Improved Reception
Written: Sep 28 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good reception without amplification. Highly directional which cuts down interference. Amplification when used does help.
Cons: Base small, requires power even when amplification off, switch inconvenient location, no coaxial connection, pricey.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend it for anyone experiencing signal interference or signal fluctuations. If not for the design considerations and price, I would give it five stars.
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| nasedo's Full Review: Terk HDTVi for HDTV (HDTVA) |
This is for the Terk HDTVA Antenna Pro.
First, I was originally using a Gemini VHF/UHF antenna connected to a Zenith digital converter box which is connected to a Panasonic standard CRT TV.
My location for the old analog signals provided good reception except for one station, but the reception changed somewhat with the inception of digital broadcasting.
Now, I will only deal with the digital reception. With the old setup, I could pick up 13 channels: one so poorly as to be unwatchable with the many picture breakups, two with breakups about twice every half an hour, and the rest with video or audio problems about once every hour.
My house is on a busy street, so traffic often caused reception problems.
So after reading some good reviews about this Terk antenna, I decided to give it a chance.
The reception was first tested without the amplification. There was a marked improvement with the unwatchable channel. The Zenith's bar graph of signal strength hit in the area designated as good. Also, I picked up one station with its three sub channels that could not be
picked up previously (signal strength is good enough for viewing). Overall, there was improvement with every channel which greatly cut down on picture and audio breakup.
Now, this antenna is highly directional, doing a good job of cutting out interference. This is very important to me being on a highly traveled street.
The devices amplification was next tested. For most channels, this resulted in an increase in signal strength from 10% to 15%, maybe as high as 20%. This will make a difference in reception in some cases. Though, using the antenna without amplification is sufficient most of the time.
Concerning the design and construction, it could have been built with a wider base for better stability. Further, it should have a coaxial connector instead of a permanent cable connected to the unit. I could see where the cable could eventually break or wear out requiring a replacement. As for the amplification switch, it is in an inconvenient place, in line with the lower part of the coaxial cable, does not seem to be too durable, and the amount of amplification cannot be adjusted. Also, the amplifier must be plugged in even when switched off for the antenna to function.
Finally, I bought this at Best Buy. It retails there for $74, but I was able to buy a returned one marked down to $50. Considering that the antenna is made in China, both amounts are pricey. It should retail for $35 or $40 at the most.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nasedo
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Reviews written: 7
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