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slider · Nov 13, 2002, 10:54 PM

OK, I am a Watson user, and I am really impressed with it's integration with iCal and EyeTV. I was wondering about the quality of the of the picture because of the USB port, can it give me a quality full screen picture? Looking for comments from users of the product or of those that know of reviews. I saw someone else had a post about a pci card, that would be better because I do have a tower with available slots. But I want the Watson integration and I believe there is software that comes with the eyeTV, yes? If all is true and this is all I think it is then I got a wish list for Christmas. Thanks in advance.

Weezer · Nov 13, 2002, 11:45 PM

Ive had my Eye TV ever since it was announced at Macworld, and I really love it. I'm at college, so I can have my TV without actually having to take up space with a cheap crappy TV. I love the tivo features, and have trouble watching live TV with commercials now because Im spoiled. The video quality isnt perfect, as it is mpg 1. I just captured 2 small clips so you can look at. These are in high quality, as I always watch and record in high quality, because theres no need for me not to. You can now create VCDs even from the high quality recordings easily through the eye TV software. Watson integration has been available for several months underground, and it is very easy to use. Ive never once been to the titan TV website, and dont plan on it. Here are some clips:

http://www.notpennstate.com/eyetv1.mpg

http://www.notpennstate.com/eyetv2.mpg

G4ME · Nov 14, 2002, 01:13 AM

If quality is what you want and got the HD space and the extra Cash floating around, check out the Formac DV plus or what ever it is, its basily the same thing as the EYE TV except for the fact that it capture about double the resolution FIRE WIRE, now granted its going to tak up about twice the space. but still its another option to keep your eye on.

Weezer · Nov 14, 2002, 01:53 AM

its also more than twice as expensive, and wasnt built from scratch with the tivo idea in mind. But agreed, you get much more flexibility in terms of quality/compression format with the formac.

joe · Nov 14, 2002, 08:06 AM

Check out the Wednesday news over at www.xlr8yourmac.com:

Apparently, there are 2 new alternatives to the EyeTV and Formac Studio dv/tv right now in Japan. One is PCI based and the other is external USB. There have been a lot of complaints about the lack of PCI options for TV tuners on some of the Mac boards. So the PCI version in particular seems like great news. However, it looks as if the external USB model is able to deliver 720*480 video - same as the Studio dv/tv. If so, it will combine the advantages of the EyeTV and Formac Studio in one go! There may be a catch, it's hard to tell from the translated page. No info on when they will become available in the US. Hopefully, it won't be too long.....joe

PS - I wouldn't buy either since I'm already a satisfied Formac Studio dv/tv owner

But it would be nice to see some more options available for Mac.

GORDYmac · Nov 14, 2002, 09:23 AM

Okay, I want this card! I'm not kidding, I WANT THIS CARD! I emailed the company to see what kind of software comes with the card, and to see where I can buy it. It looks to be available in early 2003 in the US, but where?

slider · Nov 14, 2002, 06:19 PM

Weezer, thanks for posting those clips, gave me a good idea. I am curious about the PCI option too, but I was really interested it the integration of the other programs. I think it might be best to wait at this time, damn if I only had money to burn.

RoofusPennymore · Nov 14, 2002, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by Weezer:
Here are some clips:

http://www.notpennstate.com/eyetv1.mpg

http://www.notpennstate.com/eyetv2.mpg

I just played them back at full screen on my 32" Sony via my iBook. The quality wasn't as good as my analog cable.

I already have a DirecTivo but I need something to record the local channels. I was considering the EyeTv but now I'm not sure. Either it has to come down in price or go up in quality. It's not bad but needs to be a bit better for the price.

Weezer · Nov 19, 2002, 02:36 AM

Just wanted to post that 1.04 is out, and its added some really great features. Eye TV will now wake the system from sleep to record, and will even boot up your computer if it was shutdown. With these added features, it really is set it and forget it. Ive got all my weekly favorites set to auto record, and I can just forget about them, knowing my computer will boot up/wake up in order to record. Great feature.