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,
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for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Antennas Direct DB4 Multi-Directional HDTV Antenna
Customer Review: Good but not great
Summary: 4 Stars
I upgraded from an Antennas Direct DB2 to this DB4 antenna. I was hoping to boost some weaker signals and ended up somewhat disappointed. The DB2 should have been enough given the distance to the majority of stations (just over 12 miles), however I mounted in the loft and chose to upgrade to the DB4 after reading Antennas Direct website about loft installations. Antennas Direct suggested upgrading to the next antenna up.
I did experience about 10% improvement in signal strength which is less than I hoped for. This antenna when compared to the DB2 is more directional even though they are both rated as multi-directional by the manufacturer. I had to use a compass to ensure optimal aim, rotating the antenna does make a difference, multi-directional doesn't mean you can ignore which way it points!! Truth be known, I only lost the Jewelry Channel going from the DB2 to the DB4, maybe I will save money anyhow!!
I saw no real improvement when boosting the signal with a boosting device, no matter if I placed the booster at the head end or TV end of the cable.
My goal was 100% signal strength on primary channels I watch. 85-90% is about as much as I can get.
I also found Splitters really weaken the signal significantly. I've decided to get a separate antenna for each TV in the house. The cost of splitters and boosters comes to about the same price of a DB2 anyhow.
Unless you really need the extra range of the DB4 or DB8 I would recommend the DB2 for most installations where you're within 30 miles of the transmitters. The DB2 brings in more of the peripheral stations.
Customer Review: DB4 HD Antena
Summary: 5 Stars
I read reviews of this and thought it would be a good fit. Boy were they right. I replaced a 20 year old antenna, tripod and cable with this. Easy to put together. Just two bolts and you then put it up. The pole bracket has wing nuts. How much easier can you get. I live in Milwaukee and I now pick up stations from the Green Bay and Appleton area.
It's a very light antenna so be carefull when you handle it. You don't want to damage it in any way. You don't want to damage the reflective grid and pick up bow ties. Once I got it on my roof, and I have a ranch house, you really see the stand and pole. The rest of it you don't notice much. So much different than the old huge aluminum ones.
This is my first HD antenna. I didn't want an indoor one and this one does NOT require an amplifier. I angled it towards the area where the transmiters are here and I got it right the first try. Get it as high as you can and make sure you use new coax for the digital signal. I replaced all my 20 year old coax. Get a good heavy duty tri pod and pole. They'll last longer. I got my tri pod and pole from Radio Shack. The stand is heavy duty and pole is coated against corrosion. Worth every penny. I replaced my Radio Shack tri pod and pole from 20 years ago with a new one. A $15 cheapie is pure junk. You want something to take any high wind.
This is well worth the money. You won't be sorry with this as long as you install it right and follow the directions. Do it wrong and you'll have problems. Read and follow the tips they give you and you'll be happy as I am. I love it.
Customer Review: Excellent results splitting the signal
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently purchased and installed the DB4 antenna with the 75cm "J" bracket. It's working well for me. I installed it on the back of the house, below the roof line about 12 feet off the ground. The topology is pretty flat. I'm probably 50% blocked by trees that are much taller than my antenna. My stations are all within a few degrees of each other and all are around 15 miles away.
The surprising thing to me, is that I'm able to split the signal and feed two TVs without an amplifier. I'm getting 15 digital stations. My cable runs are probably 70-80 feet. The signal strength is 55% - 95% depending on which TV it is and whether it's day or night. Rain may be a factor too as I'm getting a very strong signal today and it's been raining on and off for two days.
The only peculiar thing I've noticed is that I can't get the ION stations (39.1, 39.2, and 39.3 in my area) on the upstairs TV. Reception on these same stations is perfect downstairs. All of the other stations are very strong but 39 doesn't show up at all with the auto-scan. I've tried it on an older TV with a converter box and a new digital TV with the same result. I think I'll have to drag the upstairs TV to the downstairs location and try it there.
I've very pleased with the antenna. The bracket is top quality too. I tried to scrap off some paint to hook up a grounding wire and I had a difficult time getting through through the paint to the metal. I've had such good luck with this that several of my friends are considering the same option in order to reduce their monthly TV bill.
Customer Review: Another happy customer
Summary: 5 Stars
As you can see by the pictures I posted, my install was non-standard. I don't recommend it.
Why did I install it on the side of my house? Well, out of about 45 stations, 40 are within 5 degrees of each other on the compass. And, lucky me, the back of my house happens to face in that direction. So, I don't have to worry about the rest of my house blocking the other stations which are mostly repeats (a second CBS affiliate, and Spanish speaking channels).
I'm very happy with the size of the unit. I live in an area with an HOA, which doesn't allow external antennas. however, placed where it is it doesn't bother anybody.
The reception is perfect, every channel is excellent. It works well even though I live in a wooded area.
My advice to you:
1) Check [...] to see where your channels are. if you don't own a compass, buy one, and use it to get the antenna aimed precisely where you want. Even though this is a multi-directional antenna, it will help.
2) Test the antenna inside your house. Inside my house, without any great care, I received almost 40 signals with excellent quality. Putting the antenna outside at the same altitude improved the reception, however, if you don't get a good signal inside, even holding it up to an open window, then you probably don't need to go through the trouble of a proper install.
I am VERY happy with the Over The Air HD I am receiving. The antenna is a bargain and much better than the old "fishbone" style designs.
A definite buy!
Customer Review: Should have been my first choice!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Terk first... Terk HDTVO Amplified HDTV Antenna and gave it 2 stars. I recommend reading my other review as to not repeat what I wrote.
As mentioned before, items in the box rattle, but that's not the fault of Amazon. There's no foam/cardboard to separate the antenna & wire "dish" of the antenna. Don't be concerned, your items will be just fine.
As for performance, I'm very happy with my first initial tests. Quickly mounting outside on a garbage can, and a more proper mounting in my attic proved nearly identical performance. I ordered the "J" mast to not fiddle with custom mounting, and also ordered the Motorola Signal Booster 484095-001-00 Bi-Directional RF Amplifier although I have yet to use it. I will likely install it since I have an outlet in the attic and redo my channel search to see the improvement. Today when I set it up, we had sunny skies. My worry would be that in our typical cloudy/rainy weather in WA, the antenna alone may not be enough.
As for now, I couldn't be happier with the purchase. If a lot of these antenna's were available locally, I would have no problem with purchasing/returning to compare but chances are most of you are in the same situation as me and rely on company's like Amazon for the lowest price and the time involved in shipping/returning is just not worth it.