Elgato Game Capture HD - Xbox & PlayStation HD Game Recorder for Mac & PC, 1080p Full HD - Stream & Record Gameplay for YouTube, Twitch & Live Broadcasts

My previous experience with capture devices is limited only to the Hauppauge Colossus, an internal capture card for PC. It was decent, for what it's worth, as it had HDMIIt doesn't even come close to comparing to the Elgato Game Capture HD.Historically, HDMI has never been kind to capture devices. Your best option was always an internal card (which from my experience is okay, but you'll eventually run into problems with device recognition and the like), and the very few external devices that actually provided HDMI capabilities kinda stunk (BlackMagic, for example).The Elgato Game Capture HD, however, rises above all those and is probably the best capture device on the market now. If you're looking for the simplest, most efficient way to capture footage from your PS3 or Xbox 360, this is it. No question.The device itself couldn't be easier to set up. HDMI in. HDMI out. USB out. That's all. And looking at the device itself, you'll notice one BIG difference between it and other external capture devices: No external power supply is needed! This makes it possible for you to take it with you, hook it up to a laptop, and literally record anywhere you want!Speaking of which, the device is pretty small, almost enough to fit in your pocket, and looks pleasant enough to display on your desk. I think aesthetics can be a problem with capture devices, since who is going to show off their little box that records them playing video games? But it's pretty sleek looking, all black and shiny, so go ahead. Show it off!It helps that the software is excellent as well. Elgato really seemed to have gamers in mind when designing the program, as it is outfitted with what they call Flashback Recording. Basically, it allows you to play your game and not have to worry about hitting record every time you want to capture specific footage. It automatically starts recording temporary footage when you open the program, and once you get the footage you need, you can choose exactly what to save. This is a huuuuuge thing for me, since I record fighting game footage, and it gets annoying have to stop my recording every so often when I have trouble landing combos. It honestly makes the recording session all the more relaxing knowing that I don't have to worry about missing anything.If there's one thing about the device I'd caution, it would be that you can only capture at 60 FPS with 720p, not 1080p. No word yet from Elgato if the plan to change anything about that, as it could just be a hardware limitation, 720p is not slouch, but it's something to consider if you're looking for the absolute highest quality in your footage.Nevertheless, the Elgato Game Capture HD is a true sight to behold. Simple, sleek, FUNCTIONAL, and with awesome software to boot. It's everything I've ever wanted in a capture device (MAYBE minus composite video recording. My SNES will remain uncaptured for now...) all rolled up into a tiny little black box. It seems unfathomable that it could work as well as it does, but, well... it does! Sure the price is a little on the high end for capture devices, but it provides so much value in its ease of use and stability that it's definitely worth the cost of admission.