Record Old Media or Create Great Streams with Video Capture Technology
When you are looking to back up VHS tapes or live stream a video game, you may need a video capture device. These devices, also known as capture cards, have many applications, and many of them are compatible with USB drives. When selecting a video capture device, choose one that records the kind of video you need and is compatible with your existing technology.
What are the common types of video capture devices?When you are on the hunt for a device with video capture capabilities, you will see several different types, such as:
- Analog capture devices: Some options are specifically designed for people who want to transfer their old VHS tapes to DVD or video format. These devices may recognize and capture several types of analog files, like Video8, VHS, and Hi8.
- Game capture devices: Other options are designed for gamers who want to capture and stream their game via platforms like Twitch and YouTube. These devices have built-in live streaming capabilities, and they have features that give gamers great command over their stream, like overlays and webcams.
- Multi-function capture devices: Some video capture devices are designed for multiple live streaming purposes. Besides video games, they can used to video capture live TV, DVR recordings, drone videos, medical endoscope videos, conference calls, and more.
These devices usually come with multiple input, output, and interface options. They include:
- USB: Capture cards almost always have a USB port. This means you can use a USB drive to save captured video files, and that the video capture device does not necessarily have to be compatible with your desktop or laptop.
- HDMI: With many video capture options, an HDMI port is used as the video and audio input/output.
- RCA, S-Video, and VGA: Devices used to capture analog media need to be compatible with analog technology. That is why they usually come with RCA, S-Video, or VGA ports.
- DVI: While HDMI is a common input/output option, some capture cards are also equipped for DVI connections. The DVI format is notable, because it can carry both analog and digital signals.
When you are capturing analog media, the quality of the captured video will reflect the quality of the original VHS. When you are capturing live video, capture card devices deliver 1080p 60 fps video quality.
Do video capture cards come with editing software?Once you have captured your 1080p 60 fps video, you may want to edit it. Many capture cards come with editing software, allowing users to edit out bloopers from old family videos or trim live videos. Video capture cards designed for live streaming may have real-time editing capabilities, allowing users to change their layout or add alerts on the fly.