Zenith ZHDTV1 HDTV-UHF Digital Indoor Antenna (Silver and Black)
by Gemini Industries, Inc.
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Zenith ZHDTV1 HDTV-UHF Digital Indoor Antenna (Silver and Black)
Customer Review: San Francisco reception in the Tri-Valley possible
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that I was skeptical about this product, but based on the reviews and cost I figured it was worth the trouble. Most digital TV transmissions in the Bay Area take place from Sutro tower in San Francisco and the Tri-Valley area sits behind hills about 30 miles to the East. Checking the antennaweb.org site did not even list any of the San Francisco digital channels as accessible by any class of antenna from my address.My first attempt was to access KPIX, our local CBS affiliate. I placed the antenna on top of a 7' tall armoire holding the home entertainment system (Toshiba DST3000 to Hitachi Ultravision HDTV) and moved it around until I got a signal of around 51. Experimenting by moving in front of the West-facing picture window near the TV got an even stronger signal, nearly pegging the meter at 93. I ended up mounting it above the picture window, disguised by a plant mounted above the window.
Eight stations were immediately accessible, with meter readings from nine more that were too weak for good reception, so I bought a 25db RCA signal amplifier to see if I could get more. That was good enough to get five more stations, with four signals too weak for reception.
With sub-channels, I'm now receiving 22 digital channels. The only disappointment was the inability to access Fox (KTVU) and KRON on digital channels 56 & 57. Since KNTV is broadcasting on VHF digital channel 12 and this antenna is UHF only lack of reception is understandable (oddly enough KNTV is also broadcasting on subchannel 48-2, with 48-1 being the Spanish language station KSTS.)
This product significantly exceeded by expectations.
Customer Review: WOW this little dude works!
Summary: 5 Stars
After many attempts to find an antenna that would provide a consistent signal for my 5 local HDTV over-the-air broadcasts...the search is over! This is the one!I live about 40-50 miles away from the broadcast towers in the middle of the woods (4 acres). Previously I purchased a Channel Master 4-bay UHF antenna. This was big, bulky and very ugly...not to mention dangerous to handle due to all the sharp wire ends. The [costly] Channel Master 4-bay antenna picked up less (inside my house) than a pair of rabbit ears with an adjustable UHF loop...which at least picked up 3 channels (1000 kw power stations) without much problem. The rabbit ears and loop needed to be constantly adjusted to keep the signals in over the course of several hours. This ZHDTV1 instantly gave me 5 channels and held the signal strength for many hours without needing to be adjusted. Once it is pointed...IT WORKS!
I also love the simple design. It took 5 seconds to put the pieces together. The coax cable attached to it is removable...which means I have the option to upgrade the cable to a higher-quality one and/or a different color that better matches my decor.
My only beef is that it is too light and thus can be easily tipped over or knocked off whatever it is resting on. A weighted base would be a welcome design improvement. A small piece of Velcro on the bottom of the base might work.
One last note, I do have it connected to a small external amplifier.
Believe the reviews...this antenna is sweet. Watching Jay Leno on the Tonight Show in 1080i HD is something that just can't be explained...you have to experience it for yourself.
Customer Review: Tremendous Bang for the Buck!
Summary: 5 Stars
I live about 8/10 of a mile from the Sears Tower in Chicago, IL. My condo satelite provider offers local HD channels, but our building's equipment is not up to date so I could not get them. The Zenith antenna met and exceeded my expectations (especially considering the price). Setup was simple: I put it together in 2 mins, attached it, pointed it towards the Sears Tower, and performed a station scan. I picked up about 14 stations.
In contrast to other reviews, I don't find the product to be flimsy, but I would agree that it's not a super substantial antenna. Yet, I am thoroughly surprised that anyone would criticize the build quality since it's a $20 product.
I suppose that if I were to be most critical, I would say that the picture is about 4.5/5 or an A-, A (not an A+). Compared to my HDTV satellite stations (ie. ESPN HD), I have to give the slight nod to the satellite feed. Several local stations have minimal graininess, but they still look fantastic.
Overall, this is a fantastic product at a more than fair price. I found build quality and fit and finish to be very satisfactory for a $20 antenna.
My only caveat is that I do live very close to most of the Chicagoland HDTV antennas. While this can actually be a bit of a problem due to power, I would expect that those living 25 miles away or more may not get the same results.
Finally, there is a WAF (wife acceptance factor): I was able to set it vertically (it can be adjusted) so it hides behind my Samsung plasma. Perfect solution!
Customer Review: HORRIBLE
Summary: 5 Stars
awesome reception. i tried it before i got my hdtv and tuner and the over the air reception of regualr channels was worse than my regular rabbit antenna so i figured it wasn't going to get the over-the-air HD channels (which was all or nothing).
However, once I got my hdtv, I plugged this sucker in and viola: I got ALL of the HD channels and then some... I didn't know there was an over-the-air music video channel!! And dedicated weather channels for both nbc and abc. And some obscure movie channel... and of course all Spanish channels.
But anyway if this twenty dollar item brings in the HD channels this good, I wonder what the higher priced items do?
I just placed mine on the highest point of the entertainment center and made sure it was right next to the wall and had nothing around it...
By the way, I live in a two level apt building and I'm on te first floor
I have a feeling the people that complain about the reception either live in an are that doesn't have that much HD reception in the first place or the don't have an HD tuner...
At any rate, this thing works as advertised. Buy it!
****EDIT....
HD signals are broadcast through your UHF band. Buy any old VHF/UHF antenna and it will work just fine. This thing broke on me after I tried adjusting it/ directing it to the right signal. It was a waste of money.
Customer Review: Best Indoor Antenna Ever - Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I must say, I was skeptical when I took this out of the box. It comes with three pieces that look like a three year old put them together but this exceeds its reputation. I live in only 9.5 miles away from the mountain where all TV signals are broadcast from the top. I had previously tried every single antenna known to man but couldn't not get any signal strength and thought my hdtv tuner was broken. But, I decided to try to order this one and by turning the antenna vertical versus horizontal how it is shown, i got a full strength signal. You might be saying well sure you live close but let me explain why I could never get a signal before. I live less than a mile from a major international airport and airplanes fly less than 200 feet above the top of my condo complex not to mention I am surronded by tall buildings like corporate headquarters right next to my building and lastly I am on the far side of the condo complex on the second floor, so the signals have a lot metal to travel through before they get inside my residence. What does all this equal? If you live in a city with all the major signals coming from one location, this antenna is a must, especially when you turn the antenna vertical as described on the back of the box. Don't bother trying the old school circular or rabbit ears, they just dont work unless you live a mile away.