If you manage a block of flats, hotel, care home, or commercial building, you may have wondered how to provide reliable TV access to multiple units without installing dozens of unsightly aerials. The answer could be a shared aerial system, also known as a MATV (Master Antenna Television) setup.

In this guide, we explain what MATV is, how it works, and when it makes sense to install one so you can improve signal quality, reduce maintenance, and offer tenants or guests a better viewing experience.

What is MATV (Master Antenna Television) and how does it work?

MATV stands for Master Antenna Television. It distributes television signals to multiple TVs within a building using a single, central antenna. Instead of each flat, room, or unit needing its own aerial, a MATV system allows the entire building to share one professionally installed aerial and cable network.

This setup is commonly used in:

• Blocks of flats or apartments
• Hotels and guesthouses
• Office buildings
• Hospitals or care homes
• Educational institutions

The goal is to provide consistent, high-quality TV reception to every connected unit, without the clutter and inefficiencies of multiple individual aerials.

How does a MATV system work?

A typical MATV system works by:

1. Capturing signals from terrestrial broadcast stations using a high-quality master antenna.
2. Amplifying and processing the signal through a central distribution unit.
3. Sending the signal via coaxial cables to multiple TVs throughout the building.

These systems handle both standard and high-definition (HD) signals, and you can often integrate them with Freeview or other digital TV services. (HD) signals, and they can often be integrated with Freeview or other digital TV services.

Benefits of shared TV systems for buildings

• Improved signal quality: One central, high-performance antenna reduces the risk of signal interference and ensures every unit enjoys the same standard of reception. This is especially useful in older buildings or those with thick walls that tend to disrupt signals.
• Cost-effective: Instead of maintaining dozens of individual rooftop aerials, you manage a single system lowering both installation and long-term maintenance costs. This also reduces callouts for signal-related issues.
• Tidy and discreet: MATV systems eliminate the need for multiple external aerials that can detract from the building’s appearance. Internal cable routing is typically designed to be hidden, preserving the clean look of hallways, facades, and rooftops.
• Scalable: MATV systems can grow with your property. If you convert a building to add more flats or extend its footprint, the system can be expanded with minimal disruption.
• Centralised maintenance: With a single access point, system checks, and fault-finding are faster and easier. You’ll deal with one technician, not multiple service providers across units.

Does your building need a MATV system?

Ask yourself the following:

• Are multiple tenants or rooms currently using separate aerials?
• Do you experience inconsistent TV reception in different areas?
• Are you looking for a streamlined, professional solution for distributing television services?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then installing a MATV system could be the ideal solution.

MATV suits managed residential properties, hotels, and care facilities. It improves signal consistency, tidies up rooftops, and simplifies maintenance. You'll stop receiving tenant complaints about poor reception and eliminate the hassle of aerial repairs. A centralised system gives you full control. It can also help future-proof your building for further AV system integration.

What’s the difference between MATV and SMATV?

While MATV distributes terrestrial TV signals, SMATV (Satellite Master Antenna Television) combines terrestrial and satellite signals into a single distribution system. This setup suits buildings where tenants or guests need both Freeview and satellite channels, including Sky or foreign-language networks.

If you're unsure which system suits your property, Cube Communications can provide a detailed site survey and walk you through the pros and cons of each setup based on your tenant needs, building layout, and long-term plans. You don’t need to guess. We’ll help you make the right call.

Why choose Cube Communications?

Cube Communications has installed MATV and SMATV systems across West Yorkshire for over 35 years. Whether you're managing a new development or upgrading an older system, we’ll assess your needs, recommend the right solution, and deliver a clean, professional installation.

• Site surveys and design consultation
• Full installation and system testing
• Ongoing support and maintenance

We work with landlords, developers, and building managers who are tired of dealing with reception issues and system clutter. Our systems are designed to work from day one and stay reliable long-term.

Simplify your building’s TV system with Cube Communications

A MATV system offers a practical, scalable solution to managing television services across multiple units. If your building needs a reliable shared signal without the mess and maintenance of multiple aerials, it’s worth considering.

Contact Cube Communications today to find out how a MATV system can simplify TV distribution for your building.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a MATV system in an existing building without major disruption?

Yes. In most cases, MATV systems can be retrofitted using existing cable routes or discreet new wiring. Cube Communications will assess your building and plan a solution that minimises disruption to tenants or operations.

How many TVs can a MATV system support?

MATV systems are scalable. Whether you need to serve a handful of units or an entire complex, the system can be designed to handle current and future capacity.

Is MATV compatible with digital and HD broadcasts?

Yes. Modern MATV systems are built to distribute both standard and high-definition signals, including Freeview and other digital services.

Ready to upgrade your building with a smarter TV system?

Book a consultation with Cube Communications and get expert guidance from a team you can trust.