Micomsoft XCAPTURE-1 USB 3.0 Capture Unit

[eightbitminiboss]

New driver is out. I don't read Japanese but it mentions the high CPU usage bug.

http://www.micomsoft.co.jp/xcapture-1_download.htm

https://twitter.com/MicomsoftX/status/5 ... 1857500161

Edit: Windows 8 x64 only looks like.

Using Google translate on the download page suggests that this fixes the bug when the power options are set to "Power Saver" or "Balanced," but using "High Performance" will still cause Task Manager to report 100% usage at all times.

If someone could do a proper translation and/or give it a test, that'd be nice.

Just did a clean install of 8.1 x64 since I was planning to upgrade some parts anyway (for Witcher 3 ). Seems the driver is legit. I'm not seeing 100% CPU load while the XCAPTURE-1 is active and on balanced power.


Click screenshot for full-sized image.

[Whitesnake]

Alright, I managed to get the Micomsoft drivers to work with the Startech USB3HDCAP. For those wondering how to do it:
1. Obtain copies of both drivers.
1.5 Uninstall any existing USB3HDCAP drivers using Device Manager. (It's under 'Sound, video, and game controllers')
2. Copy the [ENTRY] and [ENTRY.NTamd64] sections of CY3014.INF from the Startech drivers to the Micomsoft drivers. You'll only be working in the "64" folder if you're on 64-bit. Just overwrite the existing section in the Micomsoft drivers and save.
3. Restart your computer and allow it to install unsigned drivers (Google this)
4. Use DPInst.exe in the Micomsoft drivers and allow installation when Windows warns you.
5. That's it. The USB3HDCAP is now using the updated Micomsoft drivers.

Now this brings up my issue still. 240p capture of a Nintendo 64 over S-Video still has the "half-screen glitch" even on the Micomsoft drivers. Am I missing a setting in the drivers?

Here's my driver settings: http://puu.sh/h0QsG/c92868bbe0.png
And my Amarec settings: http://puu.sh/h0Quf/1e77f8a87d.png

Thanks for the information on how use the XCapture drivers I did it last night and it works on Windows 10.

I'm not sure what is better about them but they are more up to date.

[Mister Eric]

Hey guys, new here and looking for some help:

I'm a Smash 4 competitor who is wanting to stream Smash for Wii U on weekdays.
I was told the X-Capture 1 was a great piece of hardware so I picked it up.
I'm completely new, ignorant, a scrub, what have you, at capture devices. I got the capture card working twice through VideoKeeper and OBS, but a day later, I can't get it to show up on OBS. If I try to capture it via VideoKeeper, I get a black screen with a "crackling" noise. The capture card powers on fine. And I can see the output on my screen, it just isn't capturing.

In case my setup matters:
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA 1366
CPU: i7-960
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3
Gfx: GTX 960 (2GB)
OS: Windows 7 64bit

I've seen another case or two of this happening, but haven't seen this exact situation resolved yet.
I'm going to try it on two other machines this evening and see what happens.

Thank you for your time.

[P1kas]

Hello, been looking at this card to record my retro games. I have a SNES Mini, and an SD CRT with component inputs. To obtain component output from the SNES, I've identified this chip to convert the internal RGB signal into Component:
http://tg16pcemods.bigcartel.com/produc ... -converter

Once installed, I'd like to split the signal with a distribution amplifier and feed both to the capture card and the television.

Does this capture card recognize 240p correctly through the component input?

Thanks for any help in advance.

[eightbitminiboss]

Hey guys, new here and looking for some help:

I'm a Smash 4 competitor who is wanting to stream Smash for Wii U on weekdays.
I was told the X-Capture 1 was a great piece of hardware so I picked it up.
I'm completely new, ignorant, a scrub, what have you, at capture devices. I got the capture card working twice through VideoKeeper and OBS, but a day later, I can't get it to show up on OBS. If I try to capture it via VideoKeeper, I get a black screen with a "crackling" noise. The capture card powers on fine. And I can see the output on my screen, it just isn't capturing.

In case my setup matters:
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA 1366
CPU: i7-960
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3
Gfx: GTX 960 (2GB)
OS: Windows 7 64bit

I've seen another case or two of this happening, but haven't seen this exact situation resolved yet.
I'm going to try it on two other machines this evening and see what happens.

Thank you for your time.

Your particular motherboard has NEC/Renesas USB 3.0 chipset which is one of the 2 support chipsets for the XCAPTURE-1. See if there's a firmware update for it. Make sure the other machines you test on either have NEC/Renesas or Intel for its USB 3.0 or it won't work.

[Thrill]

Hello, been looking at this card to record my retro games. I have a SNES Mini, and an SD CRT with component inputs. To obtain component output from the SNES, I've identified this chip to convert the internal RGB signal into Component:
http://tg16pcemods.bigcartel.com/produc ... -converter

Once installed, I'd like to split the signal with a distribution amplifier and feed both to the capture card and the television.

Does this capture card recognize 240p correctly through the component input?

Thanks for any help in advance.

Yip. Although if you are looking at the device just for 240p Component, you should save your cash/import worry and get the PEXHDCAP or the USB3HDCAP.

[P1kas]

Yip. Although if you are looking at the device just for 240p Component, you should save your cash/import worry and get the PEXHDCAP or the USB3HDCAP.

Excellent. My plan was to get the USB3HDCAP, hence the distribution amplifier in the chain. USB connectivity is great too, it will be as portable as my PC is.

Thanks for the information!

[Mister Eric]

tl:dr, what should my OBS settings be for streaming Smash for Wii U?

So I had posted a bit earlier concerning an issue I was having with my capture card, but since then I have went ahead and built a new desktop since mine was about 4 years old.
I've tried to record some sample videos last night after I got my pc built, and it seemed I was having frame loss issues. When I checked OBS, it said that I had dropped 0 frames so far, so now I'm unsure. I guess a way to describe it is that the video gets a bit stuttery in certain places.
I know my hardware can handle it. I think that maybe I just don't have the right settings on obs.

My build, in case it matters, is
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming 7
Gfx: EVGA GTX 980
CPU: i7 4790K
I get a 50down/10up connection (altho I wasn't actually streaming when I was testing out my video quality.)

I'm trying to capture Smash for Wii U. Any idea what my settings should be or the cause of my issue?

p.s. Could someone explain what the XSYNC-1 does as well? I didn't buy it when I got my X-Capture 1, but I've been curious if it was something I would need or not.

Thanks!

Your particular motherboard has NEC/Renesas USB 3.0 chipset which is one of the 2 support chipsets for the XCAPTURE-1. See if there's a firmware update for it. Make sure the other machines you test on either have NEC/Renesas or Intel for its USB 3.0 or it won't work.

Thanks for the help on my previous pc!

[charlocharlie]

tl:dr, what should my OBS settings be for streaming Smash for Wii U?

So I had posted a bit earlier concerning an issue I was having with my capture card, but since then I have went ahead and built a new desktop since mine was about 4 years old.
I've tried to record some sample videos last night after I got my pc built, and it seemed I was having frame loss issues. When I checked OBS, it said that I had dropped 0 frames so far, so now I'm unsure. I guess a way to describe it is that the video gets a bit stuttery in certain places.
I know my hardware can handle it. I think that maybe I just don't have the right settings on obs.

My build, in case it matters, is
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming 7
Gfx: EVGA GTX 980
CPU: i7 4790K
I get a 50down/10up connection (altho I wasn't actually streaming when I was testing out my video quality

I'm trying to capture Smash for Wii U. Any idea what my settings should be or the cause of my issue?

When I capture Smash for Wii U, I make sure I use 1080p, 60fps, and YUV. I found that 720p causes a jumpy frame, and RGB causes frame drops from the capture card. Make sure you have the latest drivers.

[Mister Eric]

When I capture Smash for Wii U, I make sure I use 1080p, 60fps, and YUV. I found that 720p causes a jumpy frame, and RGB causes frame drops from the capture card. Make sure you have the latest drivers.

Thanks for the help!

Yeah, I was just remembering that I've yet to do that.
Do you recommend a particular driver version (I'm running Windows 7 64bit if it matters)?
These are the ones I think I'm to choose from:
http://www.micomsoft.co.jp/xcapture-1_download.htm

[eightbitminiboss]

When I capture Smash for Wii U, I make sure I use 1080p, 60fps, and YUV. I found that 720p causes a jumpy frame, and RGB causes frame drops from the capture card. Make sure you have the latest drivers.

Thanks for the help!

Yeah, I was just remembering that I've yet to do that.
Do you recommend a particular driver version (I'm running Windows 7 64bit if it matters)?
These are the ones I think I'm to choose from:
http://www.micomsoft.co.jp/xcapture-1_download.htm

Nothing much gets added to the driver for Windows 7. The latest release (Driver v1.1.0.141) fixes the CPU usage bug in Windows 8.1 when using Balanced or Power Saver profiles.

But in general, you should always use the latest driver.

[GQDang]

Hi, first I'd like to thank this thread for the recommendation of the Startech USB3HDCAP. It's a great card and it saved me a bunch of money over the XCAPTURE-1.

I've made great use out of it using the HDMI, VGA, and component inputs, but today I have been having problems with S-Video and composite from my N64. If the S-Video is processed through a RGB decoder and then input to the card over VGA, it's fine, but with composite and S-Video, I get a weird cut off image like this:



That is the image I see. The bottom half is obviously cut off. My AmaRec settings are set to defaults with no cropping. The capture card drivers interpret the video as 1440x240p @ 60fps. I'm guessing that's the issue. Is there a fix for this, or is it just the out of date Startech drivers?

Thanks all the info in this thread.

I would like to bump this as I am having the same issue, but I have updated my USB3HDCAP with the Micomsoft drivers. My S Video keeps only having half a screen and I've scroll through every resolution on Amarec. All of my other inputs are fine. (HDMI, Component)

[lordnikon]

I have been on the fence about getting one of these because of the CPU bug. I don't run Win8.1 on any of my machines and don't plan to anytime soon, but I really want one of these capture cards.

Does the 100% CPU bug still affect Win7?
Does going into the Power settings and resetting them really work temporarily?
My profiles on my machines are set to High Performance. Does the bug only affect Balanced and Power Saver?

[eightbitminiboss]

I have been on the fence about getting one of these because of the CPU bug. I don't run Win8.1 on any of my machines and don't plan to anytime soon, but I really want one of these capture cards.

Does the 100% CPU bug still affect Win7?
Does going into the Power settings and resetting them really work temporarily?
My profiles on my machines are set to High Performance. Does the bug only affect Balanced and Power Saver?

Does the 100% CPU bug still affect Win7?
Yes.

Does going into the Power settings and resetting them really work temporarily?
Generally yes in most cases.

My profiles on my machines are set to High Performance. Does the bug only affect Balanced and Power Saver?
I don't quite remember but I didn't see a difference when I was last running Win7.

[Mister Eric]

Anytime I fix a problem, I seem to run into another.
Now I'm getting a BSOD (0x00001E error). Seems to be a memory issue from what I've read. I'm running memtests on my ram atm. So far, no errors.

I bluescreen once a day now. I'm on my 4th day in a row. Here is how long it streams before it blue screens:
1.) 16:04
2.) 17:34
3.) 30:04
4.) 1:18:11

Hey, at least it's going up. Perhaps the threshold rises every time I stream and eventually I won't be physically able to stream that long lol.
Seriously tho, anyone else ran into this issue?

So far the culprit is either, a memory stick(s), memory slot(s), OBS (unlikely), X-Capture 1 (likely).
Could be other hardware, but I guess I'll work my way through the list.

[A Murder Of Crows]

Haven't read through the entire thread yet, but i wanted to pose a question beforehand, just in case someone has a quick answer.

I picked up an XCAPTURE-1 a couple of months back but have yet to use it. I also have the XSYNC to go with it.

My goal is to capture RGB sources (SNES, Saturn, etc) with Scanlines, as they would appear on my PVM.

Immediately i know that i'd need some sort of scanline generator in the chain before the XCAPTURE. Since i want to use my PVM as the primary "play" monitor, i figure i also need an RGB SCART Splitter/matrix of some sort, where the output goes to the PVM and something like an XRGB-2 or XRGB Mini.


My questions to the community:

Does anyone else try to capture images with scanlines? If so, what does your signal chain look like?
Can anyone recommend a good splitter/matrix for RGB SCART that is somewhat easy to find yet doesn't degrade the signal?
Given the choice between an XRGB-2 and an XRGB Mini, which would you use in front of the XCAPTURE-1 to provide scanlines? Would you even use an XRGB?

Thank you everyone!

[NightSprinter]

To capture with scanlines, you'll need an appropriate upscan device and a scanline generator. Otherwise, there's ways to do so in post-processing to add them.

[Ed Oscuro]

I think you should seriously look at software instead. The scanline generator's output is no longer 240p, and while the XCAPTURE-1 might be able to capture, you'll get a cleaner result doing it in software. An additional bonus of not adding scanlines to the beginning is that you can keep a small reference copy of the actual RGB signal, as captured by the XCAPTURE-1, which will be more flexible for revisiting with different "CRT emulation" effects edits in the future. Additionally it will be easier to view on any display, and the file sizes will be smaller without additional visual artifacts caused by the scanlines (remember that modern video codecs work best with large blocks of continuous color - scanline generation is basically a cheap way to get close to the worst case scenario for those modern algorithms).

For software editing, some professional video editing suites and plug-in filter suites certainly offer "scanline" filters; additionally you might find other things helpful for CRT emulation in HLSL and SweetFX - maybe even in VLC stuff.

Alternatively, there's always telecine.

[Sgt.Wafer]

I used to have a problem with my Xcapture-1 where it would stop recording a couple of minutes into a session most of the time when recording to an external HDD.
It seems that the latest update fixed the issue.

[Thrill]

Decided to save people time and put together a preconfigured driver for the USB3HDCAP users. No idea why anybody didn't do this before but oh well.

It just uses the new drivers but already edited INF files: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B77Wi ... authuser=0

Download includes a readme with more info and stuff on installation.

[Tranquilite]

I recently got a USB3DHD cap, and there is a much easier way to force install the micomsoft drivers without having to enable loading unsigned drivers. Its deeply embedded in the update driver dialog, but is much less of a pain than enabling unsigned driver installation.

From device manager:
1)Right click on USB3HDCAP.
2)Select "Update Driver Software".
3)Select "Browse my computer for diver software".
4)Select "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer".
5)Highlight "Show all devices" and click next.
6)Select "Have Disk..."
7)Browse to wherever you have the micomsoft drivers extracted and select ok.
8)Select "CY3014 USB" and hit next. Select yes to force driver installation.

Windows should now install the drivers and you should be good to go.

However, even with these drivers, I am still unable to get the NTSC_M_J filter setting to stick. The setting will be remembered when I have hdmi or dvi selected (not helpful), but when I select svideo or composite, as soon as I leave the configuration menu it will reset back to NTSC_M. The only way I have been able to mitigate this has been to run the little CDU.exe program that comes with amarec and change the filter setting from there.

I'm running driver version 1.1.0.141.5. Is this the latest version, or am I missing something here?

[Thrill]

When you change to NTSC_M_J, don't then press OK on the Device tab of AmaRec, just click X. The program won't refresh the preview and the video filter should stick.

Hopefully Cool Stream, Bro will fix this (the AmaRec alternative).

[A Murder Of Crows]

Well, fast forward a week or 2 and you find yourself with new goals.

I need to get a much higher resolution screen capture of a scene at the end of a game. Emulation causes pixelation it seems, and those images blown up look terrible. For this screenshot, i don't need scanlines, but i am back to looking at a signal chain that includes an XRGB-2 or XRGB-Mini.

thoughts on what to use?

I think you should seriously look at software instead. The scanline generator's output is no longer 240p, and while the XCAPTURE-1 might be able to capture, you'll get a cleaner result doing it in software. An additional bonus of not adding scanlines to the beginning is that you can keep a small reference copy of the actual RGB signal, as captured by the XCAPTURE-1, which will be more flexible for revisiting with different "CRT emulation" effects edits in the future. Additionally it will be easier to view on any display, and the file sizes will be smaller without additional visual artifacts caused by the scanlines (remember that modern video codecs work best with large blocks of continuous color - scanline generation is basically a cheap way to get close to the worst case scenario for those modern algorithms).

For software editing, some professional video editing suites and plug-in filter suites certainly offer "scanline" filters; additionally you might find other things helpful for CRT emulation in HLSL and SweetFX - maybe even in VLC stuff.

Alternatively, there's always telecine.

[Glossectomy]

So I'm having 2 issues with my X-Capture 1/PEXHDCAP.

First, the main issue. Anytime I start recording I get a delay in the audio. It wouldn't bother me if this wasn't how the videos were actually turning out. I honestly have no clue what's causing it. I'm on the latest drivers. At this point I'm open to suggestions of even recording audio seperately and syncing it in post. I need this shit to work. I'm easily able to record 1080p/60 lossless, so this shouldn't be an issue. It even happens when recording at 30fps and non-lossless.

Second issue. I decided I wanted a second capture device to make a few things more simple. I got a PEXHDCAP on here and installed it just fine. Both the drivers and program cause conflicts with the Micomsoft stuff. Basically, I need to know if it's possible to install alternate drivers and use VideoKeeper2 with this card, or if it will be easier to just build a seperate PC for capturing.

Thanks
Sean

[Thrill]

Apparently this was a thing some months ago: http://gamerzone.avermedia.com/game_cap ... er_extreme

A new USB3 device from AVerMedia. Some thoughts I copy/pasted from my blog.

I've only looked at the specifications, but the capture card seems to offer the following features.

1080p60 - Also supports 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i
HDMI and Component
Passthrough (we can assume it laglessly converts Component to HDMI like the LGP)

It seems like AVerMedia learned the lesson from the ExtremeCap U3 CV710... put a passthrough port on your device or nobody will buy it. After reading the specifications and FAQ, I can assume this is a software based capture solution that doesn't use DirectShow.... the hell? I'll need to get the device to verify but it seems like you're stuck using the RECentral software.

One other worry I have is that the recommended specifications for a laptop are crazy. It states a i7-4810MQ is "recommended" which I think is weird since all the high-ish end laptops I've looked at recently come with the i7-4720HQ (~£1000). The 4720HQ is apparently weaker than what is recommended, so I doubt this capture card is laptop worthy. I find that weird though since I know lots of people who use the XCAPTURE-1 and USB3HDCAP on cheaper laptops without issue. This might just be AVerMedia trying to cover themselves but who knows.

The price is pretty amazing though. It's £130 here in the UK and $180 in the states.

I'll review it if Amazon ever gets it in stock.

[fafangus]

Hi guys !!!

Just bought the Xcapture-1

I've got a little problem ^^ it doesn't want to work...semms the usb plug (chip) who's in charge here

I tought my motherboard got Intel USB 3.0 chip :

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P6X58 ... fications/

But it seems not...

Could I use this :
http://abertek.com.tw/en/datasheet/data ... c604_e.pdf

Or I have to change my motherboard ?

Thanks you

[NightSprinter]

Thrill: from the video Lazy Game Reviews did of it, it seemed to work without the capture software AVerMedia includes (which has a LOT of stability issues).

[eightbitminiboss]

Hi guys !!!

Just bought the Xcapture-1

I've got a little problem ^^ it doesn't want to work...semms the usb plug (chip) who's in charge here

I tought my motherboard got Intel USB 3.0 chip :

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P6X58 ... fications/

But it seems not...

Could I use this :
http://abertek.com.tw/en/datasheet/data ... c604_e.pdf

Or I have to change my motherboard ?

Thanks you

Yep, your motherboard only lists 2.0 as Intel. The 3.0 ports are whatever Asus used for that particular board. The expansion card you linked should work since NEC/Renesas chipsets are also supported by the XCAPTURE-1.

[fafangus]

Ok thanks, just ordered it ^^
By the way, do you let the Xcap always hooked to your computer (like always on?) ?

[eightbitminiboss]

Ok thanks, just ordered it ^^
By the way, do you let the Xcap always hooked to your computer (like always on?) ?

I don't know about other people, but I haven't disconnected mine in forever.