Best Way to Record Video Game Footage?

[J Dude]

I've been interested in doing this for years, but I've never really gotten around to buying whatever I need for it. Probably having assumed the fact that it would take a good chunk out of my bank account to purchase whatever I need. I've heard about the use of capture cards, though I'm not exactly sure what they are and how you use them. Then in the past year or two I've heard about DVRs (Digital Video Recorders). I can assume that I'd be using my TV and computer together to record the footage. Only problem is... the way my room is setup, my TV is all the way across the other side of my room from my computer. I also have a HDTV if that matters at all. What would probably be the best way of going about recording video game footage while I'm playing it on my TV? Can someone please explain a lot of this stuff to me?

[cris]

there's only one way if you want it clear. Connect Video Out directly to PC or something that will connect to a PC for Video Capturing.

[Levon]

A video capture card would do it but it would be more easy just to buy a DVD recorder. If you want to post them on YouTube or something you can edit the DVD easy on your PC, just convert the .vob's with something like VirtualDubMod with Xvid or Divx codec.

[Akito]

Probably having assumed the fact that it would take a good chunk out of my bank account to purchase whatever I need.
You can get a decent video capture card dirt cheap (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815100120) these days. Just get an s-video cable for the consoles you want to record and the quality should look just fine.

[sfried]

You can get a decent video capture card dirt cheap (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815100120) these days. Just get an s-video cable for the consoles you want to record and the quality should look just fine.

You might want to get one with at least component for progressive scan games.

[J Dude]

A video capture card would do it but it would be more easy just to buy a DVD recorder. If you want to post them on YouTube or something you can edit the DVD easy on your PC, just convert the .vob's with something like VirtualDubMod with Xvid or Divx codec.

A DVD recorder does sound more like the kind of thing I'd want to be using. I'm pretty familiar with video encoding anyways, especially when it comes to messing around with VOB files. I'm guessing you recommended it because you have one? Any recommendations on a specific model? I'll probably be saving up some cash anyways if I want to get one.

[Levon]

I just have a generic DVD recorder(VCR combo) that I bought years ago for $80(a steal back then). Works great though. I bet you can get them cheaper now.

[J Dude]

I just have a generic DVD recorder(VCR combo) that I bought years ago for $80(a steal back then). Works great though. I bet you can get them cheaper now.

Yea, I'm going with a DVD recorder. This works great because I need a new DVD player that can upscale to 1080p resolution anyways. Trying to watch widescreen anime DVDs on my HDTV with my current DVD player just sucks. It's like I've got the black bars on all sides because of it and even if I change around the video settings, the video quality looks blurry. That and the subtitles are cut off on the screen when I'm watching.

[cris]

Yea, I'm going with a DVD recorder. This works great because I need a new DVD player that can upscale to 1080p resolution anyways. Trying to watch widescreen anime DVDs on my HDTV with my current DVD player just sucks. It's like I've got the black bars on all sides because of it and even if I change around the video settings, the video quality looks blurry. That and the subtitles are cut off on the screen when I'm watching.


it's more blurry on upscale usually

[fujyoshi]

use fraps or hypercam 2 just make sure you know how to get the sound that way you don't have the same problem as me ._.

[Sendo Takeshi]

You'll want to invest in VGA box as well so it won't lag since you're using an HDTV as the source. We did this with our supergun when recording Real Bout 2 matches.

[J Dude]

use fraps or hypercam 2 just make sure you know how to get the sound that way you don't have the same problem as me ._.

Maybe I would be using hypercam if I were trying to record something I'm playing from an emulator, but that's not what I made this thread for. ;) I'm worried about recording footage from console games from my TV.

[cris]

Is there any external video capture card that'll connect to a USB (cause I don't think my VGA has -in- on the pc)

thanks

[Smith]

http://www.myhava.com/
Sample of a video using this system http://www.myhava.com/

I want one of these myself, so I can record in near-HD and play in HD..

[cris]

I bought a Pinnacle DVC-170 today, but I can't stream directly from the device (aka webcam behavior), I have to save first then upload as a file...does anyone know a device where I can have an application to stream what the video capture see's to livefeed?

[cris]

OK, change of question

Is there anything I can use that will allow me to play my video game consoles on my laptop (this will also allow me to do what I need to do)

[Levon]

I have a Pinnacle DV, it sucks! Crap. Although mine was a cheap one.

Cards work best I think.

[cris]

yes, cards do work best since it's direct to the board, but I don' have the option. I just got ATI TV Wonder and hoping that will work..

[HSaabedra]

yes, cards do work best since it's direct to the board, but I don' have the option. I just got ATI TV Wonder and hoping that will work..

USB All In Wonder works fine as long as your USB ports are fast enough to accept throughput. You will have lag unless you adjust video settings beforehand.

[HSaabedra]

I have a Pinnacle DV, it sucks! Crap. Although mine was a cheap one.

Cards work best I think.

I'm using an external HDTV tuner with S Video in and I'm not having any issues save for millisecond lag in timing sensitive games.

[cris]

My USB is over clocked to the max (only 0.01ms lag, of course with the right USB converter / USB on the other end <not pc>)

I really hope this works with what I need. Also, I DO NOT recomend Pinnacle to all of you cause it only works with their softwares. You can get the ATi for roughly the same price (slighly a little bit more)...but before I recommend the ATi, lets me test it first

[A1R5N1P3R]

Connect the game you're playing to the monitor, connect a dvr to that monitor; even if a splitter is required. This way the recording won't be lagged, or lag your game. I use my TiVoHDdvr, I swear by it.

[cris]

Connect the game you're playing to the monitor, connect a dvr to that monitor; even if a splitter is required. This way the recording won't be lagged, or lag your game. I use my TiVoHDdvr, I swear by it.

Too bad that isn't an option for me as with most laptops.

[agent.x]

Hi, im using a XCM VGA Box that connects my console to a monitor through YPbPr.

http://www.xcm.cc/xcm_1080p_vga_box.htm

I would like to record gameplay but have no idea of how to do this. How would i do this using the xcm vga box. I want to record it to a laptop, its got a VGA out port. Please could you help. Would greatly appreciate it Thanks :)

[Chidori Raikiri]

Pinnacle is the way to go, specifically the Dazzle platinum. Research it... It's, in my opinion, the best possible way to get video from your tv to the computer.

[agent.x]

Pinnacle is the way to go, specifically the Dazzle platinum. Research it... It's, in my opinion, the best possible way to get video from your tv to the computer.

thanks:) .. i shall look into that further.