Guide to video capture

---I don't know where to put this so I put it here, if a mod needs to move it that is fine.---

Warning: I am not responsible for any damage to your console that may result from using my guide.

Here is a list of what you'll need to capture video from your Xbox360, or other console. You may already have some of the things you need, who knows!

I use the DVC170, its a bit more expensive, but reliable and produces good quality. Link


This is a newer version its cheaper and newer but I honestly don't know the difference so your chancing it buying this one link

Those are your options for a capture card, disregard the reviews for them as most people reviewing it are using it for VHS to DVD, (I actually made a bit of money doing that), It's ok for that but best for game capture.

If your running vista Id recommend looking at the second cap card as it's newer so should run with vista, I know theres a way to use the DVC170 with vista but I'm running XP so I haven't looked into it much.


Heres what youll need for ok quality, (backlot video)
You'll need some composite video cables.
Basically a set of these
You'll easily find them cheaper.

Then you'll need 3 splitters.
Either this or this

Heres how to set it up with the above configuration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2VuhC4BHoM

Some thoughts to consider if your going to use the above set up (composite video).
-Screen dims while recording due to split video
-OK video quality
-cheaper overall


Now onto my current setup, which is more expensive but I think it's well worth it. You may want to consider recording in composite at first, then you can always upgrade later. Quality example

For my setup youll need a video distribution amplifier. These can be expensive or cheap, I got mine for a pretty good price at RadioShack, I don't know if there are Radioshacks in Canada, the UK, and countries besides the US, or if they ship there. You may need to dig around to find a different video distribution amplifier. Radioshack

Next you'll need 2 S video cables.
S video

After that you'll need 2 composite audio cables, 2 composite video audio cable sets will work, just don't plug in the video (yellow)
RCA audio only

Third you'll need an Xbox360 S video cable.
You have a few options for this cable.

Microsoft sells one, which is expensive and I wouldn't recommend it. It appears to have an optical cable if you want to use a Turtle Beach headset while recording.
there are cheaper alternatives like the Madcatz universal S video cable, useful for recording on other consoles as well.

I'm using a cable similar to the Madcatz one, it's manufactured by Phillips, and features an optical port unlike the Madcatz version, similar pricing at Walmart. (Link unavailable).

For this setup it's similar to the other setup but slightly different.

To set this one up, Plug in your Xbox360 S video cable to your console, then plug the ends of this cable to the input on your video distribution amplifier.
Then put your 2 s video and 2 audio cable sets into the outputs on the VDA. Then put one set of these cables into your television, and the other 3 into your Dazzle.

Then boot up you Pinnacle Studio, change setting to S video, and your ready to go!

Some things to consider about the S video setup:
-More expensive
-Seems sturdier in the long run
-Much better quality (very close to HD)



If you have any questions or concerns feel free to ask, hope this helps!