Get More TV Channels with This Outdoor Antenna That You Can Use Inside
People ask me all of the time how they can improve their indoor antenna reception. I tell everyone that you’ll get the most channels with an outdoor antenna. But, you may not be able to do that if you are renting or just don’t want the hassle and expense of routing coax cable to the roof.
The next thing I do is refer them to my Tips for Better TV Reception with Your Indoor Antenna. But, there are cases when even after following these tips, an indoor antenna just can’t pick up the weak signals in your area. What then?
An Outdoor Antenna Used Inside
This small outdoor antenna might be the solution. I’ve been experimenting with the Channel Master STEALTHtenna 50 outdoor antenna mounted indoors. It measures less than 2 feet long by 2 feet wide.
Testing
This antenna came in handy when I was setting up an indoor antenna at my Mom’s condo. My trusty Mohu Leaf brought in over a hundred channels but had trouble bringing in ABC 7.1, which is a VHF station in our area.
So, I swapped in the STEALTHtenna 50 and it brought in ABC, plus all of the other channels that the Leaf did!
Placement
The STEALTHtenna 50 is ideal to put on top of tall furniture pointed toward a window facing your TV towers. That’s the exact situation my Mom had at her condo:
As you can see, I didn’t even mount it! I just laid it flat pointing towards the TV towers and it still kicked ass!
Is it Always Better than the Mohu Leaf?
No. In some cases, the Mohu Leaf will bring in more channels, especially if you have signals coming from multiple directions. The STEALTHtenna is a unidirectional antenna.
And, there may be some cases where even this small antenna might stick out like a sore thumb in your living room if you don’t have a good place to hide it. That’s where the Mohu Leaf is great, because it’s so easy to hide.
Get it from Channel Master
I am very impressed with this small antenna!! Get it directly from Channel Master here:
Before buying any antenna, please check the Station Finder to make sure there are channels in your area. No antenna can pick up stations if you are too far from the transmitter towers.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I test or research each product or service before endorsing. This site is not owned by any retailer or manufacturer. I own this site and the opinions expressed here are mine. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here’s the full story on how I used this antenna to help lower my Mom’s cable bill!
I hope this article was helpful. Please leave me any questions or comments below. – Brian
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I don’t have cable, etc. Just rooftop antenna for ordinary channels. Can I just attach HDTV antenna properly to TV or must I subscribe or something..
Hi Peter,
If you have a modern TV made after about 2006, you should be able to just attach your antenna and watch local channels with no subscription (assuming there are stations in your area). Check the Station Finder:
https://www.disablemycable.com/station-finder/
Best,
Brian
A flat coaxial cable, typically 8 to 12 inches long, may be used to pass the connection through a closed window. They are available at some hardware stores and Amazon.
Hi Mitch,
Good idea – thanks for sharing!
Brian
How did you test it out at your Condo? plug it in inside the house and weave the wire under the door?
I’ve learned that I can rely on your posts for timely , relevant, USEFUL information with practical applications. Very cool. Thank you.
Hola amigo soy aficionado a las antenas me gustaría saber información de la antena que has presentado referencia al armado de los elementos gracias
Hola César,
Puedes obtenerlo aqui:
https://amzn.to/3E2K48j
Gracias,
Brian
My location notes that towers are 100 plus miles away, in 2-3 directions. Do I need an antenna that is rated for that distance? what if the station finder suggests i set up 35 to 40 foot above ground? what antenna do you recoemend for this application?
Hi Deb,
I don’t have a particular outdoor antenna to recommend, since there are so many available and so many different situations.
But yes, ideally your antenna will be as high up as possible, and rated for that distance, even though those ratings are somewhat meaningless other than “higher is usually better”.
I recommend checking with your neighbors (look at their roofs) to see what kinds of antennas they have and how many channels they are getting.
Best,
Brian
Thanks for the great article, appreciated. Can you please provide some information regarding grounding a small outdoor antenna located on a balcony of a high rise apartment building? Your link is to grounding in a private home situation. I just can’t find a clear answer anywhere! Many thanks.
Hi Jill,
Here is a link to some coax antenna cable grounding blocks:
http://amzn.to/2hhk2DU
However, for this to work properly it has to be attached via thick wire to a proper earth ground. It might be best to have an electrician or approved antenna installer do this, especially for an apartment building.
Best,
Brian
I can get you the lowest prices DirecTV or Dish. I can also help with Charter, Time Warner, Dish Net, Hughes Net, AT&T, Century Link, etc…. Email me at 1stchoicesolutions2015@gmail.com.