Best inexpensive indoor TV antenna?

[bis22]

I'm just looking for something that will pick up a couple local stations since I don't have cable in my apartment. Are those amplified antennas really any better than the regular ones? Any suggestions on what to get?

[matrixrok9]

I get most ota hd channels with my phillips antenna. Got it at Wal Mart for about $10. I am about 27 miles from most of the stations. The amp is suppose to be better. There's a $50 one at Radio Shack that is suppose to be really good. Try both, since you can return the antennas at their respective store even though they are opened.

[Tsar Chasm]

http://www.antiference.co.uk/sensor/sensor2.gif

Pretty highly rated indoor HDTV antenna. $20 - $30 bucks

The $12 bowtie antenna at Radio Shack is no longer available.

[Tsar Chasm]

Now that I re-read the original post, I realize you're not talking HD.

I didn't notice much of a difference when I used an amplified TV antenna. I think it depends on how far you are from the transmission source. I live about 6 miles from my antennas so the amplifier was useless. All you can do is experiment and return whatever doesn't work for you.

[cseyer]

Go to

http://www.antennaweb.org/

Put in your address zip and they will tell you what antennae will pick up what stations and even which direction to point the antenna.

[bis22]

That Antenna Web site looks pretty useful. I think I'll try to follow its recommendations as much as I can and just try out some antennas and return the ones that don't work as well. Thanks for your responses.