CAPTURE CARDS
Before software recording reached the sophisticated heights of today, video recording was predominantly done using capture cards. These are typically USB devices or PCIe express devices that can capture content from external hardware, such as a console or a camera.
These are the most commonly used cards and both need to be connected to a PC for it to handle the processing of the data. In the consumer market, most of these devices have an HDMI input for connecting to a games console.
The market is quite diverse, and there are plenty of different options available for different resolutions and different streaming needs.
If you are constantly on the go or recording from several different devices, a USB capture card is the more sensible option as this runs on most laptops with a 3.0 USB port.
However, if you have a permanent setup and want a slightly more reliable option that doesn’t take up a USB slot, choose a PCIe express capture card.
This takes an unencrypted video signal and converts it into a readable format for your PC. You can then take this straight into a stream or edit the files to create custom videos.
The good thing about encryption is that it stops piracy— and no, that doesn’t mean you can’t capture yourself streaming Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, that will still work. Awful jokes aside, some sites such as Netflix, use encrypted signals using HDCP, so if you try to live stream the latest films or TV series using a capture card, it won’t work.
One of the main benefits of using a capture card is the pass-through capabilities. This essential feature means that you can game and record without creating any latency issues.
Capture cards have always been an essential part of the gaming industry when it comes to content creators broadcasting gameplay. But now, they are the best route to take if you are going to live stream games, particularly if you care about latency and gameplay quality.
• USB capture card: Elgato HD60 $295
• PCIe express capture card: Elgato Capture 4K 60Pro $250