Who makes a good indoor HD antenna?

[NickB79]

I used a Phillips model 2-3 years ago, and it was pretty finicky about where it was positioned, the direction it was aimed, etc.

I'm planning on dropping DirecTV in October once my contract expires, and want to replace it with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime and over-the-air shows.

Thanks!

[bettyellen]

1. the Leaf is totally awesome.

[NickB79]

2. Interesting

I see it's offered in both standard and amplified versions. Which have you used? Thanks!

[bettyellen]

4. You're welcome! I bought the standard and it pulled about 65 channels in well from the tristate area

(Im next to NYC) from PA and upstate to the tip of Long Island. Lots of good PBS stations.
Placing it matters- facing it different directions can yield more or less stations, but it's a very thin maybe 12 X15" laminated card, so you can hide it behind a something framed or slip it in behind books on a bookcase. From the review I read the it seemed like amplified wasn't something I needed. There are a lot of Amazon reviews if you want details of the pros and cons of the two models.
Good luck!

[Major Nikon]

3. I haven't looked into this in a few years

Most of the ones I saw back then just weren't that good. There might be some better ones today. There's plenty of videos on the youtubes regarding how to make your own. It isn't that hard.

[winstars]

5. Been researching this also, look at the links below:

Go here and test what channels you should be able to get from your location and learn which antenna might work for you based on your location. Seems to be pretty straightforward. Almost overwhelming but certain technical terms might be familiar if only from hearing YOUR DAD say them many, many years ago..

http://www.tvfool.com/

Found this link through some DISH forum I read sometimes, you can actually give them your address and they will recommend a antenna in a return email. Again, they seem on the up and up as far as giving up info to them.

http://www.solidsignal.com/c/products.asp?tc=over-the-air-tv-antennas-supplies&mc=03&d=TV-Antennas-&-Supplies


I want to put one in my attic and not on the roof. it is sort of deja vu because I am looking at which ANTENNA to buy!!! How 1960's... But if I can get all my locals for free and not pay DISH each month why not???

[cliffordu]

6. My dad does, but you'll have to break him out of Lompoc to get one/.......

[NBachers]

8. One of my alma maters . . .

[KharmaTrain]

7. The Terk...

http://www.terk.com/indoor-tv-antennas/

...works very well. It handles VHF and UHF signals very well. Add a 20db power amplifier (usually cost about $40 at a Best Buys) and you should be able to pick up most if not all DTV signals in your area. One thing to keep in mind is these signals are very directional and thus aiming the antenna is important. Also the closer you have the antenna to a window facing in the direction of the TV towers the better...

[obxhead]

9. 5 Years ago right at the DTV switch I built my own

I ran through a fair amount of low end equipment right at the HD changeover and found the best antenna I ever had was built at home using stuff you probably have sitting around the garage.

I had a bit of trial and error, but in the end the $10 antenna built out of a 2x4 and coat hangers yielded the best signal overall. From my experience you want a directional setup. The omnidirectional antenna are like a tool that "does it all." Sure, it will technically do it all, but it excels at none.

I eventually dialed my home made antenna in enough that I had 3 positions I turned it based on the channels I wanted to watch. It was kinda like the old days when one had to get off the couch to change the channel. You adapt quickly when you realize how much you can get for free right outta the air.

If you're interested in a DYI antenna just PM me and I'll give you the building instructions. Knowing how to work with patience, a drill, and a pair of pliers are the essential skills needed.