Best Capture Cards

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 29, 2024
Want to embark on a streaming journey but don't know where to begin? Purchasing one of these capture cards could easily prove to be a great place to start. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Resolution
Inputs and outputs
Compatibility
System requirements
Package contents
Size and weight
Warranty
 
PROS

The device is capable of delivering 60 frames per second at a Full HD resolution. The Flashback Recording technology allows you to go back in time on your PC and hit the record button retroactively.

CONS

System requirements are a bit high, despite the H.264 encoder.

OUR VERDICT

This device is a great choice for a gamer that knows what he's doing and is looking for a capture card that could rival is expertise and excellence in the world of video games.

detailed parameters
Resolution

1080p60, 1080p30, 1080i, 720p60, 720p30, 576p, 576i, 480p

Inputs and outputs

HDMI input, HDMI output, USB 2.0, Mini Jack 3.5mm

Compatibility

ОS Windows, MAC OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U.

System requirements

Windows 7 SP1, Mac: OS X 10.9, 4 GB RAM. For recording the gameplay you're going to need a 2nd generation Intel Core i5. 2nd generation Intel Core i7 is a prerequisite for streaming

Package contents

USB cable, HDMI cable, instruction manual

Size and weight

0.75 х 4.4 х 3 inches

3.7 ounces

Warranty

90 days

PROS

The capturing device comes equipped with multiple A/V input options supporting a wide array of sources like HDMI, DVI, VGA, and Component. A/V adapters to record other video sources such as SDI are also part of the package thanks to their SDI to HDMI converter.

CONS

Despite USB 3.0 being a far superior technology, the lack of backward compatibility for older versions could prove to be an issue for some users.

OUR VERDICT

Thanks to the USB 3.0 support that allows you a transfer rate of up to 10 times faster than your regular USB 2.0 interface, this model is a perfect choice for anyone regardless of the preferred gaming platform.

detailed parameters
Resolution

1080p, 720p, 576p, 480p

Inputs and outputs

USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, 2x RCA Stereo Audio, 3x RCA Component Video 1x RCA Composite Video, VGA, S-Video

Compatibility

OS Windows 10 (32/64), 8/8.1 (32/64), 7 (32/64), Vista (32/64), XP (32/64)

System requirements

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 (32/64-bit) CPU: i3 Dual Core 2.8GHz or higher Memory: 2 GB USB 3.0 host controller (Confirmed support with: Intel, Renesas (NEC), VIA, AMD, Fresco FL1100)

Package contents

USB 3.0 HD Video Capture Device,  A/V breakout cable, DVI to VGA adapter, USB 3.0 cable, Instruction manual

Size and weight

1 х 3.7 х 4.5 inches

3.7 ounces

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Roxio Game Capture HD PRO is incredibly easy to use and access, thanks to the Roxio Video Wave, a dynamic video editing software packed only with the most necessary functions.

CONS

HDMI cable is not included in the package.

OUR VERDICT

The model is a great choice for anyone with an average PC thanks to the built-in ability to encode H.264 video compression standard taking some of the load away from your CPU.

detailed parameters
Resolution

1080p30, 720p, 576p, 480p

Inputs and outputs

USB 2.0, HDMI, 2x RCA Stereo Audio, 2x RCA Component Video

Compatibility

ОS Windows, MAC OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

System requirements

Microsoft Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista SP2, XP (SP3 for 32-bit version and SP2 for 64-bit one), Intel Core 2 Duo 1,8 GHz or AMD Athlon X2 64 2.0 GHz. If you'd like to stream in 1080 30p/60i, 2 GB Ram Dual Core 2,3 GHz or higher is recommended

Package contents

USB cable, CD with software on it, Instruction manual

Size and weight

2 x 7.2 x 8.5 inches

14.4 ounces

Warranty

30 days money back guarantee

PROS

The model comes equipped with top-notch H.264 hardware encoding technology and gives you an option to work with any DirectShow compliant streaming software like XSplit or OBS and broadcast to live streaming websites straight out of the box.

CONS

The firmware of PlayStation 4 has to be updated in order to connect through HDMI. 

OUR VERDICT

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture is a perfect choice for those gamers that value mobility and don't like to be reliant on their desktop computer to deal with every part of the process.

detailed parameters
Resolution

1080p30, 720p, 576p, 480p

Inputs and outputs

USB 2.0, HDMI, 2x RCA Stereo Audio, 1x RCA Component Video, SD card slot

Compatibility

ОS Windows, MAC OS, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii U

System requirements

Windows 10 (32/64-bit), Windows 8 (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Mac OS 10.7 and above. CPU Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8 GHz or AMD Athlon 64X2 Dual Core 3.0 GHz, 2 gigabytes of RAM

Package contents

Mini USB cable, HDMI cable, A/V breakout cable, PlayStation 3 cable, 3.5mm cable, Instruction manual

Size and weight

0.87 х 5.1 х 2.76 inches

4.1 ounces

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This capture card gives you the ability to operate it with just one click. All you have to do is plug it in and click the record button on the front of the model to start recording and hit it again when you wish to stop.

CONS

Does not support an exFAT file system.

OUR VERDICT

The AGPtEK HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD will be able to accommodate both gamers, thanks to the support of H.264 file format and a non-gaming crowd, with its compact design and an external audio input.

detailed parameters
Resolution

1080p30, 720p, 576p, 480p

Inputs and outputs

HDMI input, HDMI output, USB 2.0, DC 5V 2A, Component Video, Mini Jack 3.5mm input, Mini Jack 3.5mm output, microphone input

Compatibility

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U

System requirements

A computer is not needed in order to record videos

Package contents

HDMI cable, Power cable, A/V breakout cable, CD with software on it, Instruction manual

Size and weight

1.1 х 4.3 х 3 inches

4.76 ounces

Warranty

30 days money back guarantee

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Elgato HD60 S

Share Your Gaming Experience

There are many different forms that shape the idea of live streaming, but when it comes to gaming, the majority of streams could be divided into two categories. The first category belongs to the so-called Point of View streams. The general idea of these types of streams is rather simple. You have one person playing some video game and sharing this whole experience with his audience. Some streamers may interact with their viewers and provide a constant flow of commentary in order to enrich this experience. You can generally divide point of view streamers into two different categories: the ones that are incredibly good at the games they're playing and those that attract an audience thanks to their natural charisma, sense of humor or any other kind of entertainment value. The streamers of the first type are generally able to draw a substantial viewer base thanks to the educational value of their content since watching people that are exceptionally skilled at your favorite game can greatly improve your own ability and understanding of whatever game in question is. The second type of point of view streamers may not boast an exceptional skill when it comes to video games, but they are still capable of attracting a sizable audience thanks to a variety of other potential redeeming qualities, be it their exceptional sense of humor, the uncanny ability to interact with their viewers or simply their larger than life personality. Now, whether you consider yourself to be skilled at video games or capable of attracting an audience by other means, you'll still need a capture card in order to share your gaming experience and the Elgato Game Capture HD60 should serve as a great starting point in achieving that goal.

Review of Elgato HD60 S

Twice the Regular Frame Rate

When it comes to streaming and game capturing, the important things to consider are supported resolutions and available frame rates. While the majority of capture devices are capable of delivering 1080p videos these days, not a lot of them can boast the ability to record and stream at 60 frames per second. Compared to your average frame rate of 30 fps, this kind of function allows you to deliver a much smoother gameplay. Of course, capturing in Full HD at 60 frames per second takes quite a toll on your CPU and requires a considerable deal of performance from your PC, which is why the Elgato Game Capture HD60 comes with a top-of-the-line H.264 encoder in order to reduce the strain on your central processing unit. In case you already played a few hours and forgot to hit the record button, the Flashback Recording feature allows you to go back in time on your PC and hit the record button retroactively. The device also features a live streaming function with stream command that will allow you to set up your stream on Twitch or Youtube in no time and easily add or change such options like webcam or stream overlay making the Elgato Game Capture HD60 a perfect choice for a gamer that would like to leave his digital footprint as memorable as possible.

Elgato HD60 S in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $142.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01DRWCOGA

VIDEO
Elgato Game Capture HD60 Trailer

What customers say about this product

Features

Higher Bitrate than most other Capture Cards on the market.

Key Specs

The picture comes out really crisp as long as you have it set to 1080p of course. Though you can set it to 720p if your computer can't handle the higher resolution.

Size & Weight

It is compact and lightweight. You can easily take it with you and go to friends.
 

StarTech Game Capture Device

Become a Broadcaster

Naturally, the idea of being able to attract an audience and even possibly make a living out of streaming video games allures millions of gamers all over the world. Problem is, some people consider the point of view streaming to be the only option when it comes to sharing a video gaming experience, and that form of streaming includes at least one potential obstacle too great for some to overcome. The thing with PoV streams is they are only good as the host of the channel and in order to attract an audience with these kinds of streams the said host is going to have to be able to stand out among a huge crowd of potential competition. Those people often feel like they don't possess enough redeeming qualities in order to attract an audience with their personality or their gaming skills. Now, whether that is true or not is up to debate, but the good thing is, there's another category of streams that do not place such a huge burden on the host of the channel and that is broadcasting streams. The idea of these streams is often intertwined with cybersports since they're usually presented in a way of broadcasting professional matches between two teams or individuals in a competitive video game. The benefit of these kinds of streams to a host is that the burden of entertaining his audience partially lies on the players and the option of not having to focus on your own gameplay can often provide a great relief to those streamers that aren't especially proficient at multitasking. So if you don't feel like sharing your own gameplay with the viewers but you still want to build an audience and potentially make a living broadcasting video games, the StarTech Game Capture Device is more than capable of lending you a helping hand.

Review of StarTech Game Capture Device

Fast and Adaptive Solution

We live in a digital world and while that's generally a good thing given a number of possible options we're getting from it, if there's a drawback to it, it would certainly be the number of different interfaces that come with various devices and displays. Luckily, people at StarTech.com are very much aware of that problem, which is why they equipped their capturing device with multiple A/V input options supporting a wide array of sources such as HDMI, DVI, VGA, and component. And in case that's not enough, you can also use this device with A/V adapters to record other video sources such as SDI using their SDI to HDMI converter. The model also gives you the ability to stream and capture videos at Full HD with 60 frames per second thanks to the support of H.264 encoding. Of course, given the amount of data these kinds of streams are comprised of, it's a good thing the StarTech Game Capture Device comes with a USB 3.0 support that allows a transfer rate of up to 10 times faster than your regular USB 2.0 interface. Whether you're looking to stream gameplay from your favorite console or capture your greatest gaming moments on your PC, this capture device will be able to accommodate your needs to the fullest.

StarTech Game Capture Device in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $155.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00PC5HUA6

 

Roxio Game Capture HD PRO

Your Streaming Journey is About to Begin

To some people, the concept of streaming your own gaming experience to a potentially large variety of viewers seems like the kind of idea that they simply cannot wait to engage in. And although other groups of people may find this endeavor as or possibly even more exciting, not all of them are necessarily as eager to take that first step. Obviously, one of the things that stops some of these people is simple shyness. No matter how tiny your potential audience may be at the start, the idea of opening yourself up to criticism of strangers on the internet rightfully terrifies certain individuals. The other factor stopping potential streamers is self-doubt. Some of them feel like they aren't good enough at the particular game or just video games in general and the anxiety of failing in front of an audience is too much for them to handle. Others don't necessarily feel like exceptionally interesting individuals capable of entertaining an audience based on their personality, sense of humor or the ability to interact with viewers. All of these things matter, and you need to consider them before you decide to start streaming. But just as it is with most things, you need to maintain a healthy balance. Little bits of introspection can prove immensely useful in terms of self-improvement, but too much self-doubt can mentally chain you and prevent from ever engaging in any kind of new and exciting activity. You will never know how appealing you are to your potential audience until you try, so grab the Roxio Game Capture HD PRO and embark on a streaming journey with your head held high.

Review of Roxio Game Capture HD PRO

Easy and Accessable Software

While the process of streaming your own gameplay and capturing videos may seem somewhat straightforward to a lot of gamers out there, saying the same about video editing would be a bit of an exaggeration. Thanks to the number of potential features and options your average editing software boasts, even some of the more tech-savvy users can get easily confused with it. This particular issue has been known to doom a variety of otherwise perfect devices, so it's a good thing that the Roxio Game Capture HD PRO includes Roxio Video Wave, a dynamic video editing software packed only with the most necessary functions. The moment you are done recording your gameplay, you can use the Video Wave software to effortlessly include background music, text, transition effects, voice narration and other features. The Voice Changer gives you the ability to choose a voice narration style to match some of the more specific game recordings, providing you with an exciting new feel to your gaming experience. Naturally, the ability to stream and record your videos is only possible thanks to the product's support of HDMI and Component cable connections and the built-in ability to encode H.264 video compression standard. The idea of sharing your own gameplay with the rest of the world can be a complicated process, but with the Roxio Game Capture HD PRO you'll be able to handle it with ease and grace.

Roxio Game Capture HD PRO in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $58.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B008YTAGGW

VIDEO
Roxio Game Capture HD PRO
 

AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture

It's More Fun Than You Thought

The live streaming industry has been growing at a ridiculously exponential rate and just the cybersports division of it is expected to achieve a global revenue of over a billion dollars in less than 2 years. But despite the growing popularity, the concept of watching other people play video games instead of playing them yourself still seems to elude a pretty large portion of the population. And it's not like they don't have a point since playing video games is a lot of fun and the idea of letting somebody execute that fun part for you appears to be somewhat counterintuitive to the casual eye. But if you actually decide to look into it and consider the potential benefits of watching somebody play your favorite video game instead of doing it yourself, there's a good chance you might realize that it isn't as dull as you may think. First of all, some people are simply a lot better than you are at any given video game and the idea of watching somebody apply his impeccable skill into the cyberworld is not entirely dissimilar to enjoying an NBA match between some of the best basketball players on the planet. But if the host of a channel isn't better than you are at a particular video game or said video game doesn't even excite you, there's still a good chance you can enjoy the experience of watching the person play that video game simply due to his relatable personality, the ability to engage his viewers or any other redeeming quality. Last but not least, even if the idea of watching somebody play video games still doesn't seem all that appealing to you, that doesn't mean that everyone shares your mindset. Streaming itself can prove to be a great source of entertainment and a great place to meet new friends and share some of the most fun experiences of your life with a group of loyal followers. The world of live streaming is going to keep on developing and growing in popularity and with the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture Card you will have a chance to stand at the forefront of this development.

Review of AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture

Record and Edit on the Fly

Streaming and capturing videos can be a lot of fun. The only problem is, since you're so reliant on your often massive personal computer to handle most parts of it, the whole process can result in you being tied up to a chair for a prolonged period of time leaving no room for freedom and mobility. Thankfully, with the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture Card this whole issue is about to meet its' maker. This capturing device gives you the ability to record entirely without a personal computer and on the fly. All you have to do is turn on the 'PC-Free Mode' option, insert SD card to record and you're more than prepared to capture the moment anywhere you go. Naturally, with the model being portable, it provides you with an option to work with any DirectShow compliant streaming software like XSplit or OBS, and broadcast to live streaming websites straight out of the box. But this is an AverMedia device after all, so if you're unhappy with any of these applications, you can gain instant access to RECentral, AverMedia's very own streaming and capturing software. And if you're still not sure whether this is the right device for you, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture Card also comes equipped with a top-notch H.264 hardware encoding technology that will seamlessly deal with HD video processing and lower your processor usage.

AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Capture in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00B2IZ3B0

VIDEO
AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable Lite
 

AGPtEK HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD Game Capture Recorder

Stream Whatever You Want

With the rapid growth of the gaming industry overall and the cybersports division in particular, it probably wouldn't surprise anyone that the idea of live streaming has become almost synonymous with sharing your video gaming experience online. And although gaming channels make up for the absolute majority of content on live streaming websites like Twitch and Youtube, that doesn't necessarily mean that streaming your gaming experience is the only way to go. Despite how fun video games can be, not everybody enjoys playing these kinds of games, so it comes as no surprise that not everybody enjoys watching other people play video games, either. Twitch alone has a variety of non-gaming related sections for those viewers that aren't necessarily interested in watching other people play video games and those streamers that don't have the desire to play them for an audience. There's your IRL section where people are encouraged to share any experience outside of the realms of virtual space, a Talk Shows section where people enjoy discussing video games more so than actually playing them, and the last but not least, a Creative section. The latter one is home to some of the most talented people on that website ranging from artists sharing their drawing experience to musicians performing in front of a huge audience online. Some individuals even stream television series and anime shows in order to share that experience with a loyal group of followers. Now, no matter which one of these groups of people you belong to, one of the few things they have in common is that they all need a capture card in order to be able to stream their experience with great comfort and solid quality. Luckily, the AGPtek HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD is capable of satisfying the needs of every streamer regardless of what they're intending to share with people online.

Review of AGPtEK HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD Game Capture Recorder

Just Hit the Record Button

Although the AGPtek HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD is a device that will allow you to stream and capture any of your favorite moments even outside of the gaming realm, the gaming enthusiast's communities were to make a great mistake if they decided to sleep on this capture card. The model comes with a built-in H.264 hardware encoder, thus providing you with the ability to lower the usage of your central processing unit and decrease the size of your files even for footages shot in 1080p. Furthermore, this file format is incredibly easy to work with and is suited perfectly for post-editing and uploading. The device is incredibly easy to use and requires no additional setup. Just plug it in and click the record button on the front of the model to start recording and hit it again when you wish to stop. The external audio input gives you the ability to record your own voice from a microphone along with the video footage. So whether you're looking to record some gameplay footage or take your talents outside of the gaming world, the AGPtek HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD will be there for you to make the recording process as easy as it's ought to be.

AGPtEK HDMI/YPBPR Recorder HD Game Capture Recorder in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00MXK8SGS

VIDEO
AGPtek HD Game Capture Review and SETUP GUIDE + Sample gameplay
 

Infographics

Comparison of Capture Cards

What Is a Capture Card?

People love to watch other people play games. While it is a concept that seems entirely ludicrous to the previous generation and even some individuals among the more youthful crowd, the rising popularity of this form of entertainment is something that even the most dedicated critics wouldn't dare to deny. With more and more people joining the ranks of streamers on the most popular streaming platforms, it comes as no surprise that the supply caught up with the demand and hardware developers manufactured a device called a capture card that helps said streamers deliver the content with great ease. A capture card is essentially a piece of technology that provides services for capturing video signals from external devices via HDMI connection. It helps the user to capture the gameplay from their favorite gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox. The device acts as an input data receiver. When the user is working on two PCs where one is used for playing the game and another one for streaming, the capture card is connected to the stream PC. GPU of the gaming PC will continuously transfer data to this capture card. This signal is captured, recorded and encoded if needed, and after that, it is finally ready to be uploaded to a streaming website.

If you'd like to stream and record gameplay footage but aren't yet in possession of a gaming platform, you might want to look for a gaming console or a gaming PC first.

What Features to Compare

Resolution

Since what a capture card essentially does is capturing the video between the source and a display while acting as a pass-through for a video signal, you have to make sure that the video signal the device delivers to your display comes with a satisfactory quality. One of the ways to make sure that the outcome would be of the desired quality is to check the maximum resolution that your potential capture card is capable of handling. If that capture card doesn't support your display's optimal resolution, this kind of purchase will result in a low-quality, unclear image. Of course, as it is with displays, there's no drawback to getting the highest resolution option on the market, so don't get discouraged if the capture card is capable of supporting 1080p while your screen's optimal resolution is 720.

Connectivity Options

Another thing to pay attention to when purchasing a capture card would be the interface and compatibility. Your personal computer, gaming console, and your display have different inputs and outputs and so do the capture cards that allow you to record video sources as well as stream them live to a live streaming video platform. Therefore you have to make sure that your potential acquisition is compatible not only with the source of information but also with the display that the capture card will be delivering said information towards.

Software and Compatibility

The last but not least factor when it comes to purchasing a capture card is software. A capture card ought to be capable of recording the gameplay footage for you to edit as well as streaming your gaming experience in real-time. You're looking to deal with a lot of data together with a variety of potential options, so a software that provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface is going to prove imperative in helping you delve into the often complicated world of streaming.

Did you know?

That:

  • Amazon acquired Twitch in August of 2014 for over $970 million.
  • Capture cards trace their roots to a TV tuner card that would allow television signals to be received by a computer.
  • In 2015, Twitch announced it had more than 1.5 million broadcasters and 100 million visitors per month.
  • Twitch originated from Justin.tv from the gaming category section of that website.
  • Some of the streaming services feature a partner and affiliate program allowing their broadcasters to make a living out of shared advertisement revenue and paid subscription system.

The Roots of Live Streaming.

If you were to take a look at the big picture and don't give too much attention to even the most conceptual differences, the idea of sharing your own gaming experience with an audience isn't entirely new. If we were to trace back this idea starting from online streaming and going backwards in history step by step, the closest relative to the kind of services that websites like Twitch provide would be the so-called "Let's play" videos that started somewhere in the mid-2000s but really gained traction and popularity a few years ago on Youtube thanks to the likes of PewDiePie, Markiplier, Game Grumps, and Machinima. If you're not familiar with this format, Let's plays are basically a style of video series produced through documenting the playthrough of a video game, usually including the commentary by the owner of the channel.

Of course, before Let's Plays, there has been a variety of different gaming-related content, including but not limited to different kinds of game shows, series based around game theories and a plethora of other gaming content. But all of them had some kind of a theme and structure, while what Let's Play videos lacked in quality of the content, they more than made up for it with a kind of authenticity that attracted a huge variety of new followers.

How Capture Cards Came to Be.

Naturally, even though Let's Plays didn't require much effort in terms of editing structuring, you still had to waste a lot of time on things like basic cuts, audio issues and uploading the videos to a website like Youtube. This is where video game live streaming services comes in. Instead of spending all of that time and energy on editing and uploading your videos, websites like Twitch allowed you to share your gaming experience with an audience in real time, providing the viewers with even more authenticity thanks to the absence of editing.

The whole concept became popular pretty much overnight and these kinds of websites started to gain a lot of traction in just a couple of years. Although in the early 2010s there were quite of few popular options, Twitch managed to clearly stand out among the competition, bringing in millions of viewers and eventually leading to its acquisition in the latter part of 2014 by Amazon. The place was basically a mecca for gamers trying to share their gaming experience with a following of loyal viewers. The only problem was that live streaming your gameplay puts an incredible amount of strain on your personal computer, not to mention the fact that the whole process was downright impossible regarding gaming consoles. What streamers needed was a device that would allow or help them to capture, record and encode video signals from their gaming consoles or personal computers and upload that information to a live streaming website at the same time. Seeing a potentially lucrative idea, the manufacturers of tech products decided not to waste any time and came up with a capture card almost before streamers even realized that they were in need of such device.

FAQ:

Q: Do I even need a capture card in order to stream?
A: While a capture card is a remarkably convenient and effective device that can improve the streaming experience of every type of live streamer, the answer to that question depends on your gaming platform. If you generally tend to play on a gaming console like an Xbox or a PlayStation, then a capture card is an outright prerequisite since those do not possess the means to stream your gaming experience on your own. If you want to stream from your personal computer, technically you do not need a capture card, but since streaming can be very taxing on your central processing unit, a capture card that is capable of hardware encoding can really take some of that load of your CPU. Not to mention the fact that even if you are in possession of a powerful CPU, streaming in high resolution can still take quite a toll on your computer, so a video capturing device will prove more than handy.

Q: What's the deal with the delay and no delay live preview features?
A: A preview delay means precisely what it sounds like and that is a delay in the video stream from the capture card. A large variety of external capture cards and even some of the internal models come with a preview delay. If you're looking to stream from a console then we would highly advocate towards getting an internal or PCI based capture card since those models will allow you to play your console game on your PC while streaming at the same time. Capture card developers are working towards reducing the preview delay as much as possible, but only a few of the models can boast having no preview delay. Of course, there's no upside to having this delay, so you should look for the cards that have no or close to no preview delay.

Q: Do I want an external or an internal capture card?
A: There are two different versions of capture cards. The first one is called the internal or a PCI since it goes into your conventional PCI slot. The second is called an external because it needs to be connected to your streaming device with a USB cable. If you'd like to get an internal capture card you're going to need a proper desktop with an available PCI slot. Since a lot of people have a laptop instead of a desktop computer, an internal video capturing device is not an option for them.

Q: What's the difference between capture cards capable of hardware encoding and the ones that don't encode?
A: When you stream your gameplay to a live streaming website like Twitch or Youtube, your CPU encodes the video. What that essentially means is your CPU is turning your video into a transferable form and that process requires a considerable amount of processing power. If your personal computer isn't capable of maintaining this process while providing a solid frame rate in your video game, then a capture card capable of encoding will greatly reduce your CPU's workload and increase your PC's performance.

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Publish Date: 2017-11-07 16:35:52