Recording from HDMI

I just want to record directly from a video card on a laptop or desktop and save it without sacrificing the performance. With fraps or similar screen capturing programs, capturing at 1920x1080 slows down modern games on even a fairly powerful rig. I want to eliminate that. How would I go about recording directly off the dvi output of a graphics card? (Most likely I'll have to use a dvi to HDMI) I would assume my two options are A: HDMI to USB and record the input on a separate computer. B: Use an external device that uses it's own hardware for the capture and saves it to a computer. I would prefer the latter, but want to spend under $75. Any idea on what I should buy?

 

Only way I can think of (if it's not DRM or HDCP laced) would be to output it to a set-top blu-ray burner. Otherwise you're looking at $$$ for capturing software and hardware to capture.

 

I don't need any additional software. I really don't want to burn the files to blu-ray discs. I just thought there was a simple device that would take hdmi and output it to USB for capture on another computer. (The same as if you would record hdmi tv, but from a graphics card instead of DVR) I have a device that converts analog and and S-video to USB, but I really would like HDMI or DVI. Is there a device that would convert the video to a file and save it to a memory card on the fly?? That would be the best way. I'm sure there is some device similar to that, but I would assume over $75. How about some type of cheap converter from HDMI to USB? (for capture) I saw some Pinnacle (I believe) boxes that might work, but I'm unsure.

My goal is to be able to record gameplay in @ 1920x1080 of modern games without affecting system performance
Edit: Something like this, but not wireless

 

Its pretty simple.

You either have to use software or hardware.

If you use software your going to have to sacrifice system performance, I can record 1080p just fine though on my desktop or laptop so its not impossible.

Most important things are to have a quad core cpu and a 2nd HDD as thats all it really uses is the CPU to process it and a HDD to record it.


If you want to go the hardware route, a dedicated recording device is probably very expensive. The cheapest way I know to get top grade HDMI capture is with a HDMI capture card for desktop PC's.

This card in partiular is both high quality and cheaper than the other options.

AverMedia MTVHDDVRR AVerTV PCIe HD Video Capture Card - HDMI at TigerDirect.com

But of course you need to deal with the cost of the card and have a computer to use it with.


I always record PC stuff with FRAPS its the cheapest and best way to go. I only go outside of that realm for console game recording, and that is in large part why I do not record console videos anymore. If I did I would just use a HD camcorder and use a tripod, you can get good results that way if done properly.

 

The computer I plan to record the video from is decent. Phenom II X4 965 BE, 4gb DDR3 (16600mhz) Geforce GTS 250. I also have a second HD. (it's IDE though) The problem is: Recording Battlefield Bad Company 2. The game is so resource intensive, while recording with FRAPS, it lowers the FPS to an unplayable level ~20 FPS or lower. If it weren't for that, I would totally use software. Is there a cheaper method of using a separate PC as the hardware instead of it all being on the PCI card? Or even a USB method, because I would like to record using my laptop which wouldn't work with the card :-\ I like the card idea, but don't want to spend the $$ It's not a "must have" for the card, and I have tried the camera+tripod & it has worked pretty well in the past.
Also, If I were to get the PCI card and use it on the same computer as the game is running on, do you have any idea as to the overhead. I'm sure it would be less than fraps, but I want to make sure it's worth the $99 if I end up buying it.

 

no usb method can handle 1080p or even 1080i thats why you have to use a pci card.


I would not know if the demand on using the card is more or less than fraps but I would just bet on it being the same to be safe, plus that would be akward. You would have to send the video out to hdmi, then get the same feed as video in, and then click record, then tab into your game.

Its not meant to be a same machine thing, its to record external sources.

 

well in fraps you have the option to change the fps level the game records at... try setting the custom box to like 35-40 and see if it helps to make a difference

 

Ok, that's the problem than, I don't have 2 desktops in the same room :-\. Right now I'm leaning on just working with fraps. I just had another thought. Would VGA captured via USB work. I found 1 device that appears to do that, but at $299, I doubt it's really worth it as VGA is becoming more a more obsolete. Maybe there is a cheaper one that is available out there, but it could be non existant like HDMI to USB. Do you think they would ever develop those on USB 3.0 (Little off topic I know)

Nah, It doesn't work that way. (at least for me) the "minimum" for the video to "appear" smooth is ~30 frames per second (give or take a few), which is where I have it set, but it's not even recording at that speed, more like 15-25 fps, which makes it appear jerkier than 30+- fps. Increasing the fps in fraps shouldn't affect the max fps recordable in game, because it's limited by the hardware and not the software. (Unless you have a computer powerful enough to record above and beyond the limits of fraps.) Then the software is the limiting factor.