Rooftop antenna can be used for digital TV

Rooftop antenna can be used for digital TV

The Media Development Authority and the Housing Board say that upgrading the HDB rooftop master antenna television (MATV) system would require an overhaul of wiring in most homes ("Various ways to receive digital TV signals"; last Thursday).

There is no need to do so.

The MATV system can be used to receive digital signals. As long as the existing ultra-high frequency, or UHF, antenna is in working condition and pointing towards the transmitting station, it will work as good as, if not better than, an indoor antenna.

I have been using the HDB rooftop antenna to receive digital video broadcasting - terrestrial, or DVB-T, channels since 2006. Recently, I upgraded to a TV with a DVB-T2 tuner and am able to enjoy a signal strength of 100 per cent.

A check on one online community shows that there are many others who are using the same method.

However, there are also many who either have non-working MATV points in their homes or have switched to using StarHub's cable TV points.

It would be good if HDB ensured that the existing UHF antennae are in good working condition.

This will be useful for those who have switched to DVB-T2 or intend to do so, but live in areas which do not have good indoor signal coverage.


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