Selecting the best antenna for receiving off-air HDTV broadcasts
for your location can include several factors. One of those factors
is how well do some of the various models pick up the signals in
your location. Some locations may easily receive all the signals
you are interested in with almost any antenna, while others may
need a very high quality antenna with an amplifier. This article
takes a look at three widely available antenna's, and compares how
they stacked up at my location.
The three Indoor / Outdoor antennas reviewed here were provided
by Advanced Satellite Communications located in Columbus, Ohio.
HDTV Antenna's usually include VHF and UHF elements. VHF
elements are important for receiving channels between 2 and 13,
whereas UHF elements receive channel frequency 14 and higher.
Though it is important to note that in digital tv, the "virtual"
channel number (e.g. 6.1) can actually be broadcast on a different
frequency, often times in the UHF band (e.g. 38). To help sort this
out, I recommend you look up the local broadcast information for
your area using antennaweb.org. They will list the virtual
channel as well as the actual frequency for the local stations in
your area.
All the models reviewed here were individually placed in the
same location in a window on a second story home. The were pointed
so that they received the best overall signal reception and that
not moved or adjusted for each individual channel. I have also
included the local reception using a Terk Indoor only amplified
HDTV Antenna in the same position. This is to establish a baseline
and demonstrate how much better reception an indoor/outdoor antenna
can be. The Antenna I used is regarded as a good quality indoor
antenna, but as you will see did not work nearly as well for my
location as the larger indoor/outdoor models. The signal strength
readings were taken with a Samsung SlimFit HDTV.
The
Channel Master 3010 StealthTenna is marketed as a short range
antenna that can receive analog and digital UHF, VHF and FM
broadcasts. Although it s the least expensive model reviewed here
(found online at several vendors for $39.99), it was the best
performer in the un-amplified mode of any reviewed here. It did not
include an amplifier with this model, and was only beat in
reception by the WineGard Squareshooter in the amplified mode. This
antenna was impressive that it actually outperformed the amplified
RCA model. This is also the only model reviewed here that has
external metal fins as part of the elements. While they certainly
look more modern then the old metal elements that used to be
prevalent on rooftops, they still may not meet the cosmetic
requirements of some homeowners.
The mid-priced model reviewed here was the RCA Indoor Outdoor
Ant 806 which can be found online from $50 - $89.99. This model
includes an amplifier that can be connected to the output. I
measured the reception in both modes, and found the amplifier did
slightly increase the reception on some stations, but it actually
seemed to reduce the signal strength on others. This antenna really
didn't seem to perfomr any better then then indoor only Terk. Where
this model shines is in the mounting options and cosmetic
appearance. Although it is nearly 4 feet wide, the unit can be
mounted underneath eaves, on railings, or even to the wall above
your tv and not look too bad.
The Winegard SquareShooter SS-2000 is the most expensive model
reviewed here, available online from a few vendors for $98. It also
had the best reception, and had the highest quality feel and
build-quality. The unit included a mini-dish style foot mount, and
also had hardware for mounting to a pole. The unit included an
optional amplifier as well. The amplifier was the nicest of any
reviewed here. The AC adapter to power the amplifier is connected
using a length of RG-6 coax cable. The advantage to this is that if
you wanted to place the amplifier where there is not an available
power outlet, such as in an attic, all you had to to is run a
longer coax cable to an outlet anywhere else in the home. The
Winegard also has a modern look that is likely to satisfy most
homeowners and neighborhood associations.
