TV Outlets – Why Choosing The Right One Matters And What to Avoid
The TV Outlet Is the Final – Yet One of the Most Critical – Components of the Distribution Network
In every terrestrial, cable (CATV), or satellite TV installation, the TV outlet is the final connection point between the distribution network and the user's receiving equipment. Although it is often regarded as a simple accessory, it plays a vital role in the overall performance and reliability of the RF distribution system.
Selecting the wrong TV outlet can affect signal levels, compromise network performance, and prevent the proper transmission of control signals such as DC power, 22 kHz tone, or DiSEqC commands where required. For this reason, the insertion loss of every passive component—including splitters, taps, coaxial cables, and TV outlets—must be considered during the design of any RF distribution network.
In modern TV distribution systems, particularly those with long cable runs or multiple outlet points, even a few additional decibels (dB) of insertion loss can significantly reduce the signal level reaching the television or satellite receiver. Choosing the correct outlet is therefore an integral part of the overall network design and should never be based solely on the number of outputs or its physical appearance.
KATHREIN offers a comprehensive range of TV outlets specifically designed for different distribution architectures, including star distribution networks, loop-through (daisy-chain) systems, CATV installations, and satellite TV distribution networks. Each outlet is engineered to provide optimum signal performance, low insertion loss, high shielding effectiveness, and long-term reliability in professional installations.
Why the Insertion Loss of a TV Outlet Matters
Every TV outlet introduces a certain amount of connection loss (insertion loss) and, in the case of through outlets, an additional through loss.
These values directly affect both the signal level delivered to the end receiver and the signal that continues to the next outlets in a loop-through distribution system.
Choosing the wrong outlet may result in:
- Reduced signal level at the television or satellite receiver.
- Difficulty achieving the required signal levels during system design and balancing.
- Improper operation of installations requiring DC voltage pass-through to active devices such as the LNB, including the transmission of 13/18 V, 22 kHz tone, and DiSEqC control signals.
- Costly network redesign due to the incorrect selection of passive RF components.
For this reason, selecting the appropriate TV outlet should always be based on the network topology, the technical requirements of the installation, and the performance specifications of each outlet model. Choosing the correct outlet ensures reliable signal distribution, optimum system performance, and long-term installation stability.
Explore our complete range of professional TV and TV/SAT outlets designed for terrestrial, CATV, and satellite distribution systems.
Common Features of KATHREIN TV Outlets
All KATHREIN TV and TV/SAT outlets are engineered for professional RF distribution systems and offer the following key features:
- Compliant with EN 60728-11 and EN 50083-2 European standards.
- Robust die-cast metal housing for superior mechanical strength and excellent shielding performance.
- Supports installation using mounting screws or retaining claws.
- Designed for installation in 55–65 mm flush-mounted wall boxes.
- Compatible with most standard switch and faceplate systems, ensuring seamless integration into residential and commercial installations.
Comparison of Selected KATHREIN TV Outlets
| Model | Type | Frequency Range | DC Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESC 30 | Terminal TV/FM/SAT Outlet – 3 Outputs | 47–68 / 87.5–108 / 125–862 / 950–2150 MHz | Yes (SAT) |
| ESD 64 | Through Outlet – 2 Outputs | 4–1000 MHz | No |
| ESD 84 | Terminal Outlet – 2 Outputs | 4–2400 MHz | Yes (TV/SAT) |
| ESD 85 | Terminal Outlet – 2 Outputs | 0.15–2400 MHz | Yes (TV/SAT) |
ESC 30 – TV/FM/SAT Terminal Outlet for Star Distribution Networks
The KATHREIN ESC 30 is a 3-output terminal TV/FM/SAT outlet designed for professional Star Distribution and Stub Distribution satellite TV systems.
It provides dedicated outputs for:
- TV
- FM Radio
- Satellite IF (SAT)
The SAT output supports DC pass-through up to 24 V / 320 mA, enabling the transmission of 13/18 V DC, 22 kHz tone, and DiSEqC™ control signals for powering and controlling compatible satellite components such as LNBs and multiswitches.
Key Technical Features
- Satellite frequency range up to 2150 MHz.
- TV insertion loss: 1 dB.
- SAT insertion loss: 1 dB.
- Radio insertion loss: 2 dB.
- Optimized for professional TV/SAT installations requiring low insertion loss, excellent shielding, and reliable long-term performance.
ESD 64 – Through TV and Radio Outlet
The KATHREIN ESD 64 is a 2-output selective through outlet designed for loop-through (daisy-chain) distribution networks, allowing up to four outlets to be connected in series.
It is specifically engineered for professional terrestrial TV distribution systems where the RF signal must continue to downstream outlets while maintaining balanced signal levels throughout the installation.
Key Technical Features
- TV connection (insertion) loss: 8 dB.
- Through loss: approximately 1.4–2.0 dB.
- High shielding performance for excellent protection against electromagnetic interference.
- Designed for professional RF distribution networks with reliable long-term performance.
Because the signal continues to subsequent outlet points, the ESD 64 should be selected as part of the overall RF system design, ensuring that cumulative insertion losses are correctly calculated and that adequate signal levels are maintained at every outlet in the network.
ESD 84 – TV/SAT Terminal Outlet with Radio
The KATHREIN ESD 84 is a broadband 2-output terminal outlet designed for professional terrestrial TV, FM radio, and satellite TV (TV/SAT) distribution systems.
With a frequency range of up to 2400 MHz, it supports the transmission of both terrestrial and satellite signals through a single outlet, making it ideal for modern residential and commercial installations.
The outlet provides DC pass-through via the TV/SAT connection up to 24 V / 400 mA, allowing the transmission of 13/18 V DC, 22 kHz tone, and DiSEqC™ control signals for powering and controlling compatible satellite equipment.
Key Technical Features
- Frequency range: 4–2400 MHz.
- TV insertion loss: approximately 3.5–3.8 dB.
- SAT insertion loss: approximately 4.3–4.8 dB.
- Supports terrestrial TV, FM radio, and satellite IF distribution.
- High shielding performance and reliable long-term operation for professional TV/SAT installations.
ESD 85 – TV/SAT Terminal Outlet with Radio
The KATHREIN ESD 85 is a 2-output selective terminal outlet designed for CATV, communal antenna (MATV/SMATV), and satellite TV distribution systems. With an extended operating frequency range from 0.15 to 2400 MHz, it supports both terrestrial and satellite signal distribution while providing DC pass-through via the TV/SAT connection.
Thanks to its exceptionally low insertion loss across both terrestrial and satellite frequency bands, the ESD 85 is the ideal choice for professional installations where maximum signal levels and minimum attenuation are essential.
Key Technical Features
- Operating frequency range: 0.15–2400 MHz.
- TV insertion loss: approximately 0.5 dB.
- SAT insertion loss: approximately 1 dB.
- AM insertion loss: approximately 0.7 dB.
- DC pass-through for powering compatible satellite equipment.
- Excellent shielding performance and low-loss design for professional RF distribution systems.
The 5 Most Common TV Outlet Selection Mistakes
Avoid these common installation errors when designing or upgrading a TV distribution network:
- ❌ Using a through outlet in a star distribution system.
- ❌ Selecting an outlet with higher insertion loss than the network design allows.
- ❌ Failing to calculate the total insertion loss of the RF distribution network.
- ❌ Installing an outlet without DC pass-through in systems that require powering an LNB, amplifier, or other active equipment.
- ❌ Choosing an outlet based solely on its appearance instead of the distribution topology and technical specifications.
Conclusion
A TV outlet is far more than the final connection point in an RF distribution system. It is a critical passive component that directly influences overall network performance, signal quality, and long-term installation reliability.
Factors such as outlet type, insertion loss, through loss, DC pass capability, and compatibility with the network architecture should all be considered during the design phase to ensure optimum system performance.
The KATHREIN ESC 30, ESD 64, ESD 84, and ESD 85 TV outlets are designed to meet the requirements of terrestrial, CATV, MATV/SMATV, and satellite TV distribution systems. Each model offers application-specific features, low insertion loss, high shielding effectiveness, and the professional reliability expected from KATHREIN RF distribution solutions.
