Winegard AP8275 Chromstar 2000 Series Antenna Pre-Amplifiers Winegard AP8275 Chromstar 2000 Series Antenna Pre-Amplifiers

Pros: Newegg gets them here fast. Stands behind defective contents.

Cons: First one I received (Order #132864675) the amplifier unit was defective. I was able to substitute the amplifier I use with my FM antenna to verify the rest of the equipment. Second one I received (Order #62048880) the PS-1403 Power injector was defective (19.91 volts in, 2.42 volts out to amplifier). Third one I received (Invoice Number: 88880298) let more channels through than the first one, but less than I get from a ~40 year old Channel Master CM-4228 8-Bay Bowtie antenna without amplification and way less than I get with my CM-4228 and a 40 year old Channel Master antenna amp in-line. BTW, in their day, the original 4228's were renowned for fair VHF performance especially high VHF.

Other Thoughts: After 3 “bad” ones, I've done a little research. Its not shown in the Newegg specifications but Winegard rates the maximum total input @ 29,000 microvolts for VHF & 30,000 microvolts for UHF. What that means is that if there is a strong signal operating in close proximity to your antenna/AP8275 amplifier combination, the AP8275 may not have enough “Head Room” and saturate or be put into gain compression, blocking most signals. It could be a strong local TV station but doesn't necessarily have to be as long as it is within the bandpass of the amp. This could explain why ibglowin's and Techie Forever's second one worked for them and the rest of us are having problems. Or, maybe were just blessed with a run of defective amps.

Pros: Newegg gets them here fast. Stands behind defective contents.

Cons: Of the 8 reviews from other customers 5 reported receiving non-functioning AP-8275's. My first AP-8275 review wasn't posted.

First one I received (Order #132864675) the amplifier unit was defective. I was able to substitute the amplifier I use with my FM antenna to verify the rest of the equipment. Second one I receive (Order #62048880) the PS-1403 Power injector was defective (19.91 volts in, 2.42 volts out to amplifier).

Other Thoughts: @68 I'm getting too old to be climbing up & down a two story roof.

Pros: - easy to install

Cons: - minimal to zero increase in signal strength
- using with Channel Master 3671 antenna. I had multiple stations with low signal strength. One or two stations got a minor increase in strength but still not enough to display the channel.
- Unreturnable with Newegg. Didn't read the fine print "Return for refund within: non-refundable"

Other Thoughts: Look elsewhere for a pre-amp unless you need an expensive paperweight.

Pros: Easy to install, highest VHF/UHF gain for the buck, improved design over previous models, MADE IN THE USA!

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: I purchased this unit as 2 of my local digital stations reverted back to VHF after the digital transition and I only had a UHF pre-amp as well as a UHF only antenna. I am happy to report that just by switching out the pre-amps I am now picking up all my local DTV stations including ones broadcasting on CH 7, CH 9 and CH 13 VHF with a Channel Master CM-4228 UHF only antenna. All stations are coming in with a 70 - 90 % signal with a solid lock and NO breakups. I am 45 miles away from the towers with a good line of site. Did I mention I have this signal split to FOUR locations inside the house to boot!
Great product!

Pros: Do not get this UNIT.

Cons: I have tried this unit with a Winegard HD 8200U High Defintion Platinum VHF/UHF/FM Antenna. and there is no single, I also sent the unit back to winegard to try a different unit out lose of single with there amps.

Other Thoughts: Channel Master i would have to say is the best.

Pros: Returned earlier DOA unit to NewEgg for replacement, and shortly thereafter received a new one. This one works OK.

Cons: The FM trap switch and adjustment are on the mast-mounted part of this amplifier, so to change these settings after putting up the antenna you would have to take it down and put it up again, which might become necessary for TV if your area gets good FM radio reception. This is very awkward with tall masts - some other brands put this switch on the piece that sits inside next to the TV, a much better solution.

Other Thoughts: If you have FM radio broadcasters nearby and don't turn on this amplifier's FM trap, some TV channels may be degraded. The frequency adjustment control needs a special tool which is not supplied. Don't forget to cover up the FM trap's control holes in the bottom of the amplifier with the supplied piece of tape to waterproof it.

Pros: None

Cons: Signicantly decreased signal strength. I have other Winegard products that are great, but this one doesn't work. Do not buy this product!

Pros: None for the one I received.

Cons: Didn't work - TV reception with this booster installed was far worse than with no booster at all, lost all channels but one. I then replaced it with another brand which worked perfectly, so perhaps this particular Winegard unit was a bad one. However, as another user here reported a similar experience, it could be their quality control is becoming non-existent, as seems to be happening with many other formerly U.S.-made items that are now "Made in China".

Pros: Works great, easy to hook up.

Cons: Could have been made a little sturdier.

Other Thoughts: I bought this to replace a cheap radio shack pre-amp. I hooked it up in about 10 minutes and noticed an immediate improvement. Now I can receive all my local channels plus all the Major networks in HD for free! I just recently cancelled my satellite/cable service and I couldn't be happier.

Pros: none

Cons: Not only did it not improve reception, it degraded the signal significantly. Channels that were perfect without the preamp were barely visible with it.

Other Thoughts: Winegard generally makes good stuff, so I have to assume I just got a bad one.