DVR with HD inputs?

[blacklevel]

I need an inexpensive solution to capture HD video from game consoles. I was thinking about using a DVR, but can't find one with component or HDMI inputs. Any suggestions?

[TBoneit]

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html does 480p, 720p, 1080i H.264 from component to your computer.

[blacklevel]

That looks like it could do the trick! Have you used it? If so, how's the quality?

[fritzi93]

I have one and it's been completely satisfactory. Do a search of the site for Hauppauge HD-PVR and you'll see there has been a good deal of discussion about that unit. Good luck.

[usually_quiet]

There's also the AVerTV HD DVR from Avermedia http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815100049

Hauppauge's product is probably the better option if it is in your budget. For one thing, it's been around longer and the experienced user base is larger. The Hauppauge device uses hardware encoding. The AVerTV HD DVR requires software encoding so it uses a lot more CPU resources. The Hauppauge HD PVR provides a pass-through for component video to your TV, so there's no lag. The AVerTV HD DVR has no pass through, so there might be some lag in the video display for the game on your computer monitor if you use their software to record.

There's a review of the AVerTV HD DVR here http://lanoc.org/review/hardware/input-devices/2198-avermedia-hd-dvr and another here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieiuQsN45FI The You-Tube reviewer suggests using a screen capture program instead of Avermedia's included software for recording.

[jagabo]

The Hauppauge HD PVR provides a pass-through for component video to your TV, so there's no lag.

Just to clarify this: there is no lag on the passthrough. There is a huge lag on the computer screen -- on the order of a half second. If you want to capture gameplay from a PS3 or XBOX 360 you have to use the passthrough.

A review with sample files:

http://blog.arogan.com/2008/06/hauppauge-hd-pvr-model-1212.html

[blacklevel]

yeah, i've experienced detrimental screen lag even just capturing Wii gameplay with expensive pro gear (AJA I/O HD hooked up to Final Cut Studio 2 on a new 17" MacBook Pro.) Luckily the I/O HD has plenty of passthrough options, but it's a beotch if you forget to pack the extra cable =O

I wish that kind of equipment was in my personal budget, but I think I can swing the Hauppauge. That blog post is phenomenal, I'm downloading the sample files right now. The AverTV card looks like it packs a lot of features into a sub-$100 package but I really like that the Hauppauge's encoding is hardware-based and also that it doesn't eat up a PCI-E slot.

[blacklevel]

I have one on the way !w00t!

Does anyone have experience using it with Ustream?

[blacklevel]

finally arrived! first test capture from xbox 360 looks really good, i think this solution is going to be perfect. thanks, everyone, for the suggestions and links!