Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - indoor TV antenna

I have just bought a TV (Phillips). But I realised that my unit ( a place i just moved in) has no antenna installed and also realised that installing an antenna (on the roof of my unit) would cost more than the cost of my new TV. (it would cost about 400 NZ dollar!). As it is a rented unit, I do not want to do that as I may have to move out later on. I was wondering whether it would cost me less if I buy an indoor antenna and how good it will be. Can anybody advise me what sort of indoor antenna would be good for my TV or where I could go for information. Thanks, Tan.

Hi Tan, The answer to your question is pretty much location dependant. If you live in a metro area, an indoor antenna could work quite well, but of course only for the local stations within 20 miles or so. VHF & UHF signals are pretty much line of sight to your receiving antenna, so the higher and the fewer obstacles, such as trees and buildings in the path of the transmitting antenna the better your reception will be. An amplified antenna will help reception also. For an indoor antenna, the VHF channels, 2 thru 13, require rabbit ears and for the UHF channels those 14 and above, a loop antenna. Remember that either type of antenna will require some reorientation from one station to another. A gain antenna such as a Yagi, which has parasitic elements would help but would be somewhat unsightly do to it's size unless you have a large closet or room where you could live with the intrusion. Again, reception will depend on your distance from the TV stations and obstructions in the line of sight. An indoor antenna is quite economical and probably worth a try.
Good luck!