- Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V – TV antenna uses four patented loops to receive HDTV signals 70+ miles away from broadcast towers for free TV channels straight from the networks
- Powerful TV antenna measures 17.4″ H x 27.8″ W x 6″ D; premium durable materials ideal for installation indoors, in an attic, or outdoors in suburban and rural areas
- Compatibility – NEXTGEN TV, 4K, 8K UHD, Full HD 1080p, no Internet required
When you’re looking to get a long-range TV antenna, the options are seemingly endless. You’ll come across various options from different brands – you’ll even come across DIY options that you could try yourself. One thing those DIY options do? They copy the design of ClearStream’s antennas. This speaks volumes about how good ClearStream is.
This is why we have decided to make a ClearStream 4 Outdoor Long-Range TV antenna review because this is one of the best long-range antennas you can get. Even though it’s fairly expensive, it’s pretty much worth it. Without wasting any more of your time, let’s look at why it is so good.
The Antenna’s Design
The first thing you’ll notice with the ClearStream 4 is the design. You may be surprised, but the unique loop design is patented. It has a 180-degree reception angle, which results in a very broad reception of UHF frequencies. With a multidirectional reception, the need to have it facing exactly at the antenna is somewhat negated.
It’s not just the distinctive loops – the mesh wiring behind them are signal-enhancing reflectors. They focus on the antenna’s receptive power, which minimizes signal multipath interference and helps with the power and range quite a bit.
One interesting thing that should be mentioned is that the ClearStream 4 can be painted if you want it to match your home’s exterior. This isn’t too much in terms of functionality, but it goes a long way for aesthetics. Also, check out our guide to find out will a tv antenna works in rural areas.
Let’s Discuss the Features.
When you get the ClearStream 4, you’ll find that it advertises a 70-mile range. With most outdoor (and some indoor) antennas, the advertised range can be achieved only in perfect, near laboratory-level environments. Even a single tree, or a single building, can have a massive impact. That’s why almost none of those 150-mile antennas give you 150 miles. With the ClearStream, obstructions have an impact but are much less noticeable. In great conditions, you have 70 miles. In sub-par, that may drop to 55 or 60, which is truly a small difference. As we mentioned with the design, the multidirectional elements help quite a bit with the reception.
Regarding the signal, 12.25dB is plenty, and you’ll be able to receive UHF channels. The output to your TV will come in 1080p, full HD, which should be pretty good – but you should also have good signal reception.
The last thing isn’t that much of a feature, but it’s important. ClearStream gives you a lifetime warranty on the antenna, which is why it’s so expensive. If anything goes bad, they’ll replace it for you, and you’re good to go.
Assembly and Installation
The ClearStream 4, for obvious reasons, does not come preassembled. However, assembling the frame, reflectors, and loop elements is easy. All you need is a Philips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench, and you should be done in no more than half an hour. This is a lightweight antenna, so mounting it on a mast afterward shouldn’t be an issue.
An interesting thing to note is that the antenna is also reported to work indoors – whether in a room or the attic. If you can’t mount it outdoors, this is another option. Note, though, that because of the construction of your home, the thick walls, and the metal roofs, you may lose up to 40 or even 50% of your signal.
Once you’ve got it installed, you’ll want the front end to be aimed toward transmission towers. The two panels are rigid, so you’ll need to aim them yourself when installing them on the mast. Setting it up shouldn’t be too difficult, and something like TVFool can help you quite a bit.
Wrapping Things Up – Do We Recommend the Clear Stream 4?
ClearStream 4 is a very interesting proposition. On the one hand, it costs a lot. On the other hand, you’re getting excellent range and a 180-degree design, all packaged in a lightweight antenna that works admirably.
If you’re going to be using the ClearStream 4 indoors, there are better options. You’re halving your range, and you’ll rarely see all the benefits of the antenna. If you need it for outdoor applications, few can do better than the ClearStream, and even fewer with all the extra features. It’s certainly a great buy, and here you can also check on the benefits of a long-range TV antenna!
- Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V – TV antenna uses four patented loops to receive HDTV signals 70+ miles away from broadcast towers for free TV channels straight from the networks
- Powerful TV antenna measures 17.4″ H x 27.8″ W x 6″ D; premium durable materials ideal for installation indoors, in an attic, or outdoors in suburban and rural areas
- Compatibility – NEXTGEN TV, 4K, 8K UHD, Full HD 1080p, no Internet required
