Question / Help Two PC Streaming Question

[drumsetjunky]

I am looking at getting a capture device so I can stream from a laptop while playing on my deskop PC and Xbox.

The Laptop Specs are:
i7-2630QM Quad Core @2GHz
6 Gb of Ram
Nvidia gt 525M

My issue is with WHICH capture device to go with. Obviously I will need a device that connects via USB.
I feel like the laptop will be able to handle the encoding considering that most USB devices aren't compatible in that manner(right?).

I have my eyes on the Elgato Game Capture and I've been reading that this device is basically the MOST compatible(out of the box) with OBS. However it was designed for mainly consoles and I don't think I'll be running audio via HDMI since I use a headset. Basically I'm concerned about audio issues(no audio ports on the device).

I've also been looking at the Avermedia Live Gamer Portable which has built in audio ports. But I've heard a mixed bag of things regarding it's compatibility with OBS. Avermedia says it works with OBS, many posts here say otherwise.

So considering all of the factors I've provided which device would you guys recommend for a two PC(one of which is a laptop) streaming setup?

Any advice/tips/tricks/thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[dodgepong]

Do you have an Intel or Renesas USB 3.0 port on your laptop? Get a XCAPTURE-1.

Do you want a device that can be added directly to OBS but will have some audio sync issues that you will have to fidget with? Get an Elgato.

Do you want a device that works well, but has to be captured via Monitor capture for the time being until support is added for it in OBS? Get an HD-PVR 2.

 

[drumsetjunky]

My laptop has two Renesas USB 3.0 ports in fact.

I haven't actually even heard of the XCapture. lol
Can it be added directly to OBS? *EDIT* After a quick look, I see now that it can be.

Are there any other devices(other than the Elgato) that maybe are not as cost prohibitive?

I would reallllly rather not have to monitor cap or any of that kinda business.
Having OBS recognize the device as a video capture is really what I want.

 

[Boildown]

USB 3.0 is really new, so not a lot of devices for it yet. USB slower-than-3.0 isn't really good enough to do capturing with. And other than that, you'll need an actual PCIe slot, which rules out laptops. If you can rustle up a desktop, there's a wide selection of capture cards for a two PC setup.

Have you considered trying this: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=6757 ?

 

[drumsetjunky]

I would also like the ability to capture console(xbox) gameplay so a RTMP server setup just isn't viable.

So considering that the encoding could be handled by the laptop is it actually even POSSIBLE to use the Avermedia Live Gamer Portable(or other devices other than the Elgato) as just a CAPTURE device?

 

[dodgepong]

Pretty much all USB 2.0 devices that capture HD video will encode the video on-board before sending it over USB, since USB 2.0 can't handle the bandwidth requirements of raw HD video. So until OBS adds support for decosing encoded video from a USB device, the only USB 2.0 device that can capture HD video that OBS supports is the Elgato.

As someone who has spent a lot of money on audio, video, and streaming equipment, I can't emphasize enough how thankful I am every time I get something that initially seems more expensive than I wanted to get, because I always end up needed the extra stuff later on. The XCAPTURE-1 is a spectacular device, and the cheapest 1080p60 capture device you will find anywhere (others cost $1000 or more). It really is a great device, and the fact you have two compatible USB 3.0 ports is a godsend.

The only other device I can think of is the Black Magic Intensity Shuttle, but I can't emphasize enough to you how much this device is not worth it. The drivers are crap and it's frustrating to work with.

 

[drumsetjunky]

Why is it that I'm seeing conflicting information regarding the Avermedia LGP working with OBS? OBS Forums say it doesn't work, Avermedia Forums say they do(and even provide instructions on getting it set up with OBS).

Sorry to keep bringing that specific device up but I've worked with Avermedia Capture Devices in the past and they were FOR THE MOST PART reliable(once I got them working..lol).

Thank you for all your advice/input and for the recommendation regarding the XCAPTURE.

Working on a pretty tight budget I think the only obvious choice is the Elgato, but I like making well informed decisions.

 

[Lain]

It works with the newer avermedia drivers which I -think- are in beta, but it doesn't work with standard drivers. Hence the confusion, I think