What is a multiplex? The word "multiplex" is an English borrowing, literally meaning "multicomponent, complex" in the original language. This word is called, for example, the modern type of cinema: many halls simultaneously broadcast different films, but at the same time they usually have less capacity. Also, a multiplex usually includes entertainment facilities like a billiard room. The article considers this term in the field of television.
Multiplex Digital TV
A digital multiplex is a set of channels that are transmitted on a single frequency. In Russia there are two multiplexes so far, the third will soon become available, but paid.
The first multiplex is available in all cities with digital TV. For the second, not all towers are still ready. Broadcasting itself is free. The necessary equipment is a receiver and an antenna, both with support for DVB T2.
First of all, digital TV is available almost everywhere. But still, they often use only the first triplex. On-air digital TV depends on the proximity of the transmitting station as well as on weather, terrain and other physical obstacles. Terrestrial television takes out where the cable wire is not available (cottages, car).
Differences between terrestrial TV and cable
What is a multiplex, you can understand by comparing it with cable TV. Cable digital TV differs from broadcasting in the number of channels and, in fact, in the absence of the weather dependence that the broadcasting version has. And the availability of prices. But the main advantage is the cost. You can do with your own tuning and often the same antenna (depends on the proximity of the transmitting station). Many modern televisions have an integrated DVB T2 frequency receiver. The equipment is inexpensive. All the main channels and even more the consumer receives for free.
What is multiplex in terms of image? The picture is quite high quality. There is no interference, in principle, this is a feature of digital broadcasting. But a stop or temporary friability of the picture (all this is called the word "frieze" - from the English "frost") is still possible. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the weather or in insufficient signal strength. A connoisseur of HD will be disappointed: not all channels are broadcast in HD today, as well as old films. In any case, the quality of the second multiplex is standard, but high.
The width of the picture may vary between channels. Thus, the picture can be stretched in height, cropped, or at best have frames. This problem occurs when using TVs of a modern design. You can fix the problem somewhat by setting up a TV or digital set-top box.
What equipment is needed
Usually, additional equipment is still required: a certain cable, set-top box, antenna. The most common antenna is suitable - there is probably no need to purchase a new one. But it must receive in the decimeter range (decimeter antenna).
In this regard, the “figure” is unpretentious: sometimes it can be caught either on an ordinary cable or on a public antenna. The proximity of the station determines whether an indoor or outdoor antenna is required, sometimes amplified.
The DVB T2 receiver can be built-in to a TV or via the Internet. For example, the Rolsen RDB-507N receiver model is easy to use, has all the necessary qualities, and has no drawbacks. Mystery MMP-71DT2 and BBK SMP127HDT2 models are also suitable.
How the "number" is connected
To understand what a multiplex is, you need to know how it connects to a television set. The antenna is connected to the receiver, and the last - to the TV, and preferably via an HDMI cable, which guarantees even higher quality. The connection diagram is available in the instructions. Before installing the antenna, turn off its amplifier, if any.
The next step is automatic search. It is located simultaneously on 10 channels at once, the whole process takes some time. If the automatic search did not find all the channels of the multiplex, you need to use the manual option. Regardless of the frequency of the nearest tower, you must try to catch a signal from it.
It also checks the power and quality of the signal. It is carried out by triple pressing the Info button (or another name) on the receiver. From 60% and above - the optimal value for both indicators. For each multiplex, the indicators differ, as they are transmitted by different stations.
The “No Services” notification appears at low power. Automatic search simply ignores such a signal. Manual search or fine tuning the antenna can help. If the signal quality remains as low, you have to tackle the antenna, there are several options: an external antenna or with an amplifier, as an option - raise it higher.