I'm pretty new to antennas and was wondering if an indoor antenna would work in my situation. I live on the second floor of a 2-story apartment and everything is broadcast from Mt Wilson in LA. My zipcode is 90292.

The broadcast is from the east and directly beside me outside my window is my neighbors wall which means i have no direct line of sight and there are a couple of high-rise condos and hotels to the east of me maybe 1/2 mile out.

Now should I even bother trying to get an antenna or is it a waste of time? Also are there any recommendations of indoor antennas to receive some HD signals?

Assuming the channels are UFH --- Build a free bow tie antenna and try it out. Takes little time ... Should give you all you need to know for the expense of a few old coat hangers. Worked for me.

You will have to find the video or get a link from someone else, I can't post links yet.

Yes all channels I need are UHF and 28 miles out. I'd prefer to buy an antenna and return it if doesn't work because I don't have the tools or equipment to build one. Are there any recommendations on good indoor antennas? I've been reading mixed reviews everywhere, but I guess indoor is all chance.

Your best bet is to try a $10 rabbit ear/loop combo at first (un-amplified). If you are able to pick up several stations, it is a good sign.

Unfortunately, with 7, 9, 11 & 13 moving back to their analog VHF stations next year, getting any kind of indoor directional antenna to receive VHF is going to be difficult.

I'm baffled at all the bad press UHF received, considering how difficult VHF is to receive in urban settings, with indoor antennas.

If LA was staying with UHF, the CM4220 would probably be a good choice. However, a separate VHF antenna will almost certainly be needed for 2009 as the 4220 is a very poor performer for VHF.

The tools to build one of the bowtie style antenna is a screwdriver and some #8 screws, and a board, that a $1 balun and a wire clipper to cut the coat hangers. I built one in 10 minutes, it receives stations out to 60 miles from the maps. Works for most higher power stations, all the main ones, and receives a good viewable analog signal.

My next attempt will be to get a digital tuner and see how digital works out.

A cheap, under $20 set top antenna would likely be able to tell you whether it will work, but from what you describe of your apartment, you will likely need more gain.

Our local cable company is a little slow on the HD broadcasts, and a little expensive as well.

Well my roommate had a Terk TV5 antenna lying around without the ac adapter so I tried that and it picks up alot of stations, but most of them are really fuzzy.. Only a couple of semi-clear ones.. Is that any indication of anything?

Well my roommate had a Terk TV5 antenna lying around without the ac adapter so I tried that and it picks up alot of stations, but most of them are really fuzzy.. Only a couple of semi-clear ones.. Is that any indication of anything?

Since it has an integrated amp., it may act as a near open circuit w/o power. As such, I wouldn't take this as a good indication.

Is the AC adapter around? You probably won't want an amplified antenna, but if you can find the one for that it may give a better indication.