Who needs which setup?

Same-computer software demonstrators

If OBS and the application you are showing run on the same computer, check OBS Project’s window and display capture options before considering external hardware.

Two-computer tutorial creators

If a separate demonstration computer supplies the picture, an HDMI capture device can bring that source into OBS on the recording computer. Check the source output, the card’s USB requirement and OBS compatibility for the intended operating system.

Presenters with demanding display requirements

If the external source or monitored display needs 4K60, HDR or a high refresh rate, compare recording and monitor passthrough specifications separately. Elgato and AVerMedia list different capabilities and conditions for their individual models.

What should you check before buying?

Decide whether OBS is recording software on its own computer or receiving an external HDMI source; only then choose a capture format and consider monitor passthrough.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Unnecessary hardware For a demonstration running on the recording computer, check OBS Project’s Window Capture and Display Capture sources before choosing a card. I only need to show an application running on my recording computer, so an extra video input would add equipment without serving that need; around 30% of consumers put avoiding unnecessary hardware first.
External-source capture Check that the source supplies compatible, unencrypted HDMI and that the card’s capture format, USB requirement and OBS support fit the recording computer. My demonstration runs on a separate computer, and I need its picture in OBS with a connection my recording computer can use; dependable external capture comes first for around 50% of consumers.
Recording and monitoring formats Compare the stated capture format with the required recording format, then check passthrough, HDR and operating-system conditions separately. Elgato states that HDR capture on its 4K S is currently Windows-only. I need to preserve detail in the recording or use a particular live-monitoring mode, so the distinction between capture and passthrough matters; around 20% of consumers make these format requirements their main concern.

Common buying mistakes

  • Buying a card for a one-computer recording

    OBS Project provides window and display capture for material on the recording computer; a capture card is intended to bring in an external video source.

    Before shopping, establish whether the demonstration runs locally or comes from a separate device’s HDMI output.

  • Reading passthrough figures as recording figures

    A card’s monitor output and its capture output can support different formats. The high-refresh signal shown on a monitor is not necessarily the format available to OBS.

    Compare the source output, capture format and passthrough format for the exact model, including any HDR or operating-system conditions.

  • Judging USB capability by the connector shape

    USB requirements vary by capture-card model. Elgato specifies USB 3.0 for the 4K S and USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps for the 4K X.

    Check the recording computer’s port against the exact card requirement; Elgato recommends a direct connection when troubleshooting its external capture devices.

    A different cable or a compatible direct port may be needed if the intended connection does not meet the card’s requirement.

Relevant brands to consider

Elgato

Its external HDMI capture models suit shoppers comparing a 4K60 capture workflow with a higher-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 setup.

  • Elgato specifies capture up to 2160p60 and USB 3.0 for the 4K S; its 4K X specifies a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection at 10Gbps.
  • Check capture and passthrough modes for the particular model. Elgato states that HDR capture on the 4K S is currently Windows-only.

AVerMedia

Its Live Gamer ULTRA S GC553Pro is an option to compare when the external source calls for a specified high-resolution or high-frame-rate capture mode.

  • AVerMedia lists up to 4K60, 1440p144 and 1080p240 capture for the GC553Pro, alongside ultrawide support.
  • Its stated 5.1-channel capture requires Windows and AVerMedia software or its OBS plugin; LPCM support is stereo-only.

Magewell

Its USB Capture family is relevant when operating-system support and bringing a separate video source into production software matter more than gaming-oriented monitor passthrough.

  • Magewell lists Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome OS support for the family. Its USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 specifies HDMI input, USB 3.0 and OBS compatibility.
  • If a monitor must receive the HDMI signal through the device, choose a model with explicitly documented loop-through rather than assuming the USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 provides it.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a capture card to record software on my own computer?

Usually not if the software and OBS run on the same computer. OBS Project documents window and display capture sources for local material; a capture card serves an external video input.

How do I connect a second computer for a software demonstration?

Connect the demonstration computer’s compatible, unencrypted HDMI output to the card’s HDMI input, then connect the card to the recording computer using the USB connection required by that model. Select the card as a Video Capture Device in OBS and use a capture format the card supports.

Is a USB 3.0 port enough for an external capture card?

It depends on the model and capture mode. Elgato specifies USB 3.0 for its 4K S but USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps for its 4K X, so check the card’s host-port requirement against the recording computer before buying.

Can a capture card record protected HDMI content?

Do not assume that it can. Elgato specifies unencrypted HDMI input for its 4K X; check the source device’s output and the documentation for the exact card rather than treating an HDMI connector as a guarantee of compatibility.