I've never done any game capture before, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I was handed Roxio's Game Capture HD Pro. I assumed it would be a complicated little box that didn't do what it was supposed to do in an acceptable quality. Well, I was wrong. Using this is the easiest thing I have ever done. It really is just plug and play.

The Roxio Game Capure HD Pro is a product that caputres gameplay footage from the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles, and is only compatible with PCs.

Game Capture

The Game Capture HD Pro comes with itself and a USB cable that connects the HD Pro to your computer. If capturing Xbox 360, you can use component cables or an HDMI cable, but for a PlayStation 3 capture, you must use the component cables.

Connect the system to the HD Pro, then the HD Pro to your TV and you've completed the initial set up. Once you install the software and register the product, you're thrusted into a menu with an option to capture video and one to edit video.

To capture video all you need to do is click "Start Capture." You'll see your game on your computer screen with a few secodns of lag, but it still captures everything that happens from the moment you tell it to start. Instantly, the HD Pro saves the video and throws it into a predetermined folder on your hard drive. Navigate your way there, click on your new video file, and enkjoy. It really is as simple as it sounds.

Editing

The editing software isn't anything to get too excited about it. Though it is very convenient considering it's built into the program, there are other video editing options out there that work much better (albeit much more expensive).

Editing allows you to do all of the basics like cutting and creating transitions. I really did like the integration of adding narration, which makes it easier to create video reviews (keep a look out!). Plus, the ability for picture-in-picture leaves plenty of exciting editing opportunities in the future. A good quality microphone is a must, though, as background noise is easily picked up and can create a hazy noise nobody wants to hear.

Other Features

The Roxio Game Capture HD Pro also allows you to share and stream, by uploading online. You can share your videos on Facebook and YouTube (assuming you aren't breaking all of those copyright laws).

You can also stream your gaming session through TwitchTV. It's a great way to stream with the older generation of consoles, but with the ability to do it straight from the new consoles, this feature will quickly become forgotten.

Final Thoughts

For a price of $150, which is about average when it comes to quality capturing devices, the Roxio Game Capture HD Pro is a great piece of hardware. Whether you want to create videos for fun on your free time, or if you need a new one at the office, I'd highly recommend giving this guy a try.

The simplicity of the one-step-button method will keep those headaches away and allow you to get what you want done accomplished. So if you have a PC (this product doesn't work on Apple computers) and have an Xbox 360, PS3 or both, and want to get into capturing some gameplay footage, go ahead and pick up the HD Pro. You'll be taken back by how easy it is, and have your own YouTube channel in no time.