Dave; Iv'e been watching hdtv over the air for about 5 years now and the minimum antenna that worked here in the Sacramento area, about 40-60 miles from cluster of transmitter antennas is the $65.00 Radio Shack mid-level item. Keep in mind the hdtv signals are UHF so actually for HDTV thats all you need. When VHF analog goes awasy in a year or two I'll switch to the flat type with 8 dipoles on it as best compact highest-gain option with reasonable wide coverage, let us know what works for you in what city and how far from transmitters. Iv'e also found that antenna just 3-4 feet from roof works ok most places....good luck, Mike.