Ask Engadget HD: What's the best short-to-mid-range OTA antenna?
"I'm relatively close to my local TV stations, and I'm not looking to overtake my roof with chicken wire in order to get a signal. I want an OTA antenna that can be setup indoors, preferably something that's either easily hidden or not atrocious. The short-to-mid-range antenna market is so over-saturated -- someone, please help me pick the best one!"
Your turn, city dwellers. What indoor antenna do you use to fetch relatively nearby TV signals? Know of a good deal on it? Dole out your masterful advice below.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kaisang @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:54PM
I live in a downtown area, 9th floor. I pull the local HDs using this antenna: http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1216831728&sr=8-1
Works great and that is a good price. Just be sure to push hard to get the detachable part to the base.
xCrUNK @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:12PM
I used an RCA amplified antenna I picked up at Home Depot. It costs about $40. I was surprised at how many channels I pulled in using the tuner in my Sony LCD RPTV. Being smack dab in the middle of MA, I was able to pull in all the Boston stations, some Providence, RI stations and some NH stations right over the air.
I begrudgingly got my Charter cable hooked back up and returned the antenna....but, makes you think, shit, if this little crappy antenna can pick up that many stations, I could pull in a TON more with a roof antenna.
PS....I tried both passive and amplified antenna's......I always had better luck with the amplified antenna.
I-Fan @ Jul 23rd 2008 3:04PM
Go to:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/19/antennas-direct-cuts-its-clearstream2-antenna-in-half-calls-it/#comments
Aaron @ Jul 24th 2008 3:01AM
I use a Terk UHF/VHF indoor antenna (not amplified).
Justin @ Jul 24th 2008 10:01AM
I wasn't very impressed with my TERK HDTVi at all.
The Radio Shack RS 1892 (UFO) delivers much more impressive results. The AVS indoor antenna thread rates the RS 1892 as the best non-discontinued indoor antenna.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032204&parentPage=family
Carney @ Aug 15th 2008 3:46PM
Amen, Justin. I'm satisfied with my RS 1892.
Dan Davis @ Jul 24th 2008 10:45AM
I use an old Terk TV-55:
http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Technology-TV-55-Outdoor-Amplified/dp/B00005T3A9/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1216910510&sr=1-25
Bought it over five years ago and it still works great, although it's only being used in the upstairs bedroom on a spare 720p LCD. Picks up about 10 or 11 local (north Seattle) channels.
Not the best-looking HD antenna by a longshot, but I just stand it upright in the window and close the blinds.
James @ Aug 21st 2008 5:27PM
I just use the coax that is ran in my walls for an antenna. Works great! Works at my friends place too.
Amun @ Aug 29th 2008 9:33PM
I use a DB2 (indoors) and it's pretty great. It's small enough to just put behind my TV and the reception is great.