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TV Tuner

by Matthew Russell

Type(s): Electronics/Gadget
Tags: tv tuner miglio tvmicro gadget


http://www.miglia.com/products/video/tvmicro/
$100 (US, estimated)

Tool photo.

The TVMicro is a terrific value if you're a Mac user who is looking for a cheap and space-efficient way to replace your existing TV or digitize those dusty old VHS cassettes up in the attic.

Checking in at about the size of an iPod Shuffle, the TVMicro connects directly to your USB port, is reasonably priced, and comes bundled with a remote control and EyeTV -- a slick software package that gives you a TiVo-like interface that's similar to iTunes. Even without a cable subscription, a rabbit-ear antenna can usually pick up most of the network channels, so why not schedule recordings for your favorite shows and save the money you'd normally spend in the iTunes Music Store?

Being an analog tuner, the TVMicro connects directly to a standard RF cable, and this connection makes digitizing those VHS cassettes as simple as connecting a VCR and letting EyeTV's recording capabilities produce a digital file that burns to DVD. Another creative possibility (that's sure to be a crowd pleaser) is to purchase a power inverter so you can bring along a laptop and old school Nintendo on your next road trip. Your backseat passengers will love your for it -- guaranteed.

Buy at most Apple stores or at apple.com.