Question / Help Capturing 2 or more HDMI inputs with minimal lag

[Shao Ming]

Hi all,

We have an event coming up and need to manage at least 2 (maybe more) HDMI inputs from 2 handycam. The 2 streams need to be combined and projected out live in a projector at the rear of the event hall.

To have near realtime processing with minimal lag, I understand that I need pci-e capture cards.

A few questions:
1. Can I use 2 identical pci-e cards and obs capture the 2 separate streams? (Eg. 2 x startech PEXHDCAP in 1 PC)
2. I see Yuan SCI cards having 2 or 4 HDMI inputs (Eg. http://www.yuan.com.tw/en/products/capture/capture_sc510n4hdmi_spec.htm). If I purchase such a card, will obs see the multiple streams?
3. There are many OEM cards in Taiwan/China.Has anyone used any of them successfully in obs?
Eg
http://www.mine.com.cn/acquisition-card.asp?id=547&classid=140
http://www.oupree.com/OPR-HD400-Quad-1080P-HDMI-Video-Capture-Card.html

I do not know if the above solutions is ideal for my situation. If anyone has better ideas, please let me know.

Thank you!
/Ng

 

[FerretBomb]

1. Depends on the card. Generally yes, the question being if their software will be able to configure two cards in the same system. Many starter brands (AverMedia, Elgato) don't code with expansion in mind.
2. If you need HDMI inputs, then a card with SCI inputs isn't going to work. Different type of connection.
3. Depends on the card. That OPR-HD400 looks likely to work as they list Adobe FMLE in the software section, so it's most likely accessible via DirectShow. Tempted to order one myself and see, if they listed a price.

If you don't need to capture audio from the cams, take a look on eBay for a Datapath Vision E2 (or E2S). Two input channels, a devoted capture plugin for OBS with direct-card access (so even lower latency, sometimes one frame or less), and normally can be picked up for under $200. Down side, as noted they don't cap embedded audio. They're also extendible up to I believe 8 cards (so 16 inputs) through ID jumpers on the card.