If you’ve been streaming for a while and have a dedicated streaming PC, you would know that it takes one dedicated capture for each device. Anyone gaming and using a DSLR or mirrorless camera would usually run a dual-capture card setup and they would tell you its a pricey affair. For people like me who have a specific setup with multiple inputs, I’m limited by how many PCIe slots I have on the PC before I turn to USB options. I’ve always wondered when there’s going to be a multi-input capture card that is actually affordable for mainstream users.
Luckily later this year, AVERMEDIA debuted the Live Gamer DUO, model code GC570D. Its a 1080p capture card that features 4K60p HDR as well as 1080p240 passthrough but other than that, it also simultaneous 1080p inputs. Avermedia prices the Live Gamer Duo at $249 making it a more competitive option than two USB capture cards. Personally, I prefer the stability and latency advantage of PCIe that’s why normally go with Blackmagic Design but Avermedia present a nice middleground for multiple input options as well as price.
In this review, I’ll give my personal experience of the Avermedia Live Gamer Duo GC570D and it is absolutely perfect for my streams.
Features
- Two separate HDMI inputs, one for your gameplay and one for you
- 4Kp60 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Pass-through
- High Refresh Rate Pass-through at Full HD up to 240Hz
- Simultaneously record from both inputs in uncompressed Full HD
- Capture HDR gameplay from input one in Full HD
- Ultra Low Latency allows you to play right on the software device monitor
- 3 preset RGB modes to make your case unique
Closer Look
For those not familiar, Avermedia has been a mainstay of the PC multimedia accessory scene and have been delivering capture devices as well as other products meant for capture for over 20 years. In recent times, they are pretty much the most well-know capture card brand from Taiwan and in the streaming boom of recent years, have been slowly building up their reputation for incredibly feature-rich products.
I personally reached out to Avermedia to request the Live Gamer Duo as it is an exact solution I need.
User Experience & Conclusion
So to conclude, the Avermedia Live Gamer Duo makes things very convenient. Its pretty much plug and play and you don’t really need Avermedia Recentral software to make it work. Once its in your streaming or capture PC, all you need is to download the drivers and you’re good to go. Its shortcomings primarily are on the software side. Recentral has issues dipping back and forth between framerates and resolution and you’ll need to close Recentral when this happens. That isn’t much of a bother in streaming than it is for gameplay capture but then again, you’d usually start capturing once a game is loaded, not during bootup. Still, its an issue worth noting.
Another shortcoming is there’s no HDMI 2 passthrough. I wish there was because that would be easier especially if your primary usage is using two systems. Regardless, if you’re usage is just wanting to have a gaming device and camera simultaneously in one streaming system, the Avermedia Live Gamer DUO is easily the most sensible choice. I’ve seen a lot of streamers asking about this particularly for the reason they want a better on-stream camera but never knew you can’t use most cameras with a USB cable as a webcam.
As I mentioned earlier, prices over here in Asia are a little higher than I’d like for capture cards regardless if its from a gaming brand or a broadcast solutions company. Blackmagic Design’s quad-HDMI Decklink is easily the most recent option for multi-input solutions but with no output option, its a purely capture tool usable primarily for cameras mainly. Other options are just too old and more expensive than the Decklink’s $525, subject to local prices and availability as well.
Avermedia prices the Live Gamer Duo at $249.99. A single Elgato HD60S+ costs $200. While USB has its perks, my streams has had multiple issues of the USB cables dropping out or worst, getting snagged and pulled mid-stream. This is why I prefer PCIe solutions and Elgato’s PCIe are also $200 a pop. Again, in terms of sheer value, Avermedia’s Live Gamer Duo is pretty much the best and only option for this kind of scenario. As much as I would like to say its the best, the Live Gamer 4K would probably still be the best amongst their offerings provided you don’t specifically need it for streaming.
Where to Buy: Lazada Philippines
In closing, the Live Gamer DUO saves you money, saves you a PCIe slot and saves you time. While its value is not in actual features, just having it exist is already a godsend for a lot of us, especially streamers. The Avermedia Live Gamer DUO GC570D is available for $249.99 and is available now. Contact your local Avermedia rep or distributor for price and availability in your area.
