1. Introduction
The Ezcap 334 Live Gamer Ultra is an advanced PCIe video capture card designed for high-quality game recording and live streaming. It supports 4K HDMI input and pass-through, allowing you to enjoy your games in stunning resolution while capturing or streaming at various resolutions and frame rates. This manual provides detailed instructions for installing, operating, and maintaining your Ezcap 334 capture card.
2. Features
- 4Kp60 HDR, 1080p240, and 1440p144 HDMI input and pass-through.
- 1080p120, 4Kp30, and 1440p60 recording capabilities.
- Supports RGB real color video format up to 1080p30.
- Ultra-low latency, less than 50ms.
- UVC standard compliance, eliminating the need for manual driver installation.
- Compatible with most third-party video capture software.
- PCIe Gen2 interface for super-fast data transfer.
- Integrated 3.5mm Line In and Line Out audio ports for audio mixing and monitoring.
- Features a colorful breathing indicator for status feedback.
3. Package Contents
Ensure all items are present in the package:
- Ezcap 334 Live Gamer Ultra capture card x1
- Instruction Manual x1
4. Specifications
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen2 X1 |
| Video Input / Output | HDMI 2.0 |
| Audio Input | HDMI, 3.5mm RTS audio line in |
| Audio Output | HDMI, 3.5mm RTS audio line out |
| Max. Pass-Through | 2160p60 HDR, 1440p144, 1080p240 |
| Max. Recording | 1080p120, 2160p30, 1440p60 |
| Supported Resolution | 2160p, 1440p, 1080p, 720p |
| Output Video Format | YUY2, NV12, RGB |
| Recording Resolution and Max FPS | 3840x2160 - NV12/30; 2560x1440 - NV12/60, YUY/50; 1920x1080 - NV12/120, YUY/60, XRGB/30; 1280x720 - NV12/60, YUY/60, XRGB/60. |
| Status Indicator | RED-power, BLUE-HDMI input, Mixing Slow Flashing-device running. |
| Dimensions | 151 x 121 x 22 mm |
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 x 64, Mac OS High Sierra 10.15 and above.
- PCI-E Slot: PCI-E X1 slot required.
- For 4Kp30 or 1080p120 Recording:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6XXX / AMD Ryzen 3 XXX or above
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 5700 or above
- RAM: 8 GB RAM
- For 1080p60 Recording:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 recommended
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 / AMD Radeon R7 250X or above
- RAM: 4 GB RAM
5. Setup
5.1 Physical Installation
- Power off your computer and unplug all cables.
- Open your computer case.
- Locate an available PCIe X1 slot on your motherboard.
- Carefully insert the Ezcap 334 Live Gamer Ultra capture card into the PCIe slot until it is firmly seated.
- Secure the card with the retaining screw or clip provided by your computer case.
- Close your computer case.
5.2 Connecting Cables
- HDMI Input: Connect your video source (e.g., game console, camera, camcorder) to the HDMI IN port on the Ezcap 334 using an HDMI 2.0 cable.
- HDMI Output (Pass-Through): Connect your display (e.g., TV, monitor) to the HDMI OUT port on the Ezcap 334 using an HDMI 2.0 cable. This allows you to view your source content without latency.
- Audio Line In: If you wish to mix external audio (e.g., from a mixer or microphone) with your video, connect your audio source to the 3.5mm LINE IN port.
- Audio Line Out: For monitoring audio, connect headphones or speakers to the 3.5mm LINE OUT port.
5.3 Software Installation
The Ezcap 334 is a UVC (USB Video Class) standard device, meaning it does not require manual driver installation on compatible operating systems like Windows 10 and Mac OS High Sierra 10.15 or later. Your system should automatically recognize the device upon startup. You can then use your preferred third-party video capture and streaming software (e.g., OBS Studio, XSplit) to configure and utilize the capture card.
6. Operating
6.1 Basic Operation
- After physical installation and cable connection, power on your computer and video source.
- Launch your chosen video capture/streaming software.
- Select the Ezcap 334 as your video input device within the software settings.
- Configure your desired resolution, frame rate, and video format (YUY2, NV12, RGB) for recording or streaming.
- Ensure your audio input is correctly selected (HDMI audio or 3.5mm Line In).
- Start recording or streaming through your software.
6.2 Audio Mixing
The 3.5mm Line In port allows you to combine audio from an external source (e.g., a microphone for commentary, or a separate audio mixer) with the HDMI audio from your video source. This mixed audio can then be recorded or streamed along with your video content.
6.3 Status Indicator
The Ezcap 334 features a colorful breathing indicator that provides visual feedback on its operational status:
- RED: Indicates the device is powered on.
- BLUE: Indicates an HDMI input signal is detected.
- Mixing Slow Flashing: Indicates the device is actively running (e.g., capturing or streaming).
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Ezcap 334 Live Gamer Ultra, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Keep the card and your computer's interior free from dust. Use compressed air to gently clean the card and PCIe slot periodically.
- Ensure adequate airflow within your computer case to prevent overheating.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Handle the card carefully during installation or removal to prevent damage to the PCIe connector or ports.
- Keep the firmware of your operating system and capture software updated for best compatibility and performance.
8. Troubleshooting
8.1 No Signal/Black Screen
- Check Connections: Ensure all HDMI cables are securely connected to the HDMI IN and HDMI OUT ports.
- Cable Quality: Use high-quality HDMI 2.0 cables, especially for 4K HDR signals.
- Source Resolution: Verify that your video source is outputting a supported resolution and refresh rate.
- Software Settings: Confirm that the Ezcap 334 is selected as the correct video input device in your capture software and that the resolution/FPS settings match your source.
- HDCP: Some sources (e.g., certain game consoles, streaming devices) may output content protected by HDCP, which can prevent capture. Ensure HDCP is disabled on your source if possible, or use an HDCP-stripping device (not included).
8.2 Audio Issues
- Audio Source: Check if the correct audio input (HDMI or 3.5mm Line In) is selected in your capture software.
- Volume Levels: Adjust volume levels in your operating system and capture software.
- Line In Connection: If using Line In, ensure the 3.5mm cable is fully inserted and the external audio source is powered on and outputting sound.
- Line Out Monitoring: If no sound from Line Out, check headphone/speaker connections and volume.
8.3 Performance Issues (Lag, Dropped Frames)
- System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for your desired recording/streaming resolution and frame rate.
- PCIe Slot: Verify the card is installed in a functional PCIe Gen2 X1 slot.
- Software Settings: Lower the recording/streaming resolution or frame rate in your software. Try different video formats (YUY2, NV12, RGB) as some are more CPU-intensive.
- Background Applications: Close unnecessary applications running in the background to free up system resources.
- GPU Drivers: Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version.
9. User Tips
- For optimal performance, especially with high resolutions and frame rates, ensure your computer's power settings are configured for high performance.
- Experiment with different capture software settings (e.g., encoder, bitrate) to find the best balance between quality and performance for your system.
- When using the Line In feature, test audio levels before going live or recording to avoid clipping or low volume.
- Regularly check for updates to your operating system and capture software, as these can often include performance improvements and bug fixes relevant to capture devices.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Ezcap website or contact your retailer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
