Help Receiving HD Channels over Antenna

[bdams19]

I just bought a 32 inch Magnavox LCD TV and I am trying to receive HD Channels. There is only one coaxial cable input on the tv itself, so I can either plug it into the wall and receive normal cable (where HD is unavailable), or plug it into an antenna I bought to try and receive the channels that way.

I purchased this antenna: radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?
parentPage=search&summary=summary&cp=&accessories=accessories&productId=2103916&kw=antennae&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=custRatings&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&origkw=antennae&support=support&tab=summary

however, I live on the ground floor of my college dorm where the signal comes in for a few minutes before fuzzing out for 30 seconds or so. It's getting frustrating so I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any better alternatives. I cannot use a cable box because of the service my school offers.

[Michael P]

How far are you from the transmitters? Do you know the direction of the transmitters? You might want to try the Silver Sensor (sold under the Zenith or Phillips brand names, plus Terk has a knock-off version with added VHF rabbit ears - this is the one sold at Radio Shack). You will get better resuilts with an indoor antenna if you aim it out a window that faces the direction of the transmitters. I live right by the transmitters for my locals, yet I still have trouble with the stations that are not in the direction of one of my windows.

[Cholly]

The antenna you bought is about as good as you'll find in an indoor antenna. I found it to be a better performer than the Silver Sensor mentioned by Michael. That being said, it all depends upon the environment. You stated that you live on the ground floor of your dorm. That in itself may keep you from having decent reception. Try moving the antenna around the room. Since it has a remote, you can experiment with different amplification levels and different directions. First and foremost, go to www.antennaweb.org to find the direction and distance from your location to the various transmitters. What part of New York are you in? How far are you from the stations you're trying to receive? What kind of terrain surrounds your location? Any trees or tall buildings between you and the stations? All are factors that will influence reception.