The tuner takes several seconds switching between the cable and composite/S-video analog inputs, but otherwise the transition was very simple.įinally, the EyeTV software turns the tuner and any compatible Mac into a place-shifting DVR. I connected a Roku XDS ($99.99, 2.5 stars) set-top box and captured some content over Netflix onto my hard drive with ease. It can accept composite or S-video connections through the included adapter, and since the signal is analog, it can record anything you pipe through it. However, to work with a set-top box, you need to pick up an additional, third-party IR blaster package, like ZephIR or IR Trans.īesides its TV tuner capabilities, the EyeTV Hybrid can function as a standard-definition video capture and recording device. Besides terrestrial ATSC and NTSC transmissions and ClearQAM cable, the EyeTV Hybrid can work with any cable or satellite provider's set-top box, as long as the box uses TV Guide information. The channel guide is visible in a polished, full-screen TV-like interface, or in a more traditional Mac OS-themed window, which offers better access for users who might prefer to navigate with their mouse instead of the included remote. The application populated the channel guide rapidly, and let me see programming information extending several hours into the future. After connecting it to an aerial antenna, the EyeTV software quickly scanned the spectrum and found over a dozen television stations through NTSC, including several high-definition stations like the local NBC and CBS affiliates.
Eyetv hybrid us mac os#
When connected to a Mac OS machine, the EyeTV Hybrid works exceptionally well. Much of the appeal of the EyeTV Hybrid is the included EyeTV software, which adds a channel guide, DVR functions, and content streaming to what would otherwise be a plain, albeit perfectly functional, USB TV tuner.
Eyetv hybrid us drivers#
Elgato only includes the most basic drivers for the device to work with Windows Media Center as a tuner it doesn't even come with a simple PC-based tuner/guide application. A remote like the one on the Apple TV ($99, 4 stars) makes much more sense, and the Apple TV remote can actually be configured for use with the EyeTV Hybrid.Īgain, despite being ostensibly for both Mac and PC, the EyeTV Hybrid is very much a Mac-oriented product. Four-color buttons have become a standard feature on universal remotes, but since the remote is solely for the EyeTV Hybrid, they're just unnecessarily complicated. While the standard conventions of the number pad and four-way direction pad perform well, the mismatched function and color buttons are awkward and difficult to understand. It feels like it was repurposed from another product, with a button layout and arrangement that don't feel intuitive or friendly. Most users will likely prefer using the EyeTV with a mouse and keyboard rather than the remote, since it's a chunky and poorly designed device.
The black line around the device is an IR sensor for the included remote (as well as a nice design touch). A metal coaxial adapter plugged into the end of the stick lets the EyeTV Hybrid accept F-connector cables, while an analog video bundle attached to the side opens it up to composite and S-video inputs. However, to actually use the device, you need to plug in at least one of two dongles that connect the EyeTV to video sources. Without any attachments, the EyeTV Hybrid looks like an upscale USB flash drive, smooth and metallic silver with a distinguishing black line running around the edge. It's capable enough to use on a Windows system (with some supporting software in Windows Vista or Windows 7), but its best features can only be used if your computer was made by Apple. Elgato's EyeTV Hybrid ($149.95 direct) USB TV tuner bucks that trend, offering a powerful program guide, DVR, and place-shifting application-for Mac OS.
Eyetv hybrid us Pc#
Mac users don't often get fun add-ons that leave PC owners green with envy.
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