The Bottom Line
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Highly directional
- Only receives UHF channels
- 6-7 db of forward gain (unamplified)
- Highly directional
Description
- In reading opinions written by ZHDTV1 owners, 3/4 loved it while the other 1/4 hated it.
- This antenna is not amplified, which means it won't strengthen weak signals.
- It can be used in conjunction with a VHF antenna by using an antenna combiner.
Guide Review - Zenith ZHDTV1 Indoor High Definition Antenna
A highly directional antenna needs to be pointed toward the origin of the signal. Not all signals come from the same direction. This is a negative because the antenna position will be different from channel to channel. On the positive side, the ZHDTV1 (in theory) will receive better signals because of its highly directional nature. It should lower interference from conflicting signals because it won't read them if they don't come from the direction its pointed at. That's why I listed highly directional as a pro and con.
It's recommended that anyone considering purchase of this antenna not live in a rural area, or have any obstacles between the antenna and the signal tower that would affect the signals ability to travel through the air. Factors that hinder a signal path are but not limited to hills, large buildings, and being too far away from the signal tower. It's difficult to pinpoint how far away you can live from the tower to receive a good signal because all stations have different signal strengths, but a limit of 15 miles should be safe.
