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Read on these forums a bit, and there seems to be a prevailing opinion here that you don't want a powered antenna, you want an unpowered one. I'm not being combative here, but can someone explain that? I always thought the powered ones help when signals are weak.
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Your question is certainly not combative.
The signals in your area are not weak. In fact the combined signal strength of the more than two dozen stations will likely overload most amplifiers including those built into antennas.
Amplifiers become useful and appropriate when there are significant losses due to signal splitting and long cable runs.
You are correct, amplifiers are intended to increase the amplitude (strength) of signals. However all amplifiers, even the best, add noise to the signals. Amplifiers also have a limit to how strong a signal (or combination of signals) can be at the input. If the input signals are too strong for a given amplifier design, the output will be a distorted mess.
You are in a location were OTA reception is very easy. The Winegard HD7694P JC has suggested will provide more than enough signal strength to deliver strong signals through a 4-way passive splitter and 100 feet of coax. If your old rabbit ears fail to receive well, it raises a question about the construction of your home. Walls with foil faced insulation, metal siding, metal studs, stucco wire or similar materials will make indoor reception difficult. In such conditions, amplifiers will not correct the underlying problem.
You have made it clear that you want to avoid an outdoor antenna if possible. The Terk HDTVi is one option. But I would recommend you re-try your rabbit ears near a window with a view to the SW. You may find you don't need to spend a dime.
For some reason, amplifiers are easy to sell...
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=1514