Gaming News
Gear Review: Hauppauge HD PVR Gaming Edition
By Hector Cortez Jul 26, 2012, 5:40 GMT
The Hauppauge HD PVR Gaming Edition is a HD video capture device for your Xbox 360 or PS3.
The Hauppauge HD PVR Gaming Edition is a high definition video capture device for your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. For those of you who are into watching “Let's Play” videos on YouTube, why not make your own? Perhaps you want to edit your own video game trailers? This handy device allows you to do just that with great ease.
Setting up the PVR (personal video recorder) was a breeze – from opening the efficiently packaged box all the way to hitting record, everything worked without any problems. The PVR comes packed with everything you need: the PVR, USB cable, power adapter, component cables, and an all-in-one cable that allows you to hook up your Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii.
Setup is very straightforward:
1.) Plug your console into the PVR using the provided all-in-one component gaming cable
2.) Plug one end of the provided component video cable into the PVR and the other end into your TV
3.) Plug the power adapter into the PVR
4.) Plug one end of the provided USB cable into the PVR and the other end into your PC
5.) Install the drivers and software using the provided CD
6.) Power up your console
7.) Run the software (Arcsoft Showbiz)
8.) Adjust settings/preference to your liking
9.) Hit record
That's all there is to it. The second component connection acts as a passthrough and allows you to play the game without lag while watching your TV. It's pretty much impossible to play the game by watching the preview feed on your PC monitor. The slight delay throws everything off, so stick to the TV and let the PC do its thing. Don't worry about the lag. It won't show up in the actual captured video. You can capture video in standard definition or high definition (720p or 1080i) at data rates from 1-13.5Mbs.
Once you have your video files on your hard drive you can edit them like you would any other video file. You can also upload them to video sharing sites like YouTube. Another cool feature is the ability to burn HD footage to a DVD-R and play it back in HD on a Blu-ray player. Also, just because this is marketed as a gaming device, it doesn't mean you can't use it to capture other video sources, such as a cable or satellite box, or a VCR. Isn't it about time you converted all those old family vacation VHS tapes?
The Hauppauge HD PVR Gaming Edition sells for $199 and is available direct from Hauppauge's online store, or at various other retailers including Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy. I highly recommend you check this one out if you're looking to buy a PVR. I experienced no problems when using it and the quality of the video is great. Check out some sample footage below.
