Channel Master FLATenna CM-4001HDBW

Channel Master's FLATenna proves that building the best TV antennas doesn't require complicated technical solutions. In this case, simplicity outshines more sophisticated gadgets. 

To that point, the $25 FLATenna doesn't include an amplifier or special noise filter, and it doesn't come with a Philippe Starck stand or haute couture design. But this simple, large, flat antenna is one of the best models we've tested for tuning in over-the-air TV broadcasts.

Here's why it's well-worth its $25 price point.

Design

As its name suggests, the Channel Master FLATenna is thin, less than an inch thick plastic rectangle like similar models from Mohu and Winegard. It is bigger than those other models, however, stretching out at over 13-inches wide. That makes it a conspicuous presence in any living room, although Channel Master tries to minimize its impact on your feng shui by making one side of it black and the other white. Hopefully, one or the other facade will match your decor. 

What will help you position (or hide) the antenna is a supplied 12-foot heavy duty coaxial cable for making the TV connection. It means you can position it far from your TV, like behind a curtain, and Channel Master provides four double-sided sticky pads to help you mount it on a wall or window. (Yes, you can lay it on a table as well, but that's not a very practical option; it makes for a poor coffee table coaster.)

Setup

The antenna comes with a coaxial cable to connect to your TV and gives you lots of placement options thanks to its 12-foot length. It's twice the length of cable that many antennas come with, which is important because the reception you get depends on where you are able to put the antenna. Moreover, many antennas come with pre-attached cables that you cannot swap out. Channel Master's generous detachable cable means you have more installation options and a better chance of getting a good signal.

Like other models, the Channel Master FLATenna can also support the latest NextGen TV tuners for stations with improved resolution and sound. So we tested it with a set with a built-in NextGen TV tuner, the 55-inch Hisense U8 Series QLED TV. 

As part of your setup, we recommend checking what local over-the-air stations are available in your area by visiting a site such as Antennaweb.org. By searching your zip code you can get a list and a map of the location of local broadcast towers, as well as information on any new NextGen TV stations in your area. 

Performance

Several initial passes with the TV's built-in tuner registered that the Channel Master FLATenna found 77 stations. That was at the top end of our initial tests, although not all the stations that were detected were watchable.

The Channel Master model worked remarkably well given that it does not rely on the assistance of an in-line amplifier. It was able to cleanly capture the local NBC and CBS affiliates, as well as the often obstinate ABC channel (which meant we could watch Jeopardy! for free). However, a few stations proved to be marginal and unwatchable. We could tell MASH was on 33.1, for example, but we couldn't hear Radar talking and the picture was extremely pixelated.

Ultimately, we found that the FLATenna pulled in 66 stations reliably. That's an impressive result and in our most recent round of testing second only to the Mohu Leaf Amplified, which tuned in 69 stations. 

Verdict

Channel Master offers an amplified version of this model, dubbed the FLATenna+. It includes a MicroAmp that uses a USB type connection to power the amplifier directly from the USB port on your TV or from a standard electrical wall outlet. It's rated for a 50-mile radius coverage, but we can't imagine needing it. The basic FLATenna does a top-notch job and for the price, it's an outstanding value. 

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