Elgato - EyeTV Diversity

My wife recently got a 24inch Apple iMac, so we thought it was time to ditch the old TV from our bedroom, and use the lovely iMac as a TV. We first tried the Elgato 250, but I was rather disapointed with that. So I sent it back, and brought Elgato's newest TV device - the EyeTV Diversity.

This is an extremely compact USB device, complete with 2 cool mini antennas, and a rather clunky remote. Picture quality is good, using the two antennas. These can be used separately with the Diversity's dual tuners, or combined together in areas of weak signal strength. I use the Diversity in the second way, with them both about a foot apart, where they sit, magnetically clamped to the top of the iMac. I live in an area of poor reception, and the picture with FreeView is pretty good, although a couple of channels arn't too good. Overall, I am very pleased with how it works. It integrates with FrontRow, so when you press your Apple Remote and hold it down the EyeTV software comes to the front in full screen mode (and with EyeTV running in the background.)

I think it is interesting that Apple have recently intoduced the Apple TV, which will wirelessly stream iTunes content to your Widescreen TV. The Elgato Diversity works the other way round, and turns your Mac into a television.

Capable of receiving DTT or DVB-T on either of it's dual tuners. Picture quality is good, and while at the recent MacExpo one of the Elgato demonstration team, told me that HD signals would be possible at a later date, when Elgato had finished the codec.

Rewind

One of the great things about having a TV in your Mac, is of course the Mac! So with it you can rewind your TV, even if you haven't recorded the programme.

Record

You can also record and schedule recordings straight to your Mac's hardrive.

TV Guide

The Built in TV guide, is actualy a free year's account with a TV schedule provider. There is a slight problem with this on my setup, some of the programmes are acually labelled in German, some, not all.

Works with the Apple Remote

The included remote is functional, but really does not look right next to a recent Apple computer. More like a cheap TV/DVD player remote. So instead you can use your existing Apple Remote and holding the "Menu" button depressed for a little while, brings up the EyeTV, and you can flick through channels, record and view the TV schedule. All good.

One problem I have found is that late at night, I have finished watching TV, and I want to put the computer to sleep, I have to get up out of bed. I haven't found a way of doing this with the Apple Remote. So this is an Apple Remote issue, not specific to EyeTV.

Edit: This is simply not true, see below for instructions.

How to put your Mac to sleep with Apple Remote

"Simply hold down the Play button for a few seconds and the screen will dim an show you the icon. The snoring Apple Remote Control icon lets you know that your Mac is about to go to sleep. Keep on pressing the play button if you want this to happen, or release it if you want your Mac to stay awake. "
See here for more info.

Elgato EyeTV Diversity Conclusion

Overall I really love this product. It works well, and is nicely designed (apart from the remote) and I like the two little magnetic antennas. I have now only a Mac in my bedroom, and can now say goodbye to my old TV. Great stuff.

Elgato EyeTV Diversity Homepage

Apple TV - iTunes on your TV

Apple, Inc, as they are now known, introduced another new product besides the Apple iPhone at MacWorld on the 9th of January 2007. The Apple TV will display your iTunes content from your Mac or PC on your Widescreen TV.

Which of course now means movies, as well as your music, photos and podcasts. This cute little box, will sit alongside or instead of your DVD player, and instantly brings your iLife into your living room, wirelessly.

How the Apple TV works

According to Apple:

1. Download music videos, video podcasts and more from iTunes.
2. Sync wirelessly from your Mac or PC.
3. Watch everything on your widescreen TV.

Seems pretty easy.

Apple TV Specifications

Apple TV Processor and storage

• Intel processor
• 40GB hard drive for storing content locally
• Up to 50 hours of movies and TV shows
• Up to 9,000 songs
• Up to 25,000 pictures

Apple TV System requirements

• Mac or PC
• iTunes 7
• Mac: Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
• PC: Windows XP Home/Professional (SP2)
• AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless network6 (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n), or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network

Apple TV Ports and interfaces

• HDMI (video and audio)
• Component video
• Optical audio
• Analog RCA stereo audio
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• USB 2.0 (for service and diagnostics)
• 802.11n wireless networking
• Built-in IR receiver (works with included Apple Remote)

What's in the box?

• Apple TV
• Apple Remote
• 10 iPod Universal Dock Adapters
• Power cord
• Quick Start guide

Looks very promising, and unlike the iPhone, is available to buy now for 299 USD or £199.

Apple TV Press Release

"Apple TV is like a DVD player for the 21st century - you connect it to your entertainment system just like a DVD player, but it plays digital content you get from the Internet rather than DVDs you get from a physical store. Apple TV plays the same iTunes content that users enjoy on their computers and iPods, so now they can even watch part of a movie in their living room, and watch the rest later on their iPod."
Apple CEO - Steve Jobs

Apple TV has a 40GB hard drive to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each and is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output. Apple TV is easy to connect to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV can auto-sync content from one computer or stream content from up to five additional computers right to your TV without any wires.

Apple TV Links

• Apple TV Home
• Apple TV Press Release
• Apple iPhone