Learning library
Learn how capture hardware fits together
Start with the whole source-to-host path. Then separate recording modes from display passthrough, confirm the host connection and software, and check HDR/refresh details in the actual model's support table.
Practical guides
Move from terminology to a workable setup
Start with the whole capture path
A practical order for checking source signal, passthrough, host connection, software and the resulting recording.
Read the guide ↗Signal formatsCapture and passthrough are different promises
Separate what reaches your display from the stream or recording delivered to a computer.
Read the guide ↗Earlier-model workflowElgato 4K60 S+: standalone recording, host and limits
Check the earlier 4K60 S+ SD-card and Windows PC paths, exact 60-fps limits, legacy status and seller-package details.
Read the guide ↗Earlier-model comparisonCompare Elgato HD60 S and HD60 S+ by signal path
Separate 1080p capture, 4K60 HDR display passthrough, software and legacy-host limits for the two exact Elgato models.
Read the guide ↗Camera captureOriginal Elgato Cam Link: check the camera-to-USB path
Identify the discontinued original Cam Link, verify clean camera HDMI and USB 3.x, and separate its UVC webcam route from Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro.
Read the guide ↗SetupCheck the host port and capture software
USB, PCIe, operating-system, app and cable details that can make an otherwise capable card unusable.
Read the guide ↗Picture formatsRead HDR, VRR and high-refresh specifications carefully
Check the exact format combination and platform instead of assuming one maximum applies to every mode.
Read the guide ↗SetupA pre-purchase capture-chain checklist
Check source, cables, display, USB/PCIe host, software, audio route and copy-protection before choosing a card.
Read the guide ↗ComparisonCompare capture devices by signal path, not headline number
A field-by-field approach to comparing external USB, internal PCIe, camera-only and professional-format capture hardware.
Read the guide ↗Professional I/OCompare AJA Corvid capture boards by signal path and host
Compare current and earlier AJA developer PCIe boards by SDI connector, channel layout, 4K limits, OBS evidence and exact host/revision checks.
Read the guide ↗Professional I/OCompare AJA legacy I/O by signal, host and software
Compare seven AJA Io and KONA capture devices by source direction, capture ceiling, host connection, firmware mode, network variant and software lifecycle.
Read the guide ↗Professional I/OChoose between AJA Corvid 44, 44 BNC and 12G cards
Compare the four Corvid 44 SDI/PCIe models by 3G versus 12G bandwidth, connector size, link layout, host and software limits.
Read the guide ↗Professional I/OChoose an AJA mobile I/O capture path
Compare the Io X3 and Io 4K Plus by input generation, capture ceiling, Thunderbolt host, software, audio, monitoring and careful limits.
Read the guide ↗Legacy gaming captureElgato Game Capture HD: analog input, 1080p30 and legacy limits
Separate original Game Capture HD from HD60: check analog source adapters, USB 2.0, 1080p30 capture, HDMI passthrough and older software limits.
Read the guide ↗Legacy gaming captureElgato Game Capture HD60: HDMI 1080p60 and USB 2.0
Check plain HD60's HDMI-only video path, USB 2.0, 1080p60 ceiling, legacy software requirements and differences from the original and HD60 S.
Read the guide ↗Legacy gaming captureElgato HD60 Pro: the legacy PCIe path and its limits
Check HD60 Pro's exact PCIe desktop, HDMI, 1080p60 and software boundaries before considering this earlier Elgato capture card.
Read the guide ↗Legacy gaming captureElgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro: original board, SDR capture and HDR limits
Distinguish the original 4K60 Pro from the MK.2 and check its 4K60 SDR, timing, PCIe and HDR limits.
Read the guide ↗Legacy gaming captureElgato 4K60 Pro MK.2: HDR, high refresh and legacy limits
Separate the MK.2's Windows 4K60 HDR recording, OBS tone-mapping and conditional high-refresh paths from the original board.
Read the guide ↗