What is the best outdoor UHF VHF TV antenna?
An expert and user recommended to Channel Master CM-4228DH are the best for METROtenna Outdoor High VHF, VHF, and HDTV Antenna Multi-Directional.
Channel Master 4228hd-Does It Pull Signal or Your Money?
It is not common to see people buying antennas with smart televisions and Netflix is available worldwide now. However, I wanted to see whether it is possible to have access to Popular HDTV Channels and TV Shows for Free with no Subscription Fees. The Channel Master 4228hd is described as being the strongest signal receiver on the market so I decided to buy it and give it a try. It has been available for a few years now and its continuing popularity really motivated me to take a closer look. So here is my Channel Master 4228HD Review.
What is that $194 metal?
For those who do not know what is the Channel Master 4228hd antenna, well your grandparents might help. Before the wireless network was popular, TV used antennas to get signals from broadcasting satellites. The better the quality of the antenna, the less buffering.
The Channel Master 4228HD fits the above description. You put it up on your roof and you receive signals which allow you to watch various channels, for free. I wanted to test the 4228 Model and laid my hands on it yesterday.
Qualities Reviews of Channel Master CM-4228HD
This channel master model 4228hd has various features that impressed me the moment I opened the box. I was quite clueless as to what to expect since I did not bother reading any online reviews. I appreciated various things among which:
1. Supports Uncompressed 1080i HDTV Broadcasts
It works with almost all TVs and the quality of the image is amazing. When I first plugged it in, I used an old Samsung TV and the result was amazing. The screen was clear and I noticed no buffering at all. The real test however was on a new Samsung QN65Q800TAFXZA Tv. I got this TV as a gift and it really is one of the latest available on the market. When disconnected to the internet and using signals from the Channel Master 4228hd, I was getting straight over a hundred channels for free, those on which I would usually spend money. The quality was far better than cable.
2. Assembly and Installation
The Antenna came PREASSEMBLED. I was not expecting this. I simply needed to fold the different parts and set them in place with the SUPPLIED wing nuts. Trust me, It was very easy.
If I have to be honest, the size really worried me at first. It is approximately 41 x 5.5 x 33 inches and I knew setting it up on the roof would not be easy. Well, I was wrong. The antenna is extremely lightweight for its size, it was only 10 pounds. My sister was heavier when she was born. The antennas come with clamps to mount it to a mast, an adapter for using antenna cable and that is all. You only need some kind of roof mount and a mast.
The channel master 4228hdcame with installation instructions and a channel master 4228hd manual which are both also available online. Took me around 30 minutes to get it out of the box and get Young Sheldon playing.
3. Waterproof and Rust-Free.
Okay, I don’t know for you guys, but I was scared of having a big metal on my roof during rain or even lightning. However, the channel master cm-4228hd high VHF UGF HDTV antenna shot me in the face since the antenna’s aluminum parts are rust-free and its plastic elements are UV resistant. Yes, Aluminium= not the best friend of lighting so no no one risks getting electrocuted.
4. Several TVs Can Connect Simultaneously.
So I did mention I tried it out with two different TVs but missed out on the fact that I even tried both simultaneously. I had a splitter at home and tried to connect two sets and boom. Both were playing smoothly without any problems. The splitter allowed for two more TVs to be connected to I guess If you live in an extended family with several TVs in different rooms, this is an extremely profitable investment.
I suppose this is due to its Frequency and Channel Types. It has a Bandwidth of 174-216 MHz, 470-700 MHz with a Gain of 5-12dB Min as well as an Impedance of 75Ω. Without being a tech nerd, this means that it Is really strong at catching signals.
4. Price
NO! I AM NOT RICH. I have been living off the minimum age for years so $149 dollars is not easy money. Yet, I would say that the price is very decent for the product you are receiving. Just Imagine. A lifetime of the television signal for several televisions. You can get it to work even without an internet connection and have no Monthly or Yearly subscription to pay. Well, definitely worth it.
Drawbacks
Do not judge me. I loved the antenna and the whole experience of it. However, I try my best to give a true picture of any product that I use and I sincerely believe that certain things need to be considered.
1. Home structure.
Not everyone can buy or use it. While installing it, I was wondering if it would be nice to send one for my sister who is at college. But that is not possible. If you live in an apartment with hundreds of people, you might need permission to set an antenna on the roof. Or If you live on the ground floor of a 20-floor building, you might have to spend a hundred bucks on connectives cables.
2. Interference
Here is my dad`s message to you all: An antenna uses wireless interfaces and your TV might simply not work during heavy rainfall or a tornado. Well, I have not checked this out as there has been no current heavy rain. However, based on the Antenna being quite strong, I sincerely hope the weather will not affect it. I will try to update you further on this.
Highlight Features and Specifications
- This antenna’s Reception Range is 80 Miles
- Multi-Directional Reception Pattern
- Has colors – Yellow, Green, Light Green, Red, Blue, Violet
- Bandwidth has 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz
- This antenna Gain is VHF High 5 dB, UHF 12 dB
- 18 dB Front to Back Ratio
- 2 ft Turning Radius
- Has Wind Resistance (at 100mph, no ice) – 72 lb
- This antenna Size is 41 x 33 x 5 inch
- 10 lb Weight
- Included are Installation Guide, Integrated Boom Mount and U-bolt with Nest
Alternatives?
If you want an alternative to the channel master 4228hd EXTREMEtenna, the Winegard 8800 is a potential consideration. There is not much difference as it will pick up VHF 7 to 13, although only up to 20 miles. WBBM Channel 2 is actually on VHF 12. You need a high Band Vhf along with a Uhf antenna so I would definitely prefer the channel master 4228hd.
Read more: Best Channel Master TV Antenna Review
Final Thoughts?
If you are reading this blog having this question in mind, “Should I buy it?” Well, you definitely should. The product is almost perfect and accomplishes what it promises. Although it was really an experiment at first, I now use it daily and even my parents do. will be moving out soon and will surely get me another one. It is not technically free but watching the channels knowing they are all here forever and that too for $149 only makes me feel great. So this was my review of the Channel Master 4228hd.
Photo: amazon.com