Are you looking to stream your gameplay or create video content for your audience? If so, you may have heard of OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and capture cards. OBS is a free and open-source software that allows you to record and stream your screen, while a capture card is a device that captures video and audio signals from an external source, such as a gaming console or camera. In this article, we will discuss how to use a capture card with OBS to enhance your streaming and recording experience.
What is a Capture Card?
A capture card is a hardware device that captures video and audio signals from an external source and transfers them to your computer for processing. It is commonly used to capture gameplay footage from gaming consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, or to record video from cameras and other devices. A capture card typically connects to your computer via USB or PCIe and comes with software that allows you to configure and control the capture process.
Why Use a Capture Card With OBS?
While OBS can capture your screen and audio, using a capture card can provide several benefits, such as:
- Higher quality video and audio: A capture card can capture video and audio signals directly from the source, resulting in higher quality footage compared to screen capture.
- Lower CPU usage: Capturing video and audio using a capture card offloads the processing from your computer’s CPU, resulting in smoother performance and less strain on your system.
- Multi-device support: A capture card can capture video and audio from multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between sources during your stream or recording.
How to Use a Capture Card With OBS
Here are the steps to use a capture card with OBS:
Step 1: Install the Capture Card Drivers and Software
Before you can use your capture card with OBS, you need to install the drivers and software that came with it. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install the necessary software and drivers on your computer.
Step 2: Connect the Capture Card to Your Computer and External Source
Connect your capture card to your computer via USB or PCIe, depending on the type of card you have. Then, connect the external source, such as a gaming console or camera, to the capture card using the appropriate cables. Make sure that the source is turned on and set to the correct output settings.
Step 3: Configure OBS Settings
Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu. Under the “Video” tab, set the “Base (Canvas) Resolution” and “Output (Scaled) Resolution” to match your desired output resolution. Under the “Output” tab, select your desired output format and bitrate. You can also configure other settings, such as audio and streaming options, as needed.
Step 4: Add the Capture Card as a Source in OBS
In OBS, click the “+” button under the “Sources” section and select “Video Capture Device”. Give the source a name and select your capture card from the “Device” dropdown menu. You can also configure other settings, such as resolution and framerate, as needed.
Step 5: Preview and Start Recording or Streaming
Preview your stream or recording by clicking the “Preview Stream” or “Start Recording” button in OBS. If everything looks and sounds good, you can start your stream or recording by clicking the “Start Streaming” or “Start Recording” button. You can also configure other settings, such as scene transitions and hotkeys, as needed.
Conclusion
Using a capture card with OBS can provide several benefits, such as higher quality video and audio, lower CPU usage, and multi-device support. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily use a capture card with OBS to enhance your streaming and recording experience. Remember to install the necessary drivers and software, connect your capture card and external source, configure OBS settings, add the capture card as a source, and preview and start your stream or recording. Happy streaming!
