Problem with Dazzle setup

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

First to say I have no idea where to ask this, I've tried /r/smashbros aswell on various places on Smashboards but never got a single reply and I don't know where else on here to ask this so let's give it a go.

Recently I've been interested into recording my gameplay to be able and post them and get critque to be able and improve myself. From that point I looked it up on the internet and asked around for what was needed and was told by a person to get these:

Dazzle - http://tiny.cc/ac3iix[1]
2x Composite Cables - http://tiny.cc/vc3iix[2]
3x Splitters - http://tiny.cc/8c3iix[3]

But upon getting them I had no idea on how to connect everything and make the whole setup work, so I looked it up and saw people using other kinds of splitters like these:
http://tiny.cc/8e3iix[4] or http://tiny.cc/of3iix[5]

Perhaps those are just other kinds of splitters which also can be used as the ones I bought, not sure. I've tried connecting everything but just can't seem to get it done right. Futhermore It may also be just I don't know how to use a program to record the Dazzle. Any good programs to use? Been trying to use AmaRecTV and other kinds of programs, but can't seem to use them correctly since they seems so complicated.

TL;DR Can someone explain in great detail on how I should connect everything step-by-step? Also give me suggestions for the most commonly used programs to record along with the Dazzle? (Don't say Pinnacle Studios, it didn't work)

 

[Kadano]

Just connect them like it seems logical to you. It won’t break if you mess up, just keep changing it until it works. Trial / error is king.

OBS is great for recording and easy to use.

 

[TechMage299]

It doesnt' matter what kind of splitters you are using.
The connectors should go in this order: Wii>RCA>Splitters>one goes to TV, other to Dazzle>PC
Also, as far as i know, Pinnacle is the only I've seen work with Dazzle. What kind of computer are you using?

 

[-Philip Coast Philip-]

From that point I looked it up on the internet and asked around for what was needed and was told by a person to get these:

Dazzle - http://tiny.cc/ac3iix[1]
2x Composite Cables - http://tiny.cc/vc3iix[2]
3x Splitters - http://tiny.cc/8c3iix[3]

Ok, so I'm just making a quick comment here, but I think you'll find this post here helpful.

http://smashboards.com/threads/begi...ing-melee-footage.298260/page-3#post-16026036

Yes, those cables could work. What I suggest in my post up there that's different from yours is that you get a Wii cable with S-video output, but since you already have your cables, then those can work too. Try reading my post and see if that's helpful I can answer questions later.

As for recording, yes, one option is to use a program called OBS or Open Broadcaster Software (it's free/open source), it's not too difficult to set up and should get you good results. Me being a video editor, I use a more hands-on approach and I use a common program called VirtualDub, which allows me to easily split up and produce clips, but it's a bit more to handle, though it's also free as well. But, for what you're doing, I'd go with Kadano's suggestion and try OBS.

I'm sure you can figure out that the USB end of your capture card goes to your USB port of your computer, heh. Just make sure you've installed the drivers for that Dazzle recorder (they should be on the CD or online), otherwise the device won't show up of course.

Just connect them like it seems logical to you. It won’t break if you mess up, just keep changing it until it works. Trial / error is king.

OBS is great for recording and easy to use.

It doesnt' matter what kind of splitters you are using.
The connectors should go in this order: Wii>RCA>Splitters>one goes to TV, other to Dazzle>PC
Also, as far as i know, Pinnacle is the only I've seen work with Dazzle. What kind of computer are you using?

Both of you, that was terrible advice. Just because it's the summer doesn't mean...

 

[Tubby_]

Okay, so this is my first time writing anything on this forum, so hopefully it doesn't suck and is helpful. First thing I would like to say is a Dazzle isn't the most effective of all the capture cards. If I were you, I would start by buying the best instead of doing what most people do including me. By buying a Dazzle, then upgrading, you just waste more, and you don't get much out of it. Personally I use an HD PVR Gaming Edition Two, it's pretty effective.

First, you need to run a composite cable from the GC/Wii to the splitter, then plug the splitters into the dazzle. Next you want to use the second composite cable from the splitters to the TV. (Its pretty easy.) And if i'm not mistaken (I haven't used my dazzle in years.) It comes with a CD That carries the software. From there its self explanatory. I hope this helps!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm just going to edit this real quick to simplify the steps.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Plug all the Splitters into the dazzle.
2)Run the Composite from the Wii to the splitters. Make sure they correspond to the color the Dazzle Shows.
3)Then With the other composite cables run them from the splitters (Again, Corresponding colors.. blah.. blah..) to your TV.
4) Then install the software it came with and Record! (There must be something on the internet to help!)

-Tubby
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[EPsilon933]

Once you learn how to connect everything, try this guide to optimize quality
http://smashboards.com/threads/how-...m-recorded-videos-in-pseudo-hd-easily.333301/

 

[-Philip Coast Philip-]

1) Plug all the Splitters into the dazzle.

This may be the reason you're having a bad time with Dazzle. This may be different for HD-esque recording devices, but by using splitters you're splitting the throughput to Dazzle because you have an unpowered splitter (unless you went through a VCR or DVD with in/outputs, which solves this problem). This is why I recommend using cables that utilize the GC/Wii's separate outputs (composite and S-video).

Also, while I would have dismissed your point awhile ago (since if you're only ever capturing standard definition smash footage there's no reason for you to buy an HD capture device), but with the new smash coming out, one may want an hd capture device. But note that higher def means higher specs and higher storage and what not.

Once you learn how to connect everything, try this guide to optimize quality
http://smashboards.com/threads/how-...m-recorded-videos-in-pseudo-hd-easily.333301/

You know I always wondered why you suggested Xvid and not x264vfw...
Also are you sure your pictures are in the wrong order of quality? Isn't the GC a digital signal (which produced a clearer image) while the Wii is analog, and surely the S-video of one is better than the composite of both. I thought it was well-written otherwise.

edit: interestingly, a single missing "]" caused a bunch of my post to not appear.

 

[EPsilon933]

You know I always wondered why you suggested Xvid and not x264vfw...
Also are you sure your pictures are in the wrong order of quality? Isn't the GC a digital signal (which produced a clearer image) while the Wii is analog, and surely the S-video of one is better than the composite of both. I thought it was well-written otherwise.

I think I tried x264vfw once and I didn't get it to work. My guide is meant to be both as easy and as high quality as possible

The GC would still output in an analog signal because it would be sent through s-video/composite cable. After a 2nd look, s-video is better. I'll have to fix that order

Ty

 

[Shikenshu]

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

Okay, so this is my first time writing anything on this forum, so hopefully it doesn't suck and is helpful. First thing I would like to say is a Dazzle isn't the most effective of all the capture cards. If I were you, I would start by buying the best instead of doing what most people do including me. By buying a Dazzle, then upgrading, you just waste more, and you don't get much out of it. Personally I use an HD PVR Gaming Edition Two, it's pretty effective.

First, you need to run a composite cable from the GC/Wii to the splitter, then plug the splitters into the dazzle. Next you want to use the second composite cable from the splitters to the TV. (Its pretty easy.) And if i'm not mistaken (I haven't used my dazzle in years.) It comes with a CD That carries the software. From there its self explanatory. I hope this helps!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm just going to edit this real quick to simplify the steps.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Plug all the Splitters into the dazzle.
2)Run the Composite from the Wii to the splitters. Make sure they correspond to the color the Dazzle Shows.
3)Then With the other composite cables run them from the splitters (Again, Corresponding colors.. blah.. blah..) to your TV.
4) Then install the software it came with and Record! (There must be something on the internet to help!)

-Tubby
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) There is/have non Wii composite cable. (See picture via link: http://imgur.com/qdqF6hK )
2) How do you mean plug splitters into the Dazzle? The single end of the splitters cannot be plugged into the Dazzle, not like the other splitters I linked that's why I was worried I bought the wrong ones.

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

It doesnt' matter what kind of splitters you are using.
The connectors should go in this order: Wii>RCA>Splitters>one goes to TV, other to Dazzle>PC
Also, as far as i know, Pinnacle is the only I've seen work with Dazzle. What kind of computer are you using?

1) This is something I have trouble with understanding, what do you mean with Wii> RCA? Are you reffering to Wii Composite Cables? Because there is no space for such kind of cables for my Wii (see picture: http://imgur.com/qdqF6hK )

2) A few specs:
- Geforce GTX 660
- Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @3.20GHz
- 8.00 GB Ram (7.94 GB usable)
- 1920x1080, 60Hz
- Windows 8.1

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

Ok, so I'm just making a quick comment here, but I think you'll find this post here helpful.

http://smashboards.com/threads/begi...ing-melee-footage.298260/page-3#post-16026036

Yes, those cables could work. What I suggest in my post up there that's different from yours is that you get a Wii cable with S-video output, but since you already have your cables, then those can work too. Try reading my post and see if that's helpful I can answer questions later.

As for recording, yes, one option is to use a program called OBS or Open Broadcaster Software (it's free/open source), it's not too difficult to set up and should get you good results. Me being a video editor, I use a more hands-on approach and I use a common program called VirtualDub, which allows me to easily split up and produce clips, but it's a bit more to handle, though it's also free as well. But, for what you're doing, I'd go with Kadano's suggestion and try OBS.

I'm sure you can figure out that the USB end of your capture card goes to your USB port of your computer, heh. Just make sure you've installed the drivers for that Dazzle recorder (they should be on the CD or online), otherwise the device won't show up of course.


Both of you, that was terrible advice. Just because it's the summer doesn't mean...

I was thinking of getting an S-video cable for the Wii, but to couldn't find any on Amazon that could ship to where i Lve (Sweden), might try search around more for it if I can't get this setup like it is. I will try my hardest and if I find out it can't work, I might have a second thought about getting that cable.

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

Picture #1: http://imgur.com/qdqF6hK
This is how my Wii cables looks, I don't see where there should be room for more cables.

Picture #2: http://imgur.com/6JjeeM4
This is the only way (with the cables I have) make the connections, I cannot figure out another way to do it. Since I cannot plug the splitters into the Dazzle, there is no other way.

Picture #3: http://imgur.com/NgHvn79
Here are the ends for the composite cables (from the first picture) which leads into the CRT.

Picture #4: http://imgur.com/K2iqM0y & http://imgur.com/DfJ3iT3
Here is just the backside of the CRT, incase it provides some extra information.

Picture #5: http://imgur.com/cRJ9rKN
A general look at where my cables goes to my Wii: they read as the following:
1) This is the first one, it says 12V - In, this is the power supply.
2) The second one, the little one, is just for the Sensor Bar.
3) The third one, the largest one underneath the Sensor Bar cable, is AV Multi Out

TL;DR I feel like I'm missing something, other people are using splitters into the Dazzle itself, which I can't do with my splitters. Futhermore I have nothing to plug into the Wii. So I've come to the conclusion I need both new splitters and S-video cable for the Wii. Am I thinking right or not?

 

[Kadano]

You don’t need S-Video. S-Video is for USA, we Europeans have superior RGB-SCART.

Buy this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WII-WIIU-...Console_Cavi_e_adattatori&hash=item4d190e7176

Connect the SCART plug to your TV. Plug the 3 RCA male-male cable into the SCART cable slots and to your dazzle.

If you want way superior picture quality for playing and recording, these devices worked the best for me:
1. StarTech PEXHDCAP (~120€) (PCIe VGA capture card)
2. Wii VGA cable (~15€)
3. CRT PC monitor (~0€)
4. VGA splitter (~12€)
5. 2 VGA cables (~6€)

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

You don’t need S-Video. S-Video is for USA, we Europeans have superior RGB-SCART.

Buy this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WII-WIIU-...Console_Cavi_e_adattatori&hash=item4d190e7176

Connect the SCART plug to your TV. Plug the 3 RCA male-male cable into the SCART cable slots and to your dazzle.

If you want way superior picture quality for playing and recording, these devices worked the best for me:
1. StarTech PEXHDCAP (~120€) (PCIe VGA capture card)
2. Wii VGA cable (~15€)
3. CRT PC monitor (~0€)
4. VGA splitter (~12€)
5. 2 VGA cables (~6€)

I really don't care for optimal quality and that for now, I simply want to be able and record at a decent enough quality to get critique, at least for now.

How can the SCART Cable be plugged into Wii? Which other pre-existing cable does it replace?

 

[Kadano]

I really don't care for optimal quality and that for now, I simply want to be able and record at a decent enough quality to get critique, at least for now.

How can the SCART Cable be plugged into Wii? Which other pre-existing cable does it replace?

It replaces your composite AV cable. You plug it into the Multi AV port as well.

 

[Tubby_]

I see exactly what went wrong. You bought the wrong splitters! your supposted to get Male to Female, you got Female to Female. You simply need to re-buy the spliters.

 

[Shikenshu]

His splitters looks female to female in the picture.

Dude, just follow my drawing, it's crude, but it explain how to do your setup if you brought dazzle, 2 cable male to male and 3 splitters female to female

 

[TechMage299]

1) This is something I have trouble with understanding, what do you mean with Wii> RCA? Are you reffering to Wii Composite Cables? Because there is no space for such kind of cables for my Wii (see picture: http://imgur.com/qdqF6hK )

2) A few specs:
- Geforce GTX 660
- Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @3.20GHz
- 8.00 GB Ram (7.94 GB usable)
- 1920x1080, 60Hz
- Windows 8.1

Yeah, the composites, I get the two mixed a lot

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

I see exactly what went wrong. You bought the wrong splitters! your supposted to get Male to Female, you got Female to Female. You simply need to re-buy the spliters.

Like the ones I linked?

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

His splitters looks female to female in the picture.

Dude, just follow my drawing, it's crude, but it explain how to do your setup if you brought dazzle, 2 cable male to male and 3 splitters female to female

I tried, but cannot seem to understand. the picture. I mean, what is the thing right of the Cube/Wii which then plugs into the console?

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

It replaces your composite AV cable. You plug it into the Multi AV port as well.

Is that the only thing I hopefully need to buy?

 

[Kadano]

Is that the only thing I hopefully need to buy?

If your composite cable is male to male, yes.

 

[Tubby_]

No, you would want to buy the ones that the single end has a male end, and the other side (With the two things) are female can't post links yet;

amazon (DOT) com / C2G-Cables-40650-Female-Adapter /dp/ B000M52X62 /ref=sr_1_2?ie= UTF8&qid=1405058562&sr= 8-2&keywords =male+to+female+ splitter

Replace the "(DOT)" with a "." and delete all the spaces.
Hope this Helps

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

If your composite cable is male to male, yes.

I have these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000V0DY7U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
so I should be good with getting that SCART cable?

 

[Kadano]

I have these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000V0DY7U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
so I should be good with getting that SCART cable?

Yes.

 

[Kim Steinbach-Reif]

Yes.

Sorry to keep bothering you, but I couldn't find a cable like the one you linked that can ship to my location (Sweden), so would any ordinary Wii RGB Scart work, like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neotechs®-N...5166722&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=wii+rgb+scart ?

 

[JoeTango]

The way I do it with my capture card is plug the splitters into the TV, then the GameCube cables into the appropriate splitter (yellow into the splitter in the yellow on the tv, etc.), and then the composite cable into the other port of the splitter (same thing, yellow where yellow goes etc.) and the other side of the composite cable into the capture card. I don't know if thats the most "efficient" way to do it but thats how I've been doing it for a long time.

 

[Kadano]

Sorry to keep bothering you, but I couldn't find a cable like the one you linked that can ship to my location (Sweden), so would any ordinary Wii RGB Scart work, like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neotechs®-N...5166722&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=wii+rgb+scart ?

No, that won't do.