Install and Configure a Video or TV Capture Card in a PC GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Accessories & Hardware

Install and Configure a Video or TV Capture Card in a PC

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By Sal Prince Sal Prince Writer University of Massachusetts Connecticut School of Broadcasting Sal Prince is a former Lifewire writer and a video production professional and tech enthusiast who has written extensively about electronics and DVRs lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 6, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Cards The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi A video capture card, also known as a TV capture card, records audio or video output signals to a connected computer. Video capture cards can be internal devices installed inside your PC or external devices connected by USB. Internal video capture cards are often less expensive than external cards while offering more features and flexibility. Here's a look at installing a TV or video capture card into a PCI slot in your Windows PC's motherboard. This information applies to installing a PCI internal video or TV capture card into a Windows PC. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and the capture card's bundled capture software. LIgorko / Getty images

How to Install and Configure a Video Capture Card

Before you get started, make sure your Windows PC is shut down. Then disconnect all the cables from the back of the computer, including the AC power plug, keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Only begin this process when everything is disconnected. Before installing the video capture card, make sure your computer has a free PCI slot. Remove the cover on the PC to access the inside components. Every case is different, but this usually involves unscrewing a few screws on the back of the case and sliding off one of the side panels. Check your computer or computer case manual if you're unsure of how to open the case. Once the cover is open, lay the case on a flat surface with the motherboard facing up. Inside the case, you'll see lots of cables and components. Find a free PCI slot on the motherboard. Flickr PCI slots typically are used by modems, sound cards, video cards, and other peripherals. PCI slots have one small rectangular opening and a larger rectangular opening and are usually white. Check the capture card's manual for help in finding a PCI slot. After you identify a PCI slot, unscrew the small metal bracket attached to the computer case directly behind the PCI slot. Fully remove this small rectangular piece of metal because it will be replaced by the PCI capture card. Gently yet firmly, slide the video capture card into the PCI slot, making sure it's fully locked down. Screw the card into the back of the case so that the inputs and outputs are exposed on the back of the computer case. Place the panel on the case, put the screws back in, and stand the case upright. Plug all the cables back into the case (monitor, keyboard, mouse, AC power plug, and other cables). Power on the PC, and Windows detects the new hardware. The Windows New Hardware Wizard runs, asking for the installation disc to install drivers for the capture card. Insert the installation disc into the CD or DVD-ROM drive, and follow the wizard to install the drivers. If the Hardware Wizard didn't run automatically, go to the next section under Manually Install Your Drivers for manual installation instructions. Install any software that came with the capture card on the installation CD. For example, Nero to capture video and burn DVDs, or Beyond TV, if the capture card has DVR functionality. After installing all software, shut down the computer and connect either a cable, satellite, or over-the-air antenna to the inputs on the capture card (coaxial, S-video, composite, or component cables). Power on the PC, open the capture software, and start capturing TV or video.

Manually Install Your Drivers

If the New Hardware Wizard didn't run automatically, you can manually install the drivers and complete the installation process. Place the installation disc in the CD drive and open the This PC app. Right-click the C: drive under Devices and Drives. In older versions of Windows, right-click My Computer on the desktop. Select Properties. Go to the Hardware tab and select Device Manager. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers, and then double-click the capture card. Go to the Driver tab. Select Update Driver, and the New Hardware Wizard appears. Follow the on-screen directions to install the drivers. Install any software that came with the capture card on the installation CD. For example, Nero to capture video and burn DVDs, or Beyond TV, if the capture card has DVR functionality. After installing all software, shut down the computer and connect either a cable, satellite, or over-the-air antenna to the inputs on the capture card (coaxial, S-video, composite, or component cables). Power on the PC, open the capture software, and start capturing TV or video. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Install a Graphics Card What Is a Video Card? What to Know Before Buying a Video Capture Device What Are Expansion Slots? The 6 Best TV Capture Cards and Video Capture Cards of 2022 How to Unscrew and Reseat Expansion Cards How to Install and Connect a Webcam to Your PC How To Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues How to Connect an iPad to a TV How to Install a Second SSD How to Connect the Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop Latest Windows 10 Drivers (October 21, 2022) How to Pick a Motherboard 6 Ways to Connect Your Computer to Your TV Can You Still Use an Analog TV? How to Connect Steam Deck to a TV Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies