Need recommendation for cheap urban indoor antenna

[phlippy22]

Hi all,

Please review my TVFool results here.

It appears that I should only need a basic indoor un-amplified antenna to pick up the majority of my local stations digitally in HD. Am I on the right track? Can someone recommend a reliable antenna for a new Comcast-cutter?

TIA.

Edit: I actually own this antenna that I used within a DC apartment building to varying success a few years ago. Unfortunately, I've lost the power adapter, and it doesn't appear to work un-amplified. Find a new adapter or toss it and get a better model?

[GroundUrMast]

several options:
The RCA ANT-111 At Amazon for $6
The Terk HDTVi (non-amplified) is available at TigerDirect.
Radio Shack model 15-1874 is an option.

[John Candle]

Here are indoor Tv antennas , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 , Here is how to aim indoor Tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

[MisterMe]

Originally Posted by phlippy22

...

Edit: I actually own this antenna that I used within a DC apartment building to varying success a few years ago. Unfortunately, I've lost the power adapter, and it doesn't appear to work un-amplified. Find a new adapter or toss it and get a better model?

I would not worry about the amplified indoor antenna. My personal experience with them is that they work no better than unamplified indoor antennae. Any of the antennae recommended by GroundUrMast will do fine. However, you have ample choices of electronics retailers in Washington. You have no need to wait for mail order. Just run out to Radio Shack, CVS/pharmacy, or wherever pick-up an antenna, hook it up, and enjoy.

[GroundUrMast]

You're quite close to many very powerful signal sources, any amplifier should be expected to overload which will result in less, not more reception.

The Terk HDTVi will be slightly directional. That could help overcome some of the multipath I suspect you will be faced with.

[Billiam]

Originally Posted by GroundUrMast

You're quite close to many very powerful signal sources, any amplifier should be expected to overload which will result in less, not more reception.

The Terk HDTVi will be slightly directional. That could help overcome some of the multipath I suspect you will be faced with.

This is correct. When I lived two miles north of downtown KC I made the mistake of buying a small indoor antenna with a amp. I experienced overload on many signals and had to instead use a small outdoor antenna in my apartment to reduce the overload. The Silver Sensor may work for you if you don't have a multipath rich environment. In my case that antenna worked better than the antenna with the pre amp in it but the outdoor antenna located in the apartment was better at reducing multipath.

[phlippy22]

Thanks, all.

Avoiding the amplified antenna makes sense, and could explain some of the difficulties in the past. I think I'll order the Terk HDTVi antenna if that's the community recommendation. I suppose I'll leave it behind/next to the TV about 6 feet from a balcony door/windows.

How much adjustment will be necessary to tune in different channels?

Thanks again!

[GroundUrMast]

Try pointing it toward the north were most of the stations are located relative to you. If at all possible, give the antenna as clear a view of the transmitter towers. Behind the TV is quite often a poor location for an antenna, particularly if the TV sits between the antenna and the transmitting towers.