AVerMedia Live HD Gamer C985 Review
Move over Hauppauge
The New AVerMedia Live HD Gamer C985 is the new standard for console capturing
I had been anticipating getting my hands on the Live HD Gamer capture card right up until I received the device last week. As a huge console sports gaming enthusiast, I have been waiting for someone to finally release a capture card that allowed one to capture using HDMI. For years, console gamers that wanted to capture in high definition were limited to component connections for HD and many complained the quality of component isn’t as good as HDMI.
The Live HD Gamer now answers the call as it allows you to connect HDMI out from your console right into the capture device and then HDMI out from the card to your high definition television. The news gets even better as this nifty card captures at full 1080p; unlike the Hauppauge that only can capture 1080i (yes, you can tell the difference easily). On top of that, you can capture up to 15,000/kbps.
User Friendly & Eye-Catching: AVerMedia displays competence by making capturing or streaming very easy and fun to use with the RECentral software packaged with the card. The interface is very user friendly and within a few clicks and drop down selections you can either be capturing in Full 1080p or streaming effortlessly on twitch.tv. Everything is all inclusive with the RECentral software as you can connect to your twitch channel right inside the program. The product also features a “hot button” which is a device that plugs into your cpu via USB. The hot button allows for ease of use as a one-push button to start and stop recording and flashes a bright red LED indicating recording mode.
Super-Low CPU Consumption: Another appealing aspect of this card is that the hardware H.246 encoder found in the device unbelievably reduces the cpu consumption. There seems to be little no no slowdown while multi-tasking on the PC. The card also boasts graphics card resolution support. Unlike most capture devices on the market which have video lag and audio that at times doesn’t sync, the Live HD Gamer has minimal noticeable delay or lag in the feed.
Screen Shots and Voice Over Audio: One of my favorite new uses of this device is taking screen shots with a click of a button. Want a high-res screenshot of a formation set or beautiful touchdown catch? It is one click away with this brilliant feature. To top this off, the card allows users to record commentary of their gameplay with the in and out 3.5mm audio ports.
Overall Conclusion: AVerMedia really hit a home run with the Live HD Gamer for both PC and Console gamers. After several tests and trials (see the youtube video and pictures) with this new capture card, I could never go back to my previous set-up for capturing as the quality and ease of using this device is far superior. The packaging has an appealing vibrant red look while suggesting it contains a top shelf device. The cost of the Live HD Gamer will run you currently $219 before taxes which is a competitive price considering all of the bells and whistles and the seemingly high demand from the gaming market. If Amazon’s product page is any indication, sales have been strong thus far.
The Live HD Gamer offers something unique and beyond what has currently been on the market by offering a device that allows HDMI connections, external push button recording control, ease of use, and screen shots and audio commentary while not suffering from video or audio lag. This device is for the serious gamer or industry professional who is seeking high quality video feeds or screenshots while also offering an easy to use higher end video capture device for the hobbyist or casual Youtube user.
Helpful Links:
AVerMedia Home Page
Amazon Product Page
Review by: David
Date: 5/21/2012
