Recording an Xbox 360 using VGA without inducing lag

[DaOneEnOnly]

I made a new topic because I realized that my old topic was horribly titled and that's why no one was reading it and there are like six newer topics all on the similar things.

Okay so here's my situation:

Currently I'm playing my xbox on a standard def TV and using a DVD-rec to rec gameplay. The current setup is xbox -> TV (video out) -> DVD-rec. I really would like to get this big 20" CRT TV off my desk so I have more space. BUT I don't want to lose being able to record my gameplay with my DVD-rec, since I spent $150 or so on the DVD-rec.

I have two Acer x193w+bd monitors that have 1680 x 1050 native resolution (this res is rare at this size, hence why I have two), they both have one VGA and one DVI port on the back. They are both being used for my computer, but, obviously, have an extra port that could easily be switched to. So the only way I see being able to use my DVD-rec to record is to get one of these: xbox 360 VGA cable and then split the signal using a VGA amplifier / splitter. Then from the splitter go to one of my monitors and send the other feed to my DVD-rec. Unfortunately, my DVD-rec doesn't have anything but RCA and S-video in (however it does have HDMI and component HD outs...). So I'd need to then go from VGA back to S-vid or Yellow RCA. Is this possible?

Sound wouldn't be a problem, b/c I could plug in the RCA connectors on the 360 VGA cable to the DVD-rec, as I use the Digital/optical to headphones for sound.

Any ideas?

DaOneEnOnly,

Ok, your problem is to play in high def and record in standard def. Too bad you bought the recorder. Another $20 and you could have bought a Black Magic Intensity Pro or Hauppage HD PVR and been able to play and record in high def.

- Using a VGA splitter will not cause any lag. Never used an amplifier since there's no need unless you have a really long length of cable. A simple manuall VGA A/B switch can easily be had for under $10US. Powered/auto-sensing my run twice that.

VGA A/B switch:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10104&cs_id=1010405&p_id=...seq=1&format=2


VGA to S-Video/RCA:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=...seq=1&format=2

Using the 360 VGA cable, plug that into one of the switches VGA IN connections. Map the VGA OUT connections (not sure how, but it mentions you can in the description...) to the one your 360 is connected to. Connect one of the VGA OUTs to one of your monitors. Connect the other VGA out to the VGA/S-video converter. Connect the converter to your dvd recorder. I'd recommend the s-video connection.

You'll have to try different resolutions from the 360. Not sure if there's one that will scale directly to your monitor. Just find the closest widescreen match.

Thanks for the reply! It really is a shame. Although I'm not sure the HD PVR existed 4-5 years ago when I bought the DVD-rec. Either way I've got what I've got. I have checked with my brother's VGA xbox and there is a 1680x1050 setting, which I believed appeared after the NXE console update. Thanks again for the information, I'll update this thread when I get everything setup. Although it may be a couple weeks since my xbox (a 2006 version) is in the shop.

DaOne

Update:
Looking into it further, the VGA to S-video converter in the link above doesn't look like its going to support my resolution to S-video. The only one I've found so far is StarTech High Resolution VGA to Composite or S-Video Converter VGA2VID VGA Interface for $80 right now... ew.

edit: Make that sorta works since it only supports up to 1600 x 1200 and 1680 x 1080 is just one above that.

My new idea is VGA-> splitter -> monitor
->a VGA to RGB converter (adapter likely won't get to the right res) -> RGB to composite video converter.

I'm going to do more research on it, but it still might not be possible/economical

If not I'm going to start looking into capture cards and see if that wouldn't be more economical.

My system:
Core I7, 6GB RAM, 750GB worth SATA HDs. I have a couple open PCIE x8 lanes (i think, to be sure I'd have to look at the manual.

[DaOneEnOnly]

UPDATE: I figured out how to do it and how to do it economically. It'll cost you ~ $35

This is assuming that you have a SD recording device. (as this is my situation as outlined above) If you don't then you can pick up a Dazzle Capture Card, which seems to be the most popular SD recording device, for around $80. You can explore other SD recording options yourself if you wish.

So from my situation:
I'm going to pickup a Grandtec PC-to-Video EZ (GEZ-1000) from Amazon (click here to see price) for ~ $35. So the hook-up will go VGA from Xbox 360 -> GEZ-1000 -> monitor
GEZ-1000-> SD recording device

Since the GEZ-1000 has a VGA pass through this is possible. Here a link to a (crappy) youtube video of the setup. The important take away from this video is that in the comments he claims it causes no 'lag'. I will have the final say on that, but even if it does its easily fixed using a VGA splitter (~$30).

This will not get you up to the ultra-high resolutions as the maximum supported resolution is 1280x1024. This still considered 'hi-def' unfortunately not the 'highest-def'. This means that you'll have to have your xbox set to 1280x1024 under the display settings in order to record. While not ideal, I've decided that the trade off is exceptable; you can't notice the difference that much (but it is noticeable) and for the money it's worth it. I won't be recording all the time, and when I'm not I can play in 1680x1050 if I want to by just connecting directly to the monitor.

There are a couple other options, but none that would allow you to save by avoiding the cost of a VGA splitter.

I will update this thread when I get the parts and set them up if I need be.

[HLG Belly Hop94]

I Have the Same Exact Problem.

Here is what i want to do


I Have Found VGA to S Video, Analog, VGA Converter (CLICK HERE) and i have a AV/S Video Capture Device already.
Its Pretty Cheap too.


PLEASE RESPOND IF ANYONE HAS A BETTER QUALITY IDEA.

[DaOneEnOnly]

opps a double that posted when i wasn't done typing.

[HLG Belly Hop94]

Ok. Dose anyone know if this Device causes lag
VGA Converter Device

[DaOneEnOnly]

My only thought is cost.

To update on what I did: I bought the Grandtec thing mentioned above. Which doesn't induce lag (has a VGA pass through). However, the downside is I can't play at my max resolution. In the end I decided to not use it b/c I'd rather play with the just slightly crisper picture, but I have it in case i wanted to record during game and capture teammates voices. Since I mostly record Halo, which has a theater feature, I can just record later (w/o teammates voices) using that.

When I use my setup it looks like:

Xbox 360 -> Xbox VGA cable -> Grandtec PC to TV -> VGA cable from pass through -> Monitor
_______________________________________________ -> Yellow RCA cable -> DVD-Rec

I had to use the Yellow b/c my DVD-rec doesn't like the S-video signal from this thing for some reason. I think I remember reading somewhere that it puts out a higher resolution S-video signal and so it's likely that my DVD-rec can't receive that higher signal

Audio is just straight from the red/white RCA connectors into the recording device and out through the speakers. Usually I use my optical port to go to my headphones for sound in game. Going through my DVD-rec for sounds doesn't induce noticeable lag although I think there is a little.

@ HLG to save some money you may just want to configure your computer to output the sound through your computer speakers and then just by a pair of surround sound headphones for anything greater than stereo. Also let me know what you decide and please post your detailed findings back here along with the totally cost of what you bought, your max resolution, etc.

Good luck
DaOneEnOnly

[DaOneEnOnly]

Ok. Dose anyone know if this Device causes lag
VGA Converter Device

looks like the Grandtec in that it has a pass through (most likely) so there is probably no lag.

[HLG Belly Hop94]

Ok. Dose anyone know if this Device causes lag
VGA Converter Device

looks like the Grandtec in that it has a pass through (most likely) so there is probably no lag.

So can your "Grandtec PC to TV" Device Use the VGA Output and Yellow RCA Output at the same time? or only use one simultaneously?

Thank you for all the help. You May have just ended my 2Month Journey for Xbox 360 VGA Capturing.

[Cauptain]

My diagram is very easy to recording ANY console RCA output.

[HLG Belly Hop94]

@Cauptain
Were talking about XBOX 360 USING A VGA CABLE.

I know about RCA Capturing but i was looking at VGA Capturing.
Thanks anyway

[HLG Belly Hop94]

@Cauptain
Were talking about XBOX 360 USING A VGA CABLE.

I know about RCA Capturing but i was looking at VGA Capturing.
Thanks anyway

Also what is that Number 4 You are using? Whats the Name of that?

[Cauptain]

@Cauptain
Were talking about XBOX 360 USING A VGA CABLE.

I know about RCA Capturing but i was looking at VGA Capturing.
Thanks anyway

Also what is that Number 4 You are using? Whats the Name of that?

Up item 4: Mygica X830 or REAL ANGEL 330 Plus

Down item 4: EASYCAP

[DaOneEnOnly]

Ok. Dose anyone know if this Device causes lag
VGA Converter Device

looks like the Grandtec in that it has a pass through (most likely) so there is probably no lag.

So can your "Grandtec PC to TV" Device Use the VGA Output and Yellow RCA Output at the same time? or only use one simultaneously?

Thank you for all the help. You May have just ended my 2Month Journey for Xbox 360 VGA Capturing.

My Grandtec PC to TV does both simultaneously. Like I said the only downside that I've found is not being able to play at my highest resolution b/c of the limitations imposed by the Grandtec device. The recording is obviously in standard def.

In the future if I wanted to record and play in my max resolution, I'd probably get a VGA or HDMI splitter and something like this: Blackmagic Capture Card and convert my RCA stereo into a 3.5mm jack and record sound that way... not sure it that would work, but that's how I'd go about playing and recording in Hi-Def.

[HLG Belly Hop94]

Okay. Thank you. Thats basicly it right now. And yeah i would like to capture in HD just like you later.
Also do you have a Xbox Gamertag? If you want to play Halo Reach or something with me add me.
My Gamertag is
HLG Belly Hop94


THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!! Lolz
Wow thats a Big Signature. I should fix that.

[Cauptain]

In the future if I wanted to record and play in my max resolution, I'd probably get a VGA or HDMI splitter and something like this: Blackmagic Capture Card and convert my RCA stereo into a 3.5mm jack and record sound that way... not sure it that would work, but that's how I'd go about playing and recording in Hi-Def.

For consoles recording BM is not good, because no record HDCP hardwares (Like PS3 or SKYHD). For this AVERTV HD PVR is fantastic. 1080i HDMI recording for ALL. Produce best quality over BM.



Claudio

[uneedhelp]

Wow, I just ran into this problem like yesterday and I'm really lucky I found this thread.

I could use the solution posted above, but could I use this instead:
Pelican Xbox 360 Pro Cooler.

I'm not sure if I can output more than one video format simulatneously, but I believe I can. And I have the xenon xbox that this works with (no hdmi).

[HLG Belly Hop94]

Wow, I just ran into this problem like yesterday and I'm really lucky I found this thread.

I could use the solution posted above, but could I use this instead:
Pelican Xbox 360 Pro Cooler.

I'm not sure if I can output more than one video format simulatneously, but I believe I can. And I have the xenon xbox that this works with (no hdmi).

Do you have a HDMI port on your current Xbox 360?

[uneedhelp]

Wow, I just ran into this problem like yesterday and I'm really lucky I found this thread.

I could use the solution posted above, but could I use this instead:
Pelican Xbox 360 Pro Cooler.

I'm not sure if I can output more than one video format simulatneously, but I believe I can. And I have the xenon xbox that this works with (no hdmi).

Do you have a HDMI port on your current Xbox 360?

Nope. It would be my first xbox 360, that doesn't support hdmi.

[olyteddy]

[Attachment 3615 - Click to enlarge]


My diagram is very easy to recording ANY console RCA output.

Using a 'Y' adapter on the video is not going to work properly. You need a distribution amp for that.

[Cauptain]

[Attachment 3615 - Click to enlarge]


My diagram is very easy to recording ANY console RCA output.

Using a 'Y' adapter on the video is not going to work properly. You need a distribution amp for that.

Strange, because made many videos using the hardware describe for me and no have any problems. Look my last video on this method.

[olyteddy]

Just lucky, I guess. Here's just one of many threads that explains why you shouldn't 'Y' composite video. https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/300566-How-to-Split-NTSC-Composite-Video-signal?highlight=amp

[Cauptain]

Just lucky, I guess. Here's just one of many threads that explains why you shouldn't 'Y' composite video. https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/300566-How-to-Split-NTSC-Composite-Video-signal?highlight=amp

Lucky for + 400 videos recording?? Definitive NO.

I created a tutorial (in Portuguese Brazilian) and all agreed that they used.

See that my scheme is only for TV and PC. There is no way to go wrong.

I've got to use PS3 on 2tvs and on the PC (all at the same time) with a dual composite adapter and 3 "Y" plugs. Work like a charm (The Pc connection and one TV (Y plugs IN) have brushed colors only)

[olyteddy]

I've got to use PS3 on 2tvs and on the PC (all at the same time) with a dual composite adapter and 3 "Y" plugs. Work like a charm (The Pc connection and one TV (Y plugs IN) have brushed colors only)

If you say so. But as a former SBE technician, I know that if you terminate a video feed more than once it ain't going to have proper video levels. I'm pleased you're satisfied with it.

[Cauptain]

If you say so. But as a former SBE technician, I know that if you terminate a video feed more than once it ain't going to have proper video levels. I'm pleased you're satisfied with it.

You said it does not work. It works.

Now if you say that the quality is not the same, you're right.

You can (try) fix this in programs like Virtualdub and everybody knows it.

I showed an example and you says lucky? becomes complicated lucky for +400 videos.

If you believe in your theory, I believe in practice.

If you want other videos I record with Y cable and post here. No problems for me and can ask questions of someone who has.

Be functional is one thing, having high quality is another. Do not confuse things.



Claudio

[jagabo]

I've got to use PS3 on 2tvs and on the PC (all at the same time) with a dual composite adapter and 3 "Y" plugs. Work like a charm (The Pc connection and one TV (Y plugs IN) have brushed colors only)

If you say so. But as a former SBE technician, I know that if you terminate a video feed more than once it ain't going to have proper video levels. I'm pleased you're satisfied with it.

Most consumer devices are designed to deal with that. It's not proper or optimal but it usually works.