How to Record HDMI in OBS with a Capture Card

This guide walks you through recording any HDMI source—like a game console, camera, or streaming box—in OBS Studio using a capture device. You’ll learn how to set up the hardware, configure OBS, and start recording, plus fixes for common problems.

What You’ll Need

• A capture device (e.g., Elgato HD60, AVerMedia Live Gamer, or a generic USB HDMI capture stick).
• The source device with an HDMI output (console, camera, etc.).
• An HDMI cable (and possibly an HDMI splitter if you need to view on a TV while recording).
• OBS Studio installed on your computer (free from obsproject.com).
• Appropriate drivers for your capture device (usually installed automatically or via the manufacturer’s site).
• A USB port on your computer (USB 3.0 recommended for 1080p60).

Step-by-Step

1. Connect the capture device to your computer. Plug it into a USB port. If it has a USB-C or USB 3.0 connector, use a matching port for best performance.
2. Connect the HDMI source to the capture device. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your source (e.g., game console) and the other into the capture device’s HDMI IN port. If your capture device has an HDMI OUT port, you can connect that to a TV or monitor for passthrough—this lets you see the source with zero lag.
3. Turn on your source. Power on the console or camera. Make sure it’s outputting a signal (for consoles, you may need to enable HDMI output in settings).
4. Open OBS Studio. If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official site, then launch it.
5. Add a new Video Capture Device source. In the Sources panel (bottom left), click the + button, choose “Video Capture Device,” and name it (e.g., “Elgato”). Click OK.
6. Select your capture device. In the Properties window, set “Device” to your capture card’s name (e.g., “Elgato HD60”). If you don’t see it, click “Refresh” or reinstall drivers.
7. Configure the video settings. Set “Resolution/FPS Type” to “Default” or “Custom.” For custom, choose the native resolution of your source (e.g., 1920×1080) and FPS (60 or 30). Leave “Video Format” as default unless you have issues. Click OK.
8. Adjust audio settings. In the same Properties, set “Audio Output Mode” to “Capture audio only” or “Output desktop audio (waveOut)” depending on your needs. If you want to record commentary, add a separate Audio Input Capture source for your mic.
9. Test the video. You should see your source in the OBS preview. If it’s black, skip to Troubleshooting.
10. Set your recording settings. Go to File > Settings > Output. Choose a recording path and format (MP4 or MKV recommended). For quality, select “High” or “Indistinguishable” under Recording Quality.
11. Start recording. Click “Start Recording” in the Controls panel (bottom right). To stop, click “Stop Recording.” Your file will be saved to the specified path.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong input selected. Some capture devices have multiple HDMI inputs; ensure you’re using the IN port, not OUT.
• HDCP enabled. Many consoles and streaming boxes use HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). Capture cards cannot record HDCP-encrypted content. You’ll see a black screen or error. Disable HDCP in the source’s settings (e.g., on PS4/PS5, go to Settings > System > Enable HDCP and turn it off).
• Incorrect resolution/FPS settings. If the source outputs 4K but your capture card only supports 1080p, you’ll get no signal. Set the source to 1080p or use a capture card that supports 4K.
• Using a USB 2.0 port. High-bandwidth capture devices need USB 3.0. Plug into a blue USB port.
• Not selecting the device in OBS. After adding the source, you must choose your specific capture card from the dropdown—it’s not automatic.

Tips

• Use passthrough for zero lag. Connect the HDMI OUT to a TV or monitor to play without delay, while recording via OBS.
• Separate audio tracks. In OBS, you can assign different audio sources to different tracks (e.g., game audio on track 1, mic on track 2) for easier editing later.
• Record in MKV first. MKV is more resilient to crashes—if OBS crashes, you won’t lose the whole file. You can remux to MP4 via File > Remux Recordings.
• Test with a short clip. Record 30 seconds, check the file, then adjust settings before a long recording.
• Keep drivers updated. Visit the manufacturer’s website periodically for new drivers that fix bugs.

Troubleshooting

• Black screen in OBS. First, check if HDCP is enabled on your source—disable it. Next, try changing the “Resolution/FPS Type” to “Default” or “Custom” with a lower resolution (e.g., 720p). Also, ensure the source is powered on and outputting video (check with a TV directly).
• No audio. In the Video Capture Device properties, set “Audio Output Mode” to “Capture audio only.” If still no audio, check the source’s audio output settings—some consoles require you to select “HDMI” for audio output. Also, verify the capture device’s audio is not muted in Windows sound mixer.
• Device not showing in OBS. Reinstall the capture device drivers. Try a different USB port. If it’s a USB 3.0 device, ensure you’re using a USB 3.0 port (blue). Restart OBS after plugging in the device.
• Lag or dropped frames. Reduce the capture resolution/FPS to 720p30. Close other programs that use CPU/GPU. In OBS Settings > Advanced, change the “Process Priority” to “Above Normal.” Ensure your computer meets the minimum specs for the capture card.
• Video is stretched or wrong aspect ratio. In the Video Capture Device properties, set “Resolution/FPS Type” to “Custom” and match the source’s resolution. Also, in OBS Settings > Video, set the Base and Output resolution to match your source’s aspect ratio (e.g., 1920×1080 for 16:9).
• Capture card works but no preview. Right-click the source in OBS and select “Properties.” Click “Deactivate” then “Activate” to refresh the signal. If that fails, unplug and replug the HDMI cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record from a Nintendo Switch without a capture card?

No, the Switch does not have built-in recording via HDMI. You need a capture card. However, you can use the Switch’s built-in screen recording (hold the capture button) but that only saves 30-second clips at 720p.

Why is my PS5 showing a black screen on OBS?

PS5 has HDCP enabled by default. Go to Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDCP and turn it off. You may also need to set the PS5’s video output to 1080p if your capture card doesn’t support 4K.

Do I need an expensive capture card?

For 1080p60 recording, budget capture cards (around $30–50) work fine. For 4K or high refresh rates, you’ll need a more expensive one (e.g., Elgato 4K60 Pro).

Can I use a capture card for live streaming?

Yes, the same setup works for streaming. Instead of “Start Recording,” click “Start Streaming.” Ensure your internet upload speed is sufficient (at least 5 Mbps for 1080p).

How do I record gameplay with my voice and game audio?

Add your capture device as a Video Capture Device. Then add an Audio Input Capture source for your microphone. In the mixer, ensure both are not muted. You can adjust volumes independently.

Why does my video have a slight delay?

This is normal due to processing. To minimize delay, use the passthrough HDMI OUT to a TV. In OBS, you can also add a “Video Delay” filter to sync audio if needed.

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