Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse: Two-minute overview

The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse is a straightforward, but highly effective indoor antenna with an unobtrusive design. Like different examples of the best indoor TV antennas, its solely operate is to “pull” the stations you need at your specific location. Nonetheless, till you attempt a given mannequin at yours it’s not possible to foretell the outcomes. That mentioned, Antennas Direct makes it a bit simpler with its free Antenna Level iOS/Android app, which makes use of your cellphone’s location information to show a map displaying transmitter areas, and thus your aiming route, and lists all their important and sub-channels sorted as Sturdy, Honest, or Weak (primarily based purely on distance, with no concerns for elevation or obstructions, nevertheless it’s a begin).

The Antennas Direct CleStream Eclipse’s packaging claims a “50-plus-mile vary,” however keep in mind that any antenna’s efficiency is basically dictated by its elevation and by the presence or absence of intervening hills or tall buildings. Be aware that this overview additionally covers the amplified Eclipse: the identical antenna is obtainable with out the sign amplifier for about $15 much less.

The Eclipse antenna is a versatile vinyl halo about 8 inches throughout, meant to be fastened to a clean floor — usually, a windowpane or painted wall — utilizing the provided crescent of clear double-sided adhesive plastic. (Since my trials have been strictly momentary, I used blue painter’s tape as a substitute, and counsel others do likewise till they finalize their set up.) One facet of the antenna is white, the opposite black, so decor-wise you’ll be able to decide your poison.

A housing on the backside a couple of half-inch thick — the antenna itself just isn’t far more than a half-millimeter or so thick – offers an ordinary coaxial F-connector plus the provided coax cables. ClearStream packs two: 3-foot and 12-foot lengths, intending the shorter one to attach the antenna to the included sign amplifier, and the longer one to the amp to your TV (different lengths can be found at most {hardware} shops). The amp module, concerning the measurement of a pack of gum, has two F-connectors (antenna enter and sign output), and a mini-USB port for energy. A provided 8-foot energy cable provides the juice, which may come from any open USB port on the TV or one other element, or from the small wall charger full of the Eclipse. (The amp provided with my Eclipse pattern appeared barely totally different than the one proven in advertisements, however is prone to be electrically an identical.)