Integrated Reception Systems

IRS is the new buzz word in the industry. It is possible to provide FM radio, digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and terrestrial/Satellite TV (both analogue and digital) services on a single cable to each room. For single domestic dwellings, various types of "loft box" are available to simplify the installation. Remember to install up to three coaxial cables to the main viewing location, two from the dish (to cater for STBs incorporating two tuners) and a third for the reverse feed to the loft. This can be catered for using a triplexed outlet plus a separate plate with two sockets although one manufacturer is developing a modular outlet to fit a single double width conduit box.

There are still some 4 million flats in the UK without a satellite service - a huge potential market for IRS. A typical system would include a single satellite dish and one or more "multiswitches" linked together by a five cable backbone. A separate coaxial is needed to link each flat to the nearest multiswitch.

Recommendations for new buildings