SMARTenna+ is a processor-enabled indoor TV antenna
Channel Master debuted a new indoor TV antenna that performs as seven different antennas rolled into one.
The SMARTenna+ was unveiled at CES 2018 in Las Vegas this week. It’s the second major device announced by Channel Master within the last month. Channel Master has also developed the Stream+ media player. That’s a new Android TV media player that plays live over-the-air channels with DVR capabilities.
SMARTenna+: 7 antennas in 1?
The new SMARTenna+ uses an internal processor to analyze and select optimum signal reception patterns.
Channel Master says the SMARTenna+ has seven different antenna reception patterns, giving it the equivalent power of an antenna in seven different locations in the room at the same time.
Here’s how the folks at Channel Master explained it in a released statement:
Where all other indoor TV antennas need to be physically repositioned to find and acquire optimum signal reception, SMARTenna+ can remain stationary while simply adjusting its internal reception pattern, either automatically during initial setup or at any time thereafter by pushing a button on the processor housing.
Channel Master has tapped Ethertronics, a manufacturer of ultra-high performance smart antenna systems for smartphones, laptops and tablets.
Joe Bingochea, executive vice president of product development at Channel Master, said in a statement: “We worked with Ethertronics to bring that same patented smart wireless technology, known as Active Steering, to over-the-air television reception applications and house it within a modern television antenna.”
SMARTenna+ includes a smart Ethertronics processor, built-in signal amplification, automatic noise filtering, and new patented push-on cable connectors.
Channel Master says the SMARTenna+ effectively overcomes 90% of common indoor reception issues experienced with all other indoor antennas on the market today, delivering more channels and better reception.
“The continued growth of cord cutting has created a market boom for TV antennas, but getting good indoor reception can be a frustrating experience,” said Vahid Manian, chief operating officer at Ethertronics. “By incorporating Active Steering, Channel Master has delivered a breakthrough product in SMARTenna+ that brings a level of performance and convenience to indoor TV reception that has never existed before.”
SMARTenna+ will retail for $89 and will first be available through Channel Master’s online store. Pre-orders are available now with inventory expected before the end of March.
Founder and Editor of The Cord Cutting Report. Before launching the site in 2016, he worked for more than two decades as a staff writer or correspondent for a number of daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe. His enthusiasm for tech began with the Atari 2600. Follow @james_kimble
First I want to say I love your blog. I searched the specs about the amplifier, and I am curious about whether or not the amplifier can be disabled if not needed or will the adjustments be made automatically. I am just wondering if this type of antenna would be beneficial to me. I live in Phila, however, my TV sits against a wall in the middle of my living room. I currently use an antenna W/16 ft cable hung high and in the line of sight of a window. Pulling in some channels can be tricky.