The HDTVo from Terk is a directional HDTV antenna that receives UHF and VHF signals. As far as signal pickup quality and range go, the HDTVo is quite average. This antenna works best in areas with flat terrain; it doesn’t do too well with signal obstructions, so if you live near mountains, in a large city or a heavily forested area, you may not get the biggest bang for your buck with this antenna.
Though Terk provides useful HDTV antennas, it’s clear that it does not make customer support a top priority. We could not find a way to contact Terk to ask questions, and the only way to find help for its products is to sift through FAQs on another website.
We like that this antenna can receive signals broadcast on both UHF and VHF bands. Although it sustains high-quality HD television most of the time, static interruptions are common. The HDTVo is also known to drop signals occasionally.
This HDTV antenna is advertised to pick up signals from about 30 miles away. This statement might be true for people who live in areas with many obstructions such as tall buildings, hills, mountains and trees, but many customers claim that it can reach signals from stations that are more than 60 miles away.
It should only take about 15 minute to assemble the HDTVo and mount it on your roof or the side of your house. It is just more than three feet wide, so it should not be too much trouble to mount. The antenna comes with an installation guide, but unlike most competing brands, Terk has not put the user manual online. We wish there was an online version for customers to refer to in case their copy of the user guide is misplaced or ruined.
As easy as this antenna is to put together, we’re a bit worried about its durability. The HDTVo is rather flimsy and seems as if it could break under pressure from strong winds or snow buildup.
Terk has a sleek and professional-looking website, so we were expecting excellent customer service. After clicking the customer support link, Terk directed us to the Audiovox customer service website, which deals with product support for more than 20 different brands. Instead of being able to browse FAQs for answers, you have to type in the model you have a question about and search the answers it brings up. Nowhere on Terk’s website could we find a customer support email address or telephone number.
All Terk products come with a one-year warranty, which, after our disappointment with Terk’s customer support, was a welcome sight. We dearly hope that anyone using this antenna never has to contact the manufacturer directly for questions, because seeking them out will most likely be a fruitless attempt.
This antenna offers good performance but not much else. Although the HDTVo from Terk works well and will provide you with nearly static-free HD television, it is hard to contact the manufacturer for answers to additional questions.
