While Plex has offered Mac media server software for years, it's only recently added live TV and DVR functions. EyeTV also boasts built-in AppleScript support, which Plex lacks. It works with Geniatech's own hardware, which is designed for European markets, as well as third-party tuners from SiliconDust, Hauppage, Pinnacle, and more. It was the first Mac DVR solution, and for a long time, the only one. Meet the contendersĮyeTV's been around for more than a decade, first from Elgato and now from Geniatech. I endured MythTV's lengthy, byzantine, frustrating installation process only to find its interface subpar at best, and I wouldn't recommend it. TV listings cost $25 a year through SchedulesDirect. If you're particularly tech-savvy - or just have a high threshhold for aggravation - you can turn to MythTV, a Linux-spawned free DVR app. But HDHomeRun's interface is just so-so, and it lacks Plex's other media-aggregating abilities and EyeTV's fine-tuned recording skills.
SiliconDust says it also hopes to enable premium channels like HBO. At $35 a year, HDHomeRun offers one of the cheapest Mac DVR options, and unlike Plex, it can play and pause live TV from your Mac. SiliconDust, makers of the popular HDHomeRun TV tuners, have built DVR service into their standard TV app.
EYETV SOFTWARE FOR MAC
At $8 a month, it's one of the most expensive long-term options for Mac DVR service. It also offers built-in, non-destructive commercial skipping, a feature with which Plex and EyeTV both struggle. The cable industry demands hefty fees for the keys to unlock those codes, and none of the current Mac apps has yet been willing or able to shell out that much cash.Ĭhannels DVR records video on your Mac, but will only stream it to an AppleTV, iOS devices, or a web interface. It's important to note that no Mac DVR apps, including EyeTV, Plex, or any of the following rivals, can currently display or record encrypted premium cable channels such as HBO, Showtime, or Starz, even if you're a subscriber. The other players in the Mac DVR arena have their merits, but they all fall short in key ways. But only one of them is your best bet for squirreling away hours of The Walking Dead. We've sifted through the growing pile of Mac DVR solutions to compare the two top contenders: veteran EyeTV and relative newcomer Plex.
A once-sparse market for Mac DVR apps now overflows with increasingly powerful and user-friendly choices for recording your favorite TV shows, via antenna or cable. EyeTV software runs $80 and USB tuner sticks bundled with the software retail for about $150, though you can often find it for a few dollars less at vendors such as Amazon.There's never been a better time to trade your cable company's rented DVR for your own Mac-based solution.
EYETV SOFTWARE UPGRADE
I experienced a minor blip in migrating EPGs, but otherwise I’m pleased with the upgrade and looking forward to additional DVR refinements. However, I assume this functionality is being worked on for a future update. While the season pass functionality now identifies program titles on the same channel, it doesn’t yet offer the intelligence to filter for repeats.
EYETV SOFTWARE SERIES
I suggest Elgato waive this fee for existing customers and/or indefinitely provide TitanTV integration (which presumably costs them less).Īlong with the more comprehensive guide data, EyeTV is less like a VCR and more like a DVR with the introduction of Smart Series recording. While it’s far more reasonable than say Nero TiVo‘s $99 annual fee, solutions such as SageTV and Microsoft Media Center provide listings free of charge. However, not everyone is happy with the change… because it’s accompanied by a $20 annual fee after the first, free year. I see this as a positive move – more comprehensive listings, more days (14) of guide data, and a more “professional” feel to EyeTV. First up is the (somewhat optional) replacement of TitanTV with TV Guide as the US EPG source.