The Winegard Platinum HD7694P utilizes the classic Yagi-Uda antenna design that is unidirectional, meaning it can receive signals with amplified focus but within a relatively narrow arc. So, it must be pointed directly to the nearest TV tower.
The Platinum HD7694P is a pretty powerful outdoor antenna with a 45-mile effective receiving range that can receive both VHF and UHF channels.
Based on our tests, it is one of the better outdoor antennas for receiving VHF frequencies, and it is also a pretty affordable choice. Below is our full review of the Winegard Platinum HD7694P.
Specifications
| Model | HD7694P |
| Product Name | Winegard Platinum |
| Range | 45 miles |
| Indoor/Outdoor | outdoor |
| Directions | unidirectional |
| Frequency | UHF/VHF |
| VHF | Channels 7-13 with 174-216 MHz frequency range |
| UHF | Channels 14-36 with 470-608 MHz frequency range |
| Dimensions (assembled) | 65″ L x 35″ W x 13″ H |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
| Color | Dark Gray |
| Warranty | 90-day limited warranty |
What’s Included In The Box
The Winegard HD7694P Platinum HD series antenna package includes:
- The HD7694P Platinum HD antenna
- Mounting hardware (outdoor)
- Printed documentation
It is worth noting that the mast is not included in the package.
Assembly and Installation
Before installing the antenna, you should first use a signal checker tool to get the distance and direction of the nearest TV transmission tower.
The Winegard HD7694P Platinum is a directional antenna, so it’s important to find the correct placement before you mount this antenna so you can direct it to the nearest TV tower properly.
Assembling the HD7694P involves first removing the pre-assembled parts from the box, then simply use a Phillips screwdriver to attach the elements to the axis.
The mast and coaxial cable aren’t included, so you might want to purchase them separately. If you’ve had a satellite TV before, you can use their existing mast and coaxial cable (if any).
Step 1: Remove the antenna from the box, lay the antenna on the ground with the longer end pointing towards you. Unfold the first element (nearest you) clockwise around 80 degrees and click to lock the position.
Step 2: grasp both ends of the second element from the rear. Lift the ends of this element just enough so you can slide it over the other elements and boom. Make a rotation counterclockwise around 90-100 degrees, and lock.
Step 3: unfold the rest of the element to the lock position, make sure to alternate the elements from left to right and vice versa.
Step 4: turn the antenna over, then repeat the above steps. Lift and rotate the folded elements to the opposite side of the boom, just enough to slide over to the other elements and boom.
It does, however, include a mast clamp that allows you to easily mount in on the mast, then you can use an adjustable wrench to tighten the attachments. According to Winegard’s recommendation, you should mount the antenna at least 30 feet above ground to allow optimal reception.
Here are some tips for installing the Winegard HD7694P Platinum Antenna:
- Make sure there are as few obstacles as possible between your antenna and the TV tower. The best thing to achieve this is to place your antenna as elevated as possible, such as on your roof to make sure it is as far above obstacle as possible. Make sure not to place the antenna directly facing a wall, other buildings, trees, and other obstacles.
- Make sure it’s as stable as possible so that it won’t be affected by strong winds. If the antenna is swayed by strong winds, it can interfere with signal reception. You can use a guy wire kit to help secure your antenna if necessary.
After the installation, run a channel scan on your TV (or converter box) then check whether you can get the channels that should be available in your area. If you still get unstable signals or none at all, then you might need to mount the antenna at a higher elevation or is not directed properly. Make your adjustments slowly, and rescan.
Aiming The Antenna
Since the Winegard HD7694P Platinum is a unidirectional antenna, then you should make sure to point the axis (the long part) of the antenna in the direction of the TV transmission towers. You can use a signal checker tool and a compass (a smartphone app for a compass will do) to direct the antenna.
Make sure to ground it using a lightning arrester or a coaxial grounding block to ground the antenna properly since you are going to mount it outdoors.
Also, you can use Winegard’s app for iOS and Android that will show the direction and distance of nearby towers. Winegard uses AR (augmented reality) technology to display the TV tower information by utilizing your smartphone’s camera, so this app is actually pretty handy.
Signal Strength, Reception, and Frequencies
The Winegard HD7694P Antenna can receive both UHF and high VHF:
- VHF (Very High Frequency): Provides channels 7-13 in the frequency range 174-216 MHz.
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): Provides channels 14-36 in the frequency range 470-608 MHz.
However, it cannot receive low VHF and FM radio signals. It can receive broadcasts of up to 1080p resolution quality and is 4K-ready, which will be useful when ATSC 3.0 and 4K become mainstream.
It has an advertised range of 45 miles, but based on our tests, the optimal range is around 30 miles for high VHF and 25 miles of UHF, depending on your location. It can receive signals from more than 45 miles, but you might need a preamplifier to maintain clarity.
You can always install a preamplifier if you are not satisfied with your current reception. Winegard recommends their own Boost XT HDTV preamplifier with this antenna, but you can use any compatible preamplifiers from any other brands if you want.
In general, if your existing coaxial is longer than 50 feet from the antenna to the TV, then you might want to use a preamplifier.
Winegard Platinum HD7694P: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great unidirectional design, can receive high VHF and UHF frequencies
- Reliable in receiving up to 1080p signals and 4K-ready
- Pretty decent in terms of weight and size as an outdoor antenna
- E-coat finishing for better protection against bad weathers
- 45-mile effective range with extra clear signal reception
- Easy assembly and installation
Cons:
- Can’t receive low VHF and FM radio signals
- Mast not included in the package
Verdict
The Winegard HD7694P antenna is a great, pretty affordable option if you are looking for an outdoor antenna that can receive signals from relatively long-range (45+miles). It can receive both high VHF and UHF signals while ensuring high gain on both frequency types to ensure clarity.
It’s pretty easy to assemble and install, although it doesn’t include the mast. Overall, a great choice if you are currently in the market for an outdoor antenna.
Help and Support
Here is the link for Winegard’s official manual for the product, and below we will discuss some of the frequently-asked questions regarding the product.
What is the CEA rating for this antenna?
Yellow, Green, Light Green, Red, Blue CEA color codes
Can we install the antenna indoor?
Considering its pretty big size, we wouldn’t recommend installing the Winegard HD7694P antenna indoors. However, it’s still possible to install it in your attic, provided you have enough space (around 5ft long and 2ft high).
An important consideration when installing this antenna indoors is that it is a unidirectional antenna, so you might need additional space to be able to point the antenna in the direction of the TV transmission tower.
The exception is that if you are within 10 or 15 miles of the TV station where you wouldn’t need to direct the antenna at all.
Make sure there isn’t anything that’s going to block the signal, like having a metal roof or asphalt shingles.
Can I use the existing cable from cable/satellite TV?
Yes, you can use the coaxial distribution system that is already existing in your house if you’ve previously subscribed to a cable/satellite TV.
The Winegard HD7694P antenna comes with a built-in transformer that can convert the antenna to feed the coaxial that is used by most cable TV services, so there shouldn’t be an issue.
Make sure, however, that the existing cables are in good condition, and weather-proof any outdoor connections if necessary.
Do I need to purchase anything separately?
Assuming you’ve already got an existing mast in your house, then the package includes everything except two coaxial cables needed (one to connect the amplifier to the antenna, and another to connect the power injector to your TV inside the house, or to a splitter).
You might also need to purchase a mast and a guy wire kit, depending on your house’s condition.
Can this antenna pick up lower digital channels?
The antenna is not designed to pick low VHF frequencies (below 88 Mhz), but you might still be able to pick some of them if you are lucky. Nowadays, however, most TV stations use signals above 200 MHz in frequencies, of which the antenna can handle really well.