FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How and where do I connect the Multibox?
How many TVs (and VCRs or PVRs) can I connect to the Multibox?
Will there be any difference in picture and sound quality after the Multibox is installed?
What alternatives do I have when analogue transmissions are switched off?
What free channels are there today?
Do I need to buy a digital set top box for every TV?
Can residents watch Pay TV with the Multibox?
Can residents watch one channel while recording another with the Multibox?
Does it matter how old the TV aerial is?
What if residents just want to watch the digital programs from the public service broadcasters?
What are the advantages of digital TV?
How and where do I connect the Multibox?
The Multibox can be connected before the "first signal splitting point, in place of the aerial signal amplifier you may have today. The analogue signals are then sent to all the aerial sockets in the property.
How many TVs (and VCRs or PVRs) can I connect to the Multibox?
It is normally possible to connect up to 10 TVs or VCRs / PVRs. If you want to connect more then you will need additional signal amplifiers. The Multibox aerial output is set to typ. 80 dBuV.
Will there be any difference in picture and sound quality after the Multibox is installed?
In many cases the picture quality from the Multibox is better than normal analogue transmissions, unless you have exceptionally good analogue reception. In addition the Multibox has an inbuilt NICAM encoder for stereo audio. However if you want to use 5.1 audio (surround sound) as part of a Home Cinema installation you will need to install a digital set top box.
What alternatives do I have when analogue transmissions are switched off?
You will be able to continue watching the 5 public service channels via digital terrestrial TV, satellite TV, cable TV or broadband TV. Please contact your local operator more information about the different channels and what extra equipment will be needed.
What free channels are there today?
Today most national broadcasters transmit the same channels that are / were available in analogue format and also broadcast extra free channels such as 24 hour news or children's entertainment channels. Please contact the national broadcasters for more information.
Do I need to buy a digital set top box for every TV?
No, the Multibox is a product that you can connect to the TV aerial and watch free digital terrestrial TV channels on every TV in your property. Residents can also watch one TV channel while recording another. If residents want to watch Pay TV they will need to buy a digital set top box for each TV and then connect it after the Multibox.
No, and it does not matter what make or model of TV you have. All you need is a Multibox connected to the TV aerial for free TV to all the TVs in the house or a digital set top box for each TV for the Pay TV channels. It is also possible to buy TVs with an inbuilt digital TV receiver from your local dealer.
Can residents watch Pay TV with the Multibox?
The Multibox receives the digital terrestrial signals and converts the free channels to analogue signals which are then transmitted to all the TVs in your home that are connected to the Multibox. The Multibox also transmits the Pay TV signals in the original encrypted format so residents can connect a digital set top box to the Multibox to decode and watch Pay TV channels if they wish.
Can residents watch one channel while recording another with the Multibox?
The Multibox will enable residents to watch one TV channel while recording another. They can also watch different TV channels on the other TVs in the property.
Does it matter how old the TV aerial is?
If the TV aerial is more than ten years old you should check that it can receive the frequencies that are used by the broadcasters to transmit digital TV. If you are uncertain we recommend you talk to your local dealer or installer.
What if residents just want to watch the digital programs from the public service broadcasters?
The simplest solution is to buy a Multibox to be able to watch public service programs on all the TVs in the property.
What are the advantages of digital TV?
Digital TV transmissions have many advantages over analogue TV. Digital technology is more cost effective and more advanced than analogue technology. This makes it possible to provide a wider range of channels and content at a lower cost. This is because digital TV requires less capacity, for example one analogue channel requires the same capacity as six to eight digital channels.
Digital TV is also less susceptible to disturbances than analogue technology. Many disturbances such as snow and ghosting disappear and you get a better picture and sound than was previously available with analogue.
There are also opportunities for interactive services
such as Movies on Demand or Sport on Demand.