Question / Help Multiple PC PoV using different scenes with capture cards?

[loz]

Hello!

I stream on a frequent basis using OBS and have recently significantly upgraded my PC in order to keep streaming with a higher quality. I stream usually with a friend who is on my LAN.

The question I have today is how can I stream from my PC but also show his PoV in a different scene with as little lag or delay as possible compared to my PoV.

(So screen region of a separate stream is out of the question with Twitchs large delay)
(Please note that audio isn't necessary from his side as we'll be using a LAN Ventrilo server)

I have already explored this using capture cards that use PSI express ports (that OBS picked up instantly) however we're having issues with black screens or significant tearing on the non-streamers PC, OBS and on Twitch itself. Where as the streamers PoV (my PoV) remains perfectly fine.
Note he also upgraded his PC, very similar specs to myself.

To give you an idea of how I'm trying it accomplish this right now is:

My stream is setup, I'm on one scene.
The other scene is set to my capture card.
The input into the capture card is a long HTMI cable that goes from my card to the other guys room.
It then goes into a HTMI split, then into the back of his graphics card.
Another HTMI on the split goes into his monitor. (so he can see)

This works, I see his screen and the quality is great. Then he moves in game and the tearing starts. I'm lead to believe this has to do with the refresh rate of his monitor or the capture card. He, however, cannot see the screen that is being sent to my capture card and has to set his dual montior setup to "mirror" so he can see what he's actually doing and what is being broadcasted to me. I think mirroring also increases the extra tearing we see.

We're also considering to do the stream both ways, so either I stream or he streams with both PoVs on each so we'll need to get an extra capture card if this way can work.

If anyone out there has any experience at all with this kind of setup please let us know, we'd be happy to pay for your services/time.

The capture card I'm using - http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Ex ... pture+card
The HDMI Split - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001 ... UTF8&psc=1
Cable 1 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008 ... UTF8&psc=1
Cable 2 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D ... UTF8&psc=1

 

[dodgepong]

Re: Multiple PC PoV using different scenes with capture card

Is there a reason you need to use a splitter? Usually you can use two outputs of the GPU and clone one of them, so that one output goes to the capture card and one goes to the monitor, which should eliminate the need for a splitter.

 

[loz]

Re: Multiple PC PoV using different scenes with capture card

The splitter is there so that the signal can be sent to both the monitor and the capture card. We both like to use 2 montiors and would like to keep it that way really, to my understanding that should work with a split.

 

[dodgepong]

Re: Multiple PC PoV using different scenes with capture card

Yes, I understand that, but it isn't necessary. Just use two outputs on the GPU and make them display the same thing.

If you suspect the splitter is the problem, then let's eliminate it, especially if it isn't necessary.

Having said all that, my guess is that the tearing is more likely an issue with your OBS settings, but let's make sure it's not a hardware issue, first.

 

[loz]

Re: Multiple PC PoV using different scenes with capture card

Did tests with lower resolutons and without the split. Still having the same results. Would it be worth contacting a video expert? It feels very much like a hardware problem rather than OBS. I think I just have the wrong equipment.

 

[Jack0r]

Re: Multiple PC PoV using different scenes with capture card

I cannot talk about the quality of the startech card, but looking at your setup it could probably the reason for your problems. Everything else looks fine and you should get a perfect quality video feed from your mate. You could of course also test the hdmi cables with a TV to make sure the 10meter cable is not a problem.
If you can replace the startech card, try to get an Avermedia C127 Game Broadcaster HD for example. It has hdmi input as well and can support 1080p up to 60fps input (with 30 fps output) and should be in a similar price range than the startech card.