What’s in a SMATV System?
There are three main components to a SMATV system:
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We use top-quality commercial antennae to receive satellite and broadcast signals. Typically we will use one or more television antennae to receive local broadcast channels. A 30" satellite dish will also be installed for reception of satellite television signals. This is where the pay-tv channels will come from - those typically thought of as “cable channels.” Maximum consideration is given to aesthetic issues when mounting antennae and routing necessary cables.
The Head End
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If your campus already has a cabling network in place, installation of the SMATV system will be quite straightforward. If the cable company that installed your cable plant has a single service entry point to the campus, we simply disconnect their signal at that point and replace it with the feed from your head end. If there are multiple entry points, this process will be a bit more complex.
If the campus does not already have a cable plant then one will have to be built. This can be accomplished by installing the cabling through tunnels, conduits and other means to reach desired builgings. In some cases fiber optics and other existing infrastructure can be used to distribute the signal, but usually a well-planned cable network is the best approach. Often campuses will elect to install two cables together - one for the cable TV signal, and one to carry campus programming back to the head end for integration into the system. These return feeds can also be sent on fiber optics and phone lines in some cases.
We can help you implement any necessary cable plant additions or alterations to facilitate installation of a SMATV system. Whether you need a new building added on, or if you need a total campus cable installation, we can do it for you or help you get it done with your own installers or contractors.
Maintenance
The head end needs to be re-balanced about once a year. (Your first year’s re-balancing is free!) The equipment is very self sufficient if the host room is kept clean and cool. The room temperature needs to stay at 70 defress F or less to maximize life span and reduce maintenance. (Remember that if the building’s air conditioning is turned off in the winter you will need to find an alternate winter cooling method for the head end room.) From time to time the satellite receivers need to be reset, but this is minimized in a cool environment. Expect to visit the head end once or twice a month for resetting and preventative maintenance.
Your cable plant is quite stable on its own. Most cable plant maintenance issues involve cables damaged by digging, and amplifiers occasionally need fuse replacement. Most ot the time spent on a cable plant involves adding infrastructure for new property construction or aquisition. This is more of a design and construction issue than it is maintenance, but in any case we can help you.
We’re available 24/7 for phone consultation, and if you don’t reach us we will return your call within a few hours. Return visits can be scheduled to handle infrastructure additions or changes, and any other needs. Emergency service is also available.