How To Set Up A Capture Card

If yous want to beginning streaming your own gaming content, y'all'll need to know nigh video capture cards. Find out what a video capture card is, why you need it for streaming, and how you can use information technology for your Xbox 1, PS4, and Nintendo Switch-streaming shenanigans.

What is a video capture card, and how does it work?

A video capture device, which is often just called a video capture card, is a piece of hardware that's essential for any game streamer. Its job is simple: to convert in-game footage of yous pwning n00bs into digital data that your computer recognizes.

The video capture card does what it says on the tin. Information technology captures the on-screen activeness and encodes information technology for playback on your stream, or a loftier-quality video file for you to meddle with and mail service after. It's the broker between your gaming console and video player, allowing you to broadcast gaming on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Discord.

Why should I utilise a video capture card?

If you're starting equally a streamer and are strapped for cash, you can go started with some basic streaming software. We've put together a guide on the all-time streaming software here, and if yous're merely streaming games from your computer, the linked recommendations should do just fine.

People used to mumble about software impacting the overall performance of your stream, but nowadays, it's sophisticated enough to brand no existent impact. Even so, if you want to stream from a dedicated gaming console similar PS4 or Xbox Ane, you'll demand a concrete capture card.

How to use a video capture card

Even though a video capture card is an external slice of kit, information technology's not very fiddly. For ease, we'll refer to OBS Studio/Streamlabs OBS equally your streaming software of option. Here's how to ready yourself up!

How to utilize a capture menu for Xbox 1

Requires Xbox One, reckoner, capture card, OBS plan, two HDMI cables, TV/monitor, and a USB cable.

1. Download all the necessary software required for your capture carte. Yous'll be prompted to practice this when you fix upwardly your capture card, and won't have to leave all this stuff running in one case you're streaming. Your computer will do the piece of work for y'all!
2. Connect the Xbox's HDMI output to the capture card'southward HDMI input with your first HDMI cable. Then, with your second HDMI cable, connect the capture bill of fare's HDMI output to the TV or monitor you'll utilise to play the game.
3. Connect the capture carte to your figurer with a USB cablevision, then turn the Xbox on and open your OBS plan.
4. Click the '+' push in the 'Sources' box in OBS, then select 'Video Capture Device.' Proper name the device something memorable (just punch in the capture carte du jour'south model, so you remember information technology,) then select that from the following dropdown menu. The Xbox automatically handles the audio, then y'all're at present hooked upwardly and ready to stream or record your game!

How to use a capture card for PS4

Requires PS4, computer, capture card, OBS program, two HDMI cables, Goggle box/monitor, and a USB cable.

1. Download all the necessary software required for your capture carte du jour, but like you lot'd practise for the Xbox.
2. Connect the PS4's HDMI output to the capture card'southward HDMI input with your first HDMI cable. Then, with your second HDMI cablevision, connect the capture card's HDMI output to the Idiot box or monitor you'll utilise to play the game. Same shtick every bit the Xbox!
3. Connect the capture card to your estimator with a USB cablevision, then turn the PS4 on and open your OBS program.
4. Disable the HDCP setting on your PS4. This setting prevents gameplay from being recorded by external capture devices, so y'all need to turn it off to get your stream going. If y'all leave information technology on, your capture card can't read and convert your gaming to your computer. The HDCP setting is super easy to observe on the PS4, though – it's only nether 'Settings,' then 'Organization.'
5. Click the '+' push button in the 'Sources' box in OBS, then select 'Video Capture Device.' Name the device something memorable like with the Xbox, then select that from the following dropdown menu.
6. Hook up your sound. This isn't automated like the Xbox, so yous need to click the Audio Mixer in your OBS program, side by side to the 'Sources' box. Click the little cog icon side by side to the Mixer, and select the dropdown menu side by side to your Capture Card. Click 'Monitor Merely' to mute the output when it streams, or select 'Monitor & Output' if y'all fancy having your viewers hear everything going on in the game. These options depend on what kind of content you stream, and what type of relationship y'all have with your viewers.

How to use a capture card for Nintendo Switch

Requires Nintendo Switch, computer, capture card, OBS program, ii HDMI cables, Telly/monitor, and a USB cablevision.

1. Download all the necessary software required for your capture carte, only like the Xbox One and PS4.
2. Connect the Switch's HDMI output to the capture card'southward HDMI input with your start HDMI cable. Then, with your second HDMI cable, connect the capture card's HDMI output to the TV or monitor y'all'll use to play the game. Same deal every bit the PS4 and Xbox One.
3. Connect the capture menu to your computer with a USB cable, then plough the Switch on and open your OBS program.
4. Click the '+' button in the 'Sources' box in OBS, and so select 'Video Capture Device.' Proper noun the device something memorable similar we did with the previous consoles, so select that from the post-obit dropdown menu. The Switch sorts the audio out for you lot, so yous're adept to go!

What is the best capture bill of fare for streamers?

There are too many options to count, but we've picked three lower-upkeep capture cards to kicking things off.

Elgato Game Capture HD60 S

It'll only toll yous $189.99, but Elgato's often recommended for a reason. The HD60 S is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, PS, and Switch, and is renowned for its plug-and-play efficiency. It too captures a crisp 1080p60, so the lower price doesn't reflect the quality. You can read all about the HD60 S hither.

Razer Ripsaw HD

The Ripsaw HD's fifty-fifty cheaper than Elgato'due south offering at $159.99, delivers the same 1080p60 quality, and offers 4Kp60 passthrough – snazzy. It doesn't take its ain proprietary capture software similar Elgato, but that shouldn't exist an event if you're using something like OBS. At that place'south more information about the Ripsaw HD here.

AverMedia Live Gamer Mini

The Live Gamer Mini is an absolute care for if your budget's stretched. Information technology'll ready you back $79.99, and boasts the same 1080p60 quality as the other two capture cards we mentioned. AverMedia offers a range of awesome gadgets, only the Live Gamer Midi is tough to vanquish as a first pace. You can bank check information technology out here.

Now you're set, it's time to get some royalty-free bangers to soundtrack your streams.

Are you lot a Twitch streamer? Whether you're a livestream chief or just a beginner, discover what Epidemic Sound has to offer on our Epidemic Sound for Twitch page. Oh, and if you're looking for some music for Twitch, we got your back!

Related posts:

• What Is the Best Streaming Software?
• How to Live Stream
• How to Become a Twitch Streamer

Published on Jan xi, 2022 under Teach Me

Source: https://www.epidemicsound.com/blog/how-to-use-a-video-capture-card/

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