Awright guys. I've been thinking about getting myself a Hauppauge HD PVR for some time now for various uses (Mainly recording gameplay from my PS3 and xbox and for converting old videos and stuff to my pc). I'm thinking of buying one this evening since it's come down to about £150 (Want to get it before it goes back to £190). Really, what I'm wondering is there anything better than the Hauppauge HD PVR? I've heard it's the best for HD capture on the market. Any input or alternative suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers me dears! <3
The only thing similar to Hauppage HD PVR I've heard of is Blackmagic Design Intensity. Apparently it has slightly higher video quality than the Hauppage HD PVR, but it's not really noticeable once uploaded to a video host. I'm also told that a Hauppage HD PVR is the easiest one to work with.
I've heard mixed things about the Blackmagic Intensity Shuttle, most of which is about the USB 3.0 (which I don't have). That, and problems with the HDMI connection to the PS3 and with some capturing issues with the xbox. The Hauppauge HD PVR captures up to 1080i, which isn't much of an issue since there aren't too many games out there that support 1080p, and once they're uploaded you wouldn't be able to notice the difference. 720p should be fine.
My best suggestion is to go to YouTube and look at some videos. Just type in "Hauppauge HD PVR Quality Test" and you'll get a bunch. The Blackmagic is pretty much one of the best out there, but you need USB 3.0 as you said, though there is a PCI card you can buy. I think the Hauppauge would be adequate for you, though--only people really picky about quality could tell the difference, maybe not even then.
I settled for the Hauppauge HD PVR. As tempting as the Blackmagic is, the quality doesn't really make much of a difference once it's uploaded to the likes youtube. Well, it's not that noticeable . So I went for the easiest, and least fussiest one to use. Plus, from what I read in forums it's the preferred choice. They say it's great at what it does. Expect to see random gameplay videos from me this weekend. xD
