The original EyeTV 250 Plus hardware did not have Clear QAM input via the tuner. Due to high demand, we changed the hardware, and now there is a new EyeTV 250 Plus unit in North America, with the following tuner inputs:

Analog Antenna (NTSC)
Analog Cable (NTSC)
Digital Antenna (ATSC)
Unencrypted Digital Cable (Clear QAM)

If you purchase an EyeTV 250 Plus direct from Elgato starting January 15, 2008, you’ll receive this new unit. In a short time, that new model will replace the older one in stores - it takes some time to replenish the sales channel.

So, if you want an EyeTV 250 Plus with Clear QAM abilities, make sure to check with the store to see that you get the newer model. It will be labeled as supporting Clear QAM on the packaging, and on the bottom of the unit.

The older unit without Clear QAM is no longer being distributed as new from Elgato. Those who have the older unit cannot upgrade it via software - if you want to have a Clear QAM tuner, then you can acquire the new, upgraded model.

EyeTV 250 Plus (Clear QAM) must use EyeTV 3.0 or later. EyeTV 250 Plus (No Clear QAM) can work with EyeTV 2 or EyeTV 3 software.

The Elgato FAQ system currently has older articles that mention “EyeTV 250 Plus” - be aware that they are out of date in one respect, since the latest unit does have Clear QAM as well. Essentially, there are two EyeTV 250 Plus models, the older without Clear QAM, and the newer with Clear QAM, but both with the same model name. We will adjust the FAQ to make this distinction clearer over the next few days.