- Amplifies VHF and UHF signals with a turn of a dial
- Compatible with all antenna brands
- Dual outputs, connects to more than one device: FM stereo, a second TV, a streaming device
When it comes to people’s opinions on amplifiers, you’ll find that they’re quite a mixed bag. While some swear by them, others refuse to believe they work, dismissing them completely.
If you’re using an outdoor TV antenna or any OTA-ready streaming device or projector, you must’ve given thought to the idea.
Now, the “mixed bag” is quite understandable, especially considering the market. You will find a host of bad amplifiers that do nothing or very little and a few that are great and do the job as advertised.
These are the ones worth taking a look at, and the ANTOP Smart Boost Amplifier is one of them. It’s an excellent amplifier that works with various devices, so you can take advantage of it.
Let’s look at our ANTOP Smart Boost review, and see whether it’s worth buying.
What is the ANTOP Smart Boost Amplifier?
On the outside, it looks like a small box with three screws poking out of it and an adjuster. It’s not large, and you can put it just about anywhere.
The adjustment dial is what lets you set up the amplifier strength.
It uses a smart system that gives you just the right balance between long-range reception and short-range reception. The dial itself is smooth and easy to adjust.
Those three screws aren’t screws – they’re connectors. One of them, the one on the side, is the input and is where you’ll connect your outdoor TV antenna.
The other two, at the bottom, are the outputs. You’ll notice they’re labeled differently. Now, the ANTOP has two outputs, unlike other options that only come with one.
The first one, to the left, connects your primary TV. If you’re only using it for a single device, this is the one you should connect it to. However, if you have a second TV set, you’d like to amplify the signal for, the connector on the right is the one you should use.
To make things even better, it also works with an FM radio or other similar devices.
Does it have any other functionality?
While regular amplifiers are just that – amplifiers, the ANTOP has a few more tricks up its sleeve. The key one is the built-in 4G LTE filter.
The issue with wireless devices is that they often interfere with each other, which isn’t helpful and messes with everything’s signal. That’s often the cause of a bad signal with an antenna. However, the built-in filter will block 3G and 4G signals from things such as a smartphone or tablet, as well as signals from a wireless network and mobile phone transmitters.
The result? A digital TV reception that’s as noise-free as it gets.
How does it compare to other devices on the market?
Granted, there’s no shortage of TV antenna amplifiers today. However, as we mentioned in the beginning, some don’t work at all, while others do, but barely. Fortunately, neither of those is the case with the ANTOP.
We’re happy to say that it works admirably. Even when you’re nearing the edge of your TV antenna’s range, the signal is excellent, with no drops and a clear image. ANTOP claims compatibility with everything from HD to 4K, and we had no issues.
The best advantage the ANTOP has over other devices on the market is the additional functionality. Other amplifiers will merely give you an input and an output, and that’s it. You have to trust them that they’ll do the job, and that’s not always the case.
Here, the additional device output can save you the money you’d spend on a second amplifier. The adjustable dial will ensure that you’re getting the right signal, whether a long-range one or a short-range one.
Wrapping things up
At the end of the day, if you’re an outdoor TV antenna user, chances are you’ve had issues with signal reception at some point. An amplifier can’t do much if the issue is with bad weather. However, if the issue is with your antenna’s range, or the signal quality itself, the ANTOP Smart Boost can give you a significant advantage.
The reception will be much better, the image quality will improve, and you’ll be able to enjoy your TV experience as intended!
Here’s one good learning guide on how to make a TV antenna amplifier if you’re up for a DIY project! See our guide to the best tv antenna amplifier.
- Amplifies VHF and UHF signals with a turn of a dial
- Compatible with all antenna brands
- Dual outputs, connects to more than one device: FM stereo, a second TV, a streaming device
