EyeTV One - Knowledgebase Articles

EyeTV One - Setup Assistant and Antenna Auto Tune (Video)

Video of EyeTV One - Setup Assistant and Auto Tune for Antenna

Does EyeTV One support satellite?

EyeTV One does not support the reception of satellite signals, in any way

It does not support direct reception of DirecTV or Dish Network in North America.

EyeTV Hybrid and EyeTV 250 Plus can be used with a satellite receiver. Connect the analog outputs of that satellite receiver (like composite or S-Video) to EyeTV Hybrid or EyeTV 250 Plus. Then, change channels manually using the satellite receiver's remote.

You can also use the analog tuner input from your satellite receiver. Connect that to EyeTV Hybrid or EyeTV 250 Plus, switch it to analog mode, then Auto Tune using "Antenna". You will most likely find the satellite receiver's signal on channel 3 or 4. Then, change channels manually using the satellite receiver's.

EyeTV Hybrid or EyeTV 250 Plus can control many satellite receivers in North America, to change channels, when an additional IR Blaster is in use. These two articles will give more information about IR Blaster purchase and setup.

What IR Blasters can work with EyeTV for Set Top Box control? (US Only)

How do I configure EyeTV for Set Top Box support? (US Only)

Does EyeTV One have a MPEG encoder?

EyeTV One does not have a MPEG encoder.

EyeTV One has a digital tuner, that can receive digital antenna (ATSC). That tuner does not encode; it receives pre-encoded MPEG video directly from broadcasters, via an antenna. That content is in either SDTV or HDTV format.

If you are looking for a MPEG encoder for analog, EyeTV 250 Plus is an excellent choice. It can create MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video, using a hardware encoding chip.

How does EyeTV 250 Plus compare with EyeTV One?

Here is how EyeTV 250 Plus (2008, Clear QAM) compares to EyeTV One.

For the sake of this comparison, only the latest EyeTV 250 Plus (2008, Clear QAM) is considered.

Analog Connections

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

EyeTV 250 Plus can accept analog SDTV video inputs:

1) Antenna - using tuner input
2) Unscrambled Analog Cable (channels 1-124) - using tuner input
3) Premium Cable (using cable box first) - change channels using cable box
4) Digital Cable (using cable box first) - change channels using cable box
5) Satellite (using receiver first) - change channels using satellite receiver
6) DVD/VCR/Camcorder (via A/V inputs) - S-Video or composite

If you connect a cable box or satellite receiver up to EyeTV 250 Plus, then you will see all non-HD channels. You'd change channels using your cable box or satellite receiver remote.

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV One use built-in USB 2.0.

Analog Resolutions and Encoding

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

EyeTV 250 Plus supports full 720 by 480 (NTSC) or 720 by 576 (PAL) resolutions (depending on in what region it is purchased).

EyeTV 250 Plus contains hardware encoders that offer excellent performance and recording quality. Because the processor intensive MPEG encoding is done in the hardware, you can use an older Macintosh to record high quality programming.

EyeTV 250 Plus supports MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 hardware encoding.

EyeTV 250 Plus has the following recording presets:

Video CD Compatible
Super Video CD
Extended Play (DVD 240 min)
Long Play (DVD 180 min)
Standard (DVD 120 min)
High (DVD 90 min)
Custom: you can customize encoding and resolutions.

EyeTV One receives pre-encoded digital video, in SDTV and HDTV formats, from digital antenna (ATSC). The resolution is chosen by the broadcaster, and is received as-is by EyeTV.

Video Acquisition and Recording

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

Capturing analog video from a source like a VCR or Camcorder can be done with EyeTV 250 Plus.

Since EyeTV 250 Plus has a encoder chip, it is recommended for such a task, especially on older Macs because converting tapes takes a lot of processing power. EyeTV's hardware encoder does the heavy lifting instead of your Mac.

EyeTV 250 Plus even comes with a step-by-step VHS Assistant to walk you through the process.

Included Accessories

EyeTV One does not come with an infrared remote control.

EyeTV 250 Plus comes with an infrared remote control.

EyeTV One and EyeTV 250 Plus can be used with the Apple Remote, with Macs that have a built-in IR receiver for the Apple Remote.

EyeTV One is powered by the USB 2.0 bus.

EyeTV 250 Plus uses a power adapter, which is supplied.

Analog Game Mode

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

EyeTV 250 Plus offers very low latency capture. It is suitable for playing video games in real time.

Digital Television

Both EyeTV One and EyeTV 250 Plus can receive digital TV over antenna, including HDTV (where available).

HDTV reception will vary depending on your location. The United States and Canada are using MPEG-2 for digital TV, and that format can be used by the EyeTV software.

Digital Connections

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV One can receive digital TV over antenna, using the tuner (coaxial) input.

EyeTV 250 Plus has Clear QAM access, so unencrypted digital cable can be used.

They cannot receive satellite signals directly (no DirecTV, Dish Network, or DVB-S).

They cannot receive component or other high-end inputs.

Digital Resolutions and Encoding

EyeTV 250 Plus and EyeTV One can receive both SDTV and HDTV signals via the digital antenna/aerial input. That includes 720p and 1080i signals. A Core 2 Duo Mac is needed to properly display HDTV signals.

How does EyeTV Hybrid compare with EyeTV One?

Here is how EyeTV Hybrid compares to EyeTV One.

For the sake of this comparison, only the latest EyeTV Hybrid (2009, FM Radio) is considered.

Analog Connections

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

EyeTV Hybrid can accept analog SDTV video inputs:

1) Antenna - using tuner input
2) Unscrambled Analog Cable (channels 1-124) - using tuner input
3) Premium Cable (using cable box first) - change channels using cable box
4) Digital Cable (using cable box first) - change channels using cable box
5) Satellite (using receiver first) - change channels using satellite receiver
6) DVD/VCR/Camcorder (via A/V inputs) - S-Video or composite
7) FM Radio - using tuner input

If you connect a cable box or satellite receiver up to EyeTV Hybrid, then you will see all non-HD channels. You'd change channels using your cable box or satellite receiver remote.

EyeTV Hybrid and EyeTV One use built-in USB 2.0.

Analog Resolutions and Encoding

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

EyeTV Hybrid supports full 720 by 480 (NTSC) or 720 by 576 (PAL) resolutions (depending on in what region it is purchased).

EyeTV Hybrid's recording is done in software by your Mac, and the available resolution depends on your Mac. That means you need a very fast Mac to record in best quality with EyeTV Hybrid.

EyeTV Hybrid has 3 recording presets:

Video CD
Standard (DVD 120 min) (single G5 or Intel processor required)
High (DVD 90 min) (dual G5 or Intel processor required)

EyeTV One receives pre-encoded digital video, in SDTV and HDTV formats, from digital antenna (ATSC). The resolution is chosen by the broadcaster, and is received as-is by EyeTV.

Video Acquisition and Recording

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

Capturing analog video from a source like a VCR or Camcorder can be done with EyeTV Hybrid.

EyeTV Hybrid uses software encoding and therefore relies on your Mac's processor to encode files. Dual G5 and Intel Macs can handle the demand on the processor quite effortlessly, so an EyeTV Hybrid is a very suitable and inexpensive alternative for newer Macs.

Included Accessories

EyeTV One does not come with an infrared remote control.

EyeTV Hybrid comes with an infrared remote control.

EyeTV One and EyeTV Hybrid can be used with the Apple Remote, with Macs that have a built-in IR receiver for the Apple Remote.

EyeTV One and EyeTV Hybrid are powered by the USB 2.0 bus.

Analog Game Mode

EyeTV One cannot receive any analog signals.

EyeTV Hybrid offers very low latency capture. It is suitable for playing video games in real time.

Digital Television

Both EyeTV One and EyeTV Hybrid can receive digital TV over antenna, including HDTV (where available).

HDTV reception will vary depending on your location. The United States and Canada are using MPEG-2 for digital TV, and that format can be used by the EyeTV software.

Digital Connections

EyeTV Hybrid and EyeTV One can receive digital TV over antenna, using the tuner (coaxial) input.

EyeTV Hybrid has Clear QAM access, so unencrypted digital cable can be used.

They cannot receive satellite signals directly (no DirecTV, Dish Network, or DVB-S).

They cannot receive component or other high-end inputs.

Digital Resolutions and Encoding

EyeTV Hybrid and EyeTV One can receive both SDTV and HDTV signals via the digital antenna/aerial input. That includes 720p and 1080i signals. A Core 2 Duo Mac is needed to properly display HDTV signals.

Does EyeTV One have more than one tuner?

EyeTV One only has one tuner, that can receive digital antenna (ATSC) signals.

Does EyeTV One include an IR remote control?

EyeTV One does not come with a bundled remote, and it does not have an IR receiver.

Separate EyeTV remotes are available now from our online store, but they will not work with EyeTV One.

Most Macintosh computers released since mid 2005 have come with an Apple Remote, that can be used to control Front Row and other applications. If your Mac came bundled with an Apple Remote, then it can also be used to control EyeTV.

How do I setup EyeTV One?

EyeTV One is designed to be simple to setup and use.

To ensure that all aspects of the EyeTV One are understood, here is a discussion of the hardware.

Pictured above is EyeTV One. The new, smooth case is a distinguishing mark. This unit can receive digital antenna (ATSC) signals. It cannot receive any analog signals.

General Information:

Connections
Lights
Video Standards

Analog Inputs:

General Information
Antenna - Analog Not Supported
Cable (No Cable Box) - Analog Not Supported
Cable (With Cable Box) - Not Supported
Satellite (With Satellite Receiver) - Not Supported
FiOS (With Verizon Receiver) - Analog Not Supported
AT&T U-Verse (With AT&T Receiver) - Analog Not Supported
Game Console (Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, etc.) - Not Supported
VCR, Camera or DVD Player - Not Supported

Digital Inputs:

Digital Antenna (ATSC)
Digital Satellite (DirecTV or Dish Network) - Not Supported
HDTV

Connections

One end of the EyeTV One is a cable, which ends with a male USB 2.0 plug. That can be connected directly to an USB port on your Mac.

The opposite end of the EyeTV One is the Tuner input, with a connector for a coaxial cable. That’s usually the sort of cable that antenna/aerial services use, or cable TV. If you have one of those services, then connect your cable there.

EyeTV One does not have an IR receiver - it cannot use the EyeTV Remote Control. The Apple Remote can be used to control EyeTV, if your Mac supports it.

EyeTV One does not have composite (RCA) or S-Video connections - it cannot receive any analog signals.

Lights

EyeTV One does not have any light on it, so no part will illuminate to indicate if it’s on or off.

Video Standards

EyeTV One was made for North America, and won't function in other regions.

EyeTV One supports inputs specific to that region, namely:

ATSC (Digital Antenna)

EyeTV One will not function with video standards used outside of North America - it does not support PAL, nor any DVB video.

Analog Inputs: General Information

EyeTV One accepts no analog inputs.

Analog Inputs: Antenna

EyeTV One accepts no analog antenna inputs.

Analog Inputs: Cable (No Cable Box)

EyeTV One accepts no analog cable inputs.

Analog Inputs: Cable (With Cable Box)

EyeTV One cannot connect to a cable box in any way.

Analog Inputs: Satellite (With Satellite Receiver)

EyeTV One cannot connect to a satellite receiver in any way.

Analog Inputs: Verizon FiOS (With Verizon Receiver)

EyeTV One cannot connect to a FiOS (Verizon) receiver any way.

Please see this article for more information:

Does EyeTV work with Verizon FiOS?

Analog Inputs: AT&T U-Verse (With AT&T Receiver)

EyeTV One cannot connect to an AT&T U-Verse Receiver in any way.

Please see this article for more information:

Does EyeTV work with AT&T U-verse?

Analog Inputs: Game Console (Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, etc.)

EyeTV One cannot connect to any game console, in any way.

Analog Inputs: VCR, Camera or DVD Player

EyeTV One cannot connect to a VCR, DVD player, camera, or any other analog video source, in any way.

Digital Inputs: Digital Antenna (ATSC)

Connect the antenna to the tuner input of EyeTV One, using a coaxial cable.

If the EyeTV Setup Assistant is not showing, then please select it from the Help menu.

When prompted, select "Digital - Antenna" as your service, and then Auto Tune. The Auto Tune process will search for channels that the antenna can receive.

Digital Inputs: Digital Satellite (DirecTV or Dish Networks)

EyeTV One cannot receive Digital Satellite.

Digital Resolution: HDTV

EyeTV One can only receive HDTV (where available) from digital antenna.