Winegard HDA-200 24dB Distribution Amplifier

Pros: simple directions

Cons: no signal boost at all

Pros: Added 15 more channels. Amp noise is very low. This is the third amp I've used and its been the best over all.

Cons: Instructions are confusing for someone who doesn't work in the business. Luckily my father was an installer.

Overall Review: Works great paired with a Winegard HD7082 High Definition VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna.

Pros: Compatible with Cable Modems (5-42 MHz Return Path) as advertised, and the +12dB return amp spec is spot on with what I was reading from my cable modem after installation.

Cons: This amp is noisier than I can believe! My SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) dropped by over 4 dB when I put this in, even at the lowest power setting. At the lowest setting, it brought my power up by +6dBmV which got me to where I needed to be, but the added noise isn't worth it. +6dB signal with -4dB SNR is really bad! To see what the amp would do, I tested higher power levels and my SNR steadily dropped by almost 20dB at full power. FYI - Over amping is bad (because you amplify the noise as well), so I'm not surprised at the SNR dropping due to this overpowering. However, full power was well beyond what the amp was rated for I measured very close to a 40dB gain in signal, when the amp is only rated for 24dB. Something isn't right here.

Overall Review: I'm going to contact Winegard as I have to hope this is a defective unit. No amp should add that much noise at such a low setting. My 12 year old cheap amp from the "Shack" is cleaner than this! Also, the full power setting was way out of spec, so I'm hoping Winegard will take care of me with a new unit.