Before you post about in here about what capture device is better blah blah blah. This cheaper Avermedia records at the same bitrate using the same codecs as the more expensive Hauppauge and Black Magic Shuttle. I like the Avermedia device because it did NOT require a PC. My PC is on the other side of the basement and I didn't want to move it nor string cables along the floor and across the house.
Ok thanks to all the technical assistance of Slam and Missiler I got my console pvr all finalized. I found numerous videos on youtube however felt they were all incomplete in some way or another...using hack methods to record audio and such and not providing all the answers I needed at once.
So I felt compelled to write this how to in order to help anyone else here who wants to start capturing their game play and/or general cluster fuckery that takes place in party chat
This entire setup cost me $180 but I'll admit I got lucky and found the capture device half off as an open box item. To buy all components new it'll cost you about $250
You may need a ground loop isolator depending on your setup. Both Slam and myself were getting a hum once we brought the mic levels up so they could be easier heard in the video playback.
I ended up having issues with this isolator I'm not sure if its the isolator itself or the mixer or a combination of the two. After using this successfully for about two weeks suddenly all chat (party and lobby) would feedback thru my mic. This happened ONLY when using this isolator. I plan on changing some cables out to use a different ground loop isolator.
Important Notes: The stereo RCAs listed above will connect from the mixer to the capture device - in my setup they are next to each other - so depending on your layout purchase the desired length that best suits you.
The Avermedia device listed above includes the console component cable (with universal ends supporting Wii, PS3, and Xbox). It also includes another set of component (video only) and a separate stereo RCA.
This capture device can use any 2.5" internal (laptop) hard drive OR any USB disk device (hard drive or even flash / thumb drives). The one I posted is a killer deal at the moment.
This mixer supports four MONO inputs and can run off a single 9v battery or a/c. However it does NOT include the a/c adapter.
Before you begin - if you were using HDMI before be sure to change your video settings on your XBOX to 1080i (1080p is NOT supported)
Also if you intend on recording your voice along with game chat (the whole point of this tutorial) you need to go into your XBOX voice preferences and change the setting to output to both headset AND TV.
The basics: 1) insert the splitter into your controller 2) splitter side 1 - goes your headset 3) splitter side 2 - goes your 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter 4) plug your 3.5 to 1/4" mic jack cable into the 3.5mm adapter on side 2 of the splitter 4.5) plug the ground loop isolator into the splitter (use as necessary) 5) 1/4" mic jack plugs into mixer (mic input 1 on front) 6) console component cable - video runs to INPUT of the capture device - the audio runs to mixer channel 2 (L) and channel 3 (R) 7) Stereo RCA cable - goes from the OUTPUT of the mixer to the INPUT of the capture device component cables (audio / video) goes from OUTPUT of capture device to INPUT of your TV
Install the battery in the mixer or plug it in if you bought the adapter - turn it on. Turn your TV on. Turn on your console. Turn on th e avermedia (assuming you attached / installed a hard drive). You'll see a on screen display (OSD) welcoming you. You can now use the remote that came with the capture device and check the hard disk is installed / connected correctly and passes a self check.
Now all you have to do is simply hit the record button to start / stop recording. It was extremely easy to setup and use.
The PS3 is a little trickier since you guys don't have a headset jack on the controller. I'll post a HOW TO later on.
Last edited by BlackDeath on Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:33 am; edited 8 times in total (Reason for editing : stopped using the PAC ground loop isolator due to feedback issues)
BlackDeath
Posts : 3019 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 180 Join date : 2011-10-16 Age : 47 Location : Big Country - Michigan
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Thu May 24, 2012 5:07 pm
Here is an alternative to the radio shack mixer. This unit is slightly more expensive - approx $50 but supurb quality. Behringer makes a lot of studio and musician quality equipment.
Just search amazon or ebay for the best deal. The concept is the same however the adapters may not depending on your setup. You just need to separately bring game chat / sound and your mic outputs into the mixer then blend it all together to go into your pvr.
Last edited by BlackDeath on Tue May 29, 2012 6:18 pm; edited 1 time in total
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue May 29, 2012 4:51 pm
To compliment your post BD, I made an impromptu setup video with my iPhone for capturing with a WIRED headset. I suck at commentary so I'll just go back to teabagging.
mwhop78
Posts : 2023 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 57 Join date : 2012-01-23 Age : 45 Location : Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:03 am
When u gonna come at me with the PS3 setup? I am very curious. I think this is what I am pushing the wife for at Christmas time.
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:22 am
mwhop78 wrote:
When u gonna come at me with the PS3 setup? I am very curious. I think this is what I am pushing the wife for at Christmas time.
It's pretty much the exact setup. You just dont need the HDMI switch or optic switch. Just use the component cables and not HDMI and you're good to go.
mwhop78
Posts : 2023 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 57 Join date : 2012-01-23 Age : 45 Location : Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:24 am
Thanks Slam.
mwhop78
Posts : 2023 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 57 Join date : 2012-01-23 Age : 45 Location : Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:29 am
Ok, this maybe a stupid question but here it goes. If you are using the Video Capture Device that BD recommends because it does not require a computer then what are you using to watch and edit said recordings?
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:51 am
I do use one. My PVR is hooked to a laptop via USB which sits beside me.
BlackDeath
Posts : 3019 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 180 Join date : 2011-10-16 Age : 47 Location : Big Country - Michigan
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:29 am
Hop fyi they have a newer version out now that I'd recommend unless you're on a budget like I was. Also steer clear of the PAC isolator I started having issues with it and so did slam.
You can view recordings right off the device on your tv. You could check a vid out real quick while in game lobby it just overlays the picture. There are two settings...the default is OSD (on screen display) I noticed input / controller lag with this. The other option is RTM (real time mode) there are no menu's are confirmations of button presses like the other mode but I don't notice any picture or game quality issues.
To edit - I just plug the hard drive into my PC to manipulate the files further.
Last edited by BlackDeath on Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:34 am; edited 1 time in total
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:34 am
Black are you able to live stream with the cheap capture card?
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:11 pm
You can livestream with any capture card, you just have to download X Split
mwhop78
Posts : 2023 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 57 Join date : 2012-01-23 Age : 45 Location : Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:58 pm
BlackDeath wrote:
Hop fyi they have a newer version out now that I'd recommend unless you're on a budget like I was. Also steer clear of the PAC isolator I started having issues with it and so did slam.
You can view recordings right off the device on your tv. You could check a vid out real quick while in game lobby it just overlays the picture. There are two settings...the default is OSD (on screen display) I noticed input / controller lag with this. The other option is RTM (real time mode) there are no menu's are confirmations of button presses like the other mode but I don't notice any picture or game quality issues.
To edit - I just plug the hard drive into my PC to manipulate the files further.
Well, my mac is also attached to my tv so I guess it is a moot point anyways.
BlackDeath
Posts : 3019 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 180 Join date : 2011-10-16 Age : 47 Location : Big Country - Michigan
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:48 pm
biz - the avermedia game capture hd wasn't really intended for live stream - I think you could do it but with a lot of hassle...you'd need a a/v switch with multiple outputs and twice the cables.
that was never a option i cared about since im stuck with such shitty internet...
i chose this device primarily because it was stand alone - it could record all by itself and I didn't have to move my PC closer (which is currently on the opposite corner of the basement) or buy expensive cables to make the run...which probably would have effected performance anyhow
the most important thing with the avermedia is to get a quality hard drive - anyone who bitched about it on newegg was a dumbass trying to record HD 15mbit video on a fucking flash stick
the only issues ive ever experienced with mine were with the OSD mode - like i said it would lag and id see video anomalies occasionally - like my tv would lose input signal - for 80 bucks tho (120 new atm) its worth the inconvenience - the real time mode works without a hitch
walldoggy
Posts : 4733 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 173 Join date : 2011-07-12 Age : 52 Location : Southern California
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:33 pm
This looks pretty cool. Looks like you can use it to record off of a DVR too, right? If so, that might swing the missus in my favor!
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:36 pm
walldoggy wrote:
This looks pretty cool. Looks like you can use it to record off of a DVR too, right? If so, that might swing the missus in my favor!
If you do it right, you can even "back up" any blu-rays.
walldoggy
Posts : 4733 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 173 Join date : 2011-07-12 Age : 52 Location : Southern California
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:46 pm
Sr Slampiece wrote:
walldoggy wrote:
This looks pretty cool. Looks like you can use it to record off of a DVR too, right? If so, that might swing the missus in my favor!
If you do it right, you can even "back up" any blu-rays.
lol I don't do movies too much anymore, but there are tons of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and other kids shows I'l like to move to my computer (and, thus, iphone and ipad) so the kids can watch them and I can get a few moments of relative silence when we're out of the house. lol
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Fri Aug 24, 2012 6:19 am
Slam - they is the hauppauge able to record to an external hard drive or must it be connected to a computer?
Also how messy are you setups. is there always wires all over the place? When I do get all the equipment I plan on mounting everything into a case for a really clean setup and also for portability. Can you post pictures when you guys get a chance.
Winners
Posts : 1865 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 80 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 49 Location : Tavares, Florida
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Fri Aug 24, 2012 8:31 am
The hauppage has to hook to a computer to record. The advantages of that are they have the ability to live stream. If you want less wires you could go with the Blackmagic Design Intensity - HDMI Capture Card which connects via HDMI and the cables are less bulky. As for me I have tons of wires but I game at a table with my pc, xbox, ps3, HD pvr, 2 monitors, sound mixer, HDMI switch, component to hdmi convertor, and everything in the same location. Tried to run the wires neatly but in the end it still became a jumbled mess lol.
BlackDeath
Posts : 3019 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 180 Join date : 2011-10-16 Age : 47 Location : Big Country - Michigan
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Fri Aug 24, 2012 9:40 am
My mixer sits on the bottom shelf of my tv stand. All the cords behind it are out of the way and unseen. The only cord coming out of the front of it plugs into the controller to capture game chat and my voice.
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:47 am
I'd say on a tidy scale of 1-10 I'd give myself a -5.
See my PS3? No? That's because its buried on the bottom shelf because my wife still doesn't know I got drunk and bought it off Ebay one night.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:57 am
Holy Rat fuck slam. That is a fucking rats nest of wires. That would drive me nuts till I cleaned that up some.
Sr Slampiece
Posts : 4130 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 235 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 47 Location : Virginia
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:10 am
LMAO! Yeah, I hate that rack. It doesn't hide anything. Plus using a wired controller and wired headset dosent help either.
It use to be worse!
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:32 am
Sr Slampiece wrote:
See my PS3? No? That's because its buried on the bottom shelf because my wife still doesn't know I got drunk and bought it off Ebay one night.
AWWWWWW I am telling Mrs Slam. You are going to be in trouble mista. LOL
walldoggy
Posts : 4733 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 173 Join date : 2011-07-12 Age : 52 Location : Southern California
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:15 pm
Slam, zip ties are your friend.
For the wires, you pervert weirdo. lol
Winners
Posts : 1865 Reach-a-Rounds Received : 80 Join date : 2011-11-28 Age : 49 Location : Tavares, Florida
Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:31 pm
I tried to do my shit neatly when I reset everything up. Still ended up looking like a pile of snakes behind everything. I don't know why in god they advertise anything as wireless, everything wireless has some kind of wires that have to be hooked up lmao.
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Subject: Re: HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat
HOW TO: complete guide to console recording - including chat