What Is a Capture Card?
A Capture Card is a device used to capture video and audio from AV equipment such as TVs, DVD players, and game consoles.
By connecting the AV equipment to a PC, the video and audio being played back on the AV equipment can be imported to the PC. The captured video and audio are stored on the hard disk of the PC and can be used for editing and distribution.
Some capture cards offer pass-through output to minimize latency during gameplay. Capture Cards are in high demand these days as streaming is becoming more common.
Applications of Capture Card
Capture Cards are devices that digitize video and audio signals to enable viewing and editing of various media on a PC. Capture Cards are primarily used for the following applications:
1. Game Recording
Games can be recorded as they are being played, played back later, edited, and posted to YouTube or other sites. It can also record the audio of the game being played.
2. Video Streaming
Capture Cards can be used to capture and distribute videos of TV shows and movies. You can also distribute videos you have created yourself.
3. Video Editing
Capture Cards can be used to capture and edit video from TV programs, movies, etc. on your computer. The edited video can be written and saved on DVD or Blu-ray.
4. Security Camera
Capture Cards can be used to capture video from security cameras for viewing on a PC. The recorded images can also be submitted as evidence if necessary.
5.Capture Card Principle
Capture Cards receive video and audio signals from a game console or camera as an input source. This signal is sent through a connecting cable such as HDMI or component. Next, a chip inside the capture card converts this analog or digital signal into digital data.
The converted digital data is then transferred to the computer via an interface such as USB or PCI Express. During data transfer, compression algorithms are used to ensure that video and audio quality is not compromised.
The most common compression formats are H.264 and H.265. These compression technologies can significantly reduce data volume while maintaining high quality.
Types of Capture Cards
There are two main types of Capture Cards: external and internal.
1. Classification by Installation Method
External type
External types are equipped with interfaces such as USB, Thunderbolt, and Wi-Fi, and can be connected to a PC. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them suitable for shooting and recording on the go. They can also be shared by multiple PCs.
Built-in type
The built-in type can be used by attaching it to the main body of a PC. Since it is directly connected to the PC, it enables fast and stable video capturing and is suitable for capturing high quality images. Some types are equipped with multiple input terminals, making it possible to capture video and audio from multiple AV devices.
2.Classification by Signal Acquisition Method
Analog type
Analog types can capture analog signals such as composite and S-Terminals. It can process video and audio from old TVs and camcorders.
Digital type
Digital type can take in digital signals such as HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort. The digital type can import video and audio from SLR cameras and the latest game consoles, and edit and process them digitally.
Multifunctional type
Multifunctional types not only capture video and audio, but also support video editing and distribution. In many cases, software is included to enable simple editing and streaming.