Kernic

Einfach meine Gedanken.

HDMI Recording Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

· von Kernic
Kategorie: Hardware
Tags:#tech, #hardware, #budget

Anyone who seriously wants to record or stream console gameplay does it through a PC. Elgato and AVerMedia are probably the best-known manufacturers of HDMI recording devices, but also the most expensive. Are there alternatives?

🔊 Beitrag vorlesen lassen
📥 MP3 herunterladen

When it comes to alternatives, it always depends on your requirements. I’ve picked out three devices that meet different needs. The more expensive recording devices, still cheaper than Elgato or AVerMedia, are from a more well-known manufacturer, while I personally use the simple and cheap model successfully.

The Entry-Level Option Without Passthrough

People often think that capture cards are placed between the console and the screen. But it can be simpler if you’re already using your computer on the same monitor anyway. A small plug with a USB-C cable, into which the HDMI cable is inserted. The game is then displayed via OBS or other software directly on the PC screen.

I use this setup myself with my Nintendo Switch. Since I have a 21:9 monitor, I can see the console’s image and still have space for OBS windows. Plus, these things are dirt cheap and are usually recognized as a webcam. You can also connect a camera to it and use it as a webcam. However, these devices are limited to FullHD and 60 FPS without HDR.

These parts have become so generic that they are sold on Amazon without a brand name. A good price for them is somewhere under 20 euros; anything more is a rip-off.

For Streamers with a Separate Screen

Are you a streamer who just wants to put the PC in between, but still see the image on your TV? Then you need a device with passthrough. Monitors with 120 FPS at 4K are not yet widespread, but 60 FPS is now standard. The basic model from UGREEN, currently 32 euros, is cheap and passes 4K60 without HDR to your monitor or TV.

The output to the PC is limited to 1080p60. This isn’t a problem, as that’s the upper limit for Twitch anyway. However, if you want to record gameplay for high-quality YouTube videos, this device isn’t ideal, and you should look at the next model.

HDR and 4K Recording

If you want to play in HDR or record in 4K60, you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets. With a discount, the device from UGREEN currently costs 72 euros on Amazon. But for that, you can game in 4K60 with HDR and record in 4K60 at the same time. This allows for high quality on your screen and high quality on YouTube. For the price, it’s definitely a good deal.

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of the line for budget manufacturers. Anyone who needs resolutions higher than 4K or wants more than 60 FPS on their screen currently can’t avoid Elgato and spending 200-300 euros.

However, the alternatives presented here work perfectly in the scenarios described. Many gamers don’t yet have monitors with more than 60Hz or higher than 4K, which is why the options here are sufficient for most.