Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition Unboxing & First Look Linus Tech Tips

The video presents an in-depth unboxing and first look at the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition. Linus discusses the key upgrade over the previous HD PVR, notably the zero delay HDMI pass through which is essential for game streaming or live commentary since any lag would disrupt gameplay. He walks through the unboxing experience, noting the USB A to B cable, the power brick, and the various component breakout cables that enable connection to non digital HD devices. Linus also highlights the PS3 and Xbox specific cables, explaining why the PS3 requires a component connection due to HDMI output restrictions. He points out setup tips included in the quick start guide, like turning off hardware acceleration on certain AMD graphics drivers and careful handling of analog connections to avoid misalignment. The unit itself is described as having a brushed aluminum-like finish with good ventilation, and he cautions about placement to ensure adequate cooling and avoid heat buildup near other electronics. Throughout the segment, he explains multiple hookup scenarios, including HDMI in and out for PCs and consoles, as well as the USB out to a computer for recording and streaming, emphasizing the device’s goal of enabling on-the-go capture without a full PC capture card setup. By the end of the initial review, Linus summarizes the value proposition: a compact, hardware-encoder based capture box that can stream or record high quality 1080p 30fps content over USB 2.0 without a dedicated PC, making it suitable for laptop users and on-the-fly gameplay capture. He clarifies a common misconception about the recorder being a simple power button, noting the actual record button placement and behavior for ready-to-capture moments. The overall takeaway is that the HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition is positioned as a convenient, versatile solution for console and PC capture, with practical setup guidance and an emphasis on maintaining signal integrity with pass-through while avoiding HDCP related limitations.

Topics · technology · hardware · gaming · unboxing · video-recording · streaming