Winegard FlatWave FL5500A HD TV Antenna review Amplified Indoor Reception up to 60 Miles

Description

Introduction to the Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Digital HD Indoor TV Antenna

The Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Digital HD Indoor TV Antenna caught my eye as an option to finally ditch those hefty cable bills. With promises of a 60-mile range, dual-band reception, and NextGen TV compatibility, I was intrigued. Testing it out in my home, I wanted to see whether this sleek, ultra-thin antenna could deliver high-definition channels without the frustrating experience I’ve had with other antennas. Spoiler alert: it’s not perfect, but it does a lot of things really well.

Design and Build Quality

This ultra-thin and lightweight antenna is impressively sleek. Measuring just 13 inches by 12 inches and weighing a mere 5.4 ounces, it feels modern and discreet. The dual-color design (black on one side, white on the other) makes it easy to match with any decor. I personally appreciated this touch because my living room setup doesn’t leave much room for clunky devices. It’s as simple as sticking it on a wall or window using the included 3M Command strips, which held up well without damaging surfaces.

However, the 18.5 ft coaxial cable was a bit bulky and slightly stiff, making it tricky to route neatly. While it’s great for flexibility in placement, I found myself wishing for a thinner or more pliable cable.

Performance and Channel Reception

Testing the 60-mile range, I was pleasantly surprised by how many channels came through crystal clear. The embedded ultra-low noise amplifier, featuring Winegard’s Clear Circuit Technology, really does its job. Signals were stable, and picture quality was sharp across both VHF and UHF bands. Living in a suburban area, I managed to pull in more than 40 channels, including all major networks.

The multi-directional design means you don’t have to fuss with constant repositioning, which was a game-changer. I’ve tried other antennas before that required me to awkwardly adjust them every time I changed channels. With this one, I set it up once and didn’t have to touch it again.

That said, performance may vary depending on your location. I noticed that during bad weather, a couple of channels would occasionally lose signal, though this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.

Ease of Setup and Use

Setting up the antenna was refreshingly simple. It comes with everything you need: the FlatWave antenna, the 3 ft USB power cable with a 110V adapter, and those handy 3M Command strips. I just plugged it into the USB port of my TV, ran a channel scan, and was ready to go.

One feature I loved was the LED power indicator on the USB cable, which lets you know the antenna is powered on. It’s a small thing, but it’s helpful. The included instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who isn’t particularly tech-savvy.

Key Benefits

• Crystal-clear reception up to 60 miles with dual-band VHF/UHF support.
• Ultra-low noise amplifier for sharp, stable HD picture quality.
• Sleek, lightweight design that blends seamlessly into any space.
• Multi-directional antenna eliminates the need for constant adjustments.

Caveats

• The coaxial cable is slightly cumbersome to manage.
• Channel reception may drop during adverse weather conditions.
• Not ideal for rural areas far from broadcast towers.

Competing Products

Comparing this antenna to others I’ve tried, like the Mohu Leaf and the ClearStream Eclipse, the Winegard FL5500A holds its own. The Mohu Leaf is similarly thin and stylish, but I found its signal quality to be slightly less stable, especially for VHF channels. On the other hand, the ClearStream Eclipse offers a more compact design and a better adhesive system for mounting, but its range tops out at around 50 miles, which isn’t ideal if you’re further from the city.

What sets the Winegard apart is its Clear Circuit Technology, which noticeably reduces noise and improves picture clarity. While the ClearStream Eclipse might be better for smaller spaces, the Winegard’s combination of design, range, and amplification makes it a more versatile choice.

Cost Efficiency

For anyone looking to cut the cord and save on cable bills, this antenna is a solid investment. Considering its performance, build quality, and ease of use, it offers great value for the price. While there might be cheaper options out there, they often lack the advanced features like the ultra-low noise amplifier and NextGen TV compatibility that this one provides.

If you’re on the fence about spending a bit more for a high-quality indoor antenna, I’d say this model is definitely worth every penny. It’s a small, one-time expense that can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

The Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Digital HD Indoor TV Antenna may not be without its flaws, but it’s a reliable and user-friendly option for anyone ready to embrace free, high-definition television.

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