Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 18, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
An overview of the new features:
New, intuitive program window:
The new program window offers the look and feel of the Mac OS X 10.5 Finder. All functions and elements are arranged hierarchically in the left sidebar. Recordings can be displayed both as a list and in the Cover Flow mode familiar from iTunes.
Smart Search:
Since EyeTV 2, the electronic programme guide (EPG) has offered full-text search. Smart Search in EyeTV 3 lets several search criteria be combined for more refined searching. EyeTV displays future TV programmes matching the selected criteria in real time.
Smart EPG:
As with the Mac OS X 10.5 search function, a Smart Search can also be saved in EyeTV 3 as a Smart EPG. It appears in the left sidebar of the EyeTV 3 program window. Smart program folders are updated automatically.
Smart Playlist:
With Smart Playlists, EyeTV 3 can create lists of recordings that meet specific search criteria. Multiple criteria can be assigned to each Smart Playlist; results are displayed in real time. Smart playlists appear in the left sidebar and correspond functionally to the “Smart Playlist” in iTunes and the “Smart Album” in iPhoto.
Series Subscription:
When saving a Smart EPG, EyeTV 3 offers the option of automatically recording programmes matching the search criteria, assigning recordings to a playlist and/or exporting them. As with podcast subscriptions in iTunes, users specify how many recordings to retain. This makes it possible to record and archive television series completely. Series Subscription fully automates recording and export for series, documentaries and more.
Share Film Archive:
As with iPhoto and iTunes, the contents of the film archive (recordings) can be shared with users on the local network. Network users with EyeTV 3 find shared archives under “Shared” in the left sidebar of the program window and can view films in standard or HD resolution.
On-screen menu:
In addition to the familiar controls, EyeTV 3 provides an alternative control method through its new overlay menu, whose semi-transparent displays and controls float over the video. It can be operated via mouse and keyboard, or with a suitable remote control or Apple Remote.
Wi-Fi Access:
Wireless access to film archives over the local Wi-Fi network is available from an iPod touch, iPhone, or Nokia and other smartphones. In addition to the iPhone’s high resolution, EyeTV 3 also supports lower resolutions. PCs and Mac OS X and Windows systems can use Wi-Fi Access as well (Safari 3 browser required).
Password-protected Wi-Fi Access:
Access to the film archive can be password-protected in EyeTV 3, ensuring that only authorized users can access the films.
New Editor:
The program’s video-editing function has been completely revised in EyeTV 3. Recording-editing controls are integrated into the film window in a transparent box, so the user does not need to leave the television window.
Timeline:
The timeline is now integrated into the television window. Users can easily fast-forward and rewind within the current programme without the on-screen remote control, stop and restart the program, and have full access to the time-shift buffer.
iPod Assistant:
The iPod Assistant guides users through all steps needed to transfer VHS tapes, camcorder tapes or other analogue video content to iPod format while retaining the best possible quality (requires a device with hardware compression).
Automatic Management:
The “Keep the last XX episodes” function automatically limits the number of recordings on the hard drive, making optimal use of available space. This functionality is integrated into Smart EPG.
Multiple channel lists:
People who move between different locations can save channel lists for the respective channel offerings and switch between them according to their surroundings, avoiding repeated channel searches, naming and sorting.
Script menu:
Greatly improved AppleScript support. The Script menu is now integrated into EyeTV 3.
