Antenna Amplifiers: Optimise Your TV, Radio, and Wireless Signals
Antenna amplifiers are essential devices used to improve the reception quality of signals in TV, radio, and wireless communication systems. They are especially useful in areas with poor coverage or when there are long cable runs or external interference. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what antenna amplifiers are, the types available, the frequency bands they use, and their main applications.
What is an Antenna Amplifier?
An antenna amplifier is an electronic device designed to boost the signal received by an antenna, ensuring that it reaches the receiver (TV, radio, router, etc.) with better strength and quality.
Installed between the antenna and the receiving device, the amplifier compensates for signal losses due to long coaxial cable lengths, splitters, or electromagnetic interference. This ensures more stable and clearer reception.
Types of Antenna Amplifiers
There are several types of amplifiers, each designed for specific needs. The main types are:
1. Mast Amplifiers
These devices are installed close to the antenna, typically on an outdoor mast. By being positioned as close as possible to the signal source, they amplify the signal before it travels through long cable runs, minimising initial losses. They are usually powered through the coaxial cable via a power injector.
Common applications: rural areas, poor signal coverage, outdoor DVB-T (Digital Terrestrial Television) installations.
2. Indoor Amplifiers
These are installed inside the home, typically between the antenna socket and the television. They are easy to set up and are ideal when the signal is reasonably good but needs a slight boost.
Common applications: apartments, urban areas with average signal strength, distributing signals to multiple rooms.
3. Line Amplifiers
These are placed along the coaxial cable to compensate for losses in large installations with long distances or multiple receivers.
Common applications: collective installations in buildings, offices, hotels, professional networks.
4. Amplifiers with LTE/5G Filters
With the expansion of mobile networks, 4G and 5G signals can cause interference in the UHF band used by DVB-T. These amplifiers come with LTE/5G filters integrated to block out unwanted interference.
Common applications: urban areas with strong mobile coverage, modern DVB-T installations.
Frequency Bands Used
Antenna amplifiers are designed to operate within specific frequency ranges. The most common ones include:
- FM: 88 to 108 MHz (analogue radio).
- VHF (Very High Frequency): 30 to 300 MHz (radio, DAB, and older TV channels).
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): 470 to 694 MHz (DVB-T).
- DAB: 174 to 240 MHz (digital radio).
- GPS: around 1575 MHz (L-band).
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
- Satellite: 950 to 2150 MHz (intermediate satellite frequency).
Some models are broadband, covering a wide range of frequencies, while others are narrowband, designed for specific applications.
Applications of Antenna Amplifiers
Antenna amplifiers are widely used in various contexts. Below are some of the most common:
1. Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T)
In poorly served areas or where there are physical obstacles, an amplifier improves the reception of TV signals, enabling reliable viewing and distributing the signal to multiple TVs without quality loss.
2. FM and DAB Radio
In areas with poor reception (e.g. rural zones, buildings), an amplifier enhances sound quality for FM or digital radio (DAB).
3. Satellite TV Systems
Although LNBs (Low Noise Block converters) amplify the satellite signal, large installations (such as in hotels or apartment buildings) may require additional line amplifiers to ensure stable signal distribution.
4. Wi-Fi and Wireless Communication Networks
In specialised systems, such as point-to-point links or surveillance networks, RF amplifiers ensure greater coverage and signal stability.
5. GPS Systems in Indoor Environments
In garages, tunnels, or large vehicles, amplifiers can be used to enhance GPS signal reception.
6. Professional and Industrial Environments
Large commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and data centres require a stable and efficient distribution of RF signals. Antenna amplifiers are crucial for these environments.
How to Choose an Antenna Amplifier
Before selecting an amplifier, consider the following factors:
- Signal strength: If the signal is very weak, opt for a mast amplifier.
- Number of receivers: For installations with multiple TVs or devices, a higher gain or multiple output amplifiers are needed.
- Frequency range: Ensure the amplifier supports the frequency bands you require (FM, UHF, VHF, etc.).
- LTE/5G filtering: It’s recommended to choose amplifiers with LTE or 5G filters to avoid interference.
- Installation conditions: For outdoor use, ensure the amplifier is weather-resistant (look for IP-rated models).
Conclusion
Antenna amplifiers are an effective and affordable solution for improving TV, radio, and wireless signal quality. By choosing the right model for your needs, you can ensure reliable and high-quality reception in a variety of settings.
