If you live in an area that is 30 or more miles away from TV broadcasting antennas, you probably need a high quality outdoor antenna. Fortunately, it really doesn't have to be expensive or that large. Also, If you are worried about HOA regulations you should be aware that the FCC passed a law allowing homeowners the right to install antennas without unreasonable restrictions.
I've put together an antenna that is low cost, high performance and easy to assemble from parts ordered online.
Where I live, two of the channels I'd like to watch (7 and 11) come in on the VHF band). All of the rest come in on UHF. Most digital antennas are UHF only (since that is where most of the channels are). If you try to use an UHF only antenna, you will likely get very poor reception or not be able to receive VHF at all. Since there is lots of good programming on 7 and 11, I wanted an antenna to get both bands.
If, in your area all of your channels are UHF, you can skip the VHF antenna addition. You can always add it later if a local broadcaster moves to VHF.
VHF antennas and UHF antennas look very different because they are designed for different frequencies. It turns out that combining antennas is easy and has the added benefit in that you can align them separately.
By far the hardest part of this project is figuring out how to run the antenna wire into your house. Actually assembling the combined antenna is simple. Of course, please don't fall off of your roof in the process. If you are in doubt, hire a handyman to install this for you.
