Todays Show:

Mohu Leaf Plus Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna

We reviewed the Mohu Leaf Indoor HDTV Antenna back in July (Podcast #489) and thought it was the best indoor HDTV antenna we have ever tested. We're here to tell you that is no longer the case. Enter the Mohu Leaf Plus Amplified Indoor Antenna (Buy Now $73.99)

The Mohu Plus antenna still looks like a laminated piece of paper with cable connected to it. Only now, there is a USB connection to add power via the included USB cable. You can connect the cable to a USB port on the TV if one exists or you can use the included power adapter to plug it directly into the wall.

Like its predecessor the Leaf Plus is designed for indoor use only. If you use it outdoors it will eventually deteriorate.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions 9 X 11.5 (inches)
  • Cable Length 6 feet
  • Connector 75 ohm F connector
  • Pattern omnidirectional reception

Since the HT Guys live about 70 miles away from the TV towers for Los Angeles our tests we performed in Fresno CA. Ara's in-laws live 20 miles from the TV towers which is well within the antenna's performance range of 50 miles. That's about 10 more miles than the standard Leaf Antenna.

Performance

We placed the directly behind the TV even though this limits the reception. We really wanted to give the antenna a difficult test. Some listeners didn't like the look of the antenna on the wall above the TV so having the antenna behind the TV may be a good thing. We first scanned for channels with the original antenna. The scan took about three minutes and found 31 digital channels. It even found 4 analog channels which surprised us.

Next up was the Leaf Plus. Again the scan took about three minutes but this time it found 38 digital channels. The Plus found an additional analog channel as well. The other thing we noticed is that the Plus had a more reliable picture on channels that would drop lock with original antenna. With the Plus you get better signal reception with more channels for an increase in price of about $40.

Conclusion

The Mohu plus takes an already great product and makes it even better! At $74 it starts approaching the same price as some outdoor antennas so it may not be for everyone. HT Guys advice If you live within 30 miles of your TV transmitters go for the standard leaf (Buy Now $35.99). If you don't want to put your antenna on the wall in public view or if you live between 31 and 50 miles of the transmitters then pay the $74 and get the amplified version. The Mohu Leaf and Leaf Plus are simply the best indoor antennas the HT Guys have ever used.

 

Download Episode #528