With a ranked 30-mile number, the SkyLink television antenna is actually a costly underperformer than the kind of the Mohu Leaf Metro or AmazonBasics ultra-thin HDTV antennas.
By John R. Quain 27 September 2018
Our Very Own Decision
With a rated 30-mile variety, the SkyLink TV antenna is actually a costly underperformer in comparison with famous brands the Mohu Leaf Metro or AmazonBasics ultra-thin HDTV antennas.
- Compact concept
- Simple build
Against
- High-priced for a standard antenna
- Limited reception
Diminutive, level HDTV antennas are an affordable, rewarding financial. You’ll find dozens available, with many charged under $30. The SkyLink television antenna was an exception, but with a greater terms and lower overall performance outcome than we have now seen from models costing as few as ten dollars.
Style: Simple And Easy Simple
The Skylink television antenna is actually a non-amplified, indoor design. Its small, black colored, dull vinyl concept is quite unnoticeable. Even though it’s intended to be trapped on a wall, much like some other items that use an omni-directional antenna, it is also put level on a surface (even though this could furthermore diminish the reception).
The coaxial cable tv for connecting to a TV are completely affixed towards the bottom edge of the SkyLink antenna. Generally, the wire screws inside coaxial/RF input regarding again of a TV, but the manufacturer also incorporates an adapter to support push-in European-style plugs. The coaxial cable is slimmer than the majority of, that makes it much easier to pack in case you are attending go to you, but inaddition it causes it to be less sturdy than heavier-gauge wiring.
Setup: Very Little Flexibility
Skylink does not offering neophytes much help during create. You can get a single piece of information that add up to simply three methods: put it to your TV, put it somewhere then scan for channel. Thank goodness, there is not significantly more to it, because the cable tv try permanently connected to the antenna and it also doesn’t feature an amplifier.
Skylink doesn’t supply neophytes much assist during put up.
One sticking aim is that the adhesive shields throughout the back of the antenna take slightly various straight airplanes. Two are located on the upper correct and remaining sides with the antenna it 
self, while a third is on the rear of the fuller attachment point where cable connects towards the antenna. It can make for a slightly shameful set up without any solution of repositioning the stickers attain a much better buy on a wall or screen.
Because stickers in addition result in the installation semi long lasting, if your wanting to choose one last resting location, we indicates trying out various places around the television to discover the best reception place. We furthermore endorse examining with AntennaWeb.org observe just what programs you should expect to see locally.
SkyLink television Antenna Trick Features
| stations got | 10 |
| Rated array | 30 kilometers |
| 1080p Reception | Yes |
| cable tv duration | 9.75 foot |
| Amplified | No |
| Size | 8.38 by 4.75 in |
Results: Rather Limited
To evaluate the SkyLink TV antenna’s reception, we utilized the common tests create with a 55-inch Samsung KS9000 4K television in our new york venue where scores of over-the-air programs can be found.
A preliminary scan using the antenna produced a list of 24 channel, a not-unreasonable amounts given the small-size associated with antenna. Unfortunately, under 1 / 2 of those channels – just 10 in most – turned into watchable. Your local Fox affiliates, eg, had clear and steady reception. Some channel from throughout the Hudson in New Jersey happened to be in addition caught by the antenna, because comprise multiple common Spanish code stations.
Through assessment, discover modest, economical antennas that have carried out much better within our reports, including the less-than-$10 Antop paper-thin AT-140 (14 networks gotten). There tend to be certainly some excellent alternatives, such as the Mohu Leaf Metro definitely about $15 and taken in three times as numerous channels (31) given that SkyLink product.
A primary scan by using the SkyLink television antenna made a listing of 24 channels, a not-unreasonable wide variety considering the small-size regarding the antenna. Unfortuitously, under half those station – only 10 in all – ended up being watchable.
With the Skylink, but the regional ABC affiliate marketer’s programming had been also distorted to view. Further in the control, channels eg MeTV also became unwatchable, as happened to be the 2 forms of the HSN shopping circle that people usually can listen in. We were additionally let down that preferred station such as for example CBS and PBS don’t enter after all.
To ensure the outcome, we did added scans at different occuring times of the day and found that subsequent scans subscribed exactly the same quantity or less stations.
Important Thing
In the businesses internet site, they states the antenna is guaranteed to work “even in the nation side” (sic), but given exactly how poor the reception is, it is extremely unlikely it’s possible to pull-in remote station. The SkyLink TV antenna got clearly a disappointment inside our evaluation. It was simple sufficient to developed and encompassed a standard, flat antenna design. However, considering the large price, we had larger objectives for this than simply the 10 channels we obtained. The Antop paper-thin AT-140 plus the Mohu Leaf Metro both offering best show at a diminished cost, so just why cover even more?