Long-time Mac accessory maker Elgato announced the next generation of its EyeTV Hybrid television and FM adapter for the Mac on Monday. The adapter, which is immediately available in the United States and Canada, receives both analog and digital TV, including HDTV, by cable and antenna signals and can record said media for later playback.
The adapter features an Xceive 5000 silicon tuner and LGDT3305 demodulator to assist with digital reception while its software features boast a new electronic programming guide for North American users. The guide, which is provided for by Macrovision Solutions Corporation, features 14 days of guide data and provides rich cast, ratings and genre information for many programs. One year of EPG service is included for new and all existing EyeTV 3 users. After that, an additional year of service is available for US$ 19.95.
Where parental controls are concerned, Elgato's EyeTV 3.1 software adds support for the US (TV and MPAA), Canadian, and European DVB rating systems. The software also features a whitelist to help restrict access to certain channels.
The EyeTV Hybrid will be available from the Elgato web site starting Tuesday, January 6th and be available in Apple Store locations as well as retail outfit soon. The EyeTV 3.1 software will be released as a free update to existing users of EyeTV 3 later this month.
The EyeTV Hybrid requires a Macintosh computer with a PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Core processor, 512 MB of physical RAM, a built-in USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later. An internet connection is required to download Program Guide data and the 720p or 1080i HD output features require an Intel Core 2 Duo processor.