Setup of the system can a little tricky if you do not know what you are doing. While this system does feature HDMI throughput, that is typically for Xbox 360 and component cables should be used for PlayStation devices. As you can see in the image below I have opted to bring my PlayStation over to a desk as I wanted to stream using my desktop computer rather than hooking up to a laptop, but having a mobile computer such as a notebook next to your console and TV is just as viable an option as any, this is just my preference in terms of usability.
The setup process took about 30 minutes, but this includes the time it took to move my console, connect all the devices together and go through and software installation processes with the included DVD disc from Hauppauge! that came with the PVR 2.
The PVR 2 is small and lightweight enough to sit on firmly on top of my PS3, saving desk space and helping prevent extra wires being trailed over my desk. As you can see, when the device is powered up and recording you get a soft green glow from the centre of the PVR 2 device, handy for checking if you are recording or streaming on the fly while gaming.
The software is really easy to use, one of the older criticisms of the original gaming PVR products was that the software was a little clunky, but it seems Hauppauge! have taken a few suggestions on board and gone for a simple to use tab interface that allows you to record, stream, upload, edit and configure with little effort.
I decided to fire up a game we recently reviewed, Journey on the PlayStation 3. I played two minutes of the game after setting up the devices and installing the PVR2 software, no mucking about I decided to hit record and get straight in on the action to make sure things worked without tweaking endless settings, as you can see, everything worked exactly as it should and video quality looks fantastic.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/tzLGZYOLfZQ[/youtube]
Video is private, always helpful :{
The old saying “make it and they’ll buy it” springs to mind here. Pretty expensive, superfluous piece of kit if you ask me.
The HD PVR 2 a device all gamers dream to have, not only can you record gameplay but you can do it in high top class quality. I’ve used a hauppauge device ever since I wanted to record gameplays and upload videos to youtube. I recommend this device to any who wishes to record gameplay or even to upload youtube videos. Many people who I talk to about the device worry that it’s going to be heavy on there pc specs but with this device it requires the minimum memory when running and even recording.
If you do have any questions about the device be sure to leave a comment I’d gladly respond also check there facebook and twitter.
http://www.Twitter.com/HauppaugeHQ
http://www.Facebook.com/Hauppauge.co.uk