In the gaming world, everyone likes a showoff.
It's true. Whether you're demonstrating how to beat a particularly difficult boss in Grand Theft Auto or bragging about how you beat Bioshock using nothing but the wrench and your plasmids (true story), if you record it and post it to YouTube, you're bound to find an audience for it.
Any forum or message board will tell you that there is no one right way to share your gaming footage on YouTube. Your platform, equipment, budget and skill will determine the quality of the footage you end up with. There are, however, three tried-and-true methods that should work just fine for most users.
1. Use a Camcorder
If you have a camcorder that supports direct video input, you can easily record your console's output into your camcorder. This method is simple; just make sure you have an RCA or digital splitter cable from the console to both the TV and the camcorder, so you can play and record at the same time.
To record audio, you can either need to use the camcorder's mic or use a separate mic — just remember to turn the TV volume down.
When you're finished recording, simply upload the camera's footage through the USB cable or memory card onto your computer. You can then edit the file using your choice of video editing software, and you're ready for Youtube.
2. Use a Capture Card
Another option is to use a capture card, a small device that converts audio and video signals carried by RCA cables so that they're USB ready. If you're on a budget or just aren't comfortable installing the internal version on your computer or console, an external capture card is relatively inexpensive and can plug into your USB port.
However, external cards encode the video as they capture, meaning that there will be a significant video delay (about 2 seconds). Any gamer who has suffered lag can tell you that 2 seconds is a lifetime, so be sure only to use an external capture card for games that allow you to save instant replays. That way, you can play, save the replay and then record the replays on the external card later.
For better quality and no lag time, we recommend investing in an internal capture card that you can install into your PCI slot on your computer or console. This option is more expensive and requires basic knowledge of computer installation to set them up (you'll need to actually open up your computer and place the internal card on your motherboard), but it's worth it if you're serious about capturing your footage.
If you're using an external card, you're going to need that RCA splitter cable again so you can record the console's output on the capture card as you play on the TV. Internal cards don't require a splitter. Once you're finished, use the software that came with the capture card (the card's purchase should have included some) to convert the recorded footage into a video file.
Now you'll want to edit your video for YouTube. If you use a capture card, you'll want to record the audio commentary now and add it in using the video editing software, rather than record as you play.
If you're going the capture card route, Hauppauge is one of the most trusted brands. Check out their wide selection of both internal and external capture cards.
3. Capture Directly From Your Computer
For PC gamers, you'll have the best luck capturing your footage straight from your computer. All you need is software that will record your computer screen's video output, such as Fraps orGameCam for Windows, and Snapz Pro X for Mac (Mac Users: if you know of a cheaper, but still worthwhile, option, let us know in the comments).
We don't really recommend this option for console gamers, but if you really want to use this method, you will need to install an emulator for your specific console and download the ROM file for the particular video game so you can play via your PC. You'll also need a USB gaming controller (or a console controller with a USB adapter) to use with your computer.
Note: Check the legality of owning and distributing ROM files in your area, as it varies between jurisdictions. Generally, owning a ROM file of a game you already own is OK, as is owning a ROM file for gaming consoles that are no longer in production.
Open your video capture software, open your emulator and then load the ROM file. Then just record with your chosen software and play. When you're finished, save the file for editing.
Like we said above, these are by no means the only ways of recording your gaming software, but they are the most widely accepted and commonly used. If you know of any hacks and tricks to get better quality, or if you simply prefer a specific type of software, let us know in the comments below.
If you have a camcorder that supports direct video input, you can easily record your console's output into your camcorder. This method is simple; just make sure you have an RCA or digital splitter cable from the console to both the TV and the camcorder, so you can play and record at the same time.
To record audio, you can either need to use the camcorder's mic or use a separate mic — just remember to turn the TV volume down.
When you're finished recording, simply upload the camera's footage through the USB cable or memory card onto your computer. You can then edit the file using your choice of video editing software, and you're ready for Youtube.
2. Use a Capture Card
Another option is to use a capture card, a small device that converts audio and video signals carried by RCA cables so that they're USB ready. If you're on a budget or just aren't comfortable installing the internal version on your computer or console, an external capture card is relatively inexpensive and can plug into your USB port.
However, external cards encode the video as they capture, meaning that there will be a significant video delay (about 2 seconds). Any gamer who has suffered lag can tell you that 2 seconds is a lifetime, so be sure only to use an external capture card for games that allow you to save instant replays. That way, you can play, save the replay and then record the replays on the external card later.
For better quality and no lag time, we recommend investing in an internal capture card
For better quality and no lag time, we recommend investing in an internal capture card that you can install into your PCI slot on your computer or console. This option is more expensive and requires basic knowledge of computer installation to set them up (you'll need to actually open up your computer and place the internal card on your motherboard), but it's worth it if you're serious about capturing your footage.
If you're using an external card, you're going to need that RCA splitter cable again so you can record the console's output on the capture card as you play on the TV. Internal cards don't require a splitter. Once you're finished, use the software that came with the capture card (the card's purchase should have included some) to convert the recorded footage into a video file.
Now you'll want to edit your video for YouTube. If you use a capture card, you'll want to record the audio commentary now and add it in using the video editing software, rather than record as you play.
If you're going the capture card route, Hauppauge is one of the most trusted brands. Check out their wide selection of both internal and external capture cards.
3. Capture Directly From Your Computer
For PC gamers, you'll have the best luck capturing your footage straight from your computer. All you need is software that will record your computer screen's video output, such as Fraps orGameCam for Windows, and Snapz Pro X for Mac (Mac Users: if you know of a cheaper, but still worthwhile, option, let us know in the comments).
We don't really recommend this option for console gamers, but if you really want to use this method, you will need to install an emulator for your specific console and download the ROM file for the particular video game so you can play via your PC. You'll also need a USB gaming controller (or a console controller with a USB adapter) to use with your computer.
Note: Check the legality of owning and distributing ROM files in your area, as it varies between jurisdictions. Generally, owning a ROM file of a game you already own is OK, as is owning a ROM file for gaming consoles that are no longer in production.
Open your video capture software, open your emulator and then load the ROM file. Then just record with your chosen software and play. When you're finished, save the file for editing.
Like we said above, these are by no means the only ways of recording your gaming software, but they are the most widely accepted and commonly used. If you know of any hacks and tricks to get better quality, or if you simply prefer a specific type of software, let us know in the comments below.
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