So you want to stream your gameplay to Justin.tv or Ustream, but not sure what you need? No problem. We’ll explore the options and help you choose the option that best suits your needs, whether it be a place-shifting device like a HAVA or a Slingbox, a standard-definition capture card, or the king of streaming: HD capture cards.

Place-shifting devices

Better known under their brand names HAVA and Slingbox, place-shifting devices capture video and stream it in your network. From any network-connected PC, you can use an MPEG-2 stream decoder (video players) to view the stream.

You could, for example, connect your set top or cable box in your living room to a place-shifting device and watch TV from your office. The same can be done with modern consoles via component.

Pros

1. Captures both SD and HD, up to 1080i via component;
2. Does not require much PC processing to decode;
3. Easy to setup;
4. Always available and ready to go;
5. Can be used with any PC

Cons

1. Lower picture quality than capture cards;
2. May be expensive, depending on your requirements;
3. Currently not available in HDMI;
4. Currently does not support 1080p;
5. Requires player software;
6. Lengthy video delays

Recommendations

Place-shifting devices are a good idea if you are playing on an HD-compatible TV using component cables (either 720p or 1080i), and are not using digital surround sound. Place-shifting devices are un-obtrusive and don’t require a PC to be nearby and is the ideal solution for gamers who can’t move their streaming PC around.

Standard (SD) capture cards

Capture cards are external or internal hardware that serve the specific task of capturing video. Standard (e.g., standard-definition) capture cards are available in many flavors, features and connectivity (either PCI or USB).

Pros

1. Inexpensive and widely available;
2. Good quality image;
3. Usually come bundled with cable decoders;
4. Available in USB formats for laptops;
5. Do not require extra capture software to stream

Cons

1. Do not capture HD video;
2. Requires additional hardware (splitters);
3. Requires PC processing power for USB devices

Recommendations

Standard capture cards are best used for gamers on a budget that either don’t care about playing in SD, or have not made the move to HD yet. They are also one of two choices available for laptops and are dirt cheap. They can easily be found for less than 40$-50$. Popular brands are Pinnacle and Dazzle.

High-definition (HD) capture cards

The best of both worlds, HD capture cards are expensive but worthwhile solutions to your capturing needs. Available in PCI-Express and recently in USB 3.0 formats, HD capture cards are the pinnacle of streaming if your PC can handle it.

Pros

1. Full HD support;
2. Highest quality video and sound;
3. No signal degradation;

Cons

1. Expensive;
2. Requires a powerful PC;
3. PCI-E or USB 3.0 required;

Recommendations

Look, if you’re looking for the best experience, HD capture cards are the way to do. The most popular offering amongst gamers is the Blackmagic Intensity line of cards which is available in PCI-E and USB 3.0 formats for about 200$.

Overall

The bottom line use, is what you can afford and what suits your needs best. Place-shifting devices are un-obtrusive, but can be costly, SD capture cards are inexpensive but do not offer HD while HD capture cards are expensive, but offer the best quality. It might be worth the extra dough to buy an HD capture card rather than a place-shifting box in the long run, but only if your PC can handle HD footage with ease.