Elgato's EyeTV HD records shows to your Mac, slings live to your iPad

How's that Apple tattoo treating you? Good, good. Well, Elgato has something for the faithful: the new EyeTV HD. The device grabs a 1080i signal over component from your DVR or cable box or Blu-ray player, and records that video to your Mac using Elgato's own desktop DVR software. The shows can then be auto-transcoded to iPhone or iPad-friendliness, providing you a bit of much needed Animal Planet during your commute the next day. That's all well and good, but the real kicker is the live streaming the device can push to your iPad or iPhone, using an IR blaster to change the channel on your cable box. It's all rosy except for the fact that you'll need to plug this directly into your Mac and your cable box, meaning that they'll have to be in fairly close proximity (there's a six foot USB cable included). The unit retails for $200 and is available now directly from Elgato or Apple stores. PR is after the break.

We haven't plugged in the box yet, but we played around with Elgato's setup using an iPad 3G and found it pretty impressive. The streaming quality isn't really at, say, a Netflix level (it's more suited to a phone screen), but it's certainly passable, and the interface for browsing your own channels and recordings is very pleasant. We also loved the inclusion of meta data and chapters in the recorded shows and movies that had been loaded onto the device (you can check that out in the gallery below). Elgato might've just released the most elegant "analog hole" yet.

Elgato EyeTV HD press shots

Elgato EyeTV HD hands-on

Show full PR text

Elgato Debuts EyeTV HD – The Ultimate DVR for High Definition TV
Full-featured DVR captures television, including premium channels, from cable or satellite receivers and delivers it live to Macs in full HD

Updated EyeTV 3.4 software will enable streaming of live or recorded TV on Apple's® iPad

San Francisco, Calif. - (May 24, 2010) – Today, Elgato debuted the world's only DVR solution which provides full access to premium cable or satellite TV content on a Mac – EyeTV HD. Customers can now watch record, edit and enjoy cable and satellite in high- definition, including all their premium channels. EyeTV HD includes a unique dual- format capture mode that records in iPad and iPhone formats at the same time, allowing users to stream live and recorded TV to an iPhone or iPad using the optional EyeTV app.

Easy Setup

EyeTV HD is a breeze to setup and use; simply connect EyeTV HD to the outputs of the cable or satellite receiver with the included component cables, and to the computer via USB. Then position the included infrared channel changer cable nearby. The EyeTV software setup assistant takes you through a simple configuration process and in just a few minutes you'll be enjoying all your premium content like never before.

Unique dual-format capture mode

EyeTV HD also has a unique dual-format capture mode so that you can record in iPad and iPhone formats at the same time. EyeTV HD enables super-fast exports to iTunes from EyeTV. It is also possible to stream live TV, including high definition TV, to iPad or iPhone, using the optional EyeTV for iPhone/iPad app.

Superb quality digital TV recordings

EyeTV HD records in the pristine H.264 format for a crystal clear, high-definition digital picture. The H.264 format delivers beautiful image quality and a superb compression ratio, which produces smaller file size when compared to MPEG-2 recordings. H.264 can match the best possible MPEG-2 quality at up to half the data rate.

Capture HD and SD video from a camcorder or VCR

EyeTV HD can capture video from analog and digital sources such as a VCR or a camcorder. EyeTV HD includes component inputs for HD sources, as well as S-Video and composite inputs for standard definition sources. Simply connect the video source to your computer using the included breakout cable, then watch and even record the picture on your computer as an EyeTV recording.

Archive recordings

EyeTV HD also comes with Toast Basic disc-burning software so you can archive your favorite movies and TV shows and save space on your hard drive.

Award-winning software

EyeTV HD comes with EyeTV 3, the award-winning TV software for Mac. Watch, pause, and rewind live TV – at the desk or on the couch. Search the Program Guide using multiple criteria, and record one show or create Smart Series Guides to record the entire season of a TV series. Edit recordings, and share them with other Macs on the network. EyeTV can even export TV shows to iTunes automatically for playback on iPhone or iPad.

EyeTV 3 includes one year of free data from TV Guide, with optional renewal for only US$19.95 per year. An optional EyeTV app is available to stream live or recorded TV to an iPhone or iPad. Smart Series Guide functionality requires a TV Guide subscription.

System Requirements

• Macintosh: 2.26 GHz Intel Core® 2 Duo processor or better, Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
• 2 GB RAM, built-in USB 2.0 port
• Cable or satellite receiver with analog video and audio outputs (component output required for HD)
• Internet connection required to download Program Guide data.

What's In The Box:

• EyeTV HD recorder
• EyeTV 3 TV software for Mac (CD- ROM)
• Infrared remote control with battery pack
• EyeTV infrared channel changer
• USB cable (6 ft)
• Component video cable (6 ft)
• Stereo audio cables (6 ft)
• Breakout cable for composite and S- Video inputs
• PDF product manual (CD-ROM)
• Quick start guide

Availability

EyeTV HD is available from the Elgato Online Store (www.elgato.com) and from the Apple Store at a price of US $199.95.

About Elgato

Elgato produces award-winning TV software together with a complete range of TV tuners and capture devices to watch, record, and edit TV and HDTV on Macs and PCs. Elgato is the home of EyeTV, the world's leading television solution for Mac computers. Elgato also produces a variety of world-class H.264 video conversion and streaming products. Elgato is privately held with offices in Munich, Germany and San Francisco, California.

[steel Posted May 24th 2010 12:00PM]

So, it goes from my DVR->cable->$200 Elgato device->cable->Mac computer->cable->iPad?

Perfect.

Apple, your approach makes things too easy.

[skyblaze Posted May 24th 2010 12:15PM]

@futurerheza

it's magic.

[taligent Posted May 24th 2010 12:17PM]

@steel .. Elgato is a THIRD PARTY product.

This is how Apple does it: iTunes Store -> iPad

[SlappySquirrel Posted May 24th 2010 12:35PM]

@steel Apple does not make the EyeTV, El Gato does.

[steel Posted May 24th 2010 12:37PM]

@SlappySquirrel

I realize that, but Apple's the one that requires everything to go thru iTunes first. That ends up adding additional pass-thrus that are unnecessary.

[Brian Posted May 24th 2010 12:46PM]

@steel Uh...it's not Apple doing it, it's a 3rd party company.

[Col Forbin Posted May 24th 2010 1:07PM]

@steel
This has nothing to do with iTunes!!
EyeTV has its own media player on the Mac and iPad/iPhone. It also streams from the Mac to the iPad, NO CABLE, using the mac with internet connection for wireless, since that is where the media is being stored.

After saying that, i dont see this thing being very useful. I wish it was an .... Apple TV with a tuner, and an HD for playback and Wireless streaming. Its the same reason why i dont like GoogleTV, just adding more crap with only a small benefit, (software and hardware). I used to use the EyeTV 400, worked great. But now i just use a Mac mini without any tuner. I gave up the DVR type setup for Internet streaming with all the benefits of an Apple TV.

[jedi Posted May 24th 2010 2:53PM]

@futurerheza

> Its innovation buddy

Innovation? It's MythTV + HD-PVR + AirVideo.

Now having this tied up all in one package is a nice idea in theory but how well will it work out in practice? How will this solution handle the challenges of dealing with HD High Bitrate h264? Will it skimp on the master recordings or will it have it's work cut out for it dealing with realtime transcoding for the iPad?

Will it burden your Mac backend server with all of this? Or will it have extra dedicated hardware to help with the realtime transcoding?

It's nice to see a competitor to the HD-PVR.

[Okjeff171 Posted May 24th 2010 12:01PM]

There has got to be a better way... Cue Steve jobs... Just use iTunes... Back to me (and my Visa) you suck!

[RealdudePRO Posted May 24th 2010 12:01PM]

This is very handy. Is this a good media centre for the mac or is there better

[Dr Wreck Posted May 24th 2010 12:34PM]

@RealdudePRO

I have the Hauppauge HDPVR. It was $200 + $50 for IR blaster & software (must have for Macs) + $12 for an ATI remote, which I don't use/need. The Hauppauge will do everything that this does as you can choose to use EyeTV software with the HDPVR. I highly recommend the software, but it does cost about $80. The Hauppauge HAS pass-thru and digital optical input. Both EyeTV HD and HDPVR will exhibit lag (2-3 seconds) when changing channels.

[RealdudePRO Posted May 24th 2010 12:55PM]

@Dr Wreck

don't you think it's ironic that the post was put up by Paul miller. Listening to the podcast yesterday made him out to be quite anti TV.

Thw hauppage sounds good I just looked it up on play.com so thanks for the mini tutorial. I have to say I'm surprised there are no tutorials or shoot outs for the best home set up on engadget HD as for all this gadget drooling one needs to put the right setup together

[Dr Wreck Posted May 24th 2010 1:32PM]

@RealdudePRO

I have the Hauppauge HDPVR. It was $200 + $50 for IR blaster & software (must have for Macs) + $12 for an ATI remote, which I don't use/need. The Hauppauge will do everything that this does as you can choose to use EyeTV software with the HDPVR. I highly recommend the software, but it does cost about $80. The Hauppauge HAS pass-thru and digital optical input. Both EyeTV HD and HDPVR will exhibit lag (2-3 seconds) when changing channels.

[Dr Wreck Posted May 24th 2010 1:49PM]

@RealdudePRO

I have the Hauppauge HDPVR. It was $200 + $50 for IR blaster & software (must have for Macs) + $12 for an ATI remote, which I don't use/need. The Hauppauge will do everything that this does as you can choose to use EyeTV software with the HDPVR. I highly recommend the software, but it does cost about $80. The Hauppauge HAS pass-thru and digital optical input. Both EyeTV HD and HDPVR will exhibit lag (2-3 seconds) when changing channels.

[Dale P Posted May 24th 2010 12:03PM]

If you see an IR blaster, they blew it. /terrible meme

[rwalrond Posted May 24th 2010 12:03PM]

Looks like I'll need some magic to use this setup.
Seriously, why bother telling us about this?

[Don Corleone Posted May 24th 2010 12:05PM]

No wireless option? I am most disappointed.

[steel Posted May 24th 2010 12:35PM]

@Don Corleone

Wireless? Apple hasn't even invented that technology yet.

Geez.

[SlappySquirrel Posted May 24th 2010 12:40PM]

@steel The first consumer wireless router on the market was the Apple Airport. Try harder next time, troll.

[vqro Posted May 24th 2010 4:47PM]

@SlappySquirrel Haha. Your response was awesome.

[unknownsolo Posted May 24th 2010 12:07PM]

I dont see how this can beat slingplayer for TV on the go, SlingBox is a better option except with this you can record to your MAC

[BigHonkingDeal Posted May 24th 2010 12:58PM]

@unknownsolo
I agree SlingBox is better..... when it works!
Mine and a boatload of others stopped working about a month ago and Sling Media have been totally shit heads about it. You can not even talk to tech support unless you pay $ 29.99 first.

http://answers.slingbox.com/message/2455#2455

http://answers.slingbox.com/message/4597#4597

Engadget should expose this to their readers....

[JerkyChew Posted May 24th 2010 12:08PM]

Wow, for $200 this is pretty good, considering my HD-PVR cost about the same and doesn't come with the same level of software (if the PR is telling the truth). Granted, my mythbox can do far more than the EyeTV claims to, but it's far from the plug-and-play that EyeTV claims to be.

[BenD Posted May 24th 2010 12:08PM]

No Dolby Digital capturing? I understand 5.1 surround sound is useless on the iPad, but I'm sure some Mac fans would like to use this to turn their Mac into a DVR and without surround sound, it is a pretty lame DVR.

[jsbaugh Posted May 24th 2010 12:08PM]

Where the hell is Slingbox and their iPad app? How hard is it to port the iphone version to the iPad?

[Ed T Posted May 24th 2010 12:08PM]

I thought the movie industry was trying to pull the plug on devices that tap into or transfer data streams. It only takes a bit flip in HDCP to make this thing a paperweight.

[galfridus73 Posted May 24th 2010 12:42PM]

@Ed T: Actually, no. HDCP (the "D" is for "digital") doesn't work over component, which is analog. The analog hole will probably stay open for the near future. The FCC, no matter which party is in charge in Washington, seems to be very insistent the hole stay open.

That said, while the device might work with 1080i, I know of various devices that will only output in 720p (or even 480p) using component cables. The FCC, if its stance on the analog hole is truly firm, could probably be convinced to require manufacturers of devices with component output to force a lower resolution.

[Luxury Guy Posted May 24th 2010 12:08PM]

Sounds like a piece of garbage.... phone quality? Are we serious?

[Alton Posted May 24th 2010 12:25PM]

No 5.1 = HTPC Fail...

[ColinMcGraw Posted May 24th 2010 12:25PM]

I'm past the idea of recording TV shows, so this thing doesn't excite me. Waiting for a scheduled TV program and having the foresight to know you want to watch it isn't as good of a user experience as bringing up the content you want to watch on-demand.

For me, I've already cancelled cable and moved to the on-demand model through Apple TV.

Incidentally, that's also the reason I like Google TV, despite Engadget's criticism of the IR blaster. If you want all of your content on-demand outside of the cable companies, you don't NEED the IR blaster.

[galfridus73 Posted May 24th 2010 1:00PM]

@ColinMcGraw: I agree with you (for the moment - my son's impending birth and probable eventual desire to watch children's TV might change this), but I am also loathe to pay for TV shows I can grab for free over the air.

Thus, recording (for example) "Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson" makes sense (for me) because it's free OTA (and the minimal amount to add an antenna and add some coax to the existing cableco's coax run in my house was easy).

Granted, if you watch very little broadcast TV, then going to a complete on-demand model makes sense (for you).

[marco916 Posted May 24th 2010 12:27PM]

Can't you pretty much do the same thing with Silicon Dusts HDHomeRun box?? about $100 cheaper, “dual turners” Not sure about you, but $200 bucks is not chump change in my household. The HD Homerun Box is MAC, Linux, Windows compatible. Not sure if they have an Iphone or Ipad app yet. But I'm sure they are working on one.

[galfridus73 Posted May 24th 2010 1:09PM]

@marco916: The HDHomeRun, while cool, has a QAM tuner (unencrypted channels), which means you aren't going to pick up any premium (encrypted) channels with that.

That said, there is the HDHomeRun CableCARD device in the works (and that should handle this much more smoothly - here's hoping for Elgato supporting it in EyeTV!): http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/

[marco916 Posted May 24th 2010 1:51PM]

@galfridus73

Yea, thats right, I forgot the HD HomeRun Box does OTA signals only at the moment. The Elgato does Cable/Sat past through forwarding.

[jdcross39 Posted May 24th 2010 12:31PM]

Am a bit confused...am doing this already on my ipad with my mac at home and a elgato gadget i have had for a while hooked in the usb port and a raw cable feed on the other end. I use the app and can stream live tv and record, both on wifii and on a 3g connection....

[VLangs Posted May 24th 2010 2:07PM]

@jdcross39 shhh... elgato doesn't want people to know the eyetv works

[dmccall Posted May 24th 2010 12:32PM]

Where is it getting guide data? It seems like the most convoluted DVR setup possible, though streaming video to an iPad sounds like a great idea.

Seems like someone could do this with Windows Media Center - basically transcoding on the fly, then sending data to the iPhone via a network drive setup (much like AirSharing) where it temporary holds the cached video data.

[galfridus73 Posted May 24th 2010 12:35PM]

This is the first time Elgato has sold hardware to function in this way. They have, for a while, supported things like the HDHomeRun and the Hauppauge HD PVR (which you can buy for roughly the same amount, and has a few more features, like 5.1 audio, but you would have to purchase EyeTV separately). From a "Mac media center" point-of-view, this is a useful piece if you want to coordinate all of your media via iTunes.

I am personally using EyeTV with two OTA tuners (one Elgato, one Hauppauge) and feeding an Apple TV and my iPhone (with the EyeTV iPhone app), and it works well with OTA HD recordings and streams, so I can't imagine it would be horrible with overly compressed cable streams. :)

That said, I am not jumping on this bandwagon yet. I am waiting to see what feature EyeTV 4 eventually brings and if my wife and I decide to go back to cable once our son (due this summer) is a little older and (allowed to watch TV).

[Urrl Posted May 24th 2010 12:44PM]

What am I missing here? I have eyetv hybrid; a rather small USB dongle; attach cable TV to one end and MBP to the other. Attach exterior HD of your choice to MBP. The Cable TV box is not necessary; just the cable itself, and I get HD channels on my MBP full screen. Not only that, with the eyetv app from Apple's App Store I can watch any cable channel on my iphone by wifi or 3g away from home. I can record channels on the MBP with the eyetv software on the MBP. What is this doing that I can't?

[galfridus73 Posted May 24th 2010 12:52PM]

@Urrl: The Hybrid doesn't handle encrypted channels, which you need a cable converter (usually an STB or a CableCARD) to decrypt.

So you can see some basic cable channels over the Hybrid, but you'll never be able to get premium content that way.

Think of this as acting like an old Series2 TiVo unit (only with 1080i capabilities).

[Murphy Mac Posted May 24th 2010 2:51PM]

How did Engadget get the unreleased EyeTV iPad app?

[GumbyX Posted May 24th 2010 3:17PM]

"# Component video cable (6 ft)
# Stereo audio cables (6 ft)
# Breakout cable for composite and S- Video inputs"

Anyone see an issue with this? So you connect your cable-box to the EyeTV HD using component cables. How do you then get output to your TV? How are composite breakout cables supposed to be of any use?

[takadajy Posted May 24th 2010 3:25PM]

In Brazil, "gato" (cat) is an irregular connection of cable tv ("gatonet"...). Used decoders (stolen?) or specific setup box that receive cable or satellite tv signals. A beautiful name.

[sharukh007 Posted May 24th 2010 6:11PM]

Wow thats not a bad price. I could totally connect it to my PS3 and record some gameplays, but I'll have to see how it compares to the HDPVR(since I can use bootcamp)

[xrs10 Posted May 25th 2010 11:25PM]

@sharukh007
i've the PS3 - HDPVR setup for over a year and it works well, but i think this may turn out to be better:
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/

i'd get one, but i'll need to get a laptop with usb3.0 first :(

[aedile Posted May 25th 2010 10:09AM]

I say again, Orb Live has been doing this and more for longer than a year now.