Product Reviews

Elgato's original EyeTV 250 included an analogue TV receiver and the ability to record from composite and S-Video sources, such as an analogue camera or VHS player. While it included a hardware Mpeg-2 encoder to record analogue broadcasts, the lack of a digital receiver stopped it being a long-term investment for watching TV. This updated model adds a digital receiver, making it a better proposition for the digital switchover if your Freeview coverage is currently weak.

The casing is styled after the Mac mini, with a pearly white top and metal sides that are broken up only by neat black plastic where the connectors are housed. This makes Elgato's continued bundling of an ugly grey-and-black plastic remote seem odd.

The device is about the size of a third-generation iPod, but just under twice as deep. While compact, it doesn't draw power over USB, so it's not so convenient for roaming notebook users.

EyeTV 2 is included, which is still our favourite DVR software for Macs more than 18 months after we first reviewed it. Also bundled is Toast 8 Basic, which lets you put recordings on to DVD with just a few clicks.

We tested the device in an area where reception of Multiplex 2 - which carries ITV1 and Channel 4 - is weak even through a roof aerial. Our older USB digital receiver was unable to locate these channels, but EyeTV

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250 Plus gave stable reception with signal quality at 100% and strength at about 80%.

Using the included aerial at MacUser's London offices, the Freeview reception of Multiplex 1 - which includes BBC1 and BBC2 - was good. Other multiplexes fared less well, with Multiplex 2 channels missing altogether and others breaking up. As ever, local factors will affect your reception, and we recommend using a better aerial.

A supplied breakout cable adds composite and S-Video connections. Controls to switch to these are tucked away on EyeTV's Controls menu. The built-in hardware Mpeg-2 encoder caters for recording from analogue sources. There are presets to fit between 90 and 240 minutes on a single-layer disc, and you can customise settings such as bitrate and Mpeg structure. Video bitrates extend from 128kbit/sec to 15Mbit/sec, while the audio range is from 192kbit/sec to 384kbit/sec. It's flexible enough for transferring old formats to DVD or making a high-quality archive copy.

Finally, there's a game mode that bypasses the Mpeg-2 encoder, and which Elgato claims gives zero latency. We were able to enjoy Burnout Revenge on an Xbox 360 with no problems other than slightly reduced picture quality due to the type of connection. You'll also miss out on higher HDTV resolutions and Pal-60 support.

Game mode is disabled if you hit the record button, because the Mpeg-2 encoder introduces a minimum one-second latency when it kicks in. It's not suitable if you're recording for use on an amateur gaming site, say. Elgato advises buying a distribution amplifier to send the signal to record on EyeTV while playing on a regular set.

This is a welcome addition to the EyeTV family. We were pleased by its reception of weak Freeview signals, although its appeal really hinges on the need to record from analogue sources as well as digital TV. If not, you can save a bit of cash and opt for the excellent EyeTV Diversity instead.