![]() While this seems like a victory for the Leaf, it’s really kind of a tie since both performed similarly with the most popular channels (i.e., the major networks).īoth had trouble picking up channel 4.1 but other than the problematic network channels were a little different. The HD Smart Bar picked up 103 channels while the Leaf got 114 channels. Next, I did a channel scan with each antenna. On my signal strength meter, my Mohu Leaf registered 4 purple dots of strength, while the Antop HD Smart Bar got 5-6 dots, indicating a stronger signal. ![]() I checked the signal strength of my local Los Angeles ABC station, channel 7.1, because it is a Hi-VHF station which is sometimes tricky to pick up. The first thing I did was pit the HD Smart Bar against my Mohu Leaf (with RG-6 cable, not the included cable!). The Mediasonic HOMEWORX Digital Converter Box HW130STB signal strength meter My Testingįor my testing, I used the Mediasonic HOMEWORX Digital Converter Box HW130STB as my tuner because it has a handy signal strength meter. It’s not super difficult to set up if you’re comfortable connecting coax cables and following instructions. ![]() More handy might be to connect that output to a Tablo or other broadcast TV DVR. There is also an output for an FM antenna, but most people probably don’t even have an FM radio in their homes. Basically, you need to connect power to the Power Booster module, then connect that to your TV and to your antenna as shown here: Antop HD Smart Bar connections (from the Antop HD Smart Bar manual) I’ve not seen this feature in many other antennas on the market.Ĭompared to a non-amplified antenna, there’s significantly more setup involved with a powered antenna. It also has a built-in LTE filter to shield against cell tower interference. It sends power back through your antenna’s coax cable to the pre-amplifier that is actually inside the antenna bar. With the HD Smart Bar, there is a Power Booster unit near your TV where power is available. You want it right at the antenna so it can amplify the cleanest signal. Some cheaper amplified antennas have an external amplifier box near your TV, which is the worst place for it. Note, the cable coming from the antenna is not detachable.Īlso very important: the pre-amplifier is right IN the antenna, where it gives the greatest benefit. The Antop HD Smart Bar AT-500SBS with accessories. And with indoor antennas, good placement is about 95% of the battle. You can let it stand vertically on the floor or screw it to a wall, giving your placement options. I was also intrigued by the mounting options. There are so many indoor TV antennas out there, so why was I excited about this one? First, is the physical size it’s larger than many other indoor antennas, making it potentially better at receiving low-frequency VHF signals, which are almost always problematic for people to pick up. That means it requires power for circuitry that increases the level of your TV signal. The HD Smart Bar is an amplified TV antenna. If you hate paying for cable or satellite TV, I highly recommend checking the Station Finder to see if there are broadcast channels in your area. ![]() If your TV was made after 2006 (and it is truly a TV and not a “display”), you should be able to plug a TV antenna into your TV and get FREE high-definition broadcast TV, as long as you live in or near a major city with broadcast TV towers nearby. ![]() The Antop HD Smart Bar is a broadcast TV antenna. ![]()
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