If you want to connect a game console such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation or Xbox to the iMac in order to use it as a monitor or television or to stream / record your gameplay, then you can use a device called Elgato Game Capture HD60 S help. With the converter for HDMI signals from consoles, DVD players, etc. you can feed in audio and video from games, films and series as well as other multimedia content via HDMI and transfer it to the iMac via USB-C 3.0. Also suitable for Let's Play videos, YouTube or Twitch streams.
Update May 2021: A lot has happened in the streaming market since the first version of this guide. With a much broader offering, Elgato now ensures that you get exactly the hardware you need to record and stream video game content. In addition to the Elgato HD60 S, you will now find further options below - also and above all for game content with 4K resolution. Have fun!
Chapter in this post:
- 1 stream device: Elgato Game Capture HD60 S
- 2 Streaming HDMI signal on the iMac: here's how
- 3 Full HD 1080p preview at 30fps or 60fps
- 4 Instructions as a video tutorial
- 5 advantages of the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S in comparison
- 6 Let's play videos and streams in trend
- 7 Buy suitable products on Amazon
- 8 Conclusion on the subject
- 9 Elgato HD60 S + - New version for 4K, 60 fps and HDR10
- 10 Elgato Capture Card for Windows PC: Component for direct contact
- 11 Record gameplay without a Mac or PC, but on an SD card
- 12 Similar posts
Stream device: Elgato Game Capture HD60 S
The small Full HD device is made for streaming and recording gameplay, especially for so-called Let's Plays on YouTube or Twitch. For this, many settings can be made with regard to audio and video. The software suitable for the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S is available as a download for Apple Mac and Windows PC directly from the manufacturer. But even if you have nothing to do with YouTube, Twitch and Let's Plays, but simply want to use the Apple iMac or PC as a monitor, television or recorder for gaming, the device with the named software is ideally suited.
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Streaming HDMI signal on iMac: here's how
Before it really starts and you can use the Apple iMac as a full HD monitor for the Nintendo Switch, for example, there are a few steps that need to be taken. If you do this, everything should work fine:
- Software Game Capture HD download (Download from Elgato)
- Install the software after the download, of course
- Hardware to the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S connect
- Start the stream and recording software
- Let's start!
The schedule Game Capture HD, which is responsible for the video preview, the layout of the stream or the recording and generally for the display of the HDMI content, the incoming video signal including the audio should reproduce immediately. On the right and below you can see various settings, which you can largely neglect for purely local playback. Simply set the video preview to full screen and go!
Full HD 1080p preview at 30fps or 60fps
In the recording and streaming software for the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, there is an extensive but clear menu for all details and features. There you can set how high-resolution the video should be.
It is important that you - if you post content at 60 fps / 60 Hz to fully enjoy – check the box in the menu Allow 60 fps for video preview (Allow 60 fps for video preview). Because what you'll see on the iMac's screen is the video preview, whether you're actually recording the gameplay or not.
Instructions as video tutorial
On the YouTube channel 9to5Toys, which is operated by the Apple magazine 9to5Mac, there are practical instructions for setting up the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S. The Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is streamed on the Apple iMac:
Advantages of the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S in comparison
In addition to the HD 60 S game streaming device for private users, streamer and Let's Player, the manufacturer Elgato also offers three other gadgets for transmitting HDMI signals to PC and Mac / MacBook. Only the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S has a USB-C 3.0 output with a maximum of 40Mbit / s (recording) and Mac compatibility. Here is a comparison of the manufacturer's four products:
| Elgato HD60 S. | Elgato HD60 Pro | Elgato HD60 | Elgato HD | |
| External device | Ja | No, card for installation in a PC | Ja | Ja |
| Compatible with | Mac with macOS Sierra / Windows 10 PC | Windows 10 PC | Mac with macOS Sierra / Windows 10 PC | Mac with OS X 10.9+ / Windows 7+ PC |
| Full HD 1080p@60Hz | Ja | Ja | Ja | No |
| Interface / connection via | USB-C 3.0 | PCIe | USB-A 2.0 | USB-A 2.0 |
| Max. Video bit rate | 40 MBit / s | 60 MBit / s | 40 MBit / s | 30 MBit / s |
| Instant Gameview (preview) | Ja | Ja | No | No |
| Details and Buy | Here | Here | Here | Here |
Let's play videos and streams trending
Anyone who occasionally visits YouTube or Twitch will know the terms Let's Play and Game Streaming. Certain people play video games on a console, PC or Apple Mac and transfer the game content to the Internet. Sometimes live, i.e. via direct stream, sometimes afterwards as Let's Play Video.
The gameplays are pretty much always commented; the player speaks to the audience, which is the main attraction for the audience. The so-called facecam has also become standard, i.e. a webcam that is aimed at the player and whose video signal can be seen as a small window in the gameplay.
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Buy suitable products from Amazon
So it is not surprising that with devices like the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S on the Amazon product page under the Customers who bought this product also bought Heading webcams and microphones are listed. With the Elgato software linked above, streams and Let's Plays including commentator audio and webcam video can be compiled in the game video. For professional streaming people who want to get started on Twitch, there is also that Elgato Stream Deck, with which you can import media and sound effects.
Conclusion on the topic
Displaying the HDMI signal on the iMac, Mac or MacBook from Apple is child's play with the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S. It is just as easy to transfer game content from consoles such as Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation or Xbox not only to a Mac or Windows PC, but also to appear professionally on the Internet. Because the device and program are also and above all intended for streaming and recording gameplay, audio commentary and webcam integration.
What's your opinion? Will you buy the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S and turn your computer into a console monitor, television and recorder? Feel free to leave a comment on the topic! ;)
Elgato HD60 S + - New version for 4K, 60 fps and HDR10
The year is 2021 and since the first version of this article new options have appeared on the market to transmit HDMI signals (also from HDMI 2.1) via USB-C to the Mac or PC. In addition to the Elgato HD60 S already mentioned above, there is now also the Plus version. The Elgato HD60 S + now supports 1080p Full HD with 60 frames per second as well as 4K streams with 60 frames per second and even HDR10. Whether PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S or Nintendo Switch - with the device you can record and stream all kinds of video games with great graphics. You can get to the product with this link.
- Recording in 1080p60 HDR10: Deliver your gameplay videos in superior quality.
- Lag-free passthrough in 4K60 HDR10: enjoy games on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X, PS5 and PS4 Pro without...
- Instant Gameview: Reach your goal faster thanks to ultra-low latency technology.
Elgato Capture Card for Windows PC: Component for direct contact
So-called capture cards, which are now available for 4K content in addition to HD compatibility, are intended for installation directly in the PC. At Elgato, the corresponding models are called HD60 Pro and 4K60 Pro. The name already indicates the maximum resolution of the fed-in video material for which they are intended. Installation is only possible on PCs and not on the Apple Mac. The compatibility is given with Windows 10 (64 bit) as well as with PCIe x1 / x4 / x8 / x16 slots. You can find details, pictures and prices by means of this link to Amazon.
- 1080p60 Recording: Deliver your gameplay videos in superior quality
- True Passthrough: Play console games without lag
- Instant Gameview: Reach your goal faster thanks to ultra-low latency technology
- Best Quality: 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough
- Instant Gameview: Ultra-low latency technology ensures a smooth workflow
- 240 Hz passthrough: use dual PC setups without compromise
Record gameplay without a Mac or PC, but on an SD card
This is also possible with Elgato accessories. For example, with the Elgato 4K60 S+ you get the opportunity to record video game images and sound with 4K resolution, 60 fps and HDR10. You can simply use an SD or SDHC or SDXCmemory card plug in. Furthermore, the device can also be connected to a Windows PC in order to save to the hard disk there. Unfortunately, there is no direct compatibility with the Apple Mac. If necessary, you can take the detour via the SD card if you like the Elgato 4K60 S+. Pictures, technical data as well as the price and the purchase options can be found with this link to the product page.
- Ultra high quality: capture and forward in 4K60 HDR10
- Self-sufficient recording: save material directly to an SD card without a PC
- Integrated HEVC encoding: Record material in 4K HDR10, CPU usage and file size are minimized...
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After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.
The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de
Is it also possible with this device to mirror the HDMI signal of a graphics card of a Windows PC on a Mac? So could I use a Mac (March 2019) as a monitor for a Windows PC?
Well, you'll have to ask Elgato that. I don't use the thing and I don't have a Windows PC either. :D That's why the blog is called "Sir Apfelot" and not "Sir Schrottalot". ;-)
Uhhh…. : D
The only thing that struck me was the sentence “Displaying the HDMI signal on Apple’s iMac is child’s play with the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S. It is just as easy to transfer game content from consoles such as Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation or Xbox not only to the Mac or Windows PC,..." because a Windows PC is often scrap, but with the right components it is actually also a game console and I was surprised that this possibility is not mentioned. Maybe this is not even possible. But I'll ask Elgato about that.
Thanks for your answer!
So theoretically your idea should work. Because HDMI comes from the PC and I think the Elgato thing doesn't care if the signal comes from a PC or a console. And because of the junk: In principle, I don't find anything bad about PCs or the components. Only the Windows operating system is a horror for me. It's the same for others with macOS. So a purely personal story that was not meant to be offensive.
All good, didn't take that as an insult :)
Microsoft's in-house operating system itself often bothers me a lot. But I always prefer a PC to a console for gaming and unfortunately often not a Mac either.
Hi all,
does the HD60s also work with the latest iMac software, e.g. Catalina?
Or do I have to downgrade beforehand?
Thanks and regards
R.Voss
Hello Richard! According to Elgato support the card works under Catalina, but you have to give it the appropriate rights so that it can use the camera and microphone:
"You can also find these preferences by going to System Preferences on your Mac and then selecting Security. Select the Camera & Microphone option and click the lock icon in the lower left corner to make changes to these settings.”
Hello, I own a MacBook Pro from 2018 and I'm new to streaming.
Now I would like to get myself an Elgato, but I'm wondering whether it is even possible and if which Elgato would be the right one for my MacBook.
Thank you for the answer
Best regards
Alice
Hello Alice! The Elgato Game Capture HD60s mentioned in the article is also designated for the Mac. With the 2018 MacBook Pro, you should also have the right processor. Elagto recommends “Mac – Intel i5-4xxx quad-core or better”. LG, Jens
Hi Jens,
Thank you very much for your answer even on a Sunday :) I wish you a nice evening.
Best regards
Alice
Thank you I wish you that as well! LG, Jens
Hi Jens,
everything organized. iMac 2020 equipped with the Elgato software for the Elgato HD60 S + and everything wired. Unfortunately, the Elgato software says that no USB C cable has been connected ... what could be the problem? USB C cable exchanged - a change ... So the birthday present for my son falls into the water ...
Hello Steve! Unfortunately, I have no idea why it could be, but I would say this is a classic case for Elgato support. They should actually have a tip.