How to use a capture card on console and PC – Guide
Some streamers use capture cards to improve the quality of their streams. This can be done on a PC or a console. Some streamers have multiple PCs or consoles and don’t use capture cards.capture cards can be used to improve the quality of a stream by adding transitions, overlays and other customizations.
What does a capture card do?
Capture cards allow users to capture video and audio from the source and save them as data. Saved data is optimized using the software before being loaded. Most streamers have a gaming PC and a second PC connected to it to capture the game feed. Once connected to the source, the streamer can use software such as Open Broadcast Software (OBS) on the second PC to add animations and other customizations prior to broadcast. Streamers use capture cards in order to capture video and audio of their game play for later broadcasting. This saves time by allowing users to optimize their footage before uploading it online. Most streamers have two PCs - one for gaming and one for capturing - in order to do this easily. After connecting their game console or computer directly to the streaming source, they can use software such as Open Broadcast Software (OBS) on their secondary machine in order to add graphics or effects before broadcasting begins. ..
A lot of streamers use multiple PCs to stream their games and other content. This is because they want to get the best performance possible for both their viewers and themselves. If a player is streaming on the same device simultaneously, this can lead to reduced performance or dropped frame rates.
Types of capture cards
External capture cards, like the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD or the Intel HD Graphics 4600, are connected to a TV or other device and can be used with gaming laptops and other devices.
Some streamers prefer external capture cards to internal ones because they have a higher latency and are compatible with more devices.
What to look for when buying a capture card
The best capture card for you depends on your requirements and budget. Still, there are a few factors to consider when purchasing a capture card.
Some capture cards, like the EVGA XR1, only capture in 1080p. Other cards, such as the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+, will up for 4K. Lower resolutions tend to have higher frame rates.
Some capture cards, such as the AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, have a built-in SD card slot so users can capture directly to it instead of to a PC. Other capture cards, such as the AverMedia Live Gamer Duo, have two HDMI slots and can capture two sources simultaneously.
When choosing a capture card, it is important to consider the software compatibility. Most capture cards have proprietary software, which can make certain programs difficult to use. For example, Razer’s Ripsaw HD has no proprietary software and relies on third-party applications.
How to use a capture card on a console
The Playstation 4 and Xbox One models have built-in streaming capabilities that allow you to watch your games and movies directly on your devices. However, the Nintendo Switch can only stream content with a capture card. This is because the Switch doesn’t have any built-in streaming capabilities. Despite this, it’s still worth using a capture card connected to a PC to produce the highest quality content possible.
How to connect a capture card to a console
Connect the HDMI output on the console to the HDMI input on the capture card.
Connect an HDMI cable from the OUT port on the capture card to the monitor or TV. ..
To connect the capture card to a laptop or PC with a USB cable, you will need to first remove the card from the camera and plug it into the computer.
Open the capture card software on your PC and set up the capture card.
Some consoles require some adjustments before transmission. The Nintendo Switch only works with a capture card when it’s connected to a docking station. When connecting to a PlayStation 4 or 5, users must turn off HDCP encryption in System Settings, or the signal will be blocked.
How to use a capture card on a PC
How to connect an external capture card to a PC
Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the GPU and the other to the IN port on the capture card.
Connect the HDMI cables from your capture card to the TV or monitor.
Plug the capture card into a USB port on your PC. ..
How to connect an internal capture card to a PC.
Internal capture cards can be more complicated as there are several types of motherboards and a variety of different capture cards. It’s worth checking in advance if the desired capture card is compatible with the motherboard and if there are free slots.
Turn off the PC and unplug it from the wall.
This is a common problem with many laptops. If the side panel is not properly attached to the laptop, it can be removed and the laptop’s internal components can be accessed. ..
To capture video or audio from a computer, you will need to install a capture card into a free PCIe slot. Make sure the card is seated correctly and that the power is connected. ..
Make sure the capture card is secured in place by tightening the screws or clips in the slot.
To turn on the computer. ..
The capture card should be detected at startup but may require driver software to work correctly.
Install the driver software and additional streaming software to watch your favorite shows and movies.
Each capture card is different and may have slight variations in connecting them to your device. If you experience any problems connecting your device to the capture card, please consult your device’s manufacturer or support staff.
Final note
This guide will show you how to use a capture card on both console and PC. If you have any questions about the guide, feel free to ask us in the comments below. Additionally, please share this article with your friends to help spread the word! ..
