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powerhouse7

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 21, 2009
132
0
Canberra, Australia
I've just discovered that the new 27" iMac can be connected to a macbook and used as a monitor. Does this mean that it now has the capabilities to be connected to a digital set top box and used as a TV? (even if it can't record, but just watch) or do i still need to buy eyeTV?
 
You Can

Just answering my question, you can watch tv on the mac, but not because it's a 27" new imac. All you need is digital set top box with a firewire/USB connection (and the appropriate software - there is freeware about) and you can watch and record with any mac.
 
That's good to know, thanks for the update. I wish Apple had made it so only the display needed to be on (using it as a true monitor/TV) and included other inputs. Would make it quite appealing to those that require a smaller TV and a Mac computer (two birds, one stone). But alas, the iMac needs to be completely powered on whether using it with a Display Port computer or with the method you posted :(
 
Another Way

After rummaging around my house, i discovered an old (3-4 years) set top box with a VGA output, but no firewire. So, I have connected it up to my second display via the VGA cable (the screen has two inputs, so i can have both my computer and set top box plugged in at the same time) and put audio in my stereo (but I imagine you can also plug audio into the audio input jack on imac's). While I can only watch live tv, this is how I have solved the problem without spending money. :)
 
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