The ClearStream 5 from Antennas Direct could be one of the best HDTV antennas around if it picked up UHF channels. This directional, VHF-only HDTV antenna has stellar signal-pickup quality and provides crystal-clear VHF channels to your HD television. If you only need channels 7–13 in high-definition, the ClearStream 5 is the perfect antenna for you.
In nearly all aspects, the ClearStream 5 is the perfect antenna. It’s easy to assemble, picks up signals from great distances and the manufacturer offers fantastic customer support. The only problem is that the ClearStream only picks up a few HD channels. Because it is a high -VHF antenna, it can only reach channels broadcast in the frequency range of 174–216MHz, which is only six channels, channels 7–13.
Because it only receives VHF channels, it would be best to combine the ClearStream with a UHF antenna. The ClearStream comes with a free combiner so you can easily hook up two types of antennas to your TV.
Even though this antenna isn’t more than three feet long in any direction, is has a marvelous reception distance. Perhaps because of its large, flat surface area, Antennas Direct claims that it will pick up HD signals from more than 65 miles away. For many customers, it will reach this distance and farther, sometimes grabbing VHF signals from 80 miles away and bringing them right to your television in perfect detail.
Antennas Direct has some of the best antenna-installation manuals of all the manufacturers we reviewed. The user guide for the ClearStream 5 is highly detailed and includes several pictures to help you set up your antenna without making mistakes.
This antenna is simple to assemble, and it should only take you a few minutes. Once you put it together, you can refer back to the user guide to help you connect it to the VHF and UHF combiner, a power source and your HDTV.
Antennas Direct greatly outstrips all other HDTV antenna manufacturers in the help and support section. Not only does it have useful FAQs and information sections, but all its contact information is available on one easy-to-find webpage. Antennas Direct also has online chat support, which is a support feature that none of its competitors have.
Another attribute we love about HDTV antennas from Antennas Direct is the lifetime warranty that protects them. While most antenna manufacturers only a one-year warranty or less, Antennas Direct is confident enough in its antennas to guarantee their use for a lifetime.
If the ClearStream 5 from Antennas Direct picked up more than VHF signals, we are sure that it would be among our top three HDTV antenna picks. We love the easy set up and instructions, lifetime warranty and large signal-pickup range of this high-quality antenna.
