Question 1

Can I hook my VCR to it?

Accepted Answer

Carol-Don't listen to Ben Houston...If your VCR has a NTSC Tuner, which it more than likely does if you have been operating your channels through the VCR, then you will be fine.  Just connect the RCA ANT1650R Antenna to the "Antenna In" input on the VCR.  Then, you will need another coaxial cable, to take that cable and connect it to the "Antenna Out" on the back of the VCR and run the cable to "Antenna In" input on the TV.However, I don't know your location.  Therefore, the quality of the Antenna can vary and it is why I greatly emphasis that you go to the website of "Antenna Web" and check the stations that you should be able to receive with an over-the-air antenna by just simply entering your address.  Remember the amplifier on the antenna 'boosts' or 'increases' the signal power of the antenna and thus allowing you to reach new channels and increase the signal strength of existing channels you are already accustom to with your current antenna.  NOT what Ben Houston claims.  In my metropolitan area I receive up to 24 channels (including all the locals of FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS) along with their affiliate stations.  But, if I take the amplifier off the antenna the signal drops significantly.  Thus, proving what I said earlier about the amplifier improving the antenna's strength to receive more stations and increase your current stations.That antenna has not disappointed me and I have purchased three for myself!

Question 2

is this antena good  for rooms without windows

Accepted Answer

Not sure.  I have mine placed on a wall near a window, but when I try it on the window itself I get worse reception.

Question 3

does it have to face a window to work? i'm surrounded by buildings in a residential area; second floor of a 3-flr building; thick cement walls.

Accepted Answer

I have mine installed in the middle of a room with Block walls on 3 sides( I doo have a window in this room).  I would imagine the closer you are to a window the better, but doubt that it is necessary.  I think the proximity of the stations has more to do with the quality of reception.  Check out this website for station signal strenghts in your zip code http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/dtvmaps/.  I was able to pick up most all of the stations in the strong and moderate categories.  The stong channels appeared with good quality, those in the moderate category range from very good to barely acceptable.  Hope this helps.

Question 4

miles

Accepted Answer

I think they advertise up to 40 miles.  We are on the east side of our city and get a couple outlaying stations via MapQuest/MSN Maps at least 29 miles away.  One sub-channel we get is closer but fades on/off and we found it's a lower powered station.  I think its definitely a good antenna but it would be nice if it was a bit more amplified to boost these fringe/low powered stations.

RCA ANT1650F Flat Digital Amplified Indoor TV Antenna

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