Winegard FlatWave FL-5000 Antenna Review

We have always thought that the main problem "cable cutters" come across is the antenna. If you stream your video content but also want to get free over-the-air TV, a HDTV antenna is a must. However, most people are turned off by the idea of installing an antenna and the eyesore it can create when mounting it.

The Winegard FlatWave FL-5000 indoor antenna is the best option, so far, at being less intrusive. This antenna almost looks more like a window decal rather than a TV antenna. The ultra-thin design allows you to place in areas you couldn't with other brands. If you live in an urban area where you aren't too far away from broadcast towers, then this antenna is a great choice for you and you don't have to worry about an ugly antenna.

The design

The FlatWave FL-5000 looks like no other TV antenna on the market today. It's paper thin and made out of plastic and it comes with adhesives that allow you to stick it to your window or any other flat surface you can think of. It's thin and flat design doesn't take up as much room as traditional antennas. One side of the FL-5000 is colored black and the other side is white. However, you can mount it on either side. This is a great option if you're planning on mounting it on your white wall because it blends in quite nicely. When we tested it we had it mounted to the wall behind the TV to where it wasn't visible so the color didn't matter.

It comes with a 15-foot cable that you attach to your TV's antenna connection. Unfortunately, the cable is black and it's permanently attached to the FL-5000. However, the long cable makes it possible to reach different parts of your home to ensure you place it in the most desirable location. You can also add extra length to the cable by purchasing an adapter and extra coaxial cable.

Performance

We tested this antenna in a suburban location and
placed it in several locations within the house used

for testing. We measured the signal strength using the TiVo Premier's signal meter. We tested the antenna mounted on a window, mounted on the wall behind the TV, and laying flat on the entertainment center. We found that optimal reception was found when it was mounted high-up on the window. However, we still had great results when it was mounted on the wall behind the TV as well. When we performed a channel scan on the TV, the Winegard FlatWave FL-5000 found all of the local HD stations and the picture quality ranged from good to excellent. The major networks such as FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS all came in excellent.

Conclusion

When we first saw the FL-5000 we all fell in love with the paper thin design and the ability to mount it just about anywhere. Then once we tested the performance, we loved it even more. The only negative thing about this antenna is the black cable used to hook it up to the TV. For some, the black cable against a white wall might be off putting. But, the antenna's slim design and excellent performance outweigh the black cable detail in our opinion.

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