All Eyes on EyeTV iPhone App

[Michael Essany]

Image via Macworld

It's turning out to be a big week for streaming video content on the iPhone.

First, we learned of Akamai's new video streaming platform, and now comes word that Elgato is behind a new EyeTV app that allows users to watch their favorite TV shows live on the iPhone or iPod Touch over a wi-fi network.

Basically serving as a mobile extension of the desktop software, EyeTv lets you: Watch live TV and change channels anywhere (Wi-Fi connection required); Watch your EyeTV recordings; Browse the comprehensive Program Guide; Start recordings back home on your Mac immediately or schedule them for later; and view and edit your recording schedules.

From Macworld:

The key phrase in that setup is “EyeTV users.” To take advantage of the mobile app, you’ll also need EyeTV 3.2, Elgato’s desktop TV software, installed on a Mac that has a compatible TV tuner connected to it. But if you have those parts in place, the EyeTV mobile app brings a lot to the table. It connects to any Mac running EyeTV 3.2, automatically finding the machine on a local network courtesy of Bonjour. A free My EyeTV locator utility lets the iPhone app find and access a remote Mac.

The software uses Apple’s HTTP streaming technology that was rolled out with the iPhone OS 3.0 and culls from Apple’s specifications for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. UPnP- and NAT-PMP-compatible routers are supported, but to accommodate live TV via EyeTv, your Mac must also have a Core 2 Duo processor.

For $4.99 in the App store, this little piece of mobile TV heaven is now available. But EyeTv doesn't have a lock on the market by any stretch of the imagination.

There’s more than one way to watch TV on your iPhone, of course. Equinux’s $4 Live TV can stream TV programs from your Mac to your mobile device. (As with EyeTV, Live TV requires some supporting hardware and software—the TubeStick hybrid, which is a digital analog TV receiver for the Mac, and The Tube desktop software.)

itunes link below...

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/M...329886711&mt=8

[iphone4idiots]

So I'm a little confused. It sounds like this pretty much works like Slingbox? AT&T thinks they have network problems now, just wait until apps like this become idiot proof and most people use them. Now couple that with 3g Unrestrictor and life is good for me!!

[richcg]

Well considering this only works over a wi-fi connection it's not going to cause network problems.

Not a bad idea, especially if you are in a place with no television or computer but a wi-fi connection...like a starbucks or something.

[fletch33]

Well considering this only works over a wi-fi connection it's not going to cause network problems.

Not a bad idea, especially if you are in a place with no television or computer but a wi-fi connection...like a starbucks or something.

or as mentioned in the post before yours you have the app "3G Unrestrictor" which allows you to use Wifi only apps on 3G by tricking the iPhone.

i use Skype for almost all my outgoing calls whether im on Wifi or 3G. in fact i often have better reception and drop less calls when im calling this way versus a standard call.

[stantrabel]

Ive been using orb for about a year now, I stream all my avi,mp3,tv tuner car,photos and doc's. Hands dowm it the best program i ever paid for. I hacked it tried it for a week and was so impressed i deleted it and bought it from the app store. 6 stars here. and no wifi needed.

With this program I have a 3g with 1000gigs of space I even watched a movie while driving under the boston tunnel in traffic 30min with out one hickup.

[bigorangekitty]

Ive been using orb for about a year now, I stream all my avi,mp3,tv tuner car,photos and doc's. Hands dowm it the best program i ever paid for. I hacked it tried it for a week and was so impressed i deleted it and bought it from the app store. 6 stars here. and no wifi needed.

With this program I have a 3g with 1000gigs of space I even watched a movie while driving under the boston tunnel in traffic 30min with out one hickup.

exactly...what does this do that orb doesn't?
any idea?

[interstink]

Eye for one and very pleased Elgato has finally released this app. I have the EyeTV on my home mac, dont use it to often until now. Slingbox doesnt have Wifi, EyeTV makes much more sense for streaming. And yes, 3GUnrestrictor works like a charm.

Now, if only EyeTV could stream the iTunes Video content on your Mac (Non-DRM of-course).

[trbulls]

I am not as excited about this one. Why don't people give the best app in the store more props? Orblive gives you access to all your cable channels streaming. all your media on your pc and documents! What more can some ask for. I don't know why everyone does not talk about this app as the one to own.

[MOSHO92]

Wait, so this app only works over wifi, on the network that you have your mac, with eyetv installed, and a tv tuner? Basically this app works as long as your sitting next to your TV.

[hollow0]

Ive been using orb for about a year now, I stream all my avi,mp3,tv tuner car,photos and doc's. Hands dowm it the best program i ever paid for. I hacked it tried it for a week and was so impressed i deleted it and bought it from the app store. 6 stars here. and no wifi needed.

With this program I have a 3g with 1000gigs of space I even watched a movie while driving under the boston tunnel in traffic 30min with out one hickup.

you watched a move while driving under the boston tunnel? hmmm i hope traffic was super slow because if it wasn't...then you're the type of driver i need to stay away from

[trbulls]

exactly...what does this do that orb doesn't?
any idea?

Orb allows you to stream any media off your home pc. If you e a cable tuner card you can watch live tv from your phone, well worth the cost of tuner card. Being able to access over a 100 gig of media rocks for me. You can also record programs and watch later. Buy this app and you won't be sorry. I have used for over 2 years and thats more than I can say for most apps.

Orb works on edge wifi or 3g

[santaf]

Wait, so this app only works over wifi, on the network that you have your mac, with eyetv installed, and a tv tuner? Basically this app works as long as your sitting next to your TV.

this is what came to my mind too... what the??? that can't be the case though

[hornet18]

will this work on a PC? i don't have a Mac

[stooovie]

Air Video can do that, and is pretty cheap (servers for Mac and PC are free and the app is like USD3). Moving on...

[bigorangekitty]

Orb allows you to stream any media off your home pc. If you e a cable tuner card you can watch live tv from your phone, well worth the cost of tuner card. Being able to access over a 100 gig of media rocks for me. You can also record programs and watch later. Buy this app and you won't be sorry. I have used for over 2 years and thats more than I can say for most apps.

Orb works on edge wifi or 3g

i already have orb live :-)with 3g unrestricter. i do appreciate it though. what if i didn't have it? you probably helped someone out there :-)

anyway, I was wondering what eye tv does that orb live doesn't do?

[one1]

People READ. It says works over wifi, not over YOUR wifi. I'm at a doctors office right now streaming from my eye tv over the doctors office wifi. I could do it over 3G with unrestrictor, but it would kill the battery pretty quickly I'd imagine.

[e10100]

Thats pretty sick

[iphone4idiots]

OK, I'm thinking of adding either Orb or Eye. My big question - Is there a way to connect my comcast recevier to my mac (so I can get live TV) for under $100???

Thanks

[swestphilly]

Dont you have to leave your computer on for orb to work?

[one1]

OK, I'm thinking of adding either Orb or Eye. My big question - Is there a way to connect my comcast recevier to my mac (so I can get live TV) for under $100???

Thanks

Clearly you don't know what eye tv is............