Roxio Game Capture HD Pro Review

I don’t always write hardware reviews. But when I do, I make it informative with jokes along the way. Heath Hindman UghRochester is the Most Interesting Gamer in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Hello, everyone! A Week ago, Game Revolution’s DanielBischoff wrote a review for his new Hauppauge HD PVR 2. I have to admit, I was quite jealous of what he had. When I saw YouTube videos of the quality he is capable of recording, I decided I wanted to search for something similar and cheaper, because let’s face it, my Pinnacle Dazzle DVC100 was not the best quality. Luckily, I found something new…and cheaper.

What I have found was the Roxio Game Capture HD Pro. Few weeks ago, Roxio released their new HD recording device. I was lucky, because their original price was $149.99, but with promo codes, I would be able to get it cheaper, $40 cheaper that is. Anyways, I had to ask myself, “Would it be worth it purchase this?” I did some research before buying this. Not much was detailed, because it was still new and customers haven’t posted much about it. However, I saw YouTube videos of the quality compared to be the HD PVR. The HD PVR does have a better image quality, but not by that much. Both are amazing for recording HD, as it was compared and both of them has an HDMI port. So, I decided to purchase one.

Unboxing:

When it came in the mail, I quickly opened the box to see what was in there. What you’ll have in the box is the capturing device, software and a gold plated USB cord to connect to your computer. The USB cord isn’t universal and I wished it was. What I like about the device is you don’t have worry about getting extra wire splitters, because both inputs and outputs are all in one. However, it’s disappointing, because you have to get an extra component or HDMI cable. It’s like receiving a gift requiring batteries, but wasn’t with your gift. The software that came with your device is located behind a cardboard flap. You won’t be able to see it until you bend the box to make an open gap. You’ll also find a manual for the device. The manual is made me chuckle inside, because it has little information about how to set it up with the Xbox 360, but has all these pictures and directions for the PS3. That’s everything that is in the box.

Using the Device:

After installing the software to my laptop, I thought I was ready. So, I turned on my TV first and then my Xbox 360, but I didn’t receive any signal. So, I tried again and the results were the same. So, I turned them both off and connected my laptop to my capturing device and tried again. Well, I’ll be a horse’s anus. You need have your device powered by USB in order for your TV to receive signal from your video game console. This isn’t really a big problem, but it is annoying to have the device powered by USB. Once I figured that out, I was able to capture and record videos in HD. Due to the device being powered by USB, it sometimes lags during recording. However, this works greatly for recording. If you have no video editing software, the software includes editing tools.

Live Streaming:

With this device, you’re able to live stream directly to Justin/Twitch TV. Changing settings to stream a better quality sucks more than that person using a straw to get the last drop of beverage from their cup. The only thing you can do is change your output, whether you want to stream in higher or lower qualities. You can also change your bitrate. That’s the only changes you can make to stream. Once I started getting used to the device, I went to a program called “Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder (FMLE)” I use this free software to help me make changes to my encoding in order to get a better stream with my Dazzle. So, it recognized my new device as both video and audio, but it wouldn’t support its content. I found out the codec for this device has MTS2 encoding. Roxio said they used this format for better quality of video, which is cool, but all other programs for streaming will not support this device, because of its format. So, you’re left with only streaming to Justin/Twitch TV.

Overall the Roxio Game Capture HD Pro is a great device. Comparing its quality to the HD PVR 2, I’m pretty impressed. It’s also much smaller than the HD PVR 2. I’m going to give this device 3.5 out of 5. It does everything like it says, but I wanted more options with live streaming.

+ Great price

+ Records HD

+ HDMI Port

+/- USB powered

- Live Streaming Options

*Based on gamerevolution.com's grading scale.*

ABC News: Quit it, it's the parents' fault!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on my blog, but this event gave me motivation to post one more before procrastination takes effect one me (again). Rob Hayes’s article was brought to my attention on Wednesday, March 28th by an entry on Kotaku, one of many gaming websites I go on throughout the given day. Their (Kotaku) story was covering Hayes’s article about children being exposed to cursed words, racism, any sort of cyber bulling while playing with other gamers online. The reason why I’m creating this entry is the fact of how delayed and how much hilarity I saw in this particular article. Also, this entry will give me a much better view of parenting and what parents should do.

Don’t worry ABC News, you’re most of the time “on top” of the news happening throughout the world. Hayes’s article I viewed didn’t seem to be on top of covering this issue. As you will see by a couple of quotes I viewed in the article, I’ll try my best to give them my most honest opinion.  

“Imagine exposing your child to racial slurs and X-rated content on a daily basis without realizing it. Experts warn that's exactly what could be happening if you let your child play an online video game through Xbox, PlayStation or on the computer.”

Now, I’m sure parents are fully aware of this situation. In fact, I’m sure they’re aware of it ever since online gaming has been created. Sony Computer Entertainment created the Playstation Network (PSN for short) for the United States in November, 2006. That’s almost six years! Microsoft created Xbox LIVE for its console back in 2002 and recently celebrated their tenth year of being in service. That’s ten years! As you can see, by now the parents should be fully aware of this issue. It has been years, since the online services have begun. I found this to be hilarious and as well as others, because you’re “on top” of covering this issue. Sometimes you can get a nice conversation online, but many times you’ll hear vulgar content. This is why it’s established online features aren’t rated, because you don’t know what might be heard. It is common sense to know there are morons that use “F*ck, sh*t, etc” in every sentence.

“Internet safety expert Parry Aftab says this inappropriate language in online gaming is rampant, and she's concerned it's leading to dangerous cyber bullying.
"They may trash talk. They may be calling you names. They may steal their passwords. Or a lot of them may gang up on one online, not because it's a good strategic win, but to hurt the other person," said Aftab.
Game companies attempt to combat these issues with on-box warnings, parental controls and special task squads.” 

Well, great job to the video game developers. Parents have warned for years! If it’s somebody to blame, I would blame the parent for exposing it to their child. What I love seeing is parents purchasing a product that has violence for rated for the mature audience and letting their child(ren) play the games. Some parents are ignorant and complain about their children playing this game, even though they bought it. Parents do have the right to complain about their child(ren) playing violent games when their not in view of them playing it. The child(ren) could be playing it at their friend’s house, because his/her parent wouldn’t buy a particular game. This is not the game developers’ fault. Again, parents are ignorant. Instead of complaining to the other parent about their view of the subject, they start blaming the game developers. Thankfully, we do have a system that enables a parent to see what a game’s content has inside and what to be cautious about for the viewing audience. That system is commonly known as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB for short).

This should not be an issue. I believe, and like many others around the world, parents should be taking responsibility for their own action. Parents should quit blaming others for once. They have been warned various times about what the content is being delivered. From what I read, there mighteven be another warning label to allow parents to see what content is in store for them. Please parents, quit complaining about your child(ren) being exposed to this. Also, thank you ABC News, your covering of this subject has made me look differently about your news coverage.

Assassin's Creed III prediction

Ubisoft released their Assassin's Creed III covers for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. I always look at covers of games to see what the setting might be and I predict what might happen in the game. Here's the cover, let's take an observation of this spectacle.

When I see this, the first thing I see is the Betsy Ross flag. Right there, I can deduce the game will most likely be in the era of the American Revolution. To help prove that assumption, do you see the Red Coats on the left? So, it's probably enough to say the setting is very likely to be during the American Revolution.

So, what might we see during the game. My prediction is Benedict Arnold. Everyone know Mr. Arnold is a traitor. So, will Ubisoft somehow make him into a Templar and assassinate him? We'll find out more when Ubisoft gives details.

Jason Altmire Opposes SOPA

A while ago, I contacted my state representatives to oppose SOPA and PIPA (for the senators). One of Pennsylvania's state representatives has informed me he is against SOPA by emailing me this letter.

"Dear Mr. Hall,

Thank you for contacting me with your views on legislation to combat online piracy.  I appreciate hearing from you.

Intellectual property development and protection is an essential driver of America's economy.  Additionally, many entrepreneurs and small businesses rely on the Internet to share those ideas and expose them to a larger market.  However, this innovation is threatened by online piracy and copyright infringement.  Any legislation that Congress considers should protect copyright holders from infringement while encouraging continued innovation.

Unfortunately, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) (H.R. 3261) does not strike the appropriate balance between protecting copyrights and preserving access to the Internet.  I am pleased to inform you that, due in part to advocacy from constituents like you, I oppose  SOPA.  You may also be interested to know that, due to overwhelming opposition, the leadership in the House and Senate has agreed to withdraw its respective bills from further consideration in an effort to address the concerns of the online community.  I am open to working with industry experts on both sides of the issue and with my colleagues in the House to craft more appropriate legislation.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.  If I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other matter, please feel free to be in touch.

Sincerely,

Jason Altmire
Member of Congress

Please sign up for my e-newsletter at www.altmire.house.gov."

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier delayed.

Not much enjoyed the Ghost Recon games. I'm one of few who enjoyed they're FPS in which it was just a screen and crosshairs. Anyhow Ubisoft announced they're game will be delayed to May and an MP beta for April. Wasn't surprised with a beta since many developers nowadays take time to polish their work before release.

UghRochester buys the Kinect.

I bought the Kinect and so far it's an alright peripheral. The sensor on the Kinect isn't that great, but it still works. Enjoying the use of no controllers is pretty fun. Reminds me of PlayStation's Eyetoy, but so much has been added to it.