Wavebuster
Smash Journeyman
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2002
- Messages
- 261
This thread is to serve as a resource for those seeking capture devices that capture 480p, mostly via RCA component cables as the Gamecube and Wii are restricted to those for 480p output. Only fairly recently have more affordable options with component input become available in the market. If you game on an HDTV using component cables (if you're lucky and own a CRT HDTV, *highfive*), I hope this helps you find a solution to capturing high quality progressive scan video while not having to change TV setups entirely to do it.
These prices all come from Amazon.com. If other similar devices or better prices for them are around, don't hesitate in sharing that information. Otherwise, these items are arranged in price tiers on Amazon.com:
DBTech USB 2.0 HD Video and Audio Capture Device - $19.99
Pros: By far the most affordable option to capture 480p component video output. Also includes standard 480i composite and S-video inputs.
Cons: Similar to the EasyCap, you get what you pay for. Video quality using component inputs is not nearly as good as what you see onscreen. Sound capture has noise. Maximum capture rate is limited to 30fps. Cannot capture 60fps sources (like Smash) very accurately. Component inputs cannot read 480i signal. Requires additional hardware to split the signal for simultaneous gameplay and capture, adding to costs.
Roxio Game Capture - $80
Pros: Relatively affordable. Includes passthrough ports to both capture video and play on a television simultaneously in real-time.
Cons: Passthrough ports split signal without amplification, degrading their strength and resulting in dim video. Does not include composite or S-video inputs.
AVERMEDIA C281 Game Capture HD - $147-150
Pros: Doesn't require a computer - video recording and processing is done entirely by the recording box, which records to a (not included) internal hard drive or connected USB hard drive.
Cons: Is not a livestreaming device (if your computer is strong enough to livestream, you probably don't need this to record anyway). Quality/progress checking of video still requires a computer. Does not include composite or S-video inputs.
Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition High Definition Personal Video Recorder - $199
Pros: Doesn't require a powerful computer. Video recording and processing is done by the recording box, but it records video to a connected computer's hard drives.
Cons: Setup requires a lot of physical space.
Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle - $190-200 (USB 3.0 interface) or $239 (Thunderbolt interface)
Pros: Professional and highly versatile device if you get it working with your computer. Most "future-proof" of the hardware listed here, with HDMI input and HD support up to 720p at60fps, and 1080p at 30fps.
Cons: Prohibitively expensive in both the cost of the device itself and advanced system requirements.
These prices all come from Amazon.com. If other similar devices or better prices for them are around, don't hesitate in sharing that information. Otherwise, these items are arranged in price tiers on Amazon.com:
DBTech USB 2.0 HD Video and Audio Capture Device - $19.99
Pros: By far the most affordable option to capture 480p component video output. Also includes standard 480i composite and S-video inputs.
Cons: Similar to the EasyCap, you get what you pay for. Video quality using component inputs is not nearly as good as what you see onscreen. Sound capture has noise. Maximum capture rate is limited to 30fps. Cannot capture 60fps sources (like Smash) very accurately. Component inputs cannot read 480i signal. Requires additional hardware to split the signal for simultaneous gameplay and capture, adding to costs.
Roxio Game Capture - $80
Pros: Relatively affordable. Includes passthrough ports to both capture video and play on a television simultaneously in real-time.
Cons: Passthrough ports split signal without amplification, degrading their strength and resulting in dim video. Does not include composite or S-video inputs.
AVERMEDIA C281 Game Capture HD - $147-150
Pros: Doesn't require a computer - video recording and processing is done entirely by the recording box, which records to a (not included) internal hard drive or connected USB hard drive.
Cons: Is not a livestreaming device (if your computer is strong enough to livestream, you probably don't need this to record anyway). Quality/progress checking of video still requires a computer. Does not include composite or S-video inputs.
Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition High Definition Personal Video Recorder - $199
Pros: Doesn't require a powerful computer. Video recording and processing is done by the recording box, but it records video to a connected computer's hard drives.
Cons: Setup requires a lot of physical space.
Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle - $190-200 (USB 3.0 interface) or $239 (Thunderbolt interface)
Pros: Professional and highly versatile device if you get it working with your computer. Most "future-proof" of the hardware listed here, with HDMI input and HD support up to 720p at60fps, and 1080p at 30fps.
Cons: Prohibitively expensive in both the cost of the device itself and advanced system requirements.
