HDTV Amplifier Review

After purchasing the 4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier Internet Modem Signal Booster Internet AMP and using it for a few weeks, I’ve decided to share the results.

I will reiterate what I stated in a previous post about what my needs were and what a signal booster is designed to do. I am on the fringe of reception. This means that I am 50+ miles from nearly all of the transmitting stations. I have to use extreme measures to receive the channels.

I use a homemade coat hanger antenna. It performs well obviously, since I am receiving stations ranging anywhere from 50 miles to 70 miles. I thought this was impossible in the beginning of my experiment. It is very possible, however, it requires an outdoor antenna at least 20 feet high in the air. And good aim is crucial.

The amplifier that I purchased, 4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier Internet Modem Signal Booster Internet AMP, is very useful for the tasks employed. What does it do?

Here’s where it comes in handy. If you have another television in the bedroom, then extra ports on this amplifier will support this. At first, I thought that this amplifier would only support only one television. After a bit of experimenting, I found out that the amplifier will support three televisions. It actually has four outlets.

The amp will pull in weak signals, however, this is not its primary job.

There is improvement with weak signals, but viewers need to understand that a good signal is desired in order for the amplifier to do a proper job. I know it sounds backwards to what it is designed to do. The amplifier will enhance the signal but do not expect miracles. If a better signal is needed, a high gain yagi may be necessary to achieve substantial gain.

Another experiment that I am happy to share about is hooking up this signal booster to my police scanner. I believe there was signal enhancement and I was happy about this. I built my own police scanner antenna and it performs like no other. So it had a decent signal already. The amplifier took some of the static and unwanted noise out of the equation.

Your mileage will vary. I ordered another amplifier, 4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier Internet Modem Signal Booster Internet AMP, so I must say the experience has been a positive one.

Like I said, don’t expect miracles and be sure to have a good antenna system on whatever electronics device you are using if possible. Well, at least the best option that is available.

The signal amplifier will maintain and slightly enhance the signal. It is also for long runs of coax. Yet it is worth the extra effort and is fun to play with. If one plans to add another television and a splitter is needed, then this is where this device comes in handy. In essence, you are buying an amplified splitter that improves the signal. And the closer you are to the transmitter the better the signal enhancement will be. Location, location, location.

Here is a tool that will analyze your location to determine which broadcast television signals are available in your area. It is a TV Signal Locator. This is a fantastic tool to work with. It even has FM reception!

In conclusion, this is a very good product and I would recommend it. Again, a good antenna with height is necessary, unless one lives fairly close to the station.

One final piece of advice. I have often overlooked one important fact myself. Make sure to use quality cable on the outside, hooked up to the antenna — Mediabridge Coaxial Digital Audio Video Cable – (50 Foot/Black) – Triple Shielded, F-Pin to F-Pin with Easy Grip Connector Caps. This makes all the difference in the reception.