Antennas Direct DB4 Multi-Directional HDTV Antenna
by Antennas Direct
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List Price: Our Price: $194.95 You Save: $155.04 (44%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Speakers See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Antennas Direct DB4 Multi-Directional HDTV Antenna
Customer Review: Works well
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought the DB4 for use on my roof (mounted on the old dish network mount adapter). The signal strength was pretty good on most channels but a few were low. This is mainly a function of my location and where the mount is on the roof. I ended up moving the antenna into the attic (i know the instructions say not to but this worked better for me). Overall, the signal strength went down but I was able to get higher up vs. the mount on the roof (that section was on a lower piece of roof) and was able to move it around in different orientations to get a good overall signal strength. The channels come in very clear even in the attic, but I am using an amp to boost the signal to three TVs. Bottom line, its a good antenna and if you plan on mounting on the roof this is a good size. If I had realized I would end up mounting in the attic, I would probably have sprung for the DB8 because up there I'm not concerned with my neighbors complaining about a big metallic object on my roof :).Customer Review: DB4 Review
Summary: 5 Stars
I got the DB4 UHF antenna through Amazon for my new high definition television. You can read the specs at antennasdirect.com. Amazon shipped it promptly, and it was small enough to mount easily on a pole on my brick chimney. I had to buy a set of brackets from Radio Shack. The antenna worked great, though I did not notice any big differences over my 50 inch existing VHF/UHF hanging in the attic. I live between Boston and Providence about 10-20 miles from all the stations of interest (about 25). The ads say multidirectional, and for the most part it is. But the pattern (see avsforum.com and hdtvprimer.com)is like a fat figure 8 with some holes. You can locate your local stations by using antennaweb.org.
If you already have a VHF/UHF antenna just use it. But if you do not have a good antenna or want a smaller one that is easy to mount and aim, then go with the DB2, DB4, or DB8. It performs much better than those electronic indoor things, and the price is better too.
Customer Review: TVictory you can't go wrong with a DB4
Summary: 5 Stars
Antennas Direct make very good antenna products. I really like the DB4 as it has an integral matching transformer (300 to 75ohm) fixed to the antenna, much better than the loose wired connection types that seem to be prone to fail from even slight over-tightening of the F connector. As for assembly just slip the two bolts through the holes it is all of two minutes to assemble, also looks better than a big yagi above the roof line.
The DB4 is hi-gain directional UHF antenna, from experience I find it better to go with a hi-gain antenna rather than a lower gain antenna like the DB2. Local UHF stations will also easily be received off axis with no issues, even VHF if you are near by the VHF transmitter <7miles. If you do want to pick up VHF stations then you will need to consider a UHF/VHF antenna or separate VHF antenna combined with the DB4.
This DB4 is pulling in stations 40 miles out mounted 3 feet above the roof line on a 39inch J pole.
Customer Review: Great but read fine print
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm satisfied with this product. I have it in the attic with a Phillips 24db amplifier (12db per channel). I live in Sandusky, Ohio, which is 55 miles from the Cleveland stations and 35-45 miles from the Toledo stations (also 100 miles from Detroit stations). I can pick up the stations in Cleveland and Toledo and 1 station in Detroit.
So that's all great.
Here is what else you need to know:
This antenna is NOT multi-directional. Do not be decieved by that. I have to point it at Cleveland or at Toledo to pick up the stations in each locale (or at Detroit to pick up the one station). The instructions say: "Make sure elements (bowties) are facing transmitting towers."
The instructions also tell you: "Attic Installations will cut 40%-50% of your signal strength." I do not know if I am making up for that by using the amplifier or if I would receive even better signal if I could mount it outside on the roof.
Customer Review: No amplifer needed!
Summary: 4 Stars
I've been using a powered antenna that attaches to my 18" dish. However, I don't use the dish anymore and wanted to unplug the reciever (also the power source for the antenna) to save electricity. With no power, the small, dish mount antenna is nearly useless so I started looking for a antenna with a large gain that didn't need a power boost. I installed the DB4 and took out the powered device so it's the antenna only...and all of the channels I received with power are back! I'm sure I could pull in even more with a power booster but at this point, I don't need to.
I would add that the DB4 doesn't seem to help at all to pull in analog broadcasts (not designed for that anyway)...but in early 2009, nobody will be broadcasting analog so I don't care.
Was very easy to install using the old mast from my dish! And now, with my dish payment cancelled, I can justify the cost of the antenna in just 30 days...although I have far fewer channels!