EyeTV 250 From a Gamer’s Perspective
reviewed Daniel MacKenzie
Elgato Systems Nymphenburger Str 86 D-80636 München Germany http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=about_contact http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetv250 Released: April 6, 2006 $199 USD Requirements: G4, G5 or Intel Core processor; 256 MB of physical RAM (512 MB recommended); Built-in USB port; Mac OS X 10.4 (or later); 589 MB of disk space required for one hour of recorded TV; Internet connection required for the optional online TV guide. FAQs: http://faq.elgato.com/index.php/main Comparison: http://www.elgato.com/matrix/index.php Previous Review: http://www.maccompanion.com/macc/archives/July2006/Hardware/EyeTV%20250.htm Strengths: Good video quality, cheap for what it does, universal binary, Game Mode works flawlessly. Weaknesses: Gets hot, bulky, could have more built-in. |
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I was really looking forward to reviewing this product. I could finally play my PS2 on my laptop. When I pulled it out of the box, that was exactly what it could do. A great plug-and-play device.
The EyeTV 250 is made by Elgato Systems. It’s priced at $250 USD and it’s well worth it. It comes with the device, which is a beautiful looking box. It has four ports on it. One for the regular cable line, one for power, one for the USB cable and one other input. You can plug in an adapter, which comes in the box, if you want the regular RCA (red, white and yellow cables)and S-Video inputs. A remote was also included if you want to control the video converter from a distance.
Also, Elgato’s award winning video capture software is included in the box. This takes up about $80 of the price. I absolutely love this software. It’s not just compatible with the EyeTV. Go to http://www.elgato.com/ and check their compatibility charts. You may already have a device that works with this software.
I found the EyeTV 250 was kind of bulky, but if space is essential, then you should look at the EveTV Hybrid. Also the RCA and S-Video cable could have been built into the box instead of as external adapters. It’s just something that you can lose.
The unit also got very hot. After about an hour of use I almost burned my hand.
The video quality was a bit worse than a TV when it was in full screen mode but that’s understandable.
Game Mode
Also, for the gamers out there, the first time I plugged my game system into it there was a delay. But than I found this thing called Game Mode. It makes it so there is no delay. It was great!
When you have cable plugged in you can program recordings and get a TV schedule for your area. Pick the record settings from DVD quality or not so good. Everything was easy to use and install. The Elgato support was fast with a detailed response. Everything was excellent.
Overall, this is a great product. I highly recommend it. Also, this is a great idea for people that don’t want to buy another TV, people on a budget or gamers on the go. I love it!
