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Mark asked: “Could you tell me what would be the best outside HD antenna or inside antenna that would pull in weak stations from far off?”
Mark, outdoor antennas are fairly simple designs, but you have a few choices.
An Antennas Direct Enhanced DB8e is designed to be a better omnidirectional antenna, that may appeal to you if you have signals coming from different towns around you,
A more traditional looking antenna like the Channel Master CM-5020 is probably more like the outside antenna you’d picture in your head, with that almost triangular shape. Those typically work well, and are durable.
If you’re looking for a more modern looking antenna, you can look at something like an Audiovox ANT880R FLT, it’s one of those square plastic looking antennas. The advantage you’d get from one of those is that the metal components are protected from the elements and they are also built to be omnidirectional.
If you’re close enough to the towers, you can also try an indoor antenna.
If you’re close enough to the towers, you can also try an indoor antenna. An indoor antenna would likely cost you less money and it would spare you from having to install the support, antenna, and wiring.
Now regarding indoor antennas, the general consensus is the Mohu Leaf, which runs about $60, is the best of breed. However, the Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse has performed as well as the Leaf in comparison tests and can be found at around $40 if you shop carefully. Either way, there are two ways to buy an HD Antenna: powered and unpowered. If all your stations are within 20 miles of your home, either will work. If you need a 50 mile range, then a powered unit is the correct choice. Powered units aren’t really much more expensive, it’s just the headache of getting power to them that makes you want to avoid them unless they’re needed.
To find out about the stations in your area and how far they are from your location, visit AntennaWeb.org and enter your street address. It will tell you how far each station in your area is from your location as well as what direction it’s coming from.