Quote:
Originally Posted by kotatsu
Just a quick question, - does anyone in the UK have a TV Tuner card/dongle which works through USB on a Macbook? Digital Freeview preferably. Does such a device exist for Mac OS X? I know I've seen them for Windows...
Thanks in advance!
I'm going to mention two items of hardware (there are more):
Elgato's EyeTV Hybrid.
This is Freeview or Analogue TV (including HD when it becomes available on Freeview). The Hybrid uses the Apple Remote to control shows from afar. It's a small USB dongle that either plugs in the side of your MB or nearby with the included extension cable. You can also connect games consoles/VCRs etc via the included S-Video/Composite adaptor - which is useful for using your MacBook's display for consoles or importing old footage from Camcorders etc. You just need a USB2 port free and a decent TV aerial. (
approx £105)
Miglia Mini
Alternatively the slightly cheaper Miglia Mini (
about £70 - Apple Store UK Online ) is a USB2 stick in Mac white colour (I have one of these) has it's own remote control - great for me as I have an iMac G4 and hence no Apple remote. However the Miglia Mini can't import from games consoles or S-video sources. Nor can it do HDTV. It suits me as G4 processors aren't up to HD anyway and I need a remote control. Again just a USB2 port required but the bundled Onmi Ae is rubbish you need a decent Yagi that'll give you a dew dBs gain. (I imagine the Hybrid's Ae will be just as crap).
There are some other tuners but they are more costly and don't offer a great deal more - check out
Elgato's Web Site.
EyeTV 2.3 - Nearly all Mac TV Tuners use EyeTV software:
This turns your MacBook in to a
single tuner PVR. It has a typical Mac software interface or alternatively a Media Centre/Front Row styled interface.
- TV Programme guide out to about 1 week ahead. Just single click on the record button and it will boot your Mac (if it's switched off) or wake from sleep and record the show.
- You can also do a keyword search within the programme guide.
- Video editing - basic, but you can cut out the adverts easy.
- H264 export
- Convert to iPod format
- Send to Toast/iDVD to burn to DVD
- etc etc
I reckon the Hybrid is your best bet given that you have a zippy MacBook. I paid £93 for my Miglia Mini some time ago. It's honestly my best/most useful peripheral. 'Her-indoors' rates it as the best TV in our house 20" floating iMac G4 widescreen and Apple Pro Speakers.
