Need some advice on a capture card for Xbox 360!

[smitty260]

Hello all.

I am currently using an Xbox 360 with a 60GB HDD in it. My desktop (that I want to use with the capture card) is running Windows 7 (64x) OS with 4GB RAM and running Intel Quad Core with 1TB HDD, so plenty of space.

That's my specs for what I want, now down to what I am actually requesting some advice for - a capture card for my Xbox 360. I want one that can take inbetween good and excellent video capturing that captures sound as well as video. Also, it would be nice if it could also record the audio taken in from the Xbox microphones (I am not sure if it is possible). If not, then at least be able to record the sound from a PC microphone whilst recording the Xbox video feed.

That's pretty much all I am looking for. I don't want something TOO expensive, but I will look at any suggestions given by the public. Any at all will be appreciated.

Thanks and hope to see some suggestions soon!

[usually_quiet]

"Not too expensive" is rather vague. What does "not too expensive" mean to you in Australian dollars? Also, do you want to capture standard definition video or high definition video? ...and if capturing high-definition video, do you want to capture stereo audio or 5.1 audio?

Plus, there may be other costs to consider beyond the capture device, like cables, splitters, and maybe paid editing software. Splitters for high-definition video must be powered, not passive in order to provide an acceptable signal for recording. Perhaps you will need one or more dedicated capture hard drives for the PC, too. Depending on the capture device and video format used, capturing to the OS hard drive can result in dropped frames.

[MJA]

here is a cheap one

http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1445-Definition-Personal-Recorder/dp/B005P5UMVM/ref=sr...0530310&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/AVERMEDIA-C281-Game-Capture-Record-Xbox/dp/B005YR0M0W/ref=pd_cp_e_1

[jman98]

If any of your games send out a PAL60 video signal, you will need a card that you know for a fact can handle this. If you search the forums for the term "PAL60" you can find some old threads that talk about this issue. Many good cards cannot record PAL60 input so you cannot just buy any card and assume it works.

I am really curious about something. I know that quite a few people like to record themselves playing games. But nobody ever says "why". So why do you want to do this? Does it help you to get better by looking at the recordings? Or do you just enjoy being able to watch videos of your own game play? Or is there another reason?

[MJA]

dude wanna show his cheats/hacks lol

[smitty260]

"Not too expensive" is rather vague. What does "not too expensive" mean to you in Australian dollars? Also, do you want to capture standard definition video or high definition video? ...and if capturing high-definition video, do you want to capture stereo audio or 5.1 audio?

Plus, there may be other costs to consider beyond the capture device, like cables, splitters, and maybe paid editing software. Splitters for high-definition video must be powered, not passive in order to provide an acceptable signal for recording. Perhaps you will need one or more dedicated capture hard drives for the PC, too. Depending on the capture device and video format used, capturing to the OS hard drive can result in dropped frames.

Sorry, I was half asleep when I made the post. Well "not too expensive" is just a broad term. I will look at any suggestions given to me and will decide myself if it's too dear for me to afford. I'll most likely look at the cards on eBay anyway. Usually a lot cheaper when brand new ^^. As for the video standard, I would prefer it to be in HD. For the audio, I'm not qute sure. Which one would record a clearer sound? I'm not too good when it comes to audio. ^^

here is a cheap one

http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1445-Definition-Personal-Recorder/dp/B005P5UMVM/ref=sr...0530310&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/AVERMEDIA-C281-Game-Capture-Record-Xbox/dp/B005YR0M0W/ref=pd_cp_e_1

Thank you, MJA. I'm keeping a bookmarks folder full of possible capture cards that I will look at.

If any of your games send out a PAL60 video signal, you will need a card that you know for a fact can handle this. If you search the forums for the term "PAL60" you can find some old threads that talk about this issue. Many good cards cannot record PAL60 input so you cannot just buy any card and assume it works.

I am really curious about something. I know that quite a few people like to record themselves playing games. But nobody ever says "why". So why do you want to do this? Does it help you to get better by looking at the recordings? Or do you just enjoy being able to watch videos of your own game play? Or is there another reason?

All Australian Xboxs can only play PAL. I'm not sure if it's PAL60 (because to be honest, I have no idea), all I know is that every game in Australia (at least on Australian Xboxs) are PAL.

As for the reason for wanting this - I want to record gameplays and have commentaries on them; sometimes alone, sometimes with mates of mine over Skype and sometimes do some livestreams and upload them onto my Youtube channel. It was just a random idea that popped up when I was chatting with some mates of mine. I'm studying at University at the moment and I will be developing some Android applications soon (and eventually iOS applications), so this will be more of a side project whenever we have some spare time to hit up some CoD or Halo or just any Xbox game for that matter. Just a nice leisure activity.

dude wanna show his cheats/hacks lol

Read above ^^^^^ -.-

[usually_quiet]

MJA's suggestions are good. If the cost is acceptable, I would also recommend the Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition for capturing HD video and 5.1 audio. It includes some of of the accessories you need and has an internal splitter for component video input. The AverMediaGame capture is a simple solution if you want to capture HD video and are OK with stereo audio. The Hauppauge Colossus is another good choice for capturing HD video and 5.1 audio but includes fewer accessories than the Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition.

[smitty260]

MJA's suggestions are good. If the cost is acceptable, I would also recommend the Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition for capturing HD video and 5.1 audio. It includes some of of the accessories you need and has an internal splitter for component video input. The AverMediaGame capture is a simple solution if you want to capture HD video and are OK with stereo audio. The Hauppauge Colossus is another good choice for capturing HD video and 5.1 audio but includes fewer accessories than the Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition.

Cheers for that. I am thinking about getting the Hauppauge 1445 HD-PVR Gaming Edition from Amazon (the link that MJA posted). Seems like it will match what I am looking for. The price is a bit high, but I think I can handle it (after I get some cash). Along with that capture card (if I decide to get it), I am going to get a Logitech G35 Headset from uMart for about $100. Seems like a good combo. Hopefully it will produce a good finished product. Not sure how long until I decide to purchase those items, but hopefully won't take to long (as long as I get more work hours, ha).

Thanks for all the help.