Need indoor antenna advice for 11561 (Long Beach, NY)

[Bix]

I just got my Tivax STB-9 yesterday. So far, I've been using a decade-old Radio Shack ATV 1000 as the antenna. It's an amplified VHF (rabbit ears)/UHF (plastic-encased loop) antenna with a fine tuning dial that has 12 settings. Most of the signals I'm trying to pick up are about 20.5 miles away. My best signals seem to be in the 40 range. I haven't been able to tune in some major stations, and the ones I have gotten a signal for are wildly inconsistent depending on the slightest change to antenna positioning or the dial. The signals are to the northwest (most of them) and northeast (2 of them) to me. So far, for digital signals, the antenna seems to work best pointing out the window in my bedroom, which faces south. I'm limited to indoor antennas (renting the ground-level apartment in a 2-family house), so I need recommendations for those based on my needs stated above. Could I tweak the ATV 1000 enough to get what I want or should I buy a new antenna?

Looking around online, the Radio Shack 15-1868 which is on sale in their stores for $15 right now seems like it might be a good fit but I've heard that it's iffier after 15 miles. I've also been considering a Terk TV-1 w/ a combiner.

Thanks!

[tigerbangs]

Sorry, but there is no way to predict whether you will be successful with ANY indoor antenna: there are just too many variables. If you are willing to put an antenna outdoors, we can guide you, and you'll get perfect reception on all your channels when you are done.

[Bix]

Sorry, but there is no way to predict whether you will be successful with ANY indoor antenna: there are just too many variables. If you are willing to put an antenna outdoors, we can guide you, and you'll get perfect reception on all your channels when you are done.

I don't think I'd be able to get an outdoor antenna set up here. Still, what are the least invasive (for lack of a better term) outdoor setups in case I'm mistaken?

When you refer to too many variables, do you mean in my specific case or just about anyone using an indoor antenna?

Thanks,
-David

[tigerbangs]

Even with good location information, there are so many variables about indoor antenna placement that one could never predict success or failure. Different construction materials, placement of antennas in the room and availability of window access all make it impossible to predict