Product Review: Winegard SS-3000 Amplified HDTV antenna

Incredible ability to pick up reflected signal, but still directional

This was the antenna that I thought about getting when I first looked into HDTV antennas. But the unwieldy size and the above $50 price tag pushed me away, even though it got excellent ratings (4.5 stars at the time). Having been disappointed by the poor reception of the RCA 1450M in my mom's house, the Winegard SS-3000 was my last hope for an indoor antenna. If it didn't work, I would have to climb up on to the roof to install an outdoor antenna.

Assembling this antenna is a pain. They included 3 coaxial cables in the antenna, and I mixed them up multiple times. I thought the thin coaxial cable is for the AC adapter, but it is for the antenna. I also had to loop that cable through a hole in the base, and connect that wire to the "wing". I attempted to tighten that wire when I already tighten the base to the wing (which is impossible as you have no grip on the wire through that hole). Then I found that you were suppose to connect the reflector panel before you connect the base. I probably had to unscrew the 2 screws that hold the reflector panel and the base at least 3x before I got everything right. This could have been avoided if they labeled each piece with an alphabet and if the pictures of the cables actually matched the thickness of the cables

After finally setting everything up, I plugged it in and turned on the tv and the DTV converter box. A green messed appeared on the screen. Navigating to the signal strength screen, I was shocked the antenna only got 21 out of 100 strength level (for NBC). I have acquired so much experience from trying to setup other antennas, I knew this could be a directional issue. I then pulled out a compass and aim the antenna as instructed by Antennaweb.org (14 degrees due North). It barely improved to a 26, but still no picture or audio. I was confused, but undeterred. I then pointed the antenna towards the window (as per the manual), which made the antenna stick out from the top of the cabinet. Surprisingly, this worked (picture and audio, signal strength jumped to 40). It didn't make much sense at first since this almost place the antenna on the opposite direction of the broadcast towers. But after referring to the manual, it turns out that the reflector panel (the back of the antenna) might be better at picking up reflected signals. So I turn the antenna 180 degrees from where I originally pointed it, and the signal improved to 52. That's the best I can get the signal strength to be. Having re-scanned for channels, I was able to pick up all four major networks (CBS, NBC, FOX, and ABC) and their non-HD sub-streams. But I could not pick up PBS or Univision (the 1450M was able to pick up only that channel).

I'm satisfied with this antenna, although not impressed by its ability to pick up HDTV signals. I have read multiple reviews about this antenna and expected this antenna to pick up all HDTV channels in the area. It fell far short of that, and the directional requirement means if my mom decides to clean the top of the cabinet, she will probably need me to re-adjust the antenna. Although the sturdy base and the thin coaxial cable which doesn't affect the stability of this antenna will at least mean it won't be knocked off its perch like the Terk HDTVa.

Comments

[London Website Development]

That was an inspiring post,
It is definatley well worth the money that it costs...
Thanks for writing, most people don't bother.