Looking for a Christmas present for a YouTube or Twitch streamer? Then a Capture Card for the PC can be the right surprise! Because it allows HDMI signals from Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Blu-Ray players, MacBook and Co. to be transmitted and streamed directly to the PC. Recordings for YouTube videos or your own website are also possible. Whether it's gameplay, tutorials, glitch captures, or streaming Jackbox Party to play with the community - with a HDMI Capture Card makes it all possible.
Chapter in this post:
Connect capture card via USB or PCIe?
If you want to go live with a game on Twitch or YouTube, you are spoiled for choice: Should the HDMI signal be fed into the computer via USB? Or should a card be installed in the PC that the video signal via a PCIeConnection transmits? The latter of course has the advantage that you don't have to pay attention to USB 3.0 or USB 3.1.
In addition, lower latency is to be expected. In addition, there is no USB device attached to the computer that requires space. A capture card with PCIe connection is installed directly in the housing and connected to the motherboard there. When buying, it must be clear which connection options the PC offers and which should be used.
Elgato - Stream game video live with the market leader
If you look around at YouTubers and streamers, you will mainly come across transmission solutions from Elgato in their technical equipment. Elgato is an internationally recognized brand for gaming matters, which has also been mentioned several times here in the blog - on the subject Green Screen, Light and Camera streaming on PC and Mac. The Elgato solutions also offer their own software with which the game stream can be optimized. This is an important point, especially for beginners who don't want to experiment too much with OBS.
Here are the current offers that you can buy and give away for Christmas 2020:
- Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, external device for 1080p HD with 60 fps: Buy it at Amazon
- Elgato Game Capture HD60 S +, external device for 4K, HDR10 and 60 fps: Buy it at Amazon
- Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro, internal card for 1080p HD at 60 fps: Buy it at Amazon
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro, internal card for 4K video and 60 fps: Buy it at Amazon
- Product 1: Stream and record the best gaming moments
- Product 1: Stunning 1080p quality at 60 fps
- Product 1: State-of-the-art USB 3.0 Type-C connection
- 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.
- Compatible with Nintendo, Xbox, PlayStation.
- Breathtaking video quality in 1080p at 60 frames per second
- Integrated live streaming to Twitch, YouTube and more
- Best quality: record your gameplay in stunning 4K resolution with 60 fps
- Instant Gameview: Ultra-low latency technology ensures a smooth workflow
- Dedicated Software: Easily capture and export to your favorite editing app
AverMedia recording and streaming solutions for HDMI signals
AverMedia is also a manufacturer that offers various solutions for recording and streaming HDMI signals from video game consoles or other multimedia devices. On this product page from Amazon there are five different devices to choose from, each offering different options. Mostly they provide a pass-through for 4K60 signals, but only offer the option of storing or streaming 1080p60 content. But that doesn't have to be a disadvantage, as streams beyond Full HD are not that common anyway. The 4K playback on site is more important and is made possible with the devices.
- Full HD quality: Record in Full HD 264p1080 with H.60 hardware encoder
- No battery required, streaming and easy game recording on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Wii U,...
- Compatibility: Compatible with streaming applications such as XSplit or OBS and broadcasting to YouTube, Twitch, Mixer, ...
- 4K Pass-Through Zero Lag Gaming: Enjoy smooth gaming in Ultra HD 4K resolution with 60 frames per ...
- PC and PC-free mode: In PC mode, you can use the recording device with any popular System 6 software....
- Plug and Play Technology: LGP2 Plus works right out of the box, it uses UVC technology, connect...
- 4K Pass-Through: Experience 4K with Full HD recording
- Lowest latency: Enjoy playing uncompressed videos directly on the PC monitor with convenient...
- Personalized Cover: Customize your capture box, stream in your own style
- The Live Gamer ULTRA records 4K HDR content, offers high frame capture of up to 120 FPS and, thanks to...
- Variable Refresh Rate: With the help of a firmware update, only Windows users can experience smooth and fluid...
- Capture like never before: With refresh rates up to 240 Hz in Full HD, game recordings are even more...
- High Frame Rate Video Recording: AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt captures up to 240 fps for smooth movement and...
- Ultra-Low Latency: Uncompressed 4K60 HDR or Full HD 1080p at 240 fps in under 50 ms. No delay in...
- Unique interface connection: Live Gamer Bolt uses Thunderbolt 3 technology for optimized video recording...
Cheap solutions from other manufacturers
Are you looking for a way to convert HDMI content from Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Co. into video or stream solutions - but at a lower price? Then there are also other capture cards from manufacturers that are not called Elgato or AverMedia. Their hardware also has good to very good ratings. However, you should always look at the customer reviews before buying to discover possible weaknesses.
Here are a few external alternatives to the above models:
- ZasLuke Game Capture Card for 4K with 60fps pass and 30fps stream: 69,99 Euros
- Acodot video capture card HD30S with 1080p and 60 fps output: 34,99 Euros
- Aokeou HDMI video capture card (HDMI to USB) with Full HD and 30 fps: 15,99 Euros
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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
