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Meadowfield · 07:16 AM

One works on the Mac and the other thru the TV directly. How difficult would it be to connect the computer to the TV for playback, and will the quality be substancially different than that of the TiVo?

Thanks

dadder · Dec 7, 2002, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by Meadowfield:
One works on the Mac and the other thru the TV directly. How difficult would it be to connect the computer to the TV for playback, and will the quality be substancially different than that of the TiVo?

Thanks

What are you trying to do with this? I don't know if I can give you any actual advice, but I currently have the MyTV2Go by Eskape Labs and am looking to upgrade to the Studio DV/TV by Formac. I use mine for just simply watching cable on my Mac, but now have an interest in copying my video cassettes to my computer and burning to DVD for my DVD player. So, I guess I'm curious as to why you are choosing to opt for Eye TV over Studio DV/TV by Formac?

clarkgoble · Dec 8, 2002, 07:16 PM

I believe the typical reason is cost and also disk use. The Formac data size is rather large. On the other hand editing with the Eye TV is reportably rather difficult as is importing it into the various Macintosh editing programs.

Weezer · Dec 8, 2002, 08:35 PM

el gato is supposedly integrating native mpeg-1 editing into the eye tv software.

Meadowfield · Dec 9, 2002, 08:12 PM

Thanks guys, but I am only interested in quality recording and playback - not editing.

Weezer · Dec 10, 2002, 12:09 AM

how high quality is high quality? Eye TV produces pretty nice MPEG-1s, but then again it is MPEG-1, so it can only be so good. However, if you watch from a few feet away, the quality is pretty great.

Meadowfield · Dec 11, 2002, 12:58 PM

... and, can you view recordings on your tv w/ Eye TV?

Yoda's Erotic Piggyback · Dec 11, 2002, 01:39 PM

I have heard nothing but bad reviews about Eye tv.

Weezer · Dec 11, 2002, 04:10 PM

Originally posted by Yoda's Erotic Piggyback:
I have heard nothing but bad reviews about Eye tv.

Obviously you've never talked to an owner...In the beginning, with the first release of the software, some people were having some problems, but now the software is really fantastic. I've posted clips of encoding quality before for people to see, so they can make up their own mind. Eye TV does exactly what it says it will do, and it does it really well. They went with MPEG-1 because of the easy compatibility with VCDs and SVCDs, so the average user could easily burn a VCD and pop it in their dvd player to watch on their real TV. For $180 (bought during the macworld sale), it's absolutely perfect to have in my dorm room. I don't need to have a clumsy small TV unit, I can watch on my 17 inch LCD, and best of all I dont have to be in my room when my favorite shows are on. I have it set to weekly record all my favorites, and you can watch a 30 min show in around 20 mins, so it also saves time. If you buy the product expecting perfect quality video, you will be disappointed. The video quality is very good, but not perfect.

TheMosco · Dec 11, 2002, 07:42 PM

Yeah, the video quality is not great. I know somone who has one. To get the best quality i suggest burning them to a vcd and play it on your tv. The quality is just below VHS. If it was just a fraction better, i would get it but i dont think it is worth 200 dollars as of right now.

CIA · Dec 11, 2002, 10:56 PM

GET A TIVO, GET A TIVO, GET A TIVO!

Sorry, I've had one since August. It's by far one of the best A/V Tools ever.

GORDYmac · Dec 12, 2002, 11:53 AM

I bought it. I knocked the tires long enough I guess. I'm not expecting any surprises since I have been reading posts about it since MWNY.

One thing I'll add to the discussions: Whether you buy Tivo or EyeTV, make sure that your Cable package is supported. I'm not joking, TitanTV.com and TVGuide.com do not list my cable service. I have to look at the listings and then figure which channel is correct for my cable service. Kinda irritating, but, "whatcha gon' do?"

Anyway, to fix my issue, I've created an Excel document that will give me the correct station, which I can then enter to the XML file TitanTV exports to EyeTV.

I'm looking forward to messing with this gadget, finally.

Oh, it's $189 with free shipping at macs4all.com.

Yoda's Erotic Piggyback · Dec 12, 2002, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Weezer:

Obviously you've never talked to an owner...

Ya when I said I heard nothing but bad things about it I am talking about random people who are walking down the street saying that is sucks even though they don't even have one or know what it is