Although it didn’t make it into our top three picks for HDTV antennas, the MS-2002 Metrostar from Winegard is a handy little antenna. Easy to use and assemble, the Metrostar can pull in high-definition television signals from more than 40 miles away. While the 90-day warranty is a bit of a letdown, this antenna provides an excellent quality HDTV picture.
Winegard customers will undoubtedly enjoy the large number of high-quality HD channels their new antenna picks up. The Metrostar receives signals broadcast in UHF and VHF, which conveniently provides more channels in most areas. This HDTV antenna gives you high-quality television with little static interference or dropped signals.
The Metrostar comes with a built-in preamplifier, which will further strengthen weak HDTV signals. The antenna also includes an FM trap that smoothes out reception from FM radio stations that are either to close or too far away.
The Metrostar is a multi-directional antenna. While it can only reach signals from about 45 miles away, that 45-mile reach is extended in all directions. We recommend this type of HDTV antenna for people who live in large cities and are surrounded by television broadcasting stations. It would also work well for people who live between two cities that each has its own TV stations.
The Metrostar is easy enough to put together; it comes with a useful installation manual and specifications sheet. The manual is easy to understand and includes all the information you need for this product, including the company’s customer service phone number and the product’s warranty information.
The small size of this HDTV antenna should pose no problem when putting it on your roof. At nearly two feet in diameter, this antenna is one of the smallest we reviewed. Although it comes with mounting hardware, we wish it would also come with a mast or pole to mount it to for increased stability. It would also be convenient to receive a compatible cable to connect it to a TV and power source.
Our biggest disappointment with what the Metrostar has to offer is its 90-day warranty. Winegard makes fabulous digital antennas, so we would have thought it would also have better warranties to protect those products. Compared to the warranties of other products in this category, Winegard’s warranties are major letdowns.
Warranty aside, Winegard provides excellent customer service. Its website has a large selection of FAQs and Tech Tips, and videos that will show you how to set up some of its products. Winegard has telephone support, but we couldn’t find an email address to send any potential questions to customer service.
While the multi-directional function of the Metrostar may not be for everyone, many people living in broadcast station-rich areas will be very happy with it. This HDTV antenna may not provide the absolute best HD picture, but it outstrips most of its competition. Despite the minor disappointment of its short warranty, the MS-2002 Metrostar from Winegard is a great antenna choice.
