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First released in 2007 and then re-released in 2008, the EyeTV Hybrid has gone through many iterations. The latest iteration, released only weeks ago at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, bundles the TV tuning device with the latest release of Elgato's EyeTV software, version 3.1 and a new TV Guide service to offer users of the software more complete and explanatory program details. How does the performance measure up to the Pinnacle TV HD Stick for Mac or the previous EyeTV Hybrid (2008)?

The new Hybrid (2009) offers an enhanced, sleek design and in the box, along with the tuner, the device comes with: a remote, a video adapter cable, a USB extension cord, and the EyeTV software disc. Getting ready to watch TV on your Mac is fast and easy, and since I already had the latest edition of the software installed (3.1 as of this review), all I had to do was plug in the new Hybrid USB stick and I was watching the local HD news in no time.

For testing, I used the black "stick" antenna that came with the Pinnacle TV HD Stick for Mac, and it picks up the major networks in my area with no dropouts when set high up on the shelf above my desk.

Currently, the EyeTV software uses either the TitanTV service for program information, but the new TV Guide service offers extensive more details. Compared to the TitanTV service, it offers up to 14 days of guide data, and information such as the cast and ratings. There's a catch however, the TV Guide data is free for only a year and after that, you'll have to shell out $20 per year, which is worth it if you're a TV-holic.

It's also now easier to record an entire season of a certain television show with Smart Series Guides. It builds on top of the existing Smart Guide feature and makes it easier for those who don't want to add tons and tons of search conditions to the older feature.

Overall, the EyeTV Hybrid (2009) isn't much different than it's predecessor other than the software behind it, and that's what makes the Elgato products great. Buy it today from Amazon.com for just under $129.95 with free shipping, a great deal.

Pros

• Sleeker new design.
• Extensive new guide data from TV Guide.
• Remote bundled in the box.

Cons

• None.

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