I want to record Xbox360 gameplay in HD with laptop. Is the Hauppauge my only option?

[Rob]

Hi!

I've recorded gameplay before, but that was PS2 gameplay using composite analog video and simple stereo sound.

Lately, I've been looking into capturing my Xbox 360 gameplay. Of course I could use the PS2 setup to record, but why do that when I can it all in have high definition?

So I've been spending some time reading the forums here and learned quite a few things.

Anything with PCIe is out of the question as I'm unwilling to move my PC downstairs, so that's pretty simple.

I read about the Black Magic Intensity Shuttle which I would love to use because:
- it can record pretty much in any resolution using HDMI, so no need upscale or downscale anything, I only need to change the resolution on the console (if I'm right)
- seems to have pass through
- I don't need to switch cables from HDMI to composite just to record
However, I'm unsure if my laptop meets the very specific hardware requirements.
It's an HP Pavilion dv7-4050ed, for those interested and I don't believe that the Intel Mobile HM55 chipset will be compatible with the Black Magic Intensity Shuttle (but please correct me if I'm wrong!)

Because I want to have pass through, my choices seem to boil down to the Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR and the AverTV USB HD DVR, as posted in this thread. I don't care much about audio and I'll only record 360 gameplay, so SD capture is irrelevant as well.

Are these two devices my only options, or are there 1080p capable boxes I'm missing (in case the game supports 1080p output), preferably using HDMI? I suppose I could settle for 720p/1080i devices using component if there are no such devices.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

edit: Is there a noticeable difference (to a not trained eye) when viewing HD over component and HD over HDMI at the same resolution? Because if there isn't, then I might as well capture HD using component instead of HDMI.

Originally Posted by Rob

I read about the Black Magic Intensity Shuttle which I would love to use because:
- it can record pretty much in any resolution using HDMI, so no need upscale or downscale anything, I only need to change the resolution on the console (if I'm right)
- seems to have pass through
- I don't need to switch cables from HDMI to composite just to record
However, I'm unsure if my laptop meets the very specific hardware requirements.
It's an HP Pavilion dv7-4050ed, for those interested and I don't believe that the Intel Mobile HM55 chipset will be compatible with the Black Magic Intensity Shuttle (but please correct me if I'm wrong!)

MSI GE620 seems to be the only laptop currently certified by Blackmagic Design for use with the Intensity Shuttle.

You may also find some reports of successful usage of MSI FX720, Samsung SF411, Lenovo T420s with the Intensity Shuttle.

I really doubt HP Pavilion dv7-4050ed will work with the Intensity Shuttle, but you may contact Blackmagic Design support to make sure.

Originally Posted by Rob

edit: Is there a noticeable difference (to a not trained eye) when viewing HD over component and HD over HDMI at the same resolution? Because if there isn't, then I might as well capture HD using component instead of HDMI.

Personally I can't see the difference between component and HDMI when using 720p/1080i. But note that you can't transfer 1080p video over component.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by Stream Recorder

MSI GE620 seems to be the only laptop currently certified by Blackmagic Design for use with the Intensity Shuttle.

You may also find some reports of successful usage of MSI FX720, Samsung SF411, Lenovo T420s with the Intensity Shuttle.

I really doubt HP Pavilion dv7-4050ed will work with the Intensity Shuttle, but you may contact Blackmagic Design support to make sure.

I doubt so, too. I'll send support an email tomorrow to see what they have to say, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

If the Shuttle can't be used, does that mean my choices are limited to the two devices I mentioned earlier and that in my situation, as a result, capturing is 'capped' at 1080i? Most 1080p devices seem to be actual capture cards, not external USB devices.
If it boils down to those two, then recording in 720p will be fine, though.

Originally Posted by Stream Recorder

Personally I can't see the difference between component and HDMI when using 720p/1080i. But note that you can't transfer 1080p video over component.

Some people state that component can transfer 1080p (at least technically), but that in the case of BluRay, the spec simply doesn't allow it. What's up with that, then? Just asking, because I'm reading some conflicting things on 1080p over component.

Originally Posted by Rob

Most 1080p devices seem to be actual capture cards, not external USB devices.
If it boils down to those two, then recording in 720p will be fine, though.

These are the most popular devices. Here is what Amazon shows for similar devices:
Hauppauge 1212 HD PVR
AverTV HD DVR

If you know any other decent device, please post about it in the following thread:
All gameplay recording solutions: record SD and HD gameplays

Originally Posted by Rob

Some people state that component can transfer 1080p (at least technically), but that in the case of BluRay, the spec simply doesn't allow it. What's up with that, then? Just asking, because I'm reading some conflicting things on 1080p over component.

It seems like any progressive video is not in the specs of component video. But some manufacturers ignore the specs.

Anyway even if you manage to output 1080p video over component and use good cables, what hardware will you use for capturing it?