Today, many sofa shops sell not only various mattresses, massagers, but even television antennas. There is nothing surprising in this; digital television is an essential need of every person, so if you make a budget offer, many consumers will be happy to pay for it.
Unfortunately, scammers often profit from this. In particular, the Aerial 2100 antenna has been actively promoted lately, which in theory will solve all the problems associated with setting up digital television broadcasting for a modest amount.
Is this equipment really the key to free TV? Will everyone be able to save on purchasing additional equipment and subscription fees? Now we will answer these questions in the most accessible and reasoned way possible, so that no one else has any doubts.
The essence of the proposal
The manufacturer markets its product as a “miracle antenna”, because users will be able to set up a clear image, regardless of the connected TV. As a result, over 100 channels will be available for viewing.
The absence of a subscription fee and the need to purchase additional equipment is a kind of cherry on the cake. Receivers, satellite dishes – you don’t need all this. Just order this antenna and enjoy high-quality television broadcasting with an abundant number of available channels.
The manufacturer doesn't stop there. After all, in order to force a potential buyer to act, additional motives will be required. The best argument for purchasing the Aerial 2100 is turning off terrestrial television. Therefore, the decision must be made here and now, without postponing it.
As a result, the buyer gets the feeling that the antenna in question is the only available way to watch TV channels at the lowest price. It’s not surprising, because buying and connecting 1 antenna is much easier than setting up satellite TV broadcasting.
There is some truth in all this, the process of eliminating terrestrial television has already begun, and the transition to a digital format is actively underway. However, if initially the government of the Russian Federation planned to implement this plan during 2021, today more and more often other dates are mentioned - 2021.
However, even if all regions of Russia are disconnected from terrestrial TV, this does not mean that your TV will be transformed into a pile of useless chips. You shouldn’t fall for such offers; there are truly proven solutions - cable, satellite, Internet TV. After all, modern TVs are equipped with a built-in T2 receiver; you just need to connect a cable to it.
Real possibilities of Aerial 2100
If the consumer is already hooked, has read the offer on the manufacturer’s website or in a TV store, then with a high degree of probability he will pay money for this antenna. Why not? Buyers are offered a truly relevant solution to pressing problems for reasonable money.
In fact, you shouldn’t believe advertising so sincerely. First you need to study in detail the specifics of the issue. Otherwise, the money will simply be thrown away.
Initially, you are offered to purchase an antenna for only 98 rubles, why not buy it? However, during the ordering process the situation becomes clear, this is only a bonus price for the second antenna. Already here you should be overcome by doubts, why do I need two antennas?
Let’s assume you didn’t notice this trick or deliberately ignored it. It is possible that you have decided to sell the second antenna to your acquaintances, friends, or through a free bulletin board. In the end, it is possible that you have 2-3 TVs in your house, so there will definitely be work for a second antenna. All this is actually not particularly important, because the essence of deception is completely different.
When placing an order, you will be notified through the operator that two antennas have been sent, the package includes plugs and remote controls. In addition, the manager will assure the buyer that the Aerial 2100 has the most powerful signal both in the city center and on the outskirts. As a result, you will pay about 2000-3000 rubles, depending on the cost of shipping the equipment.
It is possible that you will not find any of the promised remote controls in the kit. They will simply send you the most ordinary indoor antennas, the so-called “slingshots”.
Real cost of HQClear
The manufacturer's rating appears in the advertisement, but it does not reflect the real value of the TV antenna. To once again be convinced of the ineffectiveness of this device, you need to calculate the cost of the transmitter. The HQClear TV antenna for digital television costs an average of 1,200 rubles. After disassembly, you can calculate with minimal error all the manufacturer’s expenses for creating the device:
- Solder. The cost of high-quality material (POS 61) averages 4 rubles per 1 gram. This design took approximately 4 grams - the manufacturer spent 16 rubles.
- The average cost of a connector is 50 rubles.
- A stencil is applied to plastic at a rate of 2 rubles per 1 cm². Marking the name of the device cost approximately 11 rubles.
- To make our calculations as close to reality as possible, we need to add another 100 rubles, which includes paying wages to employees, as well as electricity costs.
- The real cost of the antenna is 177 rubles.
All doubts regarding whether HQClear TV is true or a scam, after this calculation, finally disappeared. The manufacturer earns about 1,000 rubles per copy sold.
Technical details
What attracts a potential buyer most of all is the huge number of available channels - more than 100. In fact, this is an outright deception that emphasizes the technical illiteracy of the manufacturers of the Aerial 2100 antenna. However, this does not relieve the buyer of responsibility; you need to understand what exactly you are paying money for.
There is also some truth in the legend created by the manufacturers. The fact is that partly digital television can really be called free. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the free package includes only 20 TV channels, there is no talk of any 100.
There are exceptions. For example, in Moscow you can tune in about 30 TV channels. However, remember that this is the maximum, that is, you absolutely cannot watch 100 channels for free.
If you contact the manufacturer with additional questions, for example, how the antenna allows you to connect more than 100 channels, then they will tell you absolute nonsense. The most common legend is that the signal is received from cell towers.
The second technical subtlety is the design of the Aerial 2100. This is an ordinary indoor antenna. The UHF antenna (decimeter range) is capable of receiving a digital signal qualitatively; in our case, we have a meter range. That is, it can function correctly solely as an element of collective reception.
The third caveat is that not every receiver is capable of receiving a digital signal. Do not believe that this antenna is ideal for plasma TVs.
To receive a digital signal, you need a receiver with a DVB-T2 tuner. Naturally, when plasmas were created, they were not equipped with such receivers, since this standard did not exist. Built-in tuners are found only in modern TV models.
To connect plasma to digital television, you need to use a special set-top box, which can be purchased separately. Naturally, antenna sellers will absolutely not tell you about this.
Technical issues
Let's move on to the moment when the user who succumbed to the scam receives his package. It’s worth starting with the fact that there are no remote controls or cables in it. The package contains a pair of antennas weighing several grams. Next, we’ll figure out why these miscarriages not only don’t live up to the hype, but also can’t work in principle.
Number of channels
Marketing claims state that the Aerial 2100 is a minimum 100 channel antenna. The seller does not tell where to get them. A maximum of 20 free federal digital TV channels are broadcast in Russia . In some regions there are slightly more of them thanks to local television crews. And in some cities and regions 10 channels or less are offered.
Antenna characteristics
No amount of thinking and trying to find the method by which this indoor antenna for digital television is designed will help. This is not a UHF device. This product is capable of receiving only meter range analogue broadcasting, and no more.
Reception of satellite broadcasts
It is impossible to use the Aerial 2100 to receive satellite television due to the orientation of the wire frames. The signal transmitted to ground is horizontally polarized.
An antenna can be built to receive it. But the plane of its vibrators must also be horizontal. That is, the antenna must lie down. Aerial 2100, in principle, is not designed not only for satellite TV frequencies, but also for normal signal conversion.
Important! Without a complex decoding system, it is simply impossible to receive any digital TV and display it on the screen. To do this, you need receivers or tuners in the TV that work with the appropriate signal format, be it terrestrial or satellite broadcasts.
Antenna appearance
As already mentioned, this is an ordinary indoor meter antenna, it is not made of very high quality. They sell it as a Japanese unit, but in fact it is created in China. The body is made of cheap plastic. The screws are not tightened completely, which is why characteristic creaking noises are heard.
Based on this, we can absolutely say that this is not an innovative invention from Japanese engineers; rather, it is another Chinese gadget of dubious effectiveness.
Scam scheme from sellers of HQClear TV antennas
It has already become obvious that the compact and multifunctional HQClear TV antennas are another scam. However, it is worth giving the scammers their due, since they are trying to improve their schemes for scamming gullible buyers. This television antenna itself became a clear illustration of progress on the part of swindlers. Almost all citizens who do not understand the features of DVB-T2 antennas will fall for a scam.
To fully understand the scam scheme, let’s analyze several online stores that sell such a “unique” device:
- scammers on all sites rely on competitive advantages - a huge number of TV channels, a relatively low cost;
- on all sites 1200 rubles - promotional price, which will expire very soon. The user believes in this, starting to quickly order such a unique product; there is no time to think, since there is a risk of not having time to purchase the device. Almost always the standard cost is 10,000 rubles;
- the manufacturer promises money for the purchase to all users who are dissatisfied with the purchased product. However, this is another trick; of course, no one will issue a refund;
- The accompanying documentation and all websites say that the antenna was assembled in Japan. The country was not chosen by chance, since Japanese manufacturers have managed to create a positive image, their equipment is trusted by consumers;
- The websites list a large number of customer reviews about HQClearTV, but it is not entirely clear who left them. Of course, these are purchased comments that absolutely should not be trusted;
- The last hook is a special offer just for you. Often we are talking about free shipping or any other nice bonus.
This is not the first TV antenna with unlimited capabilities. Of course, they will appear in the future. So be careful.
