Understand how far the fault reaches
One flat or one outlet
Check the affected service, receiver and local feed. A shared-system visit may still be needed to establish the fault boundary.
Several flats or a whole block
Look for a shared head-end, power supply, riser or branch issue. Record which homes and services are affected before arranging access.
Who we work with
If you own or manage a building where several dwellings rely on shared TV reception, the system needs to be understood as a whole rather than repaired one flat at a time. We work with landlords, managing agents and other building operators to trace faults at the head-end, distribution network and individual outlet level, then agree the appropriate repair or upgrade.
- Landlords with blocks of flats
- Property management companies
- Housing associations
- Care and residential homes
- Student accommodation providers
- HMOs and large shared houses
One shared system, several points to check
Illustrative communal TV system
Terrestrial aerial
Freeview / terrestrial TV source
Shared dish, where required
Satellite source with the correct LNB arrangement
Head-end and distribution
Amplification, multiswitches or other equipment matched to the services and receivers
Building risers and branches
Distribution routes, tap-offs and feeds matched to the building architecture
Flat / room A
Compatible outlet and receiver
Flat / room B
Compatible outlet and receiver
Flat / room C
Compatible outlet and receiver
Concept only, not a design for a particular building. Terrestrial and satellite are separate sources. Receiver compatibility, distribution equipment and outlet feeds must be specified for the actual system.
IRS — shared terrestrial and satellite reception from one head-end
An Integrated Reception System can combine terrestrial TV from a communal aerial with satellite signals from a shared dish/LNB arrangement and distribute the required services through a building head-end. The exact multiswitch, dSCR/SCR capability, amplification, tap-offs and outlets depend on the receivers the building needs to support. Freeview does not come from the satellite dish: the terrestrial aerial and satellite dish are separate sources that can be combined within the distribution system.
Installation, upgrades and contractor packages
What a communal install can include
- • Site survey and terrestrial / satellite signal assessment
- • Terrestrial aerial selected for the measured reception conditions
- • Shared satellite dish and compatible LNB arrangement where required
- • Multiswitch, dSCR/SCR and amplification selected for the receiver requirements
- • Tap-offs, splitters and distribution components sized for the system
- • Coax, fibre or other distribution media only where the chosen architecture requires it
- • Outlet plates and feeds matched to the services required in each dwelling
- • Commissioning and signal checks at representative / required outlets
We commission and label the agreed system so future fault-finding has a clear starting point rather than relying on undocumented changes in risers or cupboards.
New developments & electrical contractors
On new-build and refurbishment projects, the communal TV / satellite system can sit alongside a wider electrical package rather than being treated as a separate domestic-style installation. We can review the supplied drawings and specification, agree the exact package boundary with the electrical contractor or project team, and price the specialist communal work around that scope.
Depending on the project, the agreed package can include communal spine or riser distribution, splitters, tap-offs, multiswitches and other head-end equipment, roof aerial / satellite equipment, termination, testing and commissioning. Apartment wiring, containment, mains supplies, access equipment, fire-stopping and builders' work are confirmed project-by-project so responsibilities are clear before work starts rather than assumed later.
- Tender drawing and specification review
- Clear scope split with the electrical contractor or main contractor
- Communal spine / riser and distribution equipment where specified
- Roof and head-end equipment within the agreed package
- Testing, commissioning and handover requirements agreed up front
A building-specific plan from the start
From building information to handover
- 01Define the brief
Gather drawings, affected services, receiver requirements and known system details.
- 02Inspect and test
Agree access to the head-end, risers and relevant outlets.
- 03Agree responsibilities
Confirm the repair or installation scope, resident access and other trades.
- 04Commission the work
Check the agreed system and provide labelling and handover information within scope.
How we price larger communal projects
For larger blocks and developments, we normally start with the relevant drawings, specification and programme rather than trying to give a meaningful price from the apartment count alone. We identify the required services, distribution architecture, cable routes, equipment, access and responsibility split, raise any scope questions, and arrange a site visit where the documents do not answer them. Once the package is clear, we provide a costed proposal for the agreed works and can plan first-fix, second-fix, roof work and commissioning around the project programme where required.
Reporting faults and authorising repairs
Reactive repairs & planned maintenance
Communal faults can come from the aerial or dish head-end, a failed power supply or amplifier, water ingress, a multiswitch or tap-off fault, damaged riser cabling, an outlet issue or changes made elsewhere in the distribution network. We test the shared system to isolate the affected section, quote the repair, and can arrange planned checks where the building operator wants an ongoing maintenance relationship.
Reporting a communal reception fault
Record the affected flats and services, the start time and any recent changes, then arrange authorised access to the shared equipment. Our communal TV fault checklist for managing agents explains what to gather before a visit, including access, resident coordination and repair authorisation.
Make the system easier to look after
Landlords, HMOs and managed properties
For a single HMO, block or portfolio, the useful part of a managed arrangement is clear ownership: documented equipment, a known contact for reception faults and an agreed route for authorising repairs. We can structure installation, upgrade and reactive work around the landlord or managing agent so tenants know who to contact and the commercial approval process is clear.
- One contact route for agreed properties
- Reactive work authorised and billed through the agreed client
- System labelling and handover information where included
- Planned maintenance checks available by arrangement
- Scope can follow supplied managing-agent maintenance requirements
Scoping planned maintenance
Managing agents and housing associations can use our Communal TV & Aerial Maintenance Contract Guide to define equipment, fault boundaries, authorisation, parts and reporting before requesting a quotation.
Discuss your building with a local engineer
What affects the cost
Communal systems need a building-specific survey because cost depends on the existing head-end, number of dwellings and outlets, receiver requirements, riser topology, cable condition, access and whether existing distribution components can be retained. We do not assume an old MATV network can simply accept satellite services without testing it. Once the scope is understood, we provide a clear quotation for the agreed work. Ring the office on 0161 399 1757 or send a WhatsApp and we'll arrange the next sensible step during opening hours.
Local cover for landlords & property managers
Based in Stockport, we cover communal systems across Greater Manchester — Stockport, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Oldham, Tameside and surrounding areas. Where the same building also needs communal CCTV or structured cabling, we can survey those systems as part of the wider technology scope.