SMATV is Single Master Antenna Television (or Satellite Master Antenna Television),<ref name="ETSI"/> The purpose of SMATV is for supplying and controlling the number and type of channels to multiple televisions.<ref name="VIS"/> Not only TV channels but FM channels as well. It provides Reception of DBS TV/FM channels for hotels, motels, dormitories, schools, hospitals and commercial properties with multiple tenants. Using a master antenna system video signals, audio signals and decoder signals can also be distributed.
It consists of single outdoor unit or antenna feeding to number of indoor units.<ref name="SCDR"/> The channels accessible are independent of other users. For maintaining a good signal-to-noise ratio at all the indoor units served, a larger antenna is required, typically Template:Convert to Template:Convert in diameter.
A SMATV headend is used to receive and rebroadcast satellite television channels throughout a property from a single satellite feed.<ref name="BaylinBerkoff1992"/>
The system consists of a master antenna and a matching transformer to match the balanced antenna with unbalanced cable and amplifiers.<ref name="TEDR"/> Most antennas have an impedance of around 300 Ω. To convert it to 75 Ω, a matching transformer (or balun) is used. For trunk line isolation, a resistive inductive device known as a splitter is used. The amplifier output is fed to the splitter through coaxial trunk lines.<ref name="EED"/>
There are several methods of distribution that are often used in a SMATV headend. These include:
- IPTV (Internet Protocol) TV Systems<ref name="BroeckPierson2008"/>
- COM1000 Pro:Idiom Encrypted HD Headend
- L-Band Satellite TV Distribution<ref name="Long1999"/>
There are two main approaches for distribution of digital TV signals in SMATV installations:
- Transmodulation from satellite quaternary phase shift keying QPSK to quadrature amplitude modulation QAM
- Direct distribution of QPSK<ref name="ETSI2"/>
In the United States, the satellite carriers providing the satellite TV signal for SMATV headend systems are: