Console Video/Audio HD Capture Best Solution?

[Andrew Mills]

Hi all,

I currently capture HD footage from my retail and debug PS3's and Xbox 360's via component through a Blackmagic Intensity Pro (latest firmware). I've been using the more expensive IXOS Component cables to improve the quality (better shielding), but I've still noticed some interference showing in my screengrabs (and sometimes during video capture).

As I capture video game footage for professional purposes, I'm considering other solutions to improve the quality/remove any interference.

Would the following card combined with an HD-Fury 3 allow me to capture 1080p60 video and take 1080p 24-bit RGB grabs with little hassle?

http://www.datapath.co.uk/products/video-capture-cards/vision-series/visionrgb-e1

If so, would I simply capture the audio via the line-in on my PC (as DVI is audio only I believe).

Whilst price isn't a massive concern (although obviously the cheaper the better), I can't justify the £4,000 that I could spend with Digital Foundry buying their custom-built 24-bit 1080p60 capture rig.

I'm capturing on a Quad-Core with 8 Gigs of ram, an HD5770 and 2x1TB 7,200rpm 64Meg cache HD's in a Raid-0 set-up if that's of any help to anyone.

Many thanks for all help offered, it's genuinely appreciated.

Andrew

[Cauptain]

I also had the same problem with my AVERTV on component input. HDMI is flawless capture.

I changed power supply and resolved problem.

Try it before buy new TV card.

[Andrew Mills]

Change the power supply on my PC?

[Brad]

Your link goes to the XtremeRGB-Ex2 which seems to have a list price of $2000. The Ex1 lists $600 cheaper and also captures 24-bit 1920x1080. I'm not seeing why you chose the Ex2, but in theory your plan should work. However, you're back to the old problem of using different clocks for video and audio.

[Cauptain]

I've been using the more expensive IXOS Component cables to improve the quality (better shielding), but I've still noticed some interference showing in my screengrabs (and sometimes during video capture)

Yes. Power suplly was the problem for me. I change it and voia la, perfect records again.

[Andrew Mills]

Your link goes to the XtremeRGB-Ex2 which seems to have a list price of $2000. The Ex1 lists $600 cheaper and also captures 24-bit 1920x1080. I'm not seeing why you chose the Ex2, but in theory your plan should work. However, you're back to the old problem of using different clocks for video and audio.

Hi,

The link *should* have been to this:

http://www.datapath.co.uk/products/video-capture-cards/vision-series/visionrgb-e1

A much cheaper option I believe. With regards to the different clocks for video and audio I'm assuming you're referring to the fact I'd need to capture the audio separately from the video? I thought those companies provided - even separately - a method for capturing both together into a single .avi container?

@Cauptain: I'm not especially good or comfortable taking apart my PC tower to fit in a new power supply, but out of curiosity which power supply did you swap to? Thanks

Andrew

[Brad]

Sure you can capture into one container, but using a capture card paired with a sound card is what we all had to deal with until capture cards with integrated audio came about. Myself, I could never find a combination that both avoided dropping/inserting frames and kept sync. Others must have had better luck.