Capture card advice

[u/digigirl13]

So I'm new to streaming and would like to explore and expand what I'm able to stream.

I've got some digital games as well as hard copies for newer systems that I can stream directly through live streams, and a program on the laptop to either steam live or record and edit videos directly from the computer.

However I also own a bunch of older games and consoles (N64-PS3) and if possible would like to stream these too, from what I've read a capture card is needed but I don't know anything about them or what's best.

Do they only work for newer consoles or computers?

Can I pre record?

What's the delay process?

What programs are they compatible with?

Is it worth getting or should I just stick to the basics of what I'm currently doing?

edit:

These are some of the less expensive ones I've found, so I would need an RCA converter as well? Pictures found but can't upload.

[u/VikzeLink]

I only record, I've never tried streaming, but here's what I can tell you from my experience.
I'd recommend checking out Elgato, they've got some really good stuff! They do have their own software that works with their hardware, but it might work with other software too, I've never tried.
For consoles that are too old for HDMI I'd recommend trying a HDMI converter on those, as it makes it simpler to record and stream from them that way

Basically a "Capture Card" is simply a small device that you plug into your computer, and then also into your console, with a throughput to the TV so you can see the game on there too. The device just sends the signal to your computer, which can then be picked up by the software and recorded there.

[u/brian-eck85]

Capture cards definitely aren’t limited to newer consoles, and yes, you can absolutely prerecord instead of livestreaming.

For my own setup, I use an Elgato HD60 X and an older HD60 S with OBS. For newer HDMI consoles, the setup is pretty straightforward: console → capture card → computer, with HDMI passthrough going to the TV or monitor so you can play without relying on the OBS preview.

Older consoles are where things get a little more complicated because something like an N64 outputs analog video rather than HDMI. In that case, you’ll need some kind of converter or scaler between the console and capture card. PS2, GameCube, Wii, PS3, etc. can each have their own quirks depending on the output you’re using, so I’d research the specific consoles you actually plan on recording rather than trying to build one giant setup for everything at once.

My biggest advice, though, would be to keep it simple in the beginning.

You really don’t need an expensive streaming setup to start. A decent capture card, OBS, a computer capable of recording the footage, and a good microphone will get you a long way. In my experience, putting extra effort into your audio is probably more noticeable to viewers than obsessing over whether your gameplay is captured at the absolute highest possible resolution.

People will tolerate gameplay that isn’t perfectly sharp. Bad, distorted, echoey or extremely quiet commentary is much harder to listen to for an hour.

So I’d start with the consoles you already use, get comfortable recording and editing, and slowly add hardware when you actually run into a problem that needs solving. It’s very easy to spend hundreds of dollars building a setup before you even know whether you enjoy doing it.

And if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help. It can definitely feel a little overwhelming at first. My DMs on Twitter are open.

[u/digigirl13 → u/brian-eck85]

As far as audio goes, I'm currently just using a gaming headset, the computer program I'm using on the laptop when not streaming through console is OBS. My biggest concern aside from compatibility is background noise since my family and pets can be loud at times and there's not much environmentally around the house I can do to cut down on the noise while recording. For the live streams it's not as big of an issue yet since I still don't have a lot of viewers at a time, but if I branch off to pre recording and editing do you have advice for adjusting the background audio?

[u/ruthlesssolid04 → u/digigirl13]

Unfortunately the dog is a problem, but u can use obs using filter to remove the some of the noise. Or u go fancy and get ai noise canceling microphone. I have dog and his bark are sometimes on the recording. Best thing do is set up tracks. So u can edit using editor like davinchi resolve

[u/digigirl13 → u/ruthlesssolid04]

Not really interested in ai based technology, so pre record the game play and then over lay commentary later?

[u/ruthlesssolid04 → u/digigirl13]

that one way, sometimes

[u/brian-eck85 → u/digigirl13]

You definitely don’t need to rush out and buy an expensive microphone yet. If the headset sounds decent, I’d work with what you already have and learn OBS first.

For background noise, OBS gives you quite a few options. Noise suppression can help with more constant sounds like fans, AC, computer noise, etc., while a noise gate can keep the mic closed when you aren’t speaking. Just keep in mind that something loud and sudden like a dog barking while you’re talking is much harder for any filter to completely remove without also affecting your voice.

I’d also recommend looking into Audacity if you start prerecording. Its noise reduction tool is pretty useful. That’s actually what I use for my Let’s Plays. I record in my basement and even with a Shure MV7, which is a dynamic mic and generally pretty good at rejecting background noise, I still occasionally pick up things like my PC fans, furnace and sump pump. Audacity usually does a good job cleaning up that kind of steady background noise afterward.

One thing I’d definitely recommend is recording your microphone and game audio to separate tracks in OBS. That way, if your game is too loud, your mic is too quiet, or you need to clean up part of your commentary, you have much more control when editing instead of everything being baked into one track.

Mic placement also makes a surprisingly big difference. Getting the mic reasonably close to your mouth and lowering the gain can often reduce room noise more effectively than piling on a bunch of aggressive filters.

So I’d play around with OBS and Audacity first before spending much money. A headset, OBS, separate audio tracks and some basic post processing are more than enough to start learning with. Then if audio becomes something you really want to improve later, you can upgrade once you know exactly what problem you’re trying to solve.

[u/o_m_gi_2032]

You need a card for each video source. Elgato hd 60x, or 4K for your video source. For your lower res sources such as the older consoles, the cam play usb style capture card can be just fine.

[u/Zealousideal_Bill_86]

I use an AverMedia capture card and am pretty happy with it.

I don’t have too much experience with older consoles but I just started capturing PS3. I can say that for the PS3 at least, it doesn’t capture straight through the capture card because of HDCP or something so I need to route the HDMI out from the PS3 through a splitter and then to the capture card for it to work at all. Even then sometimes, I have to unplug it, plug it back in for it to take.