Terk Technology TV-55 UHF/VHF HDTV Indoor/Outdoor Amplified Antenna

by Terk

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 48.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches ; 9.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005T3A9
• Item model number: TV-55
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 10, 2002

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Terk TV-55 is engineered specifically to optimize the performance of high definition television as well as analog television signals. The TV-55’s unique helical coil element allows for an unobtrusive design yet without compromising the ability to capture lower-frequency TV stations. The helical coil receives both UHF and VHF frequencies and provides exceptional reception at all frequencies.

The TV-55 functions as both a high-performance outdoor and indoor antenna. It’s ideal for houses and apartments--anywhere an unobtrusive yet high-performance antenna is desired.

Thanks to its unique slim profile and weather-proof design, the TV-55 can be installed under the eaves of a roof, on a windowsill, on an outside wall, on a terrace, or used as a roof-top antenna. It easily mounts inside a house or apartment on a wall, in a closet or attic, or any number of locations near or away from your TV. The TV-55 can even be mounted on top of an RV or on a boat (special marine version available). All necessary mounting hardware is included.

The TV-55 features a patented dual-mode ultra low-noise amplifier that allows a choice of the best gain setting for maximum reception. The amplifier can be set to high-gain mode to correct for signals that are too weak, or bypassed for optimum reception of strong signals. The amplifier is connected directly to the antenna element for the shortest signal path and lowest noise. To ensure highest-quality signal transmission, the TV-55 includes a threaded F-connector for connection to RG6 cable (not included).

The TV-55 is lightweight and highly durable. Designed for reliable performance year after year, the TV-55 is constructed from rustproof, high-strength aluminum and hermetically sealed with weatherproof polycarbonate housing, for protection from the most severe environmental conditions.

Product Description

Optimized For Hdtv Reception Helical Coil Antenna Technology & Patented Dual-Mode Ultra-Low Noise Amplifier Provides Clear Powerful Reception Of Hdtv & Uhf/Vhf Signals Slim-Profile Design Allows Easy Flexible Mounting Inside Or Outside The Home Ultra-Durable Weatherproof Housing Includes Multiple Mounting Options With All Mounting Hardware Amplifier Gain: 10 Db Output Imp: 75? Operational Bandwidth: 54 Mhz 806 Mhz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars OK, but rabbit ears are better, March 15, 2002

By 

Steven Park (Lansdowne, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Terk Technology TV-55 UHF/VHF HDTV Indoor/Outdoor Amplified Antenna (Personal Computers)

Purchased this unit (mounted indoors) because I got tired of adjusting rabbit ears (I refuse to pay $50/month for cable). Unfortunately the reception quality is mediocre, if not subpar for its price. I get cleaner pictures with my old amplified rabbit ear set.

93 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A poor performer..., March 22, 2002

By 

Mark Kim (Brea, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Terk Technology TV-55 UHF/VHF HDTV Indoor/Outdoor Amplified Antenna (Personal Computers)

I bought Terk TV55 for my RCA F38310, an HDTV. Considering the price, I thought it would be one of the best in the market, but to my surprise, the signal reception was EXTREMELY poor. So I returned the unit and purchased Winegard HD-7080, an outdoor antenna, instead. This HD-7080's been performing well so far, enabling me to receive all the "picture perfect" HD signals from local stations (*CBS, NBC, ABC, KCET, etc) in the greater Los Angeles area. If you're looking for a reliable HDTV antenna for over-the-air HD signals, pass Terk TV55 and consider either Winegard or Channel Master. (A side note: Preamps manufactured by Winegard or Channel Master will greatly improve the overall reception. I have Winegard AP8275 to compliment my HD-7080, and these units give me the clearest picture imaginable!)

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Location is Key, October 15, 2004

By 

J. Geary (Northborough, MA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Terk Technology TV-55 UHF/VHF HDTV Indoor/Outdoor Amplified Antenna (Personal Computers)

I bought this antenna to replace a Terk TV4. I wanted to get better reception on some weak UHF stations.

I was a little leery of the TV55 based on the negative reviews, but I wanted something I could mount on the back porch if necessary. I was very pleasantly surprised. True, in my living room it didn't do much better than an indoor antenna. But out on the porch it's fantastic. I'm getting VHF from about 40 miles away and UHF to 25 or so. And this is an urban neighborhood with lots of tall buildings.

Best features are the versatile mounting options and the inline amp, which greatly improves UHF signals. Drawbacks are that it's expensive, and works much better outside than inside.

Most importantly you should look for the best reception location before you buy. My living room is tough for TV but the porch is fine. It sounds like some of the negative reviewers don't understand that it varies from room to room.