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
I WAS SHOCKED.
I had perfect signal strength and now a DVR on my mac. I was watching HD TV and able to pause, rewind, record, schedule, etc....
Pros:
MAC compatible.
USB which makes it portable between home and the office.
Software is top notch.
It works out of the box...no setup issues.
NO CONS I can think of.
I love the software interface and the picture quality.
Enjoy!
UPDATE 01/21/2009
I am a cross platform user, primarily because of job function. I have my MAC setup with boot camp to run Vista, Windows 2008 Server, and now Windows 7 BETA. While I was sitting here one day someone walked in and said there is a plane down in the Hudson River (I am in NYC)...put the TV on your mac. I said I cant...I am in Windows 7 and working....it will take me a few moments. But....I was anxious and thus I noticed that Windows 7 had picked up the Elgato and installed the drivers...WOW!. How to make it work??? Simple...I launched Media Center (I have Windows 7 Beta Ultimate) and started the setup process...took 2-3 minutes. Once completed Windows Media Center allowed me to use the Eye TV Hybrid to get my local networks in NYC and view them in HD in Windows 7. DVR, Guides, and just about all working in Windows Media center without the need to find drivers and or 3rd party software.
Another POINT for this device....
01/30/09
I also tested this device to take Composite inputs from a satellite box at home so that I could use the mac to record shows, etc and move them to a iPhone/Appletv etc... AGAIN flawless. It is easy and setup is as simple as can be.....It comes with a cable that accepts analog video, svhs video, and sound via rca jacks. All connects to the units mini-usb port so you can watch without a coaxial (cable) connection.
As a side note...remember, no tv tuner can descramble satellite or scrambled cable channels. You must use a cable box to record those types of channels...for example HBO, Pay Per View, etc....I've had the EyeTV Hybrid now for about 18 months. It was really great to be able to record TV shows right onto your computer. Recently, I started getting error messages and contacted Elgato about the problem. They told me that in "rare cases" the Hybrid unit fails. If its so rare then why is it the number 6 selection on their support site when you have problems with your unit. I think this problem isn't so rare. Be careful of this product.decided to replace an older elgato tv tunter for my imac with a new one. besides the fact that the hybrid is sooo small, the picture quality with HD channels (i use time warner cable) is AMAZING! my 20" imac immediately became a fantastic LCD tv! recording HD also worked fine (only recorded shorter programs though).
also like the fact that one gets free tv guide programming info....
all in all, i can recommend this product..I thought I was purchasing the EyeTV Hybrid 2009 (I was buying in 2009 after all); however, I got this model, which is the 2008 model. The 2009 model also receives FM and claims to have improved reception. The newer model is now available on Amazon. Get that instead.
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