Choosing the right antenna is a key issue in any TV system. When looking for a suitable model, the following factors should be taken into account – gain, directivity, mounting location, built-in signal amplifier and the band for which the antenna is tuned. Of these four factors, the , basic and most important parameter in selecting a DVB-T2 antenna is the antenna gain. Energy gain is a measurable parameter and is most often given in the unit dBi. In simplified terms, it is how much more “better” a given antenna is compared to a theoretical isotropic antenna that is omni-directional, lossless and has zero physical dimensions. The greater the gain, the better. Some antennas have amplifiers in the antenna box, which, when supplied with voltage (usually 12 VDC), further increases the received signal level. However, this should not be confused with the nominal gain of the antenna itself.
Features of a good antenna for DVB-T2:
  • Frequency bands supported: VHF (174 – 230 MHz) and UHF (470 – 694 MHz)
  • Antenna gain – the higher (given in dBi), the better the signal quality
  • Resistance to interference – LTE/5G filters protect against interference from cell phone transmitters
  • Solid workmanship, resistance to weather conditions
DVB-T2 TV antenna DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO with H/V polarization
DVB-T2 TV antenna DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO with H/V polarization
DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 DVB-T2 antenna
DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO A2050 DVB-T2 antenna
DIPOL SMART antennas have a number of advantages among the most important of which is their versatility. The new COMBO TV antennas are designed to receive DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV in the VHF (174-230 MHz) and UHF (470-694 MHz) bands. The bypass and amplifier in the antenna box makes it possible to work in two modes:
  • passive – the antenna is based on its nominal gain:
    • SMART HORIZON COMBO: 5.7 dBi for the VHF band and 12.5 dBi for the UHF band
    • SMART CITY COMBO: 4.9 dBi for the VHF band and 12 dBi for the UHF band
  • active – after applying 12 VDC through the coaxial cable (from the power supply, multiswitch, amplifier, etc.), the signal is amplified by additional 20 dB in both bands.
It should be noted here that in the case of a classic passive antenna, in order to use an amplifier you need to remove the balun and install a amplifier. With SMART antenna, all you need to do is connect/disconnect the 12 VDC power supply.
The H/V polarized DVB-T2 DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO antenna (28 elements) with built-in antenna amplifier with a bypass
is designed to receive DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television in the VHF and UHF bands.
The H/V polarized DVB-T2 DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO antenna (13 elements), with built-in antenna amplifier with a bypass,
is designed to receive DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television in the VHF and UHF bands.
SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 and SMART CITY COMBO A2050 are advanced antennas designed for digital terrestrial TV reception that meet the requirements of modern TV systems, including the DVB-T2 standard. These antennas are recommended for both, individual and SMATV systems. Thanks to their ability to operate in the UHF and VHF bands, they are versatile and allow reception of all terrestrial broadcast programs. Both antennas are distinguished by their aesthetic design and suitability for installation in urban and suburban spaces, offering users a stable signal and ease of configuration. Thanks to the aluminum and high-quality plastic design, the antenna is lightweight, durable and resistant to adverse weather conditions. The built-in LTE 700 filter eliminates interference from mobile phone transmissions above 700 MHz.
DIPOL SMART HORIZON DVB-T2 DVB-T2 antenna
DIPOL SMART CITY DVB-T2 DVB-T2 antenna
DIPOL SMART HORIZON A2230 DVB-T2 antenna
DIPOL SMART CITY A2010 DVB-T2 antenna
How to check the location of a DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV transmitter?
The DIPOL SMART Combo A2270 antenna allows reception of all multiplexes: MUX1, MUX2, MUX3, MUX6 (UHF band) and MUX8 (VHF band) from transmitters about 80 km away from the place of reception (approximate value for antenna operation in active mode). The Emimaps service was created by the operator of the country's terrestrial radio and television infrastructure and allows you to conveniently verify the distances of a potential reception site from individual transmitters. The service also contains information on the coverage of a particular transmitter (distinguishing between individual multiplexes), as well as a profile of the terrain as it separates the reception site from the transmitter.
Examples of systems using DIPOL SMART antennas
Aggregate multiswitch system is a practical solution for single-family houses, allowing distribution of TV signals (from satellite and terrestrial antennas) to multiple rooms.
Elements of the system to consider during design and installation:
  • FAMAVAL A9667 TRX-EL 100 satellite dish and Quattro type LNB A98257, which provides separate horizontal and vertical band signals for low and high polarization.
  • DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 DVB-T2 terrestrial antenna with H/V polarization, suitable for receiving DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television in the VHF and UHF bands. The bypass allows it to operate in two modes – passive and active.
  • Signal 5/8 R68508 multiswitch for RF/SAT signal management and distribution. The number of outputs depends on the number of end outlets. The choice of multiswitch should take into account the number of users and the type of system.
  • Cables and outlets: High-quality coaxial cables with low attenuation (e.g. TRISET 302 series). TRISET 302 Eca E1005_250 Tri-shield type with a PVC sheath for indoor applications and TRISET 302 Fca E1008_250 Tri-shield type with PE sheath for outdoor applications. RF/SAT terminal sockets R694100 for connecting receivers.
Distribution of terrestrial TV signal to 6 TVs in a single-family house.
Elements of the system to consider during design and installation:
  • DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO DVB-T2 TV antenna with H/V polarization A2050 is a directional antenna designed to receive DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television in the VHF (174-230 MHz) and UHF (470-694 MHz) bands. Built-in antenna amplifier with a bypass.
  • The LTE 700 internal filter with 24 VDC pass-through Signal R49600 is used to filter unwanted signals in the 700 MHz band (694 - 862 MHz frequencies) intended for data transmission (LTE) services.
  • Amplifier (optional) HS013 R82010 for FM/VHF/UHF band designed for small and medium RF systems. 22 dB gain, 12 VDC switch.
  • Signal R-3 three-way passive TV splitter R60103 allowing to split terrestrial TV signal.
Distributing DVB-T2 TV signals from two different transmitters to several TVs in a house requires an antenna diplexer and a splitter or set of splitters.
Elements of the system to consider during design and installation:
  • Two directional antennas set to different transmitters: DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 DVB-T2 TV antenna with H/V polarization, suitable for receiving DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television in the VHF and UHF bands. DIPOL SMART HORIZON DVB-T2 A2230 TV antenna is a directional antenna, adapted for receiving DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television in the UHF band.
  • Antenna diplexer: Splitter - External combiner RSI-02Ms R85315 works as a combiner or splitter of broadcast signals in the 47-862 MHz frequency band. A device that combines signals from two antennas into one output signal.
  • LTE filter: The LTE 700 internal filter with 24 VDC pass-through Signal R49600 is used to filter unwanted signals in the 700 MHz band (694 - 862 MHz frequencies) intended for data transmission (LTE) services.
  • Antenna amplifier: CA-215 R90461 amplifier for FM/VHF/UHF band designed for small and medium RF systems. Gain 25 dB, potentiometer 12 VDC.
  • Cables and outlets: High-quality coaxial cables with low attenuation (e.g. TRISET 302 series). TRISET 302 Eca E1005_250 Tri-shield type with a PVC sheath for indoor applications and TRISET 302 Fca E1008_250 Tri-shield type with PE sheath for outdoor applications.