Amplified vs non-amplified indoor antenna

[swarupbio]

I would like to get OTA channels. I live in an appartment so outdoor antenna is not possible. Based on my signal : http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc4963986f707d - Do I need amplified indoor antenna (like Terk HDTVa) or non-amplified (like Mohu paper thin leaf). I understand the sometimes amplification can induce more noise, but I need channels - CBS, ABC, NBC in good quality. Please help as I am a newbie.

A poll is not required.

Practical and Useful Information that goes Directly to the Reception End Result is better then a poll.
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There are Many Strong LOS = Line Of Sight Tv transmitters to the north east.

If the building is wood with wood or vinyl siding then install a TERK HDTVi non amplified antenna , (not the HDTVa amplified antenna).

A amplified antenna will most likely make reception Worse because the Tv signals Are VERY STRONG at your location , will likely over load a amplified antenna and the Strong multipath - reflected signals bouncing all around in your apartment and in the building will likely overload a amplified antenna and overload the Digital Tv tuner and the Digital Tv tuners computer will shut down some overloaded channels that are to much for the Digital tuners computer to process.

Aim the HDTVi at about 44 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim indoor and outdoor antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.
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The following is a non complete list of situations that will reduce or block Tv reception.

If the building is , concrete , concrete blocks , has metal siding , has metal backed insulation , has a metal roof , has solar panels , bricks from ground to roof , Tv reception will be reduced or blocked.

As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions.

It is best to install the antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the direction/s of reception.

The Tv Must Channel Scan for the Broadcast Tv Channels , sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

If the apartment has , north east / east , facing windows , place the HDTVi antenna in the window for better reception.

If the apartment has a , north , north east , east , south east , patio or balcony you can put a better antenna out on the patio/balcony , here is the Federal Antenna Law that says Yes you can put a antenna on a patio/balcony that is part of your apartment and is under your direct control.

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html.

For a antenna on the patio/balcony I recommend a Antennas Direct , Clear Stream 2 VHF/UHF antenna , http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/...VHF-Combo.html.

[GroundUrMast]

While a poll is not needed, It doesn't hurt anything. My enthusiastic and certain vote has been cast, non-amplified.

I would expect the non-amplified HDTVi to do well. The 'CS2 Complete' would be an excellent choice also.

[Stereocraig]

Originally Posted by swarupbio

I would like to get OTA channels. I live in an appartment so outdoor antenna is not possible. Based on my signal : http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc4963986f707d - Do I need amplified indoor antenna (like Terk HDTVa) or non-amplified (like Mohu paper thin leaf). I understand the sometimes amplification can induce more noise, but I need channels - CBS, ABC, NBC in good quality. Please help as I am a newbie.

If your porch, or balcony faces the transmitters, you can use an outdoor antenna mounted to the railing and there's nothing anybody can tell you otherwise.

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-r...n-devices-rule


As you can see, a HOA, or landlord can NOT impose any rules that supercede those of the FCC.