Question / Help Console Capturing Questions

S

selonianth

New Member
I'm a relatively new streamer, having streamed for a few months now, and trying to widen my playable games out to my neglected consoles, the only problem with this is a lack of capture card and needing to know what I should pursue.

I want to get a card that fits into the PCI-e slot that's till open on my computer. The only issue is I have no idea what brands are reliable and the few cards that look like they fit the bill have more reviews than I can shake a stick at that say "Do not get this card." At this point I'm giving up trying to do it by myself and would not be averse to a little help.

Additionally, I have a switcher for my consoles that a coworker (who streams occasionally himself) says SHOULD work to bypass the usual issue people have with streaming from a PS3/PS4 by getting around the HDCP blocks. That said, A second opinion regarding that would be great. If that *won't* work I will definitely have to invest in a splitter that *will* and I'd like to know before I buy the capture card and it doesn't work. This, is the switcher in question.
 
Harold

Harold

Active Member
I'd go with the blackmagic intensity pro 4k as the first recommended card in the list.

It supports HDMI, component, s-video (I think) and composite inputs.

Additionally, OBS Multiplatform has more direct compatibility with blackmagic cards.
 
S

selonianth

New Member
It looks like it could do it, the only worry then becomes the software that people seem to be complaining about big time in the reviews on it.
 
FerretBomb

FerretBomb

Active Member
Strongly advise an SC-512 and just using a splitter before the capture card to solve the passthrough need. Hands-down the best capture card on the market for livestreaming purposes, in my opinion. No built-in passthrough (splitter!), but vastly better input support and MUCH better color sampling modes.

Elgato HD60 Pro is another option, has a passthrough built in but only does HDMI, and uses YV12 color capture. More available than the SC512, and better manufacturer support.

Would advise against the BMIP 4K; at present it's kind of a basket-case from everything I've seen, why I haven't grabbed one myself to do testing yet. That and the active cooling fan instead of just a large passive sink is concerning, even if they fixed the Dustbuster problem with a firmware update.


Would possibly also recommend an HDMI matrix instead of just a switcher. Essentially would do both the job of a switch *and* passthrough in one, while allowing you to set up before sending signal to your capture device. I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/Matrix-Switch-Splitter-Control-Supporting/dp/B00ZWYYP8W/
Only down sides, it doesn't keep the EDID handshake (so all outputs flicker black+renegotiate when you switch either input, and your GPU 'sees' the cable disconnect if you run a monitor through it to multi-purpose the monitor as both a computer display and a gaming TV), and it doesn't break HDCP.

For breaking HDCP on the PS3/other sources, I use this cheap $25 HDMI splitter: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004F9LVXC/ Works great.


In my case I have the matrix's outputs going to one of my computer monitors, and my capture card. Inputs are from the computer (via a Gefen HDMI Detective, so my GPU never sees the cable disconnect, and so doesn't scramble my desktop around), my PS3 (via the splitter above, nothing connected to the second output, just there to break HDCP on the one input that needs it), my PS4, and my WiiU.

Very handy and convenient setup that lets me set up my console while on-air, without having to show it on-air.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top