We heard Antennas Direct was
going small, and it wasn't kidding. In partnership with GSSI and Toptronics, the firm has just rolled out the DA-001 indoor antenna, complete with a "patented element and low noise amplifier designed for digital signal reception." Checking in at 12- x 8- x 13-inches, the unit was crafted to receive both VHF and UHF signals (channels 2 to 69), and supposedly, it can fetch said waves up to 50 miles away. There's been no official mention of a price, but a modicum of digging puts it just south of $65.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Randy @ May 14th 2008 11:45AM
Can you guys get one for review please?
I'd be interested in this if it works well.
Lawrence Chen @ May 15th 2008 8:27AM
I wish it could be ordered right now. Because I would like to try this, but probably won't remember to come back to see if it has materialized.
Patrick Joseph @ May 15th 2008 3:38PM
Its already available at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017RGT3M/sr=1-50/qid=1210846659/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1210846659&sr=1-50&seller=
Anthony @ May 18th 2008 12:16PM
sorry to be a wet blanket, but I have seen several indoor antennas claim this before and none have lived up to expectations....for less money you can get a decent outdoor antenna that will perform reliably and without the problems associated with indoor reception (multi path and weekend signals). I would like to see some real world evidence first.
I-Fan @ May 20th 2008 2:13PM
Purchase a DA-001 from someone like Antennas Direct, who gives a 90 day "no fault" guarantee. If it doesn't do the job for you, send it back for a refund.
JeffDM @ May 19th 2008 12:38AM
I've not seen any indoor antenna that has lived lived up to anything that I might call "expectations". The ones I've tried did worse than rabbit ears.
Anthony @ May 20th 2008 9:42PM
Same here....thats why I run outdoor stuff now....
James @ May 23rd 2008 12:01AM
I've order one from web and tried it my self. Works great!!!
Patrick Joseph @ May 23rd 2008 10:44PM
I just got it and tried it and the signal is not stronger than any other crappy antenna I used before.
I got this antenna hoping the signals would be strong, but they weren't, many of my HD channels were all broken up, so it's no better than any other cheap antennas out there, I'm sending it back for a refund.
Thanks Engadget, NOT!, for making me think this was actually a good product.
docmacps @ Jul 2nd 2008 9:19PM
Lord help us! I thought technology was an EXACT science. When it comes to TV antennas there seems to be NO way to compare or really evaluate these things other than 'Get a BIG one. Put it OUTSIDE. Mount it REAL HIGH. Make sure you can RETURN it!'
This whole TV Converter Box/DIgital Transition in Feb 2009 is just leading to 'Dang! I have GOT to get a new antenna' transition in March of 2009. Will the government be forced to implement an emergency ANTENNA REBATE COUPON PROGRAM once everyone realizes just how demanding digital channel reception really is?
I'm honestly trying to figure out which antennas to recommend for my Mac TV Tuner site: http://www.mac-digital-tv-tuners.com/ - People beyond the inner-city Urban Core need REAL recommendations. Some days no matter what reviews I research, I'm starting to think: A broomstick. A coat-hanger. Some aluminum foil. Some elbow-grease -- and there ya go - A 'HDTV Ready' antenna! :)
kenny titus @ Jul 17th 2008 3:06AM
everyone i have two of the dta800 rca converter boxs they are set up for the smart antenna these are like in the hundreds of dollars also my antenna gets sometimes 54 % siginal or less especiallly on cloudy days this system is all a sham on everyone in amercia sick of the crap that is going on in my country their goinjg to force everyone eventually to go cable or sattlite b--trds
DocMacPS @ Jul 17th 2008 2:30PM
RCA is rolling out a similar thin, flat-box design: the ANT 1400 (which I've seen at Wal*Mart), 1500, and larger 2000 series. I think the infamous Xium Air with it's _amazing omnidirectional 'SPILATERAL' technology_ is going to get a run for it's money!
* Magically receive *FREE* TV programming as if from THIN-AIR!
* You'll pay NO expensive cable fees!
* SUCKS up TV shows like a giant vacuum to pull-in programs
* Amazing Spectra technology receives stations in FULL COLOR!
* Turns your ENTIRE house into a signal vortex
* One-time purchase! No recurring monthly charges
* BONUS F-connector attaches to virtually *any* TV set!