recording gameplay

**WWW.REDTIGERELITES.NET** Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:49 pm

Ever wanted to record a montage or record your gameplay but didn’t know how to?? Well this tutorial has all bases covered when it comes to capturing footage from your PS3 or Xbox 360.

There’s a few ways to go about recording the footage. The easiest way is to connect your console to your PC, but you'll need a video card with video inputs, a dedicated capture card, or a Firewire/USB converter.

You can buy PC capture cards that will accept composite, S-Video, or component video signals. They can cost several hundred dollars though, and aren't significantly different from a device that converts video into Firewire or USB. So unless you are wanting to use your PC monitor as a TV, you should go with a more affordable analog-to-digital video converter that converts your console's video signals into a Firewire or USB connection that can be read by your PC.

Firewire converters can be fairly pricey, but they do work well. If you're on a tight budget, a USB converter would be the best choice. Assuming your computer already has a USB 2.0 port (pretty much all computers have at least one), all you would need is the converter. You can find basic kits that include a converter and video-editing software, like the Dazzle Video Creator for example.

If your console is too far away from your computer, there are several other methods you can use to record your gameplay.

Camcorder - Some camcorders out there have AV inputs that can connect to your console for simple recording. If your camcorder has this option, you can record your footage onto a tape (or DVD depending on how new your camcorder is) and transfer it to your computer.
Note that most camcorders only have one set of AV connectors that function as inputs or outputs. If they're being used as inputs, you won't be able to use them to output at the same time. In this situation, you'll have to use the little screen on the camera as your playing monitor (easier said than done, you’d need a mate to help you with this).
If your camcorder doesn't have a video input, you can just point it at your TV and record the game being played. Although by doing that you lose quite a bit of the quality and may see thick black lines running through the screen if you are using an SD TV. Make sure you have good lighting and the quality should be alright.

DVD Recorder - This is my preferred method of recording, as it’s quick, simple, and the quality is great. Be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars for a good DVD recorder though, the price all depends on how big the internal HDD is. Although you can buy DVD recorders that only burn straight to disc (no HDD) but may end up costing you more in discs in the long run. The best way to hook it up would be through HDMI or Component cables, alternatively you can just use the standard composite cables that come with your console.
Connect your console to the DVD recorder, record your footage and then burn the footage to a DVD. Put the DVD into your computer and rip the video to your hard-drive for editing.

VCR - You should only record via a VCR if you are on a strict/limited budget, the quality isn’t very good and it takes a lot more effort to convert to the computer. You can record footage on a standard VHS tape. Just pass the game console's AV output through the VCR.

Other Recording Equipment - If you have access to other types of recording equipment (such as mini-DV or Beta SP), then use them by all means. This type of equipment can costs thousands of dollars, but the image-capture quality is excellent.

So there you have it, you’re all set to start making montages and gameplay videos, you’ll be famous in no time!

Have fun!