Using iMac as TV?

[Kati]

HI

I have an old 24" iMac (2007) I think. I also have a Sony DVD recorder that has Freeview inside and is able to record subtitles off TV (I'm deaf).

I am wondering if its possible to connect the DVD recorder to my iMac and what lead would I need to look for? what would I then press on the Mac to get to the screen/channel to view the TV guide and choose? (I've lost the little white remote thing that came with it)

I'm assuming my DVD recorder has an aerial socket in the back but it's a while since I've seen the back of it. At the minute it's connected to my main TV in lounge but also have Sky TV in there.

So was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to use the DVD recorder to turn my iMac into a bedroom TV? Will it still display the subtitles as they come from within the DVD recorder?

Thanks

Kati

 

[jonblatho]

You cannot use iMacs from before 2009 with Apple's Target Display Mode feature. There may be a third-party hack which enables similar functionality on older Macs, but I've never heard of anything.

If your iMac happens to be a 2009 model or newer, you're in luck…but other than that, I'm not of much help.

If you don't know how to check your iMac model, click the Apple logo on the left side of the menu bar and select About This Mac. It should be there.

 

[Pushkar]

I think what jonblatho above is possibly misleading. Target Display Mode is only for computers and thus connecting your DVD recorder or any HDMI device would not be enough anyway.

It is possible to turn your iMac into a TV as such. Two ways that I know of, Elgato and other manufacturers make capture cards that connect a device to your iMac's USB slot and display it on your iMac.

The second, and probably the way I would use is to purchase a DVB-T USB stick and connect a freeview ariel - Elgato have their EyeTV software which will allow you to record onto your iMac's hard drive.

 

[Kati]

I think what jonblatho above is possibly misleading. Target Display Mode is only for computers and thus connecting your DVD recorder or any HDMI device would not be enough anyway.

It is possible to turn your iMac into a TV as such. Two ways that I know of, Elgato and other manufacturers make capture cards that connect a device to your iMac's USB slot and display it on your iMac.

The second, and probably the way I would use is to purchase a DVB-T USB stick and connect a freeview ariel - Elgato have their EyeTV software which will allow you to record onto your iMac's hard drive.

Thanks I saw a Freeview USB stick on ebay. it said works from OS X 10.5, think mine is 10.6.8. I'd be more tempted to try the USB stick first as its only £17 but I'm wondering how do I get it to display subtitles? do I need some kind of TV remote to change channels/access the TV guide etc?

I'm not too bothered about being able to record onto it as if the USB TV thing will work I can always record things using Sky Box in lounge on regular TV if I really want to record something for later or onto DVD leaving recorder connected to main TV.

I just want to be able to use it as a telly to watch in bed, without having to buy a new bedroom TV! ..but wasn't sure how I'd get the channels in the first place and what remote I'd need to change channels, put subtitles on etc?

 

[Pushkar]

Thanks I saw a Freeview USB stick on ebay. it said works from OS X 10.5, think mine is 10.6.8. I'd be more tempted to try the USB stick first as its only £17 but I'm wondering how do I get it to display subtitles? do I need some kind of TV remote to change channels/access the TV guide etc?

I'm not too bothered about being able to record onto it as if the USB TV thing will work I can always record things using Sky Box in lounge on regular TV if I really want to record something for later or onto DVD leaving recorder connected to main TV.

I just want to be able to use it as a telly to watch in bed, without having to buy a new bedroom TV! ..but wasn't sure how I'd get the channels in the first place and what remote I'd need to change channels, put subtitles on etc?

I have just had a search, I actually have 3 of these DVB-USB tuner sticks. Had a quick play around with it this evening and it even records the subtitles.
I just use my keyboard and mouse to navigate as my iMac is on my desk, but you can use an Apple Remote or i'm sure there's probably an iPhone app that will let you control it over distance. You just connect an antenna to it and it will work - there's a guide as well. Check out the Elgato EyeTV 3 software.

I actually have a few spare that are no longer used - so if you would like you can have one free of charge; you can just give me a couple of quid for posting it across to you and if you just donate a few pounds to charity if you'd like

Here's a picture of a programme tonight - and the subtitles.

http://postimg.org/image/gdgw2qncb/

 

[Kati]

I have just had a search, I actually have 3 of these DVB-USB tuner sticks. Had a quick play around with it this evening and it even records the subtitles.
I just use my keyboard and mouse to navigate as my iMac is on my desk, but you can use an Apple Remote or i'm sure there's probably an iPhone app that will let you control it over distance. You just connect an antenna to it and it will work - there's a guide as well. Check out the Elgato EyeTV 3 software.

I actually have a few spare that are no longer used - so if you would like you can have one free of charge; you can just give me a couple of quid for posting it across to you and if you just donate a few pounds to charity if you'd like

Here's a picture of a programme tonight - and the subtitles.

http://postimg.org/image/gdgw2qncb/

Great Pic! What is the silver remote shown in the photo? Is that an on screen one?

I'm afraid I don't give my name and address out on forums after a bad experience in the past, but if you could post a link of the product used in the photo's so I know what I'm looking for, I'll look for it on ebay or Amazon.

Thanks

 

[jerwin]

I haven't used my eyeTV in a long time-- streaming is much more convenient to me than adjusting a TV aerial.

But, it supports subtitles, recording, compression, watching and streaming to an AppleTV. There's a program grid that updates via various services-- and some of those services allow you to do things like recording every episode that a station broadcasts. The software is really well designed, and may be worth the relatively high premium/

I have the ATSC version. DVB-T probably differs in various ways.

 

[Kati]

Great Pic! What is the silver remote shown in the photo? Is that an on screen one?

I'm afraid I don't give my name and address out on forums after a bad experience in the past, but if you could post a link of the product used in the photo's so I know what I'm looking for, I'll look for it on ebay or Amazon.

Thanks

I looked up the Elgato one its £60 ish and needs OS X 10.9 I was told I couldn't upgrade the OS any further on my model of iMac.

I thought all the USB sticks were around same price as the one I saw on ebay for £17?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/August-DV...-for-MAC-Apple-OSX-MACTV-Dongle-/291214895700

 

[Pushkar]

Great Pic! What is the silver remote shown in the photo? Is that an on screen one?

I'm afraid I don't give my name and address out on forums after a bad experience in the past, but if you could post a link of the product used in the photo's so I know what I'm looking for, I'll look for it on ebay or Amazon.

Thanks

Yes it's an on-screen one that you can use to pause etc as well (It can be hidden) and plays full screen also. I understand about your privacy, this forum offers a private-messaging facility to keep your details safe - but if you are not comfortable then I will put them up for somebody else .

The software I use is the Elgato EyeTV 3 - I see that on it's own costs £60 which is insane, so you'd be best buying from somebody who is going to offer you the serial key with it.
The three sticks I own are the WinTV-HVR 900, WinTV Nova-T and the Elgato EyeTV Hybrid. The HVR900 and the EyeTV Hybrid are the same stick effectively, their own software recognises it as that so whichever one you can get a good deal on. Good luck!