Because the processor intensive MPEG encoding is done in the hardware, you can use an older Macintosh to record high quality programming."
On occasion I might convert an old videotape - but not often enough to need that capability - and ElGato's website states that this is primarily for older Macs:ĮyeTV 250 Plus contains hardware encoders that offer excellent performance and recording quality. I don't foresee much need for that, as I'll mainly be using this for Clear QAM recording. The main advantage of the 250 Plus is the hardware encoder for NTSC. Either way, you gotta stick a RJ 45 cable into the end of it (which is sort of awkward on either device, all EyeTV models are surprisingly lightweight) and it does very much the same thing, but with more processor cycles to spare.
I always thought the Hybrid was primarily the choice of laptop users, who benefit from the portable size of the device, the bus powered instead of socket (additional portability) while desktop users benefit from the 250 Plus, where portability isn't an issue. Quote guitarist SDGuy, any reason you chose a Hybrid over a 250 Plus? Price is pretty close, and the 250 Plus includes a hardware encoder, taking the burden off your processor, and isn't bus powered. My emphasis added, no where else, FAQ's, etc., does their website say that the hybrid supports Clear QAMĮdited 1 time(s).
Includes EyeTV 3 software and an EyeTV Remote. Record, edit, and play on an iPod, Apple TV, or iPhone. Connect a set top box to receive digital cable and satellite TV.
Watch free over-the-air HDTV as well as analog TV on a Mac with this small, beautifully designed USB stick. But Elgato has not renamed the product or given it a "2nd generation" moniker on the end (think EyeTV 250 "PLUS") causing potential confusion for consumers who walk into a store expecting to buy the functionality they saw advertised on the Elgato website, so that seems to make me want to believe that Clear QAM can be enabled with the EyeTV 3 software.ĭoes anyone have a clue on this, or can someone at MW walk over to the Elgato booth and get this cleared up?ĮDIT: I've looked throughout the Elgato website and despite the EyeTV store saying: To my understanding, Clear QAM encryption would be something that required specific hardware. Is this a change with the actual hardware of the hybrid, or a function of the new EyeTV 3 software. I have a Hybrid I bought about 6 months ago that, at the time, did not support Clear QAM, just OTA HD signals.
You can now navigate, schedule recordings, and play video from your couch, all via a supplied remote control, or with an Apple Remote.From a thread below I noticed that Elgato is marketing that the EyeTV hybrid now supports Clear QAM, unencrypted digital cable signals.
In a recent update, Elgato added a Front Row-like full screen mode for their software. You can even access program schedules from within EyeTV 2 (the previous version of EyeTV required you to go to the TitanTV Web site). But Elgato lets you turn off the hardware encoder while in game mode, so there is no delay.Įlgato’s EyeTV 2 software is the premium TV recording software available for the Mac today.
Normally, this would be difficult with a device that contains a hardware encoder, which usually adds a delay while rendering the screen. You can also plug in a gaming console so you can play games on your Mac’s monitor. Using this cable and the included VHS Assistant software, you can create digital backups of your old VHS home movies. The EyeTV 2 software also has a button for single-click video iPod export.Įlgato includes a breakout cable with S-video and composite RCA video connectors with the EyeTV 250. EyeTV 2 is tightly integrated with Toast 7 (not included), making it easy to make DVDs of your recorded TV programs. You can even pick a specific section of your recording to export. ) software to remove commercials and unwanted material. These recordings can be edited with the included The EyeTV 250 can record TV programs as either MPEG-2 (for DVD) or MPEG-1 (suitable for Video CD).