Review: ConvertX PVR great for hardware-based DivX video recording
TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Review: ConvertX PVR great for hardware-based DivX video recording

The US$229 device has always supported DivX capture, and now the EyeTV software upgrade makes this feature accessible to Mac users. And as I've repeatedly [url=http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/overhauled_eyetv_a_must_have_upgrade]noted[/url], EyeTV one fine piece of Mac software.

Installation and set-up is a breeze. Just connect the ConvertX to a cable or TV antenna with a coaxial cable, and plug the USB 2.0 cable into your Mac (Macs with only USB 1.1 connections are limited to recording at long play quality, which is watchable despite some MPEG artifacts). Not that for satellite or digital cable, you'll need a digital decoder box to convert the incoming video to analog.

After running a setup tool, the ConvertX automatically finds all the channels in your area and adds them to the list. The biggest gripe, software-wise, is that you can't add or remove channels without running the assistant again.

The ConvertX PVR sports USB 2.0 connectivity and offers overall great picture quality for a medium-priced device. It can capture just about any type of analog video and store it as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, or, as we mentioned, DivX AVI files. It's a capture-only device so can't route captured video back to a VCR, camcorder, or TV. However, it sports composite and S-Video inputs so can transfer DV video to and from digital camcorders.

The ConvertX isn't as compact as some Mac TV tuners and it's not especially attractive (not ugly, but not beauty contest winner -- just sorta bland). USB, coax, and power cables are connected to the back of the unit. The front has inputs for RCA audio, RCA video, and s-video. There’s also a pair of LEDs to indicate if the ConvertX is getting power and if it’s ready to record.

I do wish the Plextor device had a FireWire port (as Elgato's EyeTV 200 once had) but, like many competing products, it doesn't. I also wish it sported a remote, something that's pretty much standard on similar devices. However, you can use a third-party remote if you wish.

System requirements are: Mac OS X 10.1.5 or higher; 20MB of free space for software installation; QuickTime 6 or 7; and a USB connection. Roxio Toast 6 Titanium is recommended for CD or DVD creation.

There's a plethora of TV tuner/DVR/PVR products available for the Mac. If you need one that you can slip into your pocket, the ConvertX won't suit your needs. But if you need such a device that will mainly sit on your desk and which has plenty of connectivity options for TV and video devices, Plextor's product is worthy of your consideration.

Macsimum rating: 7 out of 10.

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Combo Quest (Games)
Combo Quest 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Combo Quest is an epic, time tap role-playing adventure. In this unique masterpiece, you are a knight on a heroic quest to retrieve... | Read more »
Hero Emblems (Games)
Hero Emblems 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: ** 25% OFF for a limited time to celebrate the release ** ** Note for iPhone 6 user: If it doesn't run fullscreen on your device... | Read more »
Puzzle Blitz (Games)
Puzzle Blitz 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Puzzle Blitz is a frantic puzzle solving race against the clock! Solve as many puzzles as you can, before time runs out! You have... | Read more »
Sky Patrol (Games)
Sky Patrol 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: 'Strategic Twist On The Classic Shooter Genre' - Indie Game Mag... | Read more »
The Princess Bride - The Official Game...
The Princess Bride - The Official Game 1.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $3.99, Version: 1.1 (iTunes) Description: An epic game based on the beloved classic movie? Inconceivable! Play the world of The Princess Bride... | Read more »
Frozen Synapse (Games)
Frozen Synapse 1.0 Device: iOS iPhone Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Frozen Synapse is a multi-award-winning tactical game. (Full cross-play with desktop and tablet versions) 9/10 Edge 9/10 Eurogamer... | Read more »
Space Marshals (Games)
Space Marshals 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $4.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: ### IMPORTANT ### Please note that iPhone 4 is not supported. Space Marshals is a Sci-fi Wild West adventure taking place... | Read more »
Battle Slimes (Games)
Battle Slimes 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: BATTLE SLIMES is a fun local multiplayer game. Control speedy & bouncy slime blobs as you compete with friends and family.... | Read more »
Spectrum - 3D Avenue (Games)
Spectrum - 3D Avenue 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: "Spectrum is a pretty cool take on twitchy/reaction-based gameplay with enough complexity and style to stand out from the... | Read more »
Drop Wizard (Games)
Drop Wizard 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Bring back the joy of arcade games! Drop Wizard is an action arcade game where you play as Teo, a wizard on a quest to save his... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Apple’s M4 Mac minis on sale for record-low p...
B&H Photo has M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis in stock and on sale right now for up to $150 off Apple’s MSRP, each including free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses. Prices start at only $469: – M4... Read more
Deal Alert! Mac Studio with M4 Max CPU on sal...
B&H Photo has the standard-configuration Mac Studio model with Apple’s M4 Max CPU in stock today and on sale for $300 off MSRP, now $1699 (10-Core CPU and 32GB RAM/512GB SSD). B&H also... Read more

Jobs Board

All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.