the same viewing experience in the whole distribution system.
An example application of Signal-400 R86700 DVB-T modulators:
Distribution of HD signals from a Blu-ray player, PC and terrestrial DVB-T TV with the example of Signal-420 R86701 modulator
