In this world of PVR devices, there are quite a few different flavors to be had. There are the entry level models like the Roxio brand, mid ranged models like the feature locked Avermedia and then there are higher end models like the Hauppauge Gaming Edition PVR.
Just to kick things off, the Gaming Edition HD device is a PVR that doesn’t necessarily lock any recording capabilities. For example, the Avermedia lacks a reasonable ability to stream live whereas the Hauppauge actually seems to be the preferred weapon on choice for many console streamers. It may take some extra software but the system functions nearly automatically.
A constant bane for anyone that is interested in capturing game video is the face that almost every PVR adds a delay of some sort to what you input on your controller compared to what you are seeing via live recording (not all of us have multiple monitors). The Gaming Edition PVR limits this delay to a fraction of a second. When I recorded Disgaea 4 gameplay, I used another model that made it VERY difficult to record from my monitor. When I used the Hauppauge, there were many times that it didn’t even seem like an issue at all.
The most pleasing feature I encountered while using the Hauppauge device was the fact that video looked extremely good when captured. When I initially went through the process of capturing video with other devices, I found myself almost constantly fine tuning the picture to reflect the HD video I was recording. No more whitewashed images or out of contrast video, no more screen tearing or jumping during taxing affairs on screen, the Hauppauge functioned exactly is it should have to provide an optimal PVR experience.
The design of the PVR makes it a bit bulkier than many of the other options out there. Due to the size of the device, it is a bit harder to just tuck it out of the way and be done with it. Fortunately, the PVR is also designed with a sense of style, with the top of the PVR device actually glowing green when it is active. With this aesthetic feature in place, it doesn’t look too bad wedged in between other electronic devices in your entertainment center.
The software that the Hauppauge Gaming Edition PVR uses happens to be the very flexible Arcsoft Showbiz software. If you have used other PVR devices, you may actually be familiar with the software since it is used with a few other devices. What makes it so nice, though, is the ability to be used by anyone that can simply use a computer. The ability to record at the touch of a button or set specific recording time lengths is all part of the software. You will still be initially limited to the type of format you can record to but if you are looking to quickly do something with the file, there are many free programs available that can assist you in converting files.
All in all, the Hauppauge Gaming Edition PVR is a top notch PVR device that allows for simplistic hookup using the component connections, while not entirely necessary; it would have been nice to have HDMI support. However, with all the features packed tightly within this box, there really isn’t anything else to really be critical of. If you are looking to start recording video and considering live streams and/or start creating videos for Youtube, I cannot recommend this device to you anymore that I am currently.
To make things even better, Hauppauge has some AMAZING news coming your way if live streams are your type of thing. Seriously, check out the Streameez!
Here is a clip of raw video from the HD PVR:
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