Recommend me a game capture device

[moodorf]

I'd like one that could capture from composite cables and RF cables if possible. Every console I want to capture gameplay footage from is pre-2000. Also, if someone could explain how such a device works exactly that would be awesome as well.

 

Thanks!

[Austin]

Look at devices by Dazzle or iON. There should be models out there that do both RF and composite, but you may have to get separate boxes that do each (or, just get a composite box, then get a cheap VCR from a thrift store that will output the RF input to a composite signal. That's what I do for my 7800). Generally these devices plug in via USB and they come with capture software. Plug the device to your computer, run the software, and BOOM! It's like magic.

 

If you want to go expensive but have the capability to capture HDMI consoles and component, along with composite and S-Video, devices like the Elgato Game Capture HD will do the trick as well. They will give a nicer looking capture even with composite and they also have passthrough which will allow you to play the games on your monitor while recording without having lag (otherwise you will need to invest in a video amplifier to split the signal out to your TV, otherwise you have severe input lag when playing and recording).

 

One other option is to skip the capture card route all together and simply get a DVD recorder. It's like a DVD player but you plug your system into it and the footage that is captured is written to a disc as you play. You drop the disc in your PC when you are done recording and copy the footage over that way. The picture quality is the best going that route, and your footage is automatically backed up to physical media in case you want to refer back to it in the future for later videos.

[moodorf]

thanks! are DVD recorders more expensive than the aforementioned game campture devices?

[Austin]

thanks! are DVD recorders more expensive than the aforementioned game campture devices?

 

New, they seem to still be pricey, but on the used market I'm pretty sure they go cheap. You might be able to find one at a thrift store too.

[Reaperman]

I completely second the dvd recorder. I bought numerous capture devices but kept having problems with things like deinterlacing, sync and compatibility with editing software. The dvd recorder didn't require me to tether to a pc and was stupid-simple for s-video and composite. I wish I had been bright enough to have bought it first--I would have saved a bundle.

 

Now my setup has changed to scart cables through a framemeister, so I'm pretty much back to eyeing questionable computer-tethered devices.

[Video]

The dvd recorder (standalone unit) is more expensive than PnP capture cards...but only on a piece by piece basis. The DVD recorder will be $100-$200 (paid $180 for mine) And the video capture cards for computer are in the $25-$100 range.

 

However, those capture cards are a real shot in the dark. I bought four different ones before I found one that worked sufficiently on my computer. Just because it says "win*** compatible" doesn't mean it will work on your computer.

 

I'd say go the DVD recorder route. It's more expensive initially, but, it's hassle free, and you KNOW it will work. Yeah, you could get lucky on a computer card, but it's not guaranteed.

 

Unless you need to record more than one hour of video in a single shot, then the DVD will likely be sufficient for your needs.

Edited April 18, 2015 by Video

[Reaperman]

The dvd recorder (standalone unit) is more expensive than PnP capture cards...

 

You say that, and it's surely true for new units, but they're still really common at the thrifts, and not terrible used on ebay. I've actually bought a couple used and both worked great for under $40. It seems like the people who bought them didn't use them as much as they expected to. ...Honestly the same can be said for my use of them too, I suppose.

 

I think I'm going to find something that needs recording today.

Edited April 18, 2015 by Reaperman