Record 360 Gameplay via HDMI

[Ivy Bridge]

This is not a revolutionary finding or anything, but I still see a lot of people who buy the Hauppauge HD-PVR to record their Xbox 360 gameplay. Personally, I see a huge difference in the quality of component video and HDMI, so I would much prefer a solution that allows me to play in HDMI and record in HDMI.

I've found this little gem:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116065

90% of modern PCs will meet the requirements to use this card, though it IS internal. As long as you have an open PCIe x1 slot, you should be good. Unfortunately it does not let you record in 1080p (restricted to 1080i), but neither does the HD PVR AFAIK. You may notice that it only has one HDMI port, which is where this comes in handy:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-HDMISPL1HH-Splitter-Cable-Digital/dp/tags-on-product/B00111JODG

Also, there is no difference between a $70 HDMI cable and a $2 HDMI cable other than maybe build quality.. I've used $2 HDMI cables on ALL of my electronics for the past ~2 years and have not noticed any failures or had them break etc. The picture will be identical.

So a HD-PVR is roughly $200. The Colossus is $141, + $8 for the splitter and $4 for 2 HDMI cables. That's just short of $50 less than the HD-PVR costs, and it allows you to play/record in HDMI. The only drawbacks being it is not portable and the system requirements are slightly higher, but still not what I'd consider high at all.

I am definitely considering this for recording my MW3 gameplay just thought I'd share this finding. Quality is virtually identical to the Black Magic Intensity Pro, but it costs less and doesn't have insane HDD write speed requirements.

 

[Noodles :)]

I'd rather an internal myself.
HDMI cable thing is right, I hate salesman that go 'nonono you gotta buy this $100 hdmi cable to get full picture quality over that $10 one' >.>

Offtopic slightly, ew console fps. D:

 

[Ivy Bridge]

I'd rather an internal myself.
HDMI cable thing is right, I hate salesman that go 'nonono you gotta buy this $100 hdmi cable to get full picture quality over that $10 one' >.>

Offtopic slightly, ew console fps. D:

Yeah, I normally would do all my gaming on my PC but MW3 has more than disappointed me with a nearly complete lack of PC support. The main thing ticking me off is that you have to use the matchmaking function to get into a ranked server. How dumb is that shit.... I'll just stick to 360 with my friends and do my hardcore gaming on my PC.

That and I'm going to be getting Halo: CEA, so I'm gonna need a way to record my gameplay . Huuuge Halo fan here.

 

[Noodles :)]

Mmm I know what you mean, kinda dissappointed with MW3, but I sold my xbox so meh.

Link me when the halo videos are up.