Are there opions for a portable way to watch HiDef or regular Digital TV on a MaBook? I saw an eCard tuner pulling in channels on my cousin's HP and was envious.

What do you mean by "watch TV?" Live TV? Over-the-air TV? Cable TV? Internet TV? iTunes TV? DVD's? Pre-recorded TV from a TiVo?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chuck M,

Yes, there are several ways to watch ATSC (over-the-air digital TV) on your Mac, if it has enough CPU --Dual 2.0GHz G5 or any Intel-based Mac.

The Miglia TVMini HD came with a whip antenna, making it great for portable use. The Miglia TV Hybrid does not come with an antenna, but is smaller and can also be used as an analog TV audio and video capture device. In either case, any UHF antenna with enough gain for local signal conditions will work, even the old one on top of your house. The included EyeTV software is good for both recording and playback, so you don't have to miss This Old House any more.

Using the TVMini HD with the whip antenna, I have watched most of the Detroit ATSC channels from Whitmore Lake, about 35 air miles or so. At home I share the antenna used by the analog sets.

But, I can't get Channel 9 (Windsor) cause they don't yet broadcast an ATSC signal.

quote:

Are there opions for a portable way to watch HiDef or regular Digital TV on a MaBook? I saw an eCard tuner pulling in channels on my cousin's HP and was envious.

I am using the Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick. I haven't tried to get much digital TV with it as it only got in 2 stations with the included antenna but it looked great. I have analog cable going through it for now. I have not tried the DVR functions since we have TiVo. At some point I'll write up a review for the tuner.

Yes, Chuck, live over the air TV.

Thanks James & Bibo for your input about what you use. I saw one from Plextor, but they seem to only support Windows.

quote:

Originally posted by James R. Cutler:
But, I can't get Channel 9 (Windsor) cause they don't yet broadcast an ATSC signal.

And they might never. The model in Canada at least for HD seems to be via cable and satellite. Not sure when or even if OTA will go digital.
Get that Miglia plug to do analog, there's some hot curling action on the CBC that you're missing!

I have both the Pinnacle and the EyeTV Hybrid. The Pinnacle does a much better job of pulling in signals (but I use it with the EyETV software). Ch2 and 56 are very difficult to pull in both in analog and digital for me with the EyETV (even with an outside antenna) but the Pinnacle pulls in both with no problems - on a pull-up whip! I got my Pinnacle from a special Woot! sale for only $79.

For reference, Jack:

Did you re-point the antenna to try for the poor channels? Since the whip is omnidirectional, it can outperform a directional antenna for multi-channel use. Even from west of I-275, there is quite an angular spread between the detroit channels.

Believe me, I tried a lot of different things. I tried the same whip on the EyETV as the Pinnacle. I tried different whips. I tried spinning the outside antenna. In all cases, the Pinnacle outperformed the EyETV Hybrid on weak signals.

When you say "whip' are you referring to that dangling wire?!!

I think Jack probably means "whip antenna."

Don't underestimate a good antenna. How do you think NASA and JPL communicate with spacecraft a billion miles away. A good antenna. Pay attention to antenna gain. Bent clothes hanger antennas have no gain - and the viewing results are proportional.

Is there a such thing as a quality whip antenna?

Yes, there is such a thing as a quality whip antenna. Look at most highway trucks and every law enforcement vehicle and many cell phones.

In explanation, besides assuming corrosion resistance, mechanical stability, and low loss cables, the primary criterion is tuning - is the whip the correct length for the frequency band in use. Next, is it mounted properly for good signal capture.

Antenna gain is NOT synonymous with quality. In fact, for mobile use, a directional antenna (i.e., with gain) would be "poor quality" as the signal would change with each change in vehicle heading or cell phone position.

A good working, if naive, definition of "quality" is "fitness for purpose". Another is "meets requirements".

quote:

Is there a such thing as a quality whip antenna?

Don't know which antenna Jack uses at the meetings, but the Lions games look pretty good on his laptop. (Yep, I'm a snitch. Love ya, Jack.)

quote:

Originally posted by James R. Cutler:
Chuck,
I was trying not to get too technical and wordy. Not that I ever do!

Just Yankin' Your Chain

quote:

Give us some example 5/8 lamda whip length numbers for CB channel 19, Channel 2 Analog, and, channel 2 Digital. One size certainly does not fit all.

I don't do CB. Well, OK, this one time-
CB Ch.19 5/8λ physical length approx. 22 feet.
Ch 2 Analog 5/8λ physical length approx. 13.6 feet
Ch 2 Digital (actually UHF 58) 5/8λ physical length approx. 9 3/4 inches (though for a "whip" one would stack and phase a few such elements to make a collinear array.
All of these of course would require proper feedpoint impedance matching networks as they are hi-Z and most equipment is 50 or 75 ohms.

quote:

arrakian:
Could a better whip antenna be had to work with Jack's tuner?

Maybe, but, you'd have to have something compact that wouid perform well across a wide range of frequencies from VHF thru UHF. Basically a telescoping whip that you can adjust length and twirl around is about the best it's going to get. Kind of like what's on a portable TV or a boombox radio.
Now that this has derailed completely off the original thread, I'm done

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chuck Reti,

Chuck,

I was trying not to get too technical and wordy. Not that I ever do!

Give us some example 5/8 lamda whip length numbers for CB channel 19, Channel 2 Analog, and, channel 2 Digital. One size certainly does not fit all.

Could a better whip antenna be had to work with Jack's tuner?