If you're like me, you're awaiting the day when you can cut the cable or satellite cord entirely. I haven't quite reached that day yet. However, a product like the MOHU Leaf antenna may help you get closer to that goal.
A June 15 "New York Times" article found that people who use Netflix to stream Internet video to their televisions are twice as likely to cancel, or slim down, their cable TV as they were a year ago. The Leaf can help you accomplish some slimming.
It allows you to receive local news, weather, popular network shows, as well as their major sporting events like the NFL, in HD quality over-the-air rather than through cable boxes or satellite setups. It's paper-thin and can be hung on a wall, behind a picture frame or bookcase or just about anywhere.
Made in America, it has high quality cable and connectors and is a breeze to set up. Most folks will use it with a TV set, but I tested my Leaf with an EyeTV Hybrid (and Eye TV software) on a 27-inch iMac. It was a breeze to install. I mounted the Leaf to a wall (there are other options but this gave me the best signal) with double-sided tape. The Leaf looks like a cross between a bat and a stingray hanging on the wall.
Digital TV reception can often be improved just by changing the location of your current antenna by as little as a few inches. For example, moving it away from other objects or placing it higher or lower can often improve reception. Just move the antenna slowly since digital TV tuners need a little time to properly detect the signal. You need to rescan for available signals if you feel you're missing channels.
Using the Eye TV/Leaf combo, I found 17 over-the-air channels in my neck of the woods (north Davidson County, Nashville, TN). All were received in crisp, sharp, high-def.
No, I'm not quite ready to cut that cable/satellite cord entirely. But the Leaf moves me a bit closer in that direction.
The Leaf is available for US$44 online at http://www.gomohu.com, on Amazon.com and will be rolling out to retail stores nationwide this summer and fall.
Rating: 10 out of 10
-- Dennis Sellers
