Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My MacBook Pro, combined with the EyeTV Hybrid and an over-the-air HDTV antenna, has been my first introduction into the beautiful quality of broadcast HDTV. While the USB stick is a little big and clunky looking hanging off the side of the laptop, the picture and DVR functionality it delivers has been top-notch! I'm certainly buying another one for the new desktop Mac I'm picking up.
I've had this product since version 2 of the software, and El Gato has been great about issuing software updates, bug fixes and interface improvements in the 6+ months I've owned it. Version 3 of the software is very polished and functioning well. Upgrades for software have so far been free and delivered in just a minute or two over my broadband Internet connection. The EyeTV software always checks for any new versions that might be out and notifies you on-screen that a new version is available.
The only thing I don't enjoy about the product is the remote control. It's a bit cheap looking and has some bad ergonomics in regards to controlling the software. Plus it does not take advantage of the Mac's own built-in infra-red remote receiver, but instead uses one on the USB stick. That can make for some awkward aiming to get the stick to see the remote's commands.
Other than that, I'd recommend this product to any Mac user wanting an HDTV connection. I'd imagine this would be a great space-saving device for kids in dorms too! Eliminate space taken by a TV. Your Mac will make an excellent HDTV and DVR with this inexpensive device!ADDENDUM: 2/13/2010
As pointed out by another customer, EyeTV software _now_ is able to use the Apple Remote directly with the built-in infra red receiver on new Mac's with the latest updates to the soft ware. Thanks, El Gato! And it functions really well while watching recorded material. I have not tried it with menu navigation, etc., in the tuner section of the software. I loved this product so much that I did end up picking up another one. But this time I bought the more expensive EyeTV 250 Plus for use on a 24" iMac. The 250 Plus basically adds a small box with analog video inputs and its own processor for converting analog videos to digital. I have some old videotapes and LaserDiscs that I plan on archiving this way. You can also do this with the EyeTV Hybrid, but it uses the Mac's own CPU for most of the processing muscle. Depending on how you use your Mac, the 250 Plus could free up your Mac to do other things while converting video.Elgato EyeTV 250 Plus Digital/Analog TV Receiver and Video Converter
Click Here to see more reviews about: EyeTV Hybrid - Mac TV tuner stick that receives free over-the-air (OTA) HDTV, Clear QAM & analog TV (10020630)
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