Elgato Game Capture HD Manual and User's Guide

Elgato Game Capture HD is designed to be easy to use, but it has many features to discover.

There are many instructive articles that cover these features, which can be found in a searchable database:

http://help.elgato.com/customer/portal/topics/460393-game-capture-hd/articles?b_id=360

The following article is a logical presentation of that information, designed to be a great way for new users to find the information they need.

If you would like more information about the Elgato Game Capture HD software interface, then see this detailed article:

Elgato Game Capture HD 3.1 Software Interface

Special Note for Elgato Game Capture HD60 Users

Most of the below information applies to both the original Elgato Game Capture HD, and Elgato Game Capture HD60.

For articles that are specific to the unique features of Elgato Game Capture HD60, please see this section:

http://help.elgato.com/customer/portal/articles/1717068-elgato-game-capture-hd60-manual-and-user-s-guide

The main difference between the two units are the physical inputs. Elgato Game Capture HD60 does not have an analog video input.

Thus, any setup article relating to the PlayStation 3 (PS3), or older consoles that use analog video, only applies to Elgato Game Capture HD.

Both units can use the same Elgato Game Capture HD 2.0 software.

General

Introduction
System Requirements
Inputs and Outputs
Capabilities

Setup

USB Setup
HDMI Setup
PlayStation 3 Setup
PlayStation 4 Setup
Xbox 360 Setup
Xbox One Setup
Setup - Other Consoles
Setup - Other Video Sources

Software Features

Capture Section
Edit Section
Sharing
Live Streaming
Live Commentary
Headsets
Settings
Preferences

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting - Video
Troubleshooting - Audio
Troubleshooting - Status Messages
Troubleshooting - Other

Extras

Other Features

YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

There are a lot of resources available via our YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ElgatoGaming/playlists (includes Reviews, Tutorials and Unboxings)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elgatogaming

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/elgatogaming

Introduction

With Elgato Game Capture HD, you can record and stream your Xbox or PlayStation gameplay and share your journey with friends, fans and generations to come.

Elgato Game Capture HD uses advanced hardware H.264 encoding to capture your gameplay in stunning 1080p Full HD, while keeping the file size low. At the same time, your console’s picture is passed through to your TV via HDMI, so you can keep on enjoying your game on the big screen – in pristine quality, without delay.

You never know when a moment worth capturing arises. With Flashback Recording, Elgato Game Capture HD has your back. Flashback Recording lets you timeshift your gameplay, so that you can simply slide back in time on your Mac or PC and hit the record button retroactively. Re-living greatness has never been this easy.

System Requirements

PC and Mac System Requirements

Inputs and Outputs

Elgato Game Capture HD has two inputs, and two outputs:

HDMI In

This connects to a game console or other video source. Signals protected by HDCP can't be used.

A/V In (Elgato Game Capture HD only)

This connects to an analog video source, via Component or Composite, using an adapter cable. Your PlayStation 3 will connect to this port. If you want to use S-Video, then an Analog Video Adapter cable is available from the Elgato Online Store.

HDMI Out

This sends the HDMI signal in real time to a TV or display, so you can play your game normally.

USB

This sends the H.264 encoded video to your computer via USB 2.0. The signal is delayed by a few seconds from live. The USB cable also powers the Elgato Game Capture HD hardware.

Capabilities

Elgato Game Capture HD can capture up to 1080p (1920 by 1080 pixels) either via HDMI or Component Input.

Supported Resolutions

720p Video at 60fps

HDCP Protection

Video On Computer Is Delayed From Live

USB Setup

Elgato Game Capture HD connects to your computer using USB 2.0. It comes with an USB cable that has a Mini USB connector on one end, and a standard USB 2.0 connector on the other end.

The USB connection to your computer offers a delayed view of the game, due to the H.264 compression process. To play the game in real time, you can use the HDMI Out port on Elgato Game Capture HD to passthrough video to your TV.

The USB cable also powers the Elgato Game Capture HD hardware.

Maximum USB Cable Length

Powering Via USB Adapters and Ports

USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0 Ports

HDMI Setup

Elgato Game Capture HD connects to modern game consoles using HDMI. It can passthrough video to a TV set also using HDMI. An HDMI cable is included in the box.

The HDMI passthrough offers real time video of the game, so you can play while watching your TV.

Signals protected by HDCP can't be used.

HDMI Splitters And Xbox 360

Use Standard (Bi-Directional) HDMI Cables

Compatible HDMI Sources

PlayStation 3 Setup (Elgato Game Capture HD only)

Elgato Game Capture HD comes with a special PS3 cable, which you can use to connect your PlayStation 3 to Elgato Game Capture HD via the A/V In port.

Make sure an HDMI cable is not attached to your PlayStation 3 when you're setting things up, or you may not get any video.

Please note that 1080p video is possible now - the video below was made when 1080i was the max. Choose all possible resolutions that your TV can support when setting up your PS3, including 1080p.

PlayStation 3 (PS3) Setup

Always Select All Possible Resolutions When Using PlayStation 3 (PS3)

PlayStation 4 Setup

Elgato Game Capture HD connects to the PlayStation 4 using HDMI. It can passthrough video to a TV set also using HDMI. An HDMI cable is included in the box.

Before you set things up, make sure to connect your PlayStation 4 directly to your TV set or display via HDMI, without using Elgato Game Capture HD.

Then, visit the Settings > System section of the PlayStation 4 interface, and turn off Enable HDCP.

After that, you can use your PlayStation 4 with Elgato Game Capture HD.

PlayStation 4 (PS4) Setup

PS4 Game and Chat Audio Setup

Xbox 360 Setup

Elgato Game Capture HD connects to the Xbox 360 using HDMI. It can passthrough video to a TV set also using HDMI. An HDMI cable is included in the box.

If you have an older Xbox 360, you can also connect via Component cables - an adapter is included in the box.

Xbox 360 Setup

Select Optimal Resolution When Using Xbox 360

Troubleshooting Lack Of Xbox 360 Connection

Xbox One Setup

Elgato Game Capture HD connects to the Xbox One using HDMI. It can passthrough video to a TV set also using HDMI. An HDMI cable is included in the box.

Xbox One Setup

Solving Green Video Or No Audio Issues

Xbox One Game and Chat Audio Setup

My Xbox One screen stays black after the February 2014 update

Setup - Other Consoles (Elgato Game Capture HD only)

Elgato Game Capture HD can connect to older consoles using Component or Composite - an adapter is included in the box. If you want to use S-Video, then an Analog Video Adapter cable is available from the Elgato Online Store.

Supported Game Consoles

Analog Video Adapter - Retro Gaming Adapter

Retro Consoles and HDMI Passthrough

Setup - Other Video Sources

Elgato Game Capture HD can work with a wide variety of video sources, both analog and digital.

Component, Composite, S-Video and HDMI are all supported, as long as standard TV resolutions are used. PAL, NTSC and SECAM are all OK.

720p, 1080i and 1080p sources can be used as well.

Supported Resolutions

Compatible HDMI Sources

Composite and S-Video Are Not Supported

Using Video Cameras

Recording From a DVD player, Blu-ray player, or VCR

Recording From an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch

iPad Capture

Mac Capture

PC Capture

Capturing Windows PC Audio Via HDMI

Capture Section

The heart of Elgato Game Capture HD is the Capture section. When you start the software this is the first section you see, and it lets you view and record video, and also access other features like Live Commentary and Live Streaming.

Video Capture

Tags

Flashback Recording

Screen Shots

Scythe foot switch

Fullscreen Playback

Timed Recordings Are Not Possible

Elgato Game Capture HD cannot play live games on the computer display

Edit Section

The tailor-made Elgato Game Capture HD software allows you to quickly trim your gaming scenes and pass them on to your favorite editing software.

Play Recorded Video

View Library

Search Library

Editing

Delete Recorded Video

Change Editing Timeline Size

Sharing

With Elgato Game Capture HD, it’s not just about you and the game anymore. With one click, you can share your gameplay with your friends and fans on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

Share a Section of a Recording

YouTube Sharing

Twitter Sharing

Facebook Sharing

Email Sharing

iMovie Sharing

Movies folder Sharing

iPad Sharing

iPhone Sharing

Apple TV Sharing

Shared Video Upload Status

Live Streaming

Capturing gameplay is great – but what if you want to entertain your audience in real-time? It doesn’t get easier than with the Live Streaming feature. Elgato Game Capture HD is the world’s first solution with built-in, one-click streaming to both YouTube and Twitch. And if you want to go pro, masterfully direct your performance with XSplit or OBS, which directly support Elgato Game Capture HD.

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Streaming

RTMP Streaming

Twitch Streaming

March 23, 2015: Twitch security issue - reset your password and stream key

Ustream Streaming

YouTube Streaming

Xsplit Streaming

Adjusting the XSplit Audio Delay

Stream Command (with Elgato Game Capture HD 2.0 software)

Live Commentary

Use any microphone that’s connected to your computer, find the perfect balance with your game audio and even automatically lower the volume of your game whenever you speak. With the Live Commentary feature, all of this is only a click away. Now it’s up to you to think of something brilliant to say.

Live Commentary

Separate Audio Tracks

Headsets

Gaming Headsets

PS4 Game and Chat Audio Setup

Xbox One Game and Chat Audio Setup

Settings

Finding Video Attributes (Resolution, Bitrate)

Capture Settings

Audio Settings

Picture Settings

Picture Profile Sharing

Preferences

Recording Storage Location

Moving The Recording Storage Location

Troubleshooting - Video

Video appears on the passthrough TV, but not in the software

Video appears in the software, but not on the passthrough TV

No video plays at all

Troubleshooting - Audio

Audio plays in the software, but not on the passthrough TV

Audio plays on the passthrough TV, but not in the software

No audio plays at all

Troubleshooting - Status Messages

Status Message: No capture devices found