ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Vixlw HDMI capture dongle which is offered from Amazon for $18.
- Low-cost, easy to make use of, and may be very dependable. Works properly with OBS Studio software program.
- Restricted to 1080p output and no potential to attach headphones or microphone.
Individuals get confused by HDMI. For instance, say you will have a laptop computer and a Raspberry Pi. Each of those gadgets have a HDMI port on them, so certainly you possibly can join the Raspberry Pi to the laptop computer and use the display of the laptop computer as a show.
The issue is, it is not that straightforward: The HDMI ports on each these gadgets are outputs. Solely gadgets like TVs and displays have enter HDMI ports.
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You want a video seize machine. And whereas knowledgeable — or somebody who desires to seize for high-quality output similar to recording gameplay — wants a devoted video seize card, many people can get away with one thing easier.
For instance, this video capture dongle will set you again lower than $20.
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Vixlw HDMI capture dongle
A low-cost HDMI to USB capture dongle that works great on Windows and Mac systems.
Vixlw HDMI seize dongle tech specs
- Enter port: HDMI
- Output port: USB
- Enter decision: As much as 4K
- Output decision: 1080p
- Max output body charge: 30 frames per second
Vixlw HDMI seize dongle could not be easier to make use of: Plug an HDMI lead from the enter into the dongle, join the dongle to the pc utilizing a free USB-A or USB-C port (a USB-A to USB-C converter is offered) and also you’re able to go – no drivers wanted.
As for software program on the PC, you should use one thing like OBS Studio — which is free and but tremendous highly effective. Mac customers can use the built-in Quicktime Participant software program.
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There are some limitations. For instance, you are restricted to a 1080p output, and there isn’t any potential to attach audio to the dongle, however if you happen to simply wish to seize a show, that is the right approach to do it for below $20.
If you happen to want extra efficiency, then you may want to check out one thing just like the AVerMedia HDMI Capture Card 2.1, which provides 4K60 video seize and has 3.5mm jacks for microphone inputs and headphones.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
This Vixlw HDMI capture dongle is an inexpensive and cheerful, but dependable approach to seize as much as 4K video from a tool and output it to a PC at 1080p. Positive, there are some limitations to this $20 dongle. It’s, in spite of everything, a $20 dongle. I’ve discovered a variety of makes use of for it, from managing Raspberry Pi gadgets to outputting the show from damaged laptops to my laptop computer for assist in knowledge restoration.
For the value, it is positively one thing price having within the tech toolbag.