So, you’re a budding YouTuber and want to start sharing your gaming videos with the world. Before you begin, you will need a capture card. But which one?
Before we get into the details, please note the Elgato HD, HD PVR 2 and the Roxio Game Cap HD require access to PC or Laptop in order to record. If your PS3/XBOX is in the lounge and your PC is elsewhere, don’t worry – you can use something like the AVerMedia Game Capture HD.
Elgato Game Capture HD vs HD PVR 2 (Gaming Edition) vs Roxio Game Cap HD
All three of these devices can record 30 fps @ 1080i using HDMI-in, or 60 fps @ 1080i using component-in.
Similarly, all three devices can connect to your TV using HDMI cables. The Roxio Game Cap HD has a slight advantage in that it also has component-out.
Size wise, the Elgato HD is the smallest, just a smidgen bigger than an iPhone 5. The Roxio is in the middle, whilst the HD PVR 2 is the biggest and, presumably, least portable of the three.
If you’re looking to live stream then all three capture cards will do the trick.
And the winner is…
In all, the Elgato, PVR and Roxio HD capture cards are pretty similar. Personally we’d go for the Roxio Game Cap HD as it offers the best value for money (even more so when you consider the powerful software that is included). You can pick up the Roxio for just £115 on Amazon.
Buy the Roxio GameCap HD Pro on Amazon:
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If portability is what you are after, then we suggest paying a little extra and going for the Elgato Game Capture HD, which comes in at £143.
Buy the Elgato Game Capture HD on Amazon:
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Those loyal to Hauppauge can pick up the HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition for £153. We do feel, however, that you are paying for the brand’s reputation.
Buy the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition on Amazon:
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If you’d like to see each of the cards in action, check out these links: Elgato Game Capture HD quality test; Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition Quality Test; and Roxio Game Capture HD quality test.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
[…] up pretty well against offerings from established players like Hauppauge and Roxio. In our “best capture card” post we noted the Elgato was by far and away the smallest HD capture card on the market and will […]
[…] If the location of your PC isn’t an issue then you may well prefer to go for the Hauppauge HD PVR Gaming Edition, the Elgato Game Caputre HD or the Roxio GameCap HD. […]
[…] say “convenient” because the likes of Hauppauge, Roxio and Elgato don’t have internal storage as per the AVerMedia. For me this was a huge plus point, as it […]
Ever since I started making videos, gameplays, commentary’s I’ve found that hauppauge HD PVR has always been the best device to use. To this date I’m using the HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition + which is small light weight and fits perfect in any location, it’s also not an eye sore rather an attractive feature. They’re always helpful with support and the programmes you’re using to record is updated on a regular basis. When recording with the device it’s simple and easy it’s just plug and play, the file sizes aren’t straining my computer or when full processed the quality is still 720p-1080p which is top of the range.
You can’t go wrong with the HD PVR 2. Do you post your videos to YouTube?
Thanks, the device is great it’s by far the best out there, I post alot yes.
What’s your channel? I will check it out… mine is http://www.youtube.com/user/iKingOfHouse … I just hit my first milestone of 100k views 🙂
Great Article Adam 😀
The HD PVR is a little more pricey but that’s the route I would take for my video production.
Offers a solid company background which has been around for years and will always offer the best support, Heard many rumours of Elgato’s support not being very nice lol.
Although the Elgato doesn’t have a power plug whatever like the HD PVR does, the pvr doesn’t require a really beefy computer which can be a lot better for many users (Not everyone has a really good computer that wants to get into content creation).
Afternoon Dan,
Have you seen the AVerMedia LGP? I have no experience of the HD PVR but I am massively impressed with the Live Gamer Portable.
Admittedly it wasn’t cheap, especially when you account for the £90 I spent on a 128 GB SD card for the pc-free mode, but I really can’t fault it.
Adam