Tech Help Capture Card Problems

[Lt.Nond]

Hey guys,

I recently bought a Diamond USB 2.0 GC500 capture card to record N64, SNES and other old/new consoles. I hooked up all of the cables and installed the software, but only get a black screen when trying to record. I tried checking out some youtube vids, but no success. I put in a ticket with there customer support and just waiting for a response. Hopefully someone will know a little more or could recommend a better capture card to record old/new consoles.

Thanks!

 

[Simon]

Would you be able to show us how the connections are set up on this? Any settings for video input source on the software?

 

[Lt.Nond]

 

[itsfulloftuna]

Is it just me, or do you not have any video input on the Diamond device? I see audio in, USB to PC (to record) and video out. Also, not too sure about the N64, but I know that the SNES and NES doesn't natively support splitting the Y/Pb/Pr signalling unless you separate it by SCART.

EDIT: Talked with a bud of mine, he confirmed that there is no native support to split these signals on the N64.

 

[Lt.Nond]

Is it just me, or do you not have any video input on the Diamond device? I see audio in, USB to PC (to record) and video out. Also, not too sure about the N64, but I know that the SNES and NES doesn't natively support splitting the Y/Pb/Pr signalling unless you separate it by SCART.

EDIT: Talked with a bud of mine, he confirmed that there is no native support to split these signals on the N64.

Yea I had a few cables missing, hooked them up, and got it to work for my xbox 360. Thanks for the help about splitting, now I just need to go out and get a splitter.

 

[itsfulloftuna]

Yea I had a few cables missing, hooked them up, and got it to work for my xbox 360. Thanks for the help about splitting, now I just need to go out and get a splitter.

Attempting to split the NES/SNES/N64 into those signals natively will not work. You will need to make modifications to those decks in order to get the signal to be split. For example, I have a 1CHIP in my SNES, and I run MultiOut to SCART to a video converter that upscales it to 720p. It makes the capture noticeably better, and is something to consider if you plan on doing this on a regular basis. Not sure on the difficulty of doing it to the NES or N64, but it is considerably more expensive to do on the NES. I have a buddy in Seattle that mods the NES for around 200 bucks. Check the video below for a comparison.

However, as it stands right now, you can convert the RCA Video to S-Video and capture it through, but, that might be your initial problem, as your mileage will vary. You'll either get an adapter that works, or an adapter that will not work. The Diamond gear might have been top of the line, but it's seriously gone under quality over the years. If you want a cheap solution (a.k.a. screw it, I'm going to still do composite/s-video) I would recommend getting a capture card from Hauppage. I used to use a TV-1200, then went to a PVR-1800. Anything from their HDR line will work as well. Got a little more coin to spend, look for products from ElGato or Avertech. A friend of mine swears by ElGato devices. Whatever you do, do not settle for that 15-30 dollar dongle garbage that exists on Amazon. Anything that looks cheap will either not work, or will work for a bit, then stop working. Or, worse yet, have noticeable frame lag.

RGB/Composite S-Video comparison.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpdpAxzjmA8[/ame]

Links to consider:
https://www.reddit.com/r/letsplay/comments/32eghq/i_need_a_capture_card_for_nes_and_snes_games/

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVAZHZQFqME[/ame]

 

[Lt.Nond]

Wooow that's amazing! Yeah I can definitely see the difference. The one I bought was $60, so I should have just dropped a bit more for the Elgato, especially since the Diamond Device I received is defective. I have also been speaking with their customer support and they want me to send it back either for a refund or a new device. I will probably just put that money towards the Elgato and that link was also helpful as well, that cord will help alot. Thanks for all of the help Tuna! =)

 

[itsfulloftuna]

Not a problem. I've streamed here and there with my SNES a long time ago, back when it was justin.tv, and have a buddy that does it frequently, most recently with his PS4 and WiiU, but every now and then will dust off his N64. He's away right now on personal leave, otherwise I would ask him what he uses, but I'm pretty sure its one of those $150-on-up ElGato capturing devices. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Lt.Nond]

Not a problem. I've streamed here and there with my SNES a long time ago, back when it was justin.tv, and have a buddy that does it frequently, most recently with his PS4 and WiiU, but every now and then will dust off his N64. He's away right now on personal leave, otherwise I would ask him what he uses, but I'm pretty sure its one of those $150-on-up ElGato capturing devices. Let me know if you have any questions.

Alright cool thanks man. Yeah I bought an El Gato + the cord and just waiting for it to come in. If I have any other questions I know who to ask!