Reddit reviews Terk 60 Mile Range High Performance Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna - Supports UHF, VHF 1080 HDTV Broadcasts for Free

i've tried a bunch and overall this has worked best. the only downfall is that its an odd piece of equipment to have sitting around, so if you have somewhere to hide it great.

I'm surprised there are analog channels still around. I love OTA TV and cut the cord a long time ago, but I thought we'd completely switched over to digital in 2011 (two years after the US killed analog TV).

I don't know what reception is like in deep rural areas, but if you live within 100km of a major urban centre you can probably pick up its digital transmissions. You just need a TV with an ATSC tuner—any TV manufactured after 2007 will have one built in—and a sufficiently sensitive antenna. If you have the land to put up an antenna mast you're even better off.

If you live near an urban centre you can get by with "rabbit ear" antennas. Even in Toronto I only got about three stations on my rabbit ears until I upgraded. I own a Terk HDTV-A now. I got about twenty stations in Toronto, and in the US I get lots more. Most of those Toronto stations came from Grand Island New York, about 90km away, but you can do a lot better than an indoor antenna if it's important to you.

I love digital OTA TV so if you have any questions I'd be happy to try to help.

While mine isn't in the attic, I've done basically what you are interested in with 3 TVs and at HDHR Prime.

I purchased a Terk amplified antenna, mounted it on a shelf in an upstairs bedroom, and connected it to the existing coax.

What I did was find the main splitter behind the house, and sort out what cable was running from that location, and just switch it to the input side of the splitter. Then plugged that run into the antenna.

The antenna I have is the one below (not sure it's the best for your situation, but it works for our area).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007MXZB2/ref=oh_details_o06_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you go into the pictures on that listing, you'll find someone that mounted it in their attic.

I would opt for something like this.

While it isn't the most attractive antenna, it does get really great reception. I have been through several panals and loops which have all required a far amount of adjustment which isn't ideal.

I live in a condo/apartment, so can't have a huge outdoor antenna. I'm currently using a leaf-type antenna and am pulling in only 7 channels. I live under the shade of the CN Tower (it's 800 metres away!). I tried one of these Terk indoor antennas, and got the same number of channels as the leaf-type, so I returned it. Any other options? I don't want something huge that I can't hide behind a bookshelf or furniture.

Ok, here's a plan that will cost you NOTHING if you don't like it.

Assumption: Your TV has an HD Tuner built-in, this is key. Let me know if you need more clarification on this.

Go somewhere and get an "HD Antenna." They range from thin indoor panels to big gaudy outdoor arrays. Make sure they have a powered amplifier as well (think most do). I would recommend a store first, so you can try one (smaller/cheaper), then take it back if it doesn't work out and try another, once you've found the perfect one, either keep it or buy it online for 50% of the store cost. There are a LOT out there, and the right one depends on a LOT of variables (elevation, obstructions, interference, etc). I have the Terk Klingon Sword looking one. It's more of a directional antenna, but works fine pointing North to split the difference of the two closest sources. I have mine pointing out a window, and then have it plugged into the the main splitter of the house (outdoor TWC junction box) to feed to all my TVs. The good thing is, you only need one antenna. Point it where you think first, then do a channel scan. Your TV should have a signal meter. May take two people yelling if your antenna is far away from your TV. Too far one way may mean Channels from the East coming in great, and Channels from the West not coming in at all. Fine tune and then repeat the channel scan to find the sweet spot! It may take a couple hours, but just think of the pleasure you'll get from never paying for cable and calling TWC up to tell them to go Fuck themselves!

Just message me if you have any more questions or need more details. I have 4 HD TVs and they all receive CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, WJZY, UNC, and more off that one antenna.

Also, don't get too discouraged if the first one doesn't work worth a shit, I tried a flat panel one first and it wasn't worth a SHIT. Then I tried another terrible one with the same result. Good Luck!

For what it's worth, I first got a monoprice antenna and picked up nothing but City TV and CBC.

I then got the unamplified version of this thing and pick up pretty much all the networks listed on the right.

Admittedly... I face south. But just saying the antenna does make a huge difference cause I still faced south with the terrible monoprice antenna too.

antennaweb.org is your best resource for this question. Just input your location and it will list each channel you can get and what kind of antenna it would require.

That said, 5-6 seems about right. I live on the east side and using this amplified indoor antenna I get FOX, ABC, CBS, PBS and their associated channels. NBC is on a low-power VHF station out of Newberry that I can't seem to get, but I don't have any signal issues with the channels that I do get.

i use this [amazon] indoor antenna and it works great. and use this [tvfool] to point the antenna in the optimal direction

The Terk HDTVa is an Amazon favorite.

Do you have cable Internet?
You may find that plugging your cable into your tv/digital tuner box and scanning for channels may yield you more channels than you can get OTA.

I canceled Directv a couple of months ago.
I'd built my own DB4 antenna and I was able to pick up 9 HD channels.
Today, out of curiosity, I took the cable (coax) out of my Comcast cable modem and plugged it into my TV.

I now get 40+ channels.
20+ are HD.

Now I have a splitter in-line before the cable modem.
One cable goes to the tv, the other to the modem.

It's worth a try!

I got mine via Amazon. I don't think I've been to a Radio Shack or a Best Buy in about 5 years.

You wouldn't be likely to notice a modern HD antenna. There are also indoor ones.

I have had this Terk amplified antenna for about 8 years:

http://www.amazon.com/TERK-Amplified-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452006609&sr=8-2&keywords=terk+antenna

I used to live near 168th and Pacific and it got all channels great, would sometimes have to point it slightly toward Gretna to get Fox.

I now live 37-41 miles from the broadcast antennas and I have the same antenna in my basement (not next to a window) and all channels come in perfectly.

The Terk is a little more expensive than most antennas but most people speak highly of them.

I'm a ways out in the burbs and this works great indoors.
https://www.amazon.com/Terk-HDTVAZ-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2

Yeah, I would hope this is obvious to most people but I guess it is good for those that don't know. Definitely recommend getting a better antenna from somewhere besides Bestbuy. If you want a cheap antenna, dollarama was selling some RCA ones for $3 but if you are going to spend over $20 look for something like this:

https://www.amazon.ca/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2

(Model sometimes goes on sale for less than $50 from The Source).

I lived on 25th St NW and had pretty good coverage, KTTC, KXLT, PBC (Iowa an KSMQ), KAAL, and KIMT. I moved further north and west and dropped Iowa Public Television, KTTC and KXLT.

I have this antenna indoors.

Check out Antenna Web, they are a pretty good indicator of coverage.

I spent the time to make this too and was quite underwhelmed by the performance. I ended up with a Terk HDTVa, which completely blew away the homemade one.

I live in San Diego and I pick up all the San Diego channels as well as most of the Orange County and Los Angeles HD channels.

It really depends on where you live and whats around your house. I live about 10 miles from most of the major antennas and don't have much elevation to compete with. I get about 20 good signal channels, most of them in HD. I am using this antenna and just put it on some of the beams in my attic:
http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2

Its worth a few hours of your time to give it a try. If it doesnt work as you hoped, just return the antenna to the store or amazon for your money back.

One more thing the article didn't touch on. If you live close to a city you can most likely get an antenna for one month's worth of cable. That will give you access to the national channels / local programming. It's not much, but it's entirely free after you pay for the antenna.

Two very popular antennas are the MOHU Leaf and the Terk Indoor antenna


To see where the towers are in your area - you can look at antenna web - I am sure there are other sites, even better ones.

EDIT: If you don't want to spend the money on the antenna and want a little weekend project; you can make your own antenna. Google coat hanger antenna or something or try something like this

I can confirm this as a comcast internet only and also antenna user.
What you are describing are unencrypted QAM channels.
Your TV will need to be to have a QAM tuner built in to receive these channels via your cable modem.
In addition, I also use this indoor antenna
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007MXZB2/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00

Edit, via both QAM and my ATSC tunner via antenna I receive HD for fox,abc,Cbs,NBC.
45.1
2.1
13.1
11.1

I have this one and I'm very happy with it.

Thanks for the link, I did some exploring on there. If I understand the setup properly, all I really need is an antennae like this one

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007MXZB2/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

per TV. Each of my TVs are flat screen HDTVs which should have digital tuners by default. I'm thinking about doing the exact thing you described here. I will call up and cancel all digital cable, purchase 1 Antennae per tv (as I really am only interested in channels 2-60) and then have Netflix and High Speed Internet and I should have every channel I need!

This sound about right?

I live in a brick house and have tried these 3 antennas with varying results
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00DIFIP06/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425590560&sr=8-2&keywords=amazon+basic+antenna

http://www.amazon.com/TERK-Amplified-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425590646&sr=8-1&keywords=terk+antenna

http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Indoor-FM-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B000HKGK8Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425590674&sr=8-2&keywords=RCA+antenna

I found that the cheap $10 RCA rabbit ears worked just as well as the more expensive ones. All 3 had difficulty bringing in a consistent broadcast of NBC but that probably has to do with where I'm located. If you don't mind the eye sore aesthetics I'd go with the RCA and then work your way up price wise if it doesn't bring in the channels you want. The TERK is an eye sore as well and has balance issues. The feet at the bottom aren't wide enough to balance the thick dipole antennas. And the amazon basics 50 mile high gain model didn't perform any better for the price difference in my circumstances.

Have you tried an amplified indoor antenna like this: http://www.amazon.com/Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Off-Air-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2
I'm 30 miles away from my transmitters and get next to nothing with standard rabbit ears, turn on the amp and they all come in fine.

I noticed this yesterday as well. I have one of these I picked up awhile ago: http://www.amazon.com/Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Off-Air-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/
that works pretty well for me. I'm also in the East End.

I live pretty close to the corner of Fairfield and Gulf Beach, so I wouldn't say that makes me the definitive authority for the West Pensacola/NAS area on antenna television, but I think it makes me pretty close to being an expert on the subject.

This is the model of antenna I have, made by Terk. The main element is relatively average in size, as illustrated by the picture taken with the water bottles. If I were to estimate, though, I would say it's about 12" tall and 18" wide and deep. The "rabbit ear" elements, though, are inestimably tall. It sits on top of our rather large (6' tall) entertainment center and easily can touch the ceiling with them. Fully extended, though, they're probably about 36" long, each.

Now for what matters: reception. In all honesty, it's not entirely bad. I regularly receive: 3.1, 3.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 15.1, 15.2, 21.1-5, 23.1-4, 33.1, 35.1, 35.2, 42.1-3, 44.1, 55.1, 55.2, and 58.1. All-in-all, not too bad. Now for the bad news: there are a couple of channels that are intermittent, if present at all. Fox is one of those channels. As a fan of football, this infuriates me! So I researched the signal levels for our area. Alas, Fox is one of the weakest stations for our area. It's based out of the west end of Mobile. So, unfortunately, if you're like me and are craving any shows from Fox (like my fiancee does for Glee), you're going to have no choice but to go with an outdoor antenna.

If you want to shop for that locally, try RadioShack. Truthfully a great selection there. Otherwise, every review I've gone over has pointed that the model of indoor antenna I have is one of the best on the market. Good luck out there!

Sports are the one thing that you are going to lose when cord cutting. It has gotten better recently, for example I watched the Olympics via Amazon Fire stick.

An antenna is going to give you the basics NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, PBS. There are a handful of other decent ones, then a whole bunch crap. Religious channels, Spanish channels, religious channels in Spanish. Most channels have 2-3 "extra" channels, but unless you like reruns from the 60s they aren't that interesting.

I live in EAV and have [this antenna].(https://smile.amazon.com/TERK-Amplified-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_69?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1478117485&sr=1-69&keywords=antenna&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A6025771011) I bought it 10+ years ago so there is probably better stuff out there now.

Get a better antenna so you can watch it? NBC 4 broadcasts on UHF, so a good small directional antenna would be like the amplified Terk HDTVa or if you are closer to NYC, the unamped Winegard FlatWave... in either case, make sure the antenna is pointed at the direction of NYC.

Orrrr, find a livestream online?

Using a Terk brand HDTVa indoor amplified antenna.

<https://www.amazon.com/Terk-HDTVAZ-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521037735&sr=8-1&keywords=Terk+HDTVa&dpID=315WmingcQL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch>

I've read a lot on Reddit recommending this; however I jumped on a deal ($40) for this one. I haven't received it yet, but really hoping it helps because I have trouble with NBC and ABC which are also VHF where I'm at.

This is what I got back in 2012 and still use - https://www.amazon.com/Terk-HDTVAZ-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1493370472&sr=8-4&keywords=terk+powered+antenna

There are probably better ones out there by now. We actually pay for no cable now. We get all the main network channels in HD (including Ion) and use netflix, hulu, amazon, and other methods for movies and such. Only have to pay an internet bill each month. This thing detects like 50 - 60 channels in my area.

Right now I use this in the window of the lowest floor of my house. And this on the main level. They both work pretty well when setup outdoors, but i get nothing if they are inside. This is why I want a dedicated antenna outdoors. I don't think I need a particularly strong antenna for the stations I want to get, and I wanted something that won't be too large. This is my TV fool report. I am only really interested in FOX, NBC, CBS, and ABC.

If you have an HDTV, but a digital antenna. I got this one from Amazon for $40 and get about 25 channels, with about 10 in full HD. These include NBC,ABC,CBS,FOX,and PBS. Plus, after the $40 in itial purchase, it's free!!!!

Given your location, any antenna will work just fine. I've had great results with this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_5Ct3tb1E3H9SH

If you want something more discreet, I'd go with this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QK7HI8/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_kFt3tb0EKY1HK

http://www.amazon.com/TERK-Amplified-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2 also one last point watch your local news and read newspapers

I use this. It works pretty well. I have to adjust it more than I like but once you know where to point, you're good.

I own and use the HW180STB linked above and can confirm it is now compatible, at launch there were some issues with this model but they have been resolved. So you can ignore the post you see on the internet about the HW180STB not working or incompatibility. The HW150STB has DVR features the HW180STB dose not have DVR features the usb is for media playback not recording. I live in Jersey City right outside of NYC, I can see the WTC Tower from my window, with a indoor directional antenna, I've got the Terk (similar to the Zeneith) I can get all the networks and a lot of the Latin and Public TV stations, like 20 channels in HD. I've had to play with the antenna placement but I've got it just right. But depending on where I sit in the room I may get pixels on one channel or another. This is the trade off vs paying for cable. I think these are the 2 cheapest OTA HDMI boxes that are confirmed to work with the XB1

Here's my antenna http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2

This one is great, if you don't have the option of installing a rooftop antenna.

This site will tell you which direction to point it for specific networks in your area. Most networks are on UHF, so you may not even need to extend the rabbit ears that are built into the Terk (rabbit ears are for VHF stations).

Good luck!

I have one of these that I got in 2008 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007MXZB2/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Would that still work?

I have a new AppleTV w/ Netflix and Hulu subscriptions. I also use my parents password for cable TV channels like FX, ESPN, and NBCSN. I also use this antenna, which works great 100% of the time: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0007MXZB2/ref=mp_s_a_1_101?qid=1458504864&sr=8-101&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hd+antenna+indoor

I'm in an apartment building (sandwiched between other apartment buildings) near John Burroughs and I kinda get a some reception. Initially I had something like this (http://amzn.to/2dHLcpa) That got everything, but I needed to turn it different directions to get different channels, which was annoying, so any DVR option was out.

I have one of those window antennas now and I get everything except for CBS, I think, but sometimes it also craps out on the channels I do get.

Global is the second toughest to get a signal after CTV I find. Experiment with different antennas... I use this one and it really depends which way you orient the actual antenna "element" as well as the base.


(note don't buy it here it's actually cheaper locally)
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0007MXZB2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have to give a shout-out to this Terk antenna. It was recommended to me by someone in this sub when I posted a similar question to yours (I moved and an antenna that used to work in my old place wouldn't work in my new place). I get double the channels (even X.2, X.3, X.4, and higher) than what I used to. It's ridiculously awesome. My Amazon review gets into more detail about the pros and cons.

I used a Terk for awhile, but I upgraded to an outdoor antenna to pick up a few more channels. The Terk is directional so most of the towers need to be kind of in the smae direction. You can look at TVfool.com to see where the towers are located.

Here is what is confusing me...

If you look at THIS

It says it has VHF and UHF, but only Channels 7-69.

The one you linked would work, but it's $130, and I was hoping to not have to drop that much out the gate.

I also wondered about something like THIS ONE It says 2-69. Obviously probably not quite as powerful... but based on what I can get with just something like This Cheap Thing I wondered if it might be enough.

What do you think? I need that channel 4 for sure, because... Football!

I bought this one. It is very popular and easy to find on Amazon or in many stores. The full non-surplus price seems to be about $40

the only thing i really watch on tv is football but it's great to be able to pause or rewind if i need to. i bought bundle with the mohu 50 in hopes that i'd be able to get the hd fox channel and it worked! old antenna couldn't pick it up

http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2 worth every penny, for real

I have this, but I live in a city. I don't know what kind of antennas are out there if you live in the country.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007MXZB2

We've had the Terk antenna for years, works great, we keep it in our upstairs closet connected to a Tablo unit.

https://www.amazon.com/Terk-HDTVAZ-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B0007MXZB2

https://www.tablotv.com/

does it matter which way im facing?
im facing north and i live in thornhill

EDIT:
is this the same of this one

if it were me I would try this first indoor Terk antenna and if I wasnt satisfied I would install their rooftop high gain antenna pointed west southwest. I have a rooftop Terk that pulls in 2 edge from 50 miles away, and swear by the brand (no I do not work for them). Terk has some classy looking indoor antennas, have look at their website.

http://www.amazon.com/Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Off-Air-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2

http://www.terk.com/outdoor-antennas/?sku=LOGTVO

edit: why would someone downvote links to antennas when the op asked for advice about antennas--unless perhaps they are corporate shills who prefer to never see any brand mentioned on this sub except winegard.

I've had this one for going on 8 years now...

http://www.amazon.com/Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Off-Air-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417550944&sr=8-1&keywords=terk+antenna

I would recommend it, it looks a little goofy, but it works wonderfully. Some might recommend getting a powered antennae because it might help boost reception but I feel like that is just more wires and hassle. This guy can perform with the best of the powered antennae out there.

I use this antenna. It works very well for me, I get all 14 local channels, however I live downtown in an 8th floor apartment. I'm not really knowledgeable enough to recommend an antenna for your specific needs, however I have found many posters on this website are quite antenna savvy and may be able to help you more. Good luck!

I made a coat hanger antenna following these plans. 8$ of parts, 10$ amplifier and it beats my 80$ RCA antenna. I'm in Vanier surrounded by buildings and manage to get channels from Herbert's Corner.

I also use the Terk HDTVa, it works great! Terk makes quality product IMO, worth the price compared to the generics. http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=pd_cp_e_2

I have a Terk amplified antenna, and it's fantastic.

http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2

I live in nowhere, PA, and with this thing I get all the major networks (5 of them!) from up to 80 or so miles away. It sits inside my living room, on top of a bookshelf pointed out the window. It DID require a good deal of adjustment though, and we'll lose a network or two during terrible weather. No other complaints here. Make sure you get the amplified version.

>Are there any HDTV antennas that are both?

Yes. The problem is with the "HDTV" buzzword. There is nothing different between an HDTV antenna and an old set of rabbit ears or the spidery antenna mounted on the roof, i.e. the radio carrier signal is the same. It's just that the content is now digital, and in some cases, Hi-Def.

>Would this be considered "dual-band" or something?

Yes. You want an antenna with both VHF capability and UHF capability. So one with dual long, thin antennae (the VHF part), and a round loop or other geometric contraption (the UHF part).

One popular combo antenna is the Terk HDTV antenna. It has a funky looking UHF part, plus a couple of VHF antennas hidden at the back.

>And does this just essentially mean that WJLA and WUSA haven't gotten on the bandwagon of offering HD over-the-air, and only do SD over-the-air?

No. WJLA (7-1) and WUSA (9-1) each have a full-HD main channel, plus two auxiliary channels (7-2, 7-3, 9-2, and 9-3, respectively).

My roommate got this antenna and now people can sports on our TV.

Are you in the immediate Atlanta metro area? If so, get a digital HD antenna and watch them over the air. I'm assuming they are all broadcast locally.

Something like this. I'm not in or around Atlanta but I would definitely assume the games are broadcast locally OTA.

I got this one (it's on sale right now), and it works pretty well. I'm right off northern Charlotte Street, and I get 3 of the 4 major networks (CBS doesn't come in well), as well as a few other random channels. I think 7 or 8 total after I filtered out duplicates and kids channels. It's good enough to watch a couple hours a week on.

You do need to figure out which direction to point the antenna though, to get the most (or any) stations. I used antennaweb and the compass on my phone for that.

hey, I live about 18 miles from boston! in Hull, to be exact! as far as bruins on antenna i think you're outta luck. they have a contract with VS for the next few years i believe, which is a subscription channel.

also, here's the antenna i use (buy one used off amazon, alot cheaper), ocassionally it will lose reception a tiny bit, but after some fine tuning it comes right back in perfet 1080.

I tried like 3 different indoor antennas and this one worked best. It has an amplifier and works not too bad even with my poor choice of locations (living room) not near a window.

I got this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_M3T1_ST1_dp_1

It works well, I get something like 20 channels. It does occasionally stutter or have issues, but for the most part the signal comes in clear. We pretty much use it to watch the news. It worked extremely well for the super bowl. I would be a little reluctant to watch a show I really cared about with it, as there is a good chance you would miss pieces of the show when you lose signal from time to time.

My Antenna just in case anyone is wondering. http://www.amazon.com/Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Off-Air-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410122795&sr=8-1&keywords=Trek+antenna

Dude get you a Turk Indoor HD Antenna. My buddy has one, its not like rabbit ears of old. This thing picks up full 1080p signal with little to no tweaking.

I'm in Toronto, bought a hd antenna for 50$ a couple years ago and i get 10-12 channels consistantly, in full HD which is nice.

Actually this is it... Looks like its $100 now but look around https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_lYuGybAPQ2CMG

I like my Terk antenna.

> so I picked up a cheap indoor antenna

This is why you're having trouble picking up local stations.

Cheap antennas are only good in two situations: Either you live right next door to the only television station you want to watch, or you need to hook something up to your TV in an emergency (power outage, moving and haven't set up cable service yet, cable outage, etc).

If you're going to use an antenna as your primary source for television, you need to invest in a good antenna. A $15 indoor antenna might've cut it decades ago back when there were only three channels and no wireless interference from things like cellphones, microwaves and home routers, but they don't cut it anymore.

[This Terk amplified antenna] (http://www.amazon.com/Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Off-Air-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2) remains one of the best on the market. You can pick one up at Fry's or Best Buy for around $80, or on Amazon for $40.

You mentioned you live in an apartment and, unfortunately, this alone could limit your ability to pull in certain channels. Since your apartment tends to face only one or two directions, your line of sight to the broadcast towers for your area could be really limited. The good news is you're well within your right to put an antenna [like this one] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VTXUJ6?psc=1) outdoors. A landlord can only restrict what you attach to the building, so how you put it up is something you'd have to think about.

Last, are you sure your complex doesn't receive basic cable for free? A lot of landlords cut deals with the cable company to provide basic cable to tenants for free, mainly so the landlord doesn't have to deal with antenna and satellite dish issues. If you receive basic cable, it would solve your issue of getting some of the networks. If not, I'd highly recommend the Terk amplified antenna linked above.

I have the Terk HDTVa, and live in Downtown. I get EVERY SINGLE UHF channel (14-83) solid as a rock when it's pointed in the proper Southwest direction. I also get KPRC (Channel 2) in the same capacity, but KUHF (Channel 8) refuses to come in reliably, and Channels 11 and 13 are fussy sometimes.

I should note that I live in Houston House Apartments, and although it is high up, I have to pick up signals through solid concrete walls that are good enough for my DVR to simply handle without me having to play around with it. This place was built when things were meant to last, hence the concrete surroundings.