Hands On Review with the Mohu Leaf 50 Indoor HDTV Antenna

Posted on by

Updated 11/19/2023

I purchased the Mohu Leaf 50 on the recommendation of a friend on Facebook as a replacement for the two roof-top antennas I was using that I had installed inside my attic.  They were not giving me very good reception and the wife acceptance factor was dropping by the day!  Here is what I run inside the house.

Windows 7 Media Center PC  (So 2015!)

Channels DVR on PC with a paid subscription (also see: Jon Maddox from Channels a Look Back at 2022 and What is Ahead for 2023 for Channels – HGG558 – The Average Guy Network

1 – SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR-US Dual Networked High Def Digital Tuner http://amzn.to/1dUxpXA (Now Retired)

  • 8-VSB (ATSC over-the-air digital TV)
  • QAM64/256 (unencrypted digital cable TV)
  • IR Receiver (signal PC with a standard remote control)
  • 100baseTX high speed network

2 – SiliconDust HDHomeRun Dual High Definition Digital TV Turner HDHR3-US Click here for Amazon Link

  • Two Digital Tuners, Anywhere on Your Network
  • TV sources: ATSC digital TV (antenna), Unencrypted digital cable TV (Clear QAM)
  • Works with popular DVR software
  • Seamless operation with multiple computers
  • Requirements: Dual core recommended for HD playback, 1 GB RAM recommended, 1-4 GB per 1/2 hour of DTV recording

I live in the Omaha, Nebraska TV viewing area

When I installed the roof-top antennas a couple of years ago, I ran cable up to the attic from the basement where the tuners are.  About half a day of installation to get them up there and on short poles that I installed myself.

The Leaf was an entirely different setup.  It comes in two units.  The flat antenna part, at first glance, is not confidence-inspiring.  I kept thinking, this flat piece of plastic is going to get better reception than those two big metal antennas?  I was a doubter.  I installed the antenna up in the attic next to the old ones.  I just hung it loosely from the rafters.  A 5-minute install.

The second part is the power booster that was installed in the basement where I have the two HomeRuns installed.  Very easy to set up.

channels4

Once the unit was set up, it was just a matter of scanning the tuners in Media Center Channels and watching TV again.

The signal was greatly improved over the roof-top antennas I was using and all channels in my view area were coming in with 4 or 5 bars.  In the past, I was only getting 3/4 of the channels and weather had become a factor.  Those days are gone.

Some considerations:

  1. Design and Build Quality: The Mohu Leaf 50 stands out for its unique paper-thin design. It’s reversible and paintable, allowing you to customize its appearance to blend with your home decor. The build quality is generally durable, and the thin design makes it easy to install and position for optimal signal reception.
  2. Performance: This antenna is advertised to have a range of up to 50 miles, making it suitable for urban and suburban areas. The multidirectional reception capability is beneficial for capturing signals from different broadcast towers. However, actual performance can vary based on your location, the surrounding terrain, and interference from other electronic devices.
  3. Easy Installation: One of the notable features of the Mohu Leaf 50 is its ease of installation. Setting it up involves a simple three-step process: connect the antenna to your TV, scan for channels, and enjoy free over-the-air broadcasts. The included 16-foot coaxial cable provides flexibility in antenna placement.
  4. Channel Availability: The Mohu Leaf 50 is capable of receiving both VHF and UHF channels, expanding the range of available broadcasts. The number of channels you can receive depends on your geographical location and the channels available in your area. It’s recommended to use websites like TV Fool or AntennaWeb to check the stations available in your location.
  5. Picture Quality: Assuming you are within range of broadcasting towers and the signal is strong, the Mohu Leaf 50 delivers clear and crisp high-definition picture quality. Keep in mind that the quality may vary based on the content being broadcasted and the condition of the signals.
  6. Price: The Mohu Leaf 50 is generally priced competitively compared to other HDTV antennas with similar features. Consider it as a cost-effective solution to access free over-the-air channels without a monthly subscription.
  7. Potential Challenges: While the Mohu Leaf 50 performs well in many scenarios, users in areas with significant signal obstructions or those far from broadcast towers may experience challenges. Additionally, environmental factors such as heavy foliage or buildings can impact performance.

The Mohu Leaf 50 is a solid choice for those looking to cut the cord and access free over-the-air TV channels. Its sleek design, ease of installation, and decent performance make it a popular option in the market. However, it’s crucial to assess your specific location and signal conditions to ensure optimal results.

We have now been using the Mohu Leaf for over 6 months 8 years with great results.  Contact me jim@theaverageguy.tv with questions