That said one bit of equipment might be marginally better at detecting a poor signal than another, but not enough to know to recommend one over another.
we have never had an outdoor aerial, other than the sky dish. before this country went digital we had no problems with the terrestrial channels and we have no problems when we watch a programme on freeview now, but we do use an aerial booster for our indoor aerial.
I know that in other tv areas - we are in central's area - there have been problems, so I suppose it depends on where you live.
Its not so much what region you live in more where you are in relation to your nearest transmitter e.g. clear line of sight or at the bottom of a hill for example.