Elgato rolls out smaller, Windows 7-supporting EyeTV Hybrid
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 9th 2010 4:43PM
posted March 9th 2010 4:43PM
Elgato's original EyeTV Hybrid USB tuner wasn't exactly oversized, but the company has nonetheless managed shrink things down a bit for the device's latest revision, and it's added some Windows 7 support for good measure. Most of the size reduction comes from ditching the analog connector found on the previous model (you'll still get an adapter), and you'll also now get a sturdier aluminum enclosure that stays in line with the company's Mac-only roots. Otherwise, you'll get the same support for over-the-air HD broadcasts as before, along with Elgato's EyeTV 3 software, and an included remote control -- all for the same $150 that the original model cost.
Its black, its white
@MoonWalkerCTE
Yeah, yeah, yeah!!
It is grey.
Actually, it's silver and black with gray labeling and a couple of gold-plated ports.
OK - so what does this thing do (on Windows at least) that the Hauppage 950Q can't? Besides costing $50 more?
@scoobydooby
It works with Macs and includes the EyeTV software, which is very good in my experience. I wish there was something that worked as well on Windows.
Yeah, the EyeTV software is really what it's all about. You can get just the software and use with other hardware from for example Terratec.
http://www.elgato.com/elgato/na/mainmenu/products/EyeTV-Hybrid-10/product1/viewProduct/00/elgatoContent2columnLeft/00/text_en_files/file/overview_size-compare.jpg
it is so sad to see that engadget not trying to relate everythinig with apple product... i am a mac/iphone user, but i dont see how the ipod is not related to this post
@bleep
from the link you provided it looks like elgato took that picture.
@bleep
you said the exact same thing 14 months ago, including "everythinig"... and got downranked for it. LOL
@skoochy
oops never mind i get it, double negative... very tricky
Actually, The Elgato EyeTV Hybrid that's out now already works on Windows 7 32 & 64 bit.
You have to use Windows Media Player, and the driver comes from Happague from memory.
It's recognized natively in Windows 7 and Vista as WinTV HVR-900 and the driver for it can be found at this site: http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/support/support_support.html
Just check your model number on the back of the device and then choose the same one from the list and off you go.
@engadgetaddict Sorry I meant Windows Media Center not Player.
I thought that Elgato switched away from Hauppage with their latest model. Their original Hybrid worked for me in Windows, but the one that supports QAM was never recognized for me.
How about a PCI-E card (for Mac Pro) that does the same thing? I'd rather not have something like that sticking far out of my machine. I don't have enough room to pull it that far away from the wall.
Neither El Gato nor AverMedia supply one of these for Macs. I realize it's probably a niche market but c'mon! You've made the Mac software and there's PCI-E tuners out there so make it work.
Pretty please?
@kinless
I agree but would it work with a unibody? (aluminium)
Well.... they could wrap the antenna into the screen bezel like apple does for the wifi.
@ElevatorHappyFun
I'm pretty sure he meant Mac Pro, not MacBook Pro. The Mac Pro's are the desktop tower computer and I think he's asking for a PCI express version of this TV tuner so that he doesn't have a 3-inch device sticking out of the back of his computer, begging to be broken off.
Coincidentally, I agree with him. I think it would be cool. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be seeing anything like that (for such a niche market) any time soon.
@ElevatorHappyFun
Lol that would literally require a big piece of aluminum sticking out the screen. TV frequencies are so low in mhz that the lower the mhz the bigger the antenna needed. That's why cell phone and wifi antennas are so tiny because they work in very high frequencies.
I have the previous, previous version, and it works fine on Windows Vista and 7 Media Center, as well as OS X 10.5 and 10.6.
I have used this on a MAC for a long time and have loved it. Hopefully Windows 7 users will love it the same.
Why does this remind me of the PS3?
Want one!! It will make life easier!! Oh wait I can get a cheaper one that has proven a success, do I hear Hauppage?
@hero785
what makes the elgato worth every penny is the software, eyetv3 is simply the best for turning your computer into a dvr
@SeveringGecko I guess you have a point there but not switching unless they offer something waaayyy bettteerrrr!!! lol!! Plus it will be waste of money to do for similar product minus the soft lol, right?
why no compactflash?
@pax copia
I think you might mean pcmcia, or expresscard, and probably since most desktops dont have these slots and a lot of netbooks dont either.
Now if only Elgato could make something as sexy as the DTT Deluxe for the US market: http://www.elgato.com/elgato/int/mainmenu/products/tuner/DTTdeluxe09/product4.en.html
@NOTashwin That is pretty sexy, but I'm guessing that they're limited by the chips required for OTA and/or QAM support. BTW, did you notice that in the picture of it sticking out the side of the MacBook Air, that that's totllay photoshopped since you see the 1 USB port on th computer and with it's positioning, the DTT would have to be plugged into the Audio Out jack?
-Brian
"Most of the size reduction comes from ditching the analog connector found on the previous model"
I really think that connector didn't care if it was used for analog or digital signals, just as the newer one doesn't either.
Hello. Looking for some help/advice from you guys that have already used El Gato products on a Mac. I've been wanting to buy a Mac Mini and use it as a Media Center with a DVR-like feature and it seems the El Gato EyeTV products are the way to go. I just wanted to know which model is recommended? After looking at their website, I was leaning towards the EyeTV 250 plus, but now that this came out, I'm wondering if this might be the better way to go? The prices isn't really a concern to me here, I'll pay $150 or $200 for whichever model actually would work best! Anyone here use the EyeTV 250 plus? I'd love to hear what your experiences have been. I want to know how well it works/how easy it is/etc? I thank you in advance.
Kind regards
@LosCA Glad to help out a new/fellow Mac user. The main advantage to the 250 is it's hardware based. If you have a slower computer, this takes the strain off the CPU, but if you have a newer computer like it sounds like you'll be getting, then those are plenty fast enough to handle EyeTV via software only. A downside to the 250 is it requires a power supply, so if your entertainment unit is tight on outlets, then a Hybrid would be the way to go. In fact, I would say regardless the Hybrid is the way to go. It's small, still does external inputs from the look of it, and isn't it also cheaper? It's an all around win.
-Brian
@brianbobcat Thanks for the input. Aside from the differences you listed, both EyeTV models would allow me to record free over the air HD channels as well as standard definition channels, right? I only ask because I have standard cable and the only HD channels I have are all the free OTA ones (abc, nbc, cbs, fox, wb, ion, pbs, as well as a few others). Works great for me since most of the TV shows I watch/want to record are usually on these channels.
I'm looking for a tv tuner for my new dell zino HTPC. This looks like a good fit BUT it seems like the eyeTV software still isn't supported on Windows? If I'm reading the specs correctly, the stick only comes with Windows 7 DRIVER support and eyeTV software for Mac. If the point of buying the eyeTV over Hauppauge is the award-winning software, doesn't that defeat the whole point of buying this (and dropping an extra $50) if I won't be able to use the software?