TVMax+ FAQ

This FAQ covers general questions about TVMax+

 

Q: What are the minimum system requirements for TVMax+?
A: A Mac with a G4/1.25 GHz(or faster), G5 or Intel processor, built-in USB 2.0 connectivity, Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.

 

Q: Can I run TVMax+ on a USB 1.1 bus?
A: No, the bandwidth provided by USB 1.1 is not sufficient to run TVMax+ satisfactorily.

 

Q: What is the difference between TVMax+ and TVMax?
A: The software! The TVMax+ is much closer to the hardware and takes full advantage of the capabilities of the built-in hardware encoder. Instead of saving video files to your hard drive in a proprietary "container", TVMax+ uses standard file formats, such as .mpg (MPEG-2), .mp4 (MPEG-4), .avi (DivX). This means you can play recordings back with pretty much any media player without having to go through lenghty export steps.
The other major advantage is that TVMax+ creates files that are directly compatible with the iPod Video, iMovie HD (MPEG-4), Apple TV, MPEG-4 enabled DVD players and Sony PSP consoles. Instead of recording a file and then reconvert it, you just record and use immediately.
TVMax+ also offers a built-in DVD burning tool, saving you the cost of additional software.

 

Q: Can I convert VHS tapes to DVD with TVMax+
A: Yes, that's not a problem. TVMax+ can record files in a DVD compliant format and will even burn them to DVD for you.

 

Q: Does TVMax+ work in the USA?
A: Yes. The PAL/NTSC version, available in the USA, is fully compatible with analog TV signals broacast in the USA. This model also ships with an threaded adapter that lets you connect your antenna.

 

Q: What TV standards does TVMax+ support?
A: PAL and NTSC (USA/Asia) or PAL and SECAM (Europe). Specifically, PAL D/K, B/G and I are supported. PAL N and PAL M are not at this time.

 

Q: What format does TVMax+ use for recording?
A: TVMax+ records in MPEG-2, MPEG-4 or DivX depending on the setting you chose in the software. The bitrate for each format can be manually fine tuned to save space or gain quality.

 

Q: Does TVMax+ support Timeshift, eg. Pause, rewind, skip forward live TV?
A: Yes.

 

Q: Does TVMax+ support the tvtv EPG?
A: Yes. A free trial for 30 days is included in the package.

 

Q: Does TVMax+ support the TitanTV EPG?
A: Yes and it is free of charge.

 

Q: Does TVMax+ allow scheduled recordings?
A: Yes. It will also wake up or start up your Mac to perform scheduled recordings.

 

Q: Can I record straight into iMovie HD with TVMax+
A: Record your movie into the iMovie HD format, create an MPEG-4 project in iMovie HD and drag the file onto your favorite video editing application. The file is immediately available, no conversion required.

 

Q: Does TVMax+ support HDTV broadcasts and/or digital TV?
A: The built-in tuner is analog-only. However, nothing prevents you from connecting a digital set top box to the video inputs of TVMax+ and record TV shows straight to MPEG-4. If you do not require MPEG-4 capture or do not wish to use a set top box and live in Europe/Australia, you can use TVMini Express.

 

Q: Can I use a games console with TVMax+?
A: No. You can connect it, but there is a delay between the incoming signal and what is displayed on your screen (making games difficult to play). The upcoming TVMini HD+ and TVMini+ will allow this with much better video quality that other solutions currently available on the market.