Watch TV on a Mac: there are options
Television on a Mac is no longer a problem with DVB-T or DSL. Depending on the internet connection and DVB-T reception, we will show you different alternatives on how to get the TV program on your Mac.
TV on Mac via DVB-T stick
With a DVB-T stick you can receive the terrestrial television program on your Mac. DVB-T has completely replaced the analog television signal in Germany, but is not equally good to receive everywhere. You can check whether DVB-T is suitable for you on the website www.ueberallfernsehen.de. You benefit from DVB-T especially in large cities. Here are some DVB-T sticks that are compatible with the Mac:
- Elgato's eyeTV products are probably the best-known for television on a Mac. From about 50 € you get the smallest DVB-T stick from Elgato, the "eyeTV DTT". If the program allows it, you can even see resolutions up to 1080i with the small device. Listening to the radio is also possible. If you want more comfort, it will be more expensive. The "EyeTV Diversity" device is available for around € 100 and helps with two antennas in difficult reception situations. With all devices you can program recordings using the supplied software and view the electronic program guide.
- Hauppauge products can be found in a similar price range. The "myTV 700T" stick was developed for the Mac, also costs around € 50 and offers DVB-T reception via USB 2.0. Also included is an activation code for the "The Tube" software from Equinux, which otherwise costs around € 30 again. Here, too, you can program recordings using the EPG (Electronic Program Guide). As a nice extra, the recording can also be controlled remotely using a smartphone. You can also use the stick on a Windows PC. A small disadvantage: the myTV 700T cannot do HD. In addition to DVB-T, the small stick can also be used for DVB-C, the format for digital cable television.
Watch TV on Mac via apps or websites
For areas where you do not have good DVB-T reception, you can still use live streaming services. A prerequisite is a reasonably fast DSL line from around 2 MBit, ISDN is not enough. The advantage is that you can watch TV anywhere on your network with online streaming. But if you want to watch the private channels or value high image quality, you have to pay for it at almost all providers. We present a few services to you.
- Zattoo is a provider that enables you to watch TV via its website, Mac OS X app or smartphone app for iPhone / iPad or Android devices. The basic membership at Zattoo is free, but you can only see the public service channels and a few additional channels. The Zattoo HiQ premium offer costs € 44.99 for 12 months. For this you get 22 channels in high quality, with the private ones mainly programs from the RTL group. ProSieben and other private broadcasters are not included. You can get an overview from Zattoo in the channel list.
- Live TV is an Equinux app. In contrast to Zattoo, it only costs you a one-time fee of € 4.99, but only offers the public service channels and a few special channels. Although the private channels are shown in the electronic program booklet, you cannot stream them. A disappointment because the program preview raises hopes that are not kept.
- Last but not least, there are of course the media libraries from ARD, ZDF and Co. The disadvantage: There is rarely live streaming here, for example when the crime scene is broadcast. You can also make up for missed programs on the websites of some private channels, but only "on demand". You can use the channels' online portals free of charge.
For the HD playback of DVB-T or streaming you should have a modern system, at least OS X 10.6.8. If you still have an old Mac with Power-PC architecture, this limits your selection of DVB-T sticks to the Hauppauge myTV 700T. In this practical tip, we present the best alternatives to Zattoo.