Digital over-the-air HDTV or digital (QAM) and analogue cable TV

Jan 28, 2008 08:26 GMT  ·  By

Whether you're stuck with a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, upgrading (so to speak) to the MacBook Air can wait, as TubeStick hybrid, a newly announced TV receiver, is making its way onto your Mac. Its sexy white shell hides two receivers for watching digital over-the-air HDTV, or digital (QAM) and analogue cable TV.

"As Mac-Users, we believe the design of hardware peripherals is important. That's why we've created a design for the TubeStick hybrid that meshes perfectly with your Mac: small, white and slim," says Equinux, the company behind the TubeStick hybrid.

As you can see, it also includes a white antenna (each and every Tubestick and TubeStick hybrid is packed with it). They say it's got something to do with "flow." Well, whatever it deals with, it's neat!

Not only is the TubeStick hybrid perfect for your MacBook or MacBook Pro (they don't say nothin' about MacBook Air though), but it is actually crafted asymmetrically, so it doesn't block the USB port next to it. Check out the image above, you'll see what I mean.

Also, it's currently one of the smallest TV receivers in its class, so again, why doesn't it work with the MacBook Air...? They'd have gotten along like a father and son at a ball game. Well, you can mess with pretty much anything in this world, but not technical limitations.

You needn't worry about having to screw in or unscrew any parts either. With TubeStick hybrid adapter-plug (IEC/F), connecting your digital TV is now simpler than ever. We're talking about a plug-and-play by the book here.

TubeStick hybrid is due out this February, but only in the US. Those already interested in the product can click here to be some of the first who know when it's available.