Table of Contents：
What are the types of capture cards?
Which devices require capture cards?
What is a capture card?
Video capture card, referred to as capture card, is a hardware device that can convert video signals from different sources (such as cameras, game consoles, etc.) into digital signals, and then transmit, process and store them through a computer. This means you can capture external video sources to your computer and edit, live stream or share them.
You can think of it as a workbench. There are many pictures in our daily life, such as pictures taken by cameras, pictures inside computers, and live broadcasts. The capture card collects this information and then outputs it into the format that the computer can process.
These images are usually processed through OBS. Of course, if it is a large-scale live broadcast, there are other software for processing.
What does a capture card do?
Video capture cards have a wide range of applications. They are suitable for many situations, including:Game live broadcast: Gamers can use capture cards to transmit game footage to the live broadcast platform to interact with the audience.
Video creation: Creators can import video signals from cameras or other devices into computers for post-editing and production.
Remote conferencing: Nowadays, when remote working and learning have become the norm, capture cards can help improve video conferencing quality.
Education and training: Educators can use capture cards to create instructional videos to provide a more vivid learning experience.
What are the types of capture cards?
If you're involved in one of the following areas, you may want to consider purchasing a video capture card:Internal capture card: A capture card installed in the computer host, usually with more stable performance and more connection options.
External capture card: Independent device, connected to the computer via USB or Thunderbolt interface, easy to install and carry.
Which devices require capture cards?
If you're involved in one of the following areas, you may want to consider purchasing a video capture card:
- Game live broadcast: The capture card can capture the game screen and transmit it to the live broadcast platform, no matter if it is a console game or a PC game.
- Photography and videography: Video signals from these devices cameras, DSLRs or drones can be imported into computers by capture cards for editing and sharing.
- Video conferencing: Improve the image quality and stability of remote teaching and remote conferencing, making you more focused on chat content.
How to choose a capture card?
When choosing a video capture card, there are several key factors for you to consider.
Connection interfaces
Please make sure the capture card you choose is compatible with your computer and other devices. USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI, SDI, DP and other interfaces are common connection interfaces.
Performance requirements
Choose the proper performance specifications based on your needs, including resolution, frame rate, video formats and more. Please check the highest performance specification supported by your computer or other devices.
Software compatibility
Ensure the driver of the capture card is compatible with the editing software you will be using.
Budget
Choose the one fits your budget since prices of capture cards in a wide rage.
Capture card recommendation.
Switch USB capture card recommendation
Acasis 4K60 HDR10 USB C Professional Camera Video Capture Card
Acasis 4K 30Hz HDMI HD USB-A/C Switch Video Capture Card 1080P 60FPS
Acasis 4K 30Hz HDMI HD Input/Loopout Video Capture Card 1080P 60FPS
PCIE capture card recommendation
Acasis 4 SDI Input 1080P 60FPS 4 Channel PCIe Video Capture Card
Acasis 4 HDMI Input 1080P 60FPS 4 Channel PCIe Video Capture Card
Thunderbolt capture card recommendation
Acasis Thunderbolt 3 4 HDMI Video Capture Card for Mac/Windows
Acasis Thunderbolt 3 4 HDMI 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card for Windows
Acasis Thunderbolt 3 4 SDI 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card for Windows
