Nuances of 4K Video Capture. What, How and Why

At first glance, it seems that video capture devices (video grabbers) should simply convert your video stream for subsequent recording to a PC or an external drive. In practice, professional devices usually have additional functionality. They can not only capture, but also transmit, and in some cases encode, scale and distribute signals.

Let’s break it down using Cypress Technology equipment as an example. Let’s take a look at two pairs of devices: CUSB-V604H / CUSB-V605H and CSC-VPR-3420 / MED-VPR-3420. The former are compact grabbers for capturing and extending an HDMI signal over USB 3.0. The latter are more complex and versatile devices that, in addition to capturing and transmitting video, are capable of operating in multiviewer and matrix switcher modes. All of them are actively used in corporate environments, security systems, dispatching and situational centers, medical and government agencies.

But let’s take it from the top. CUSB-V604H captures an HDMI signal up to 4096×2160/60 (4:4:4) with HDCP 1.4/2.2 and HDR and converts it to USB 3.0 to record content directly to a PC. Most Windows, macOS and Linux based video capture and streaming software is supported. CUSB-V605H differs from CUSB-V604H in that it has two HDMI inputs, so there can also be two simultaneous video streams. For this reason, the device supports PIP (picture in picture) mode.

CSC-VPR-3420 has a slightly different purpose and functionality. It is, first of all, a four-window multiviewer and a seamless 4×2 matrix capable of capturing HDMI 4K/60 (4:4:4) video streams. Basically, any of the 4 HDMI sources connected to its units can be displayed individually or in various multi-window modes, including quad PiP and PoP. The device also supports capturing two-channel digital audio from HDMI (LPCM 2.0) inputs or from analog 3.5 mm audio inputs and can be controlled via IP (web interface, Telnet) and RS-232.

MED-VPR-3420 provides similar functionality, but is designed primarily for the medical field. The device is made in a white case and guarantees stable capture and streaming of videos of operations, telemedicine sessions and consultations of specialists via USB in real time.

If you have any questions related to the selection of equipment for your project — please contact our managers.