Elgato releases EyeTV for the iPhone

Elgato has released EyeTV for iPhone and iPod Touch (iTunes link), a new, $4.99 app that connects to any Mac running the latest version of Elgato's EyeTV 3.2 software. The app allows EyeTV users to view TV recordings and live TV from a remote location with one limitation: a Wi-Fi connection is required for viewing live TV. (Restrictions on the app by Apple and AT&T prevent live streaming via 3G.)

The mobile app accesses EyeTV running on a home Mac, allowing users to perform the following actions via their iPhone:

• 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, schedule them for later, or watch directly from the TV guide.
• View and edit your recording schedules.

EyeTV connects automatically to any Mac and will find a Mac on the local network using Bonjour. The app can also find and access a remote Mac using "My EyeTV," a free service introduced with the EyeTV 3.2 update that allows you to connect to your Mac using any router that supports UPnP or NAT-PMP protocols. If that isn't sufficient, users have the option of configuring their routers manually or using a dynamic DNS service to make the connection.

EyeTV running on your Mac converts live TV to the correct format for streaming to the iPhone, ensuring optimal picture quality. Already recorded video will need to be converted in order to be viewed on the iPhone--if not, you'll see the error below.

Overall, Elgato's EyeTV app looks exciting and it is a welcome add-on for EyeTV for the Mac.