TV Antenna Help (VHF I think)
 

My TVFool report is here http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...f1f009d03a6854

I'm looking for a few of NBC/ABC/FOX/CBS but not real worries if one or two are missing, it's an apartment building so an internal antenna only.

Something cheap from Home Depot would be ideal but if not i'm happy to order online.

Hi -

You are fortunate that all the stations of interest are broadcasting toward you from Mt. Wilson.

I would get some rabbit ears and see what I pick up. There is a lot of signal in the air, and the rabbit ears are likely the best for VHF, other than a big outdoors antenna. VHF signals have a comparatively long wavelength, and for them, the size of the antenna makes a difference. Bigger is better, at least up to 10' or so.

When I rented in Irvine, I suspended an outdoor antenna from the interior ceiling, and it worked well. An outdoor antenna works fine indoors, except for the obstructions provided by the building. So that's one option ... if you want to go bigger, buy an outdoors antenna and put it somewhere out of the way.

But I'd try it with rabbit ears first. That may be all you need, depending on the building you are in. Also, it may be worthwhile to move the rabbit ears around within the building or out on your balcony, or whatever. On top of the TV is unlikely to be optimal placement.

http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Indoor-FM-.../dp/B000HKGK8Y
http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennasHBU.html

By any chance do you have a window facing north-east? Either a $9 set of rabbit ears with UHF loop, or maybe the Winegard Freevision for $35 (both at Home Depot) for a little more gain and directionality should be good. Best in a window, as the building walls will interfere to some degree. A balcony would be even better, of course.

Excellent, thank you both for the recommendations.

I tried some bunny ears but had no luck, likely due to apartment interference. I will try the Winegard Freevision antenna and see if that works!

Get a long cable and take the rabbit ears outdoors, to see what you get. Here is some discussion - http://www.kyes.com/antenna/rabbitear.html

Very interesting discussion. I will try this. Thank you!