A remote like the one on the Apple TV ($99, 4 stars) makes much more sense, and the Apple TV remote can actually be configured for use with the EyeTV Hybrid.Īgain, despite being ostensibly for both Mac and PC, the EyeTV Hybrid is very much a Mac-oriented product. Four-color buttons have become a standard feature on universal remotes, but since the remote is solely for the EyeTV Hybrid, they're just unnecessarily complicated. While the standard conventions of the number pad and four-way direction pad perform well, the mismatched function and color buttons are awkward and difficult to understand. It feels like it was repurposed from another product, with a button layout and arrangement that don't feel intuitive or friendly. Most users will likely prefer using the EyeTV with a mouse and keyboard rather than the remote, since it's a chunky and poorly designed device.
The black line around the device is an IR sensor for the included remote (as well as a nice design touch). A metal coaxial adapter plugged into the end of the stick lets the EyeTV Hybrid accept F-connector cables, while an analog video bundle attached to the side opens it up to composite and S-video inputs. However, to actually use the device, you need to plug in at least one of two dongles that connect the EyeTV to video sources. Without any attachments, the EyeTV Hybrid looks like an upscale USB flash drive, smooth and metallic silver with a distinguishing black line running around the edge. It's capable enough to use on a Windows system (with some supporting software in Windows Vista or Windows 7), but its best features can only be used if your computer was made by Apple.
Elgato's EyeTV Hybrid ($149.95 direct) USB TV tuner bucks that trend, offering a powerful program guide, DVR, and place-shifting application-for Mac OS. Mac users don't often get fun add-ons that leave PC owners green with envy. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.
0 kommentar(er)
