In the case when the current antenna installation does not allow reception of the VHF range, it will be necessary to extend it with a new VHF antenna and summation of signal from all antennas. Before buying a new antenna
however, it is worth checking the current antenna installation, correcting all connections, or adjusting the direction of the antenna, if at a short distance from the transmitter, where the signal is strongest, you can find satisfactory reception without adding a new antenna.
In many regions, MUX-8 will be transmitted in vertical polarization, so before selecting and installing the antenna pay attention to the polarization of the signal that we intend to receive.
Information about the recommended direction of reception and the parameters of the transmitted signal at the planned collection point can be found, among others using the EmiMaps application. Our Guidebooks can also help in choosing the antenna.
When choosing an antenna, always follow the following rules:
There are no universal antennas. The antenna is selected for a specific location and signal parameters,
which we plan to receive. In the case of MUX-8, the signal polarization is also important.
Avoid the room and panel antennas, in addition to some locations close to broadcasting facilities, they do not provide stable reception.
We do not suggest marketing descriptions. There are no “digital”, “DVB-T” or “HDTV” antennas, these and similar subtitles are just marketing treatments that have nothing to do with the quality of the product.
Too large, often strongly displayed on the packaging, the value of dB, dBi very often results
from the amplifier used (not always good quality), not the gain of the antenna itself.
If possible, avoid antenna amplifiers. Strengthening the amplifier is not the same as making the antenna gain. Badly selected (for local conditions) amplifier worsens signal parameters.
Expansion of the antenna installation for MUX-8 reception
For the purpose of receiving a new multiplex, one should follow the same general principles of building an antenna installation for DVB-T reception, taking into account slightly different specifics resulting from the operating band in which MUX8 will be emitted (174-230MHz). You should also know that the MUX-8 transmitter network will be built in polarization V and H depending on the region of the country.
Before performing the receiving installation for MUX-8, we should determine the parameters of our location and the nearest broadcasting stations MUX-8 according to points 1 ÷ 4 of the “General principle of building aerial installations for DVB-T” contained in the guide “How to choose an antenna“.
Additionally, it should be determined:
- Is the currently used type of receiving antenna and possible amplifier covering the frequency range of the MUX-8 channel in the VHF band (174-230MHz)
- Does your receiving antenna is directed to the broadcasting facility with the MUX-8 emission and its polarization is compatible with the emission.
After determining the data and confirming their compliance with the minimum of point 1, we should try to tune the TV set to the nearest and strongest station. In a favourable situation for us, we will receive reception without additional changes in the antenna system. The situation can take place mainly at a short distance from the transmitter, near the antennas or room antennas, with a wide range of antenna operation along with a possible amplifier covering the UHF and VHF band.
In the absence of success, we are waiting for the implementation of a second antenna system dedicated to MUX-8 according to the general rules, with one new element which will be the totalizer of the so-called signals. antenna switch. The adder is used to sum up the received signals from two or more antennas in order to provide the signal to the TV or STB input.
The best way to build a dedicated receiving installation is to install the receiving antenna for the MUX-8 connected directly via the antenna cable to the receiver, and if the effect is satisfactory, connect the totalizer with the UHF band antenna cable. Perhaps we already have a similar adder at home and use it to receive UKF FM radio signals and cover the full bandwidth of the UKF / VHF / UHF, and even the SAT.
When buying the adder, ask the seller about the one used to add signals for terrestrial TV reception for the VHF and UHF band, the amplifier used in the receiving MUX-8 antenna track should also meet this requirement.