The UltraPro Hover Digital TV Antenna is an indoor antenna designed for use with smart TVs and other digital tuners. It aims to provide access to free over-the-air broadcasts without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. In this review, we examine its features, performance, and suitability for different users.
The antenna is a flat, rectangular panel that can be placed on a wall or window, or laid flat on a surface. Its black design is unobtrusive, and the included stand allows for vertical positioning. The package includes a 10-foot coaxial cable and an amplifier that requires a USB power source. The antenna is compatible with any TV or converter box that has a coaxial input.
In real-world use, the UltraPro Hover is typically installed near a window or on an exterior wall facing the nearest broadcast towers. Users then perform a channel scan on their TV to detect available stations. The antenna’s performance can vary significantly based on location, distance from towers, and obstacles such as buildings or hills. In urban areas with strong signals, it can pick up major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, along with some subchannels. However, in rural or fringe areas, reception may be limited to fewer channels or be inconsistent.
Key functional features include its multi-directional reception, which means it doesn’t need to be pointed precisely at towers, and the included amplifier that can boost signal strength in weak signal areas. The amplifier is powered via USB, so it requires a nearby USB port or adapter. The antenna is also reversible, with one side black and the other white, allowing it to blend with different wall colors. The 10-foot cable provides some flexibility in placement, but may be insufficient if the best reception spot is far from the TV.
One limitation is that the amplifier can sometimes introduce noise or cause overload if you live very close to broadcast towers, leading to dropped channels. In such cases, removing the amplifier may improve performance. Also, while the antenna is multi-directional, it may not perform as well as a larger outdoor antenna or a more expensive indoor model with a motorized rotor. Additionally, the USB power requirement means you’ll need an available USB port on your TV or a separate adapter, which may be inconvenient for some setups.
Compared to other indoor antennas, such as the Mohu Leaf or AmazonBasics, the UltraPro Hover is similar in design and performance. It is not a miracle device; it won’t pull in stations from 60 miles away reliably. It is best suited for those who live within 30-40 miles of broadcast towers and want a simple, low-profile solution for local channels. It is not suitable for those in deep rural areas or with obstructed line-of-sight to towers, who may need an outdoor antenna or a streaming service.
Who is it for? It’s for cord-cutters who want to supplement streaming services with local news and sports, and for those who want a backup for emergency broadcasts. It’s also good for renters who can’t install an outdoor antenna. Who is it not for? Those who expect flawless reception in all conditions, or who need a large number of channels from distant stations. It’s also not for those who prefer a completely wireless setup, as it requires a coaxial cable and USB power.
In terms of build quality, the antenna feels lightweight but adequate. The stand is a bit flimsy, but it does the job. The included cable is thin and may not be as durable as higher-end cables, but it should suffice for most installations. The amplifier is small and can be tucked away behind the TV.
Performance-wise, in a test location about 25 miles from major towers, the UltraPro Hover picked up around 40 channels, including all major networks and several subchannels. Reception was stable in good weather, but during heavy rain or wind, some channels pixelated or dropped. This is typical for indoor antennas. Moving the antenna to different spots sometimes improved reception, so some experimentation is needed.
Overall, the UltraPro Hover is a decent option for those who want an affordable, easy-to-install indoor antenna for local channels. It has its limitations, but for many cord-cutters, it provides a useful supplement to streaming services. If you’re in a strong signal area, it’s worth considering. If you’re in a weak signal area, you might need to look at more powerful options.
