Recording video off an XBOX 360 without inducing lag

[DaOneEnOnly]

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?

[neomaine]

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.

[DaOneEnOnly]

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

[DaOneEnOnly]

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.

[chunky1875]

I am having some problings with mine. When i am recording my gameplay from my xbox 360 then when i watch it back the is nothing but lag from it.
I am using the brackout cable with Green Blue Red white & red with the output it is just the hdmi cable.
could anyone help me with this
Thnks

[neomaine]

I am having some problings with mine. When i am recording my gameplay from my xbox 360 then when i watch it back the is nothing but lag from it.
I am using the brackout cable with Green Blue Red white & red with the output it is just the hdmi cable.
could anyone help me with this
Thnks

Chunky,

It could just be the playback. Make sure the drive you're capturing to is defragmented. And/or, try converting it to something with that uses less bitrate. Using Vdub, or anything else, convert the file to divx with a CQ of 3 keeping the same resolution. That is, if you’re capturing in 720p, convert keeping it 720p. The conversion/compression from MPJEP to divx/xvid with a lower bitrate will allow you to see if you have playback problems. I'm guessing you captures are just fine. Your setup - drive, cpu, video card, playback software - may not be optimum. And besides, you'll need to compress the captures at some point anyway.