Elgato EyeTV Mobile ships to the US, brings Dyle live TV tuning to data cap-dodging iOS users

We've only seen periodic attempts at melding live ATSC-Mobile TV with iOS devices; more often than not, internet-free broadcasting to American smartphones and tablets has been the domain of Android. Elgato is seeking some balance by shipping one of the few peripherals delivering over-the-air US TV to our iPhones and iPads. The new version of the EyeTV Mobile dongle gives iOS devices with 30-pin connectors (or an adapter) access to live TV stations under Dyle Mobile TV's service umbrella, including some local Fox and NBC channels. A free EyeTV Mobile app is part and parcel of the strategy with an option to pause live shows as well as a programming guide. The add-on is in US stores now for $100, although it could pay for itself in an era when carriers want to stifle unlimited data and make streaming TV an expensive proposition.

Show full PR text

EyeTV Mobile and Dyle™ Mobile TV Bring Live Television to iPads and iPhones

SAN FRANCISCO, NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES – November 19, 2012 – Elgato, a global leader in TV and video solutions for the Mac, PC, iPhone and iPad, and Dyle™ mobile TV, a live broadcast service from the Mobile Content Venture (MCV), today announced the immediate availability of the EyeTV Mobile accessory, a Dyle mobile TV compatible TV tuner for iOS devices that will turn iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone devices into portable TV's. The accessory connects to iOS devices directly via the dock connector to bring live TV to consumers. The ultra-compact ATSC-Mobile tuner receives mobile TV signals from a miniature antenna for use on-the-go, or a rod antenna, which provides broader range at home or in the office. Consumers can access live TV with the free EyeTV Mobile app, which provides a full range of TV viewing features including pause/ resume capabilities and access to detailed program guide (EPG) information.

Be entertained on-the-go

"This is an exciting time for us as we, together with Elgato, continue to expand Dyle mobile TV to a broader group of consumers, who can turn their existing smartphones and tablets into a handheld TV set," said Salil Dalvi and Erik Moreno, co-General Managers of MCV.

"We're thrilled to bring Dyle mobile TV to the iPad's beautiful screen," added Markus Fest, CEO of Elgato. "Users will be able to enjoy a broad range of TV shows and events on-the-go without ever touching their data plans."

The EyeTV Mobile accessory connects to a consumer's iOS dock connector and enables consumers to enjoy live news, sports, and entertainment programming from participating stations, such as local FOX and NBC TV stations (differs by market). The tuner receives the television signal from an antenna so it does not require an internet connection or use up any mobile data. Working with the free EyeTV Mobile App, the tuner also allows viewers to enjoy a full range of TV viewing features on their iPad, iPod Touch or iPhones, displaying live broadcast TV from participating Dyle stations. In addition to live broadcast TV from Dyle partner stations, users can access any other stations that may be broadcasting to mobile in a specific market. Dyle TV is available from more than 90 stations in 35 markets, reaching approximately 55 percent of the U.S. population.

Specifications

The EyeTV Mobile accessory utilizes the broadcast industry standard technology of ATSC-Mobile. It comes with a miniature aerial (MCX), a rod aerial with magnetic base and removable suction cup, a printed Quick Start Guide, and a USB charging cable (intended for use with the EyeTV Mobile battery, not designed to charge an iPad). The EyeTV Mobile app requires iOS 5.1 (or newer), and the accessory works with the iPod Touch (4th generation), iPad, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S. It is also compatible with the newest iOS devices through adapters that connect the accessory, including the iPhone 5, iPod Touch (5th generation), iPad (4th generation), and iPad Mini.

Pricing & Availability

The EyeTV Mobile accessory is priced at USD $99.95 and is available from Elgato at www.elgato.com, Amazon and other retail locations. The EyeTV Mobile app, compatible with the Dyle service, is available at no charge in the App Store. Dyle mobile TV services are available immediately without a subscription fee, which is subject to change at any time (coverage varies in participating markets, not all stations are available in all markets).