18 replies to this topic

[Ninty64X]

Hey everyone, I'm planning a starting a video game web series, but I'm not sure what capture device to get. So what do you guys recommend? The things I'm looking for are

Easy to use/set up

Able to capture footage from older game consoles

Isn't crazy expensive

Works with Windows 8

 

Thanks in advance!

[grahamf]

I bought a knockoff EasyCap once. It worked fine but the software was crap.

[UnholyVision]

Able to capture footage from older game consoles

 

Isn't crazy expensive

 

How old are we talking? Because you might just be able to skip the capture card/device and just capture you gameplay from say an emulator on you computer.

 

Depending on what you plan to capture & quality of the capture, well it might get quiet expensive.

[grahamf]

I think he just wants a simple component video capture card. Mine cost $20

[Ninty64X]

How old are we talking? Because you might just be able to skip the capture card/device and just capture you gameplay from say an emulator on you computer.

 

Depending on what you plan to capture & quality of the capture, well it might get quiet expensive.

I'm talking between the nes to the gamecube if that helps at all.

[UnholyVision]

I think he just wants a simple component video capture card. Mine cost $20

Well, even still free is a great starting point. If you don't like the free methods there is the alternative of purchasing a card. I mean, emulators are a dime a dozen today, even on cell phones now.

 

 

I'm talking between the nes to the gamecube if that helps at all.

There are great NES, SNES, & N64 emulators. Ones that don't even need bios's. As for GameCube never really used anything but Dolphin which was pretty good.

(For some emulators. You will need to make or get roms to start playing. I leave the Googling of all of that to you. It is pretty easy to come by anyway).

 

http://obsproject.com/ (Very good application capture software. I use this all the time. You just need to set it up to capture a select open window. Which is pretty straight forward).

 

http://www.virtualdub.org/ (If you want to, crop the video, cut, or other edits this free tool works nicely. There is also Windows Movie Maker you can download from MS's website or whatever built in Apple software as well).

 

 

Edit: If you don't like that at the end of the day. Then as I stated there is always the other methods of buying the hardware. I believe Pinnacle makes a decent device or too for pretty cheap. At least so I have heard. I personally use an internal card, an Intensity Pro.

Edited by UnholyVision, 29 September 2013 - 12:13 AM.

[grahamf]

But then you have to figure out how to put your game saves into the emulator or start from scratch

[TheUltimateWaddleDee]

You wouldn't need an emulator for Gamecube games, as you could just record off a Wii with Component Cables. I'm pretty sure there is a way to get direct feed on retro systems without using an emulator, but I don't know what you need.

[UnholyVision]

@TheUltimateWaddleDee: You may not need an emulator for NGC games using a Wii, but still would get you back to square one on the purchasing of products.

 

But then you have to figure out how to put your game saves into the emulator or start from scratch

I figured that sort of was the whole point. Lets plays and such, I mean all he said was start a video game web series. Which, I am sure someone out there could share there full game progress. Not to mention just go to an emulator with say a community to see if say someone could drop you a emulator based quick save. (At least if said choose of emulators that does the extra save option like this). Still beats buying anything, if all it means is another playthrough. (*Shrugs*) Not like they have to do this, but only trying to save the chap a few in moonies with said option.

[Xiombarg]

I'm personally not against emulation and roms, discussion is fine, but let's try to not link them here.

[AndyG]

If you plan to use recording software instead of a capture device you will need to ensure that your computer will have the specs to keep up. Simply retro titles on the NES and 64 should run fine but running a GC game would probably require 8GB of RAM in order to capture smooth and consistant footage, nothing is more annoying than seeing someone upload a video that runs at something like 12 fps. As mentioned before there are all sorts of capture cards, some will allow you to plug straight into your console (recent consoles), some can hook into your monitors while some others may require a bit of tinkering to get working.

 

Considering you only just started you should just use recording programs to ensure that this whole web series idea is for you before shelling $80 on a capture card. Make sure that you have the right sort of voice and expression when doing your videos, popular let's players usually become famous because of there accents or there humour, it may not come straight away but naturally you should become more confident when making videos. Look at how other youtubers became famous, Pewdiepie is well known for his reaction shots when playing Amnesia and various other games. Jontron and Egoraptor from Gamegrumps are known for there humour, learn from these examples and you should do well.

 

Remember don't give up, be persistant with your recordings or viewers will quickly lose interest.

[UnholyVision]

Ahem, yeah the hardware part on some emulators is a must. Though, I failed to mention it as the so called link did state requirements to somethings. Also assuming they had so called specs if they planned on video capture cards to get decent results. Which I guess if you use external, perhaps a select few said devices have a external means of taking load off USB to help in the compression means. Because in no way is external doing uncompressed or a compressed version that amazingly.

 

I'm personally not against emulation and roms, discussion is fine, but let's try to not link them here.

Was just the emulators & not the actual roms, kind of like linking to a Google Play Store emulator. Though, alrighty then no emulator links either then. Easy google for the person then, as it is just as quick. The powers of the interwebs & massive search polling. xD

Edited by UnholyVision, 29 September 2013 - 12:11 AM.

[grahamf]

And also with emulators you have to have the right controllers. I've found Gamecube games to sometimes be pretty tricky if you have an ordinary controller that doesn't have analogue shoulder buttons. Plus it just feels weird and the legality is debatable.

[TheUltimateWaddleDee]

For emulator controllers you should use a Classic Controller Pro/Dualshock 3 (assuming the emulators you are using work with Bluetooth, as I would never recommend a 360 pad for 2D games), or a GameCube to USB adapter if you are using Dolphin.

[grahamf]

But then the emulator is no longer free.

So might as well just get a capture card.

[UnholyVision]

And also with emulators you have to have the right controllers. I've found Gamecube games to sometimes be pretty tricky if you have an ordinary controller that doesn't have analogue shoulder buttons. Plus it just feels weird and the legality is debatable.

Why do you need a controller exactly? I think that comes down to personal preference & possibly usage. I have played tons of emulated games via just the keyboard. Though as I mentioned usage, well I have used the keyboard for years, starting with DOS games & later games that adopted mouse usage. In the end it is all about how adjusting & finding a comfortable keybind setup. Which is very flexable on a keyboard that has way more options in terms of keys.

 

For emulator controllers you should use a Classic Controller Pro/Dualshock 3 (assuming the emulators you are using work with Bluetooth, as I would never recommend a 360 pad for 2D games), or a GameCube to USB adapter if you are using Dolphin.

If they already have say a PS3 or Xbox 360 controller I say go for it. Means they are already use to the feel of it and can manage to play just fine with it. (I have had Bomberman & MarioKart sessions with the other people using a 360 controller with no issues). Not to mention, why spend money if they already have a feel for something. Ahem, unless we are talking say a Wireless Xbox 360 controller & you will need a dongle if you are really hell bent on using that controller. The dongles go for like 2 to 5 USD on Amazon if I recall correctly. Much cheaper option than buying all new controllers or a capture card.

Edited by UnholyVision, 29 September 2013 - 01:01 PM.

[TheUltimateWaddleDee]

Why do you need a controller exactly? I think that comes down to personal preference & possibly usage. I have played tons of emulated games via just the keyboard. Though as I mentioned usage, well I have used the keyboard for years, starting with DOS games & later games that adopted mouse usage. In the end it is all about how adjusting & finding a comfortable keybind setup. Which is very flexable on a keyboard that has way more options in terms of keys.

If they already have say a PS3 or Xbox 360 controller I say go for it. Means they are already use to the feel of it and can manage to play just fine with it. (I have had Bomberman & MarioKart sessions with the other people using a 360 controller with no issues). Not to mention, why spend money if they already have a feel for something. Ahem, unless we are talking say a Wireless Xbox 360 controller & you will need a dongle if you are really hell bent on using that controller. The dongles go for like 2 to 5 USD on Amazon if I recall correctly. Much cheaper option than buying all new controllers or a capture card.

I was just saying the controllers I would recommend. I would never use a 360 controller for a 2D game, as I don't like using an analog stick for 2D movement and the 360 Dpad is awful. I would think a controller is necessary for 3D games on N64, PS1, and GameCube as you would need analog control for some games (or I'm just being stubborn and prefer using a controller).

[UnholyVision]

I was just saying the controllers I would recommend. I would never use a 360 controller for a 2D game, as I don't like using an analog stick for 2D movement and the 360 Dpad is awful. I would think a controller is necessary for 3D games on N64, PS1, and GameCube as you would need analog control for some games (or I'm just being stubborn and prefer using a controller).

That is cool, pick your preference. Some people are just different or not use to the other so fall back onto another. I know first hand how that is on the want to fall back part. I play PC only for a long no controllerss. Go to a console and it just cramps the hell out of my hands, after a while, boom instant success. Ahem, so yes I understand what you are getting at. (Personally out of all the consoles released from this generation to last that are released at this very moment. I perfer the PS3 controller over 360, Wii, or Wii U. Further back Dreamcast & Xbox Duke controllers FTW).

[Nollog]

Hey everyone, I'm planning a starting a video game web series, but I'm not sure what capture device to get. So what do you guys recommend? The things I'm looking for are
Easy to use/set up
Able to capture footage from older game consoles
Isn't crazy expensive
Works with Windows 8
 
Thanks in advance!

For older consoles, I'd use emulators.
You're probably only playing games you own anyway so wouldn't be a problem.

HDMI and 720p capture cards are insanely expensive, usually in the 200+ region.
You can start with a cheap USB one though.
1080p ones are absolutely insane, but so cute.