Support / Capture devices

HDMI capture devices for going live from your browser

A capture device is a small box (or dongle) that takes the HDMI out of a real camera, a video switcher or a computer, and hands it to your computer over USB as if it were a webcam. With one, the Go live console in Studio can stream your camera straight from the browser — no encoder to install.

Going live is part of the Pro and Advanced plans. A plain webcam works too; a capture device is for when you want a proper camera on the show.

The one rule: driverless (UVC)

A browser can only use devices that work like a standard webcam — UVC for video, UAC for audio — with no driver to install. Every branded device in the list below is reported by its maker to work that way; the generic dongles have no maker to ask, which is one reason we'd keep them for a test or a backup. If a device needs its own driver or app running, the browser won't see it.

What we test with

The Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 is the device on our bench: it's what we build and test the Go live console against. If you want the safe choice, this is it.

Magewell

USB Capture HDMI Gen 2

What we test with

Captures: 1080p60
USB: USB 3.0 (works at reduced quality on USB 2.0)
Audio: HDMI audio, 2 channels
Loop-through: No
Scaling: Hardware scaling, deinterlacing and frame-rate conversion
Price: about $300–$320

Driver-free on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.
Part number 32060.
Magewell's optional USB Capture Utility can rename the device and change its audio settings. Close it before you go live.

Good to know

No HDMI loop-through: to watch the picture on a monitor too, split the HDMI signal before it reaches the device.

Manufacturer page

Devices that should work

None of these has been bench-tested by us yet. The branded ones are reported driverless by their makers; the generic dongles have no maker to report anything. Tried one? We'd love to hear how it went.

Pro

Built for paid shows: steady 1080p, solid connectors, and makers who document them as standard (UVC) devices.

Magewell

USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 2160p30, or 1080p up to 90 fps (accepts a 4K60 input)
USB: USB 3.0
Audio: HDMI audio, 2 channels, plus a 3.5 mm input
Loop-through: Yes

Part number 32090.

Good to know

More than most shows need — 1080p is plenty for going live.

Manufacturer page

AJA

U-TAP HDMI

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 1080p60
USB: USB 3.0
Audio: HDMI audio, 2 channels (16-bit, 48 kHz)
Loop-through: No
Price: about $490

AJA lists it as UVC and UAC compatible on Mac, Windows and Linux.

Good to know

AJA warns against USB 2.0 ports and USB hubs — plug it straight into a USB 3 port.

Manufacturer page

Epiphan

AV.io HD+

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 1080p (HDMI or DVI in)
USB: USB 3.0
Audio: HDMI audio or a 3.5 mm input
Loop-through: See the maker's page
Scaling: Hardware scaling; EDID settings through the optional AV.io Config tool
Price: about $450

Epiphan says no driver installation is required on Windows, Mac or Linux.

Manufacturer page

Blackmagic Design

ATEM Mini Pro / Pro ISO / Extreme

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 1080p HD (webcam output)
USB: USB-C
Audio: Mixed inside the switcher
Loop-through: See the maker's page
Price: from about $445

A live production switcher whose USB-C output works as a simple webcam source.
A good fit when you're switching several cameras before the picture reaches Collectivision.

Good to know

It's a switcher, not just a capture device: your audio is mixed inside it.
The webcam output's frame rate follows the switcher's video format.

Manufacturer page

Prosumer

Gaming and creator capture devices that work as a standard camera. Good value, with a few quirks to know about.

Elgato

Cam Link 4K

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 4K30, or 1080p60
USB: USB 3.0 required
Audio: See the maker's page
Loop-through: No
Price: about $100

Elgato supports it on Windows 10 and later and macOS 13 and later.

Good to know

The formats it offers depend on the camera plugged into it.
Can be picky about USB controllers — if it drops out, try another port.
Runs warm.
Needs a clean, unencrypted HDMI signal (see HDCP below).

Manufacturer page

Elgato

Game Capture 4K S

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 2160p60, or 1080p up to 120 fps
USB: USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
Audio: See the maker's page
Loop-through: Yes
Price: about $160

Good to know

Turn HDR off on the source, or the picture comes through washed out.

Manufacturer page

AVerMedia

Live Gamer MINI (GC311)

Reported driverless (UVC) by its maker — not yet bench-tested by us

Captures: 1080p60
USB: USB 2.0 (micro-USB) — video is compressed
Audio: See the maker's page
Loop-through: Yes

AVerMedia lists it as UVC plug-and-play.

Good to know

Over USB 2.0 the video is compressed: expect 1080p30 to be the dependable setting.

Manufacturer page

Budget

Fine for a test or a backup. We wouldn't put a paid show on one.

Many brands (MacroSilicon MS2109 / MS2130 chips)

Generic “HDMI to USB” capture dongle

Generic, with no maker to vouch for it — not bench-tested by us

Captures: 1080p30 (or 720p60), compressed
USB: Varies by model
Audio: HDMI audio — on MS2109 models it may arrive as mono or sound wrong
Loop-through: No
Scaling: None
Price: about $12–$25

Fine for a test, a rehearsal, or a spare in the gig bag.

Good to know

Uncompressed modes are too slow to use; stick to the compressed (MJPEG) 1080p30.
MS2109 dongles report their audio wrongly, so sound can come through in mono or sound wrong on Mac and Windows.
Quality varies from batch to batch, and they run hot — give them air.
We wouldn't put a paid show on one.

Sold under many brand names — check your usual retailer.

Also reported to work, but more than a livestream needs: Elgato Game Capture 4K X ↗ (about $250), AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) ↗.

What to avoid

Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G and other Thunderbolt / Desktop Video devices
They need Blackmagic's driver and don't present themselves as a standard camera, so a browser never sees them.
Anything that only becomes a webcam while its maker's app is running
If the camera disappears when the app closes, the browser can't count on it — and the app tends to hold the device while you're trying to use it.
Elgato HD60 X, Epiphan AV.io 4K, Razer Ripsaw HD
Discontinued by their makers. We wouldn't buy one new for this.

Buying guide

Driverless (UVC) is the whole requirement: A browser only sees standard cameras and microphones (UVC video, UAC audio). If the device needs a driver installed, it won't show up.
USB 3, straight into the computer: Use a USB 3 port on the computer itself — no hubs, no unpowered extension cables. USB 2.0 devices compress the picture or drop the frame rate.
Watch out for HDCP: Game consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming sticks and some cable boxes encrypt their HDMI, which gives you a black picture. Cameras and computers don't.
Set your camera to clean HDMI out: Turn off on-screen overlays and auto power-off, and pick a standard format such as 1080p30 or 1080p60.
1080p30 is plenty: It's the most dependable choice for most shows. Reach for 1080p60 when there's sport or fast motion.
Match frame rates: Keep the camera and the show on the same family (29.97/59.94 or 25/50), or use a device with hardware frame-rate conversion, such as the Magewell or the Epiphan.
Short, good cables: A certified HDMI cable of 3 m (10 ft) or less, and a short USB 3 cable of 1–2 m.
Vendor apps: use, then close: A maker's utility is sometimes needed for firmware, EDID or audio settings. Close it before going live — it can hold on to the device.
Test before the show: Open Go live, pick the device, and check the picture, the frame rate and the audio meters well before doors.

Setting it up

Connect your camera (or switcher) to the capture device with HDMI, and plug the capture device into a USB 3 port on your Mac or PC.
Open Studio in Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox (or Safari on a Mac).
Open Go live, set Send from to This browser, then choose Connect camera or HDMI capture.
Your browser asks to use the camera and microphone — allow it. The steps for each browser are below.
Pick your capture device from the list, check the picture, the frame rate and the audio meters, and you're ready.

Allowing the camera, browser by browser

Your browser asks before Studio can use the camera; how often it asks again depends on the browser and on what you choose (Safari may ask on every visit). If you said no by mistake, or your computer is blocking the browser, here's how to fix it. The pictures are sketches — your browser's exact wording may differ a little.

Chrome

The first time

Let Chrome use your camera and microphone

Chrome will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A small box drops down from the top-left of this window, just under the address bar.
Choose "Allow while visiting the site" so Chrome remembers it next time. ("Allow this time" works too, but you'll be asked again later.)
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Chrome is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Click the site controls icon at the far left of the address bar, just before collectivision.net.
Switch Camera and Microphone back on (or set them to allow).
Reload the Studio page.
Don't see the icon? Go the long way: Chrome's ⋮ menu → Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Camera (and then Microphone). collectivision.net is listed under "Not allowed" — set it to allow.
Or paste this into Chrome's address bar and remove collectivision.net from the blocked list — then do the same on the microphone page.
chrome://settings/content/camera

You may also see a camera icon with a line through it at the right end of the address bar. Clicking it opens the same controls.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Chrome from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Google Chrome on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Chrome and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Chrome, then restart it.

Microsoft Edge

The first time

Let Microsoft Edge use your camera and microphone

Microsoft Edge will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A small box drops down from the top-left of this window, just under the address bar.
Choose the option that allows the camera and microphone. If there's more than one, pick the one that keeps allowing it on this site, so you aren't asked every time.
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Microsoft Edge is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Click the site controls icon at the far left of the address bar, just before collectivision.net.
Switch Camera and Microphone back on (or set them to allow).
Reload the Studio page.
Or paste this into Microsoft Edge's address bar and remove collectivision.net from the blocked list — then do the same on the microphone page.
edge://settings/content/camera

You may also see a camera icon with a line through it at the right end of the address bar. Clicking it opens the same controls.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Microsoft Edge from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Microsoft Edge on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Microsoft Edge and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Microsoft Edge, then restart it.

Firefox

The first time

Let Firefox use your camera and microphone

Firefox asks which camera and microphone to share right in its prompt, so this is where you pick your capture device.

A panel drops down from the top-left of this window, just under the address bar.
In the camera list, pick your HDMI capture device (or your webcam). In the microphone list, pick the capture device too if you want the sound coming over HDMI, or your microphone or audio interface.
Tick "Remember this decision" so Firefox doesn't ask every time you open Studio.
Choose the option that allows access.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Firefox is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Click the permissions icon at the far left of the address bar, just before collectivision.net.
Next to the blocked camera and microphone, click the × to clear them.
Reload the Studio page, and allow access when Firefox asks again.
Still stuck? Paste this into the address bar, scroll to Permissions, open Camera → Settings… and remove collectivision.net. Do the same for Microphone.
about:preferences#privacy

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Firefox from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Firefox on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Firefox and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Firefox, then restart it.

SafariMac

The first time

Let Safari use your camera and microphone

Safari will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A box appears just under the address bar at the top of the window.
Choose the option that allows the camera and microphone.
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Safari may ask again each time you visit. To stop that, go to Safari → Settings → Websites → Camera and set collectivision.net to Allow, then do the same under Microphone.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Safari is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

In the menu bar at the top of the screen, choose Safari → Settings, then click Websites.
Choose Camera in the list on the left, find collectivision.net, and set it to Allow.
Choose Microphone and set collectivision.net to Allow there too.
Close Settings. Reload the Studio page.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your Mac is blocking Safari from the camera

This is a Mac setting, not a website one, so it's switched on in System Settings.

Open the Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera.
Find Safari in the list and switch it on.
Go back to Privacy & Security → Microphone and switch it on there too.
Quit Safari completely (⌘Q, not just closing the window) and open it again — macOS applies the change after a restart. Then come back to Go live in Studio.

Brave

The first time

Let Brave use your camera and microphone

Brave will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A small box drops down from the top-left of this window, just under the address bar.
Choose the option that allows the camera and microphone. If there's more than one, pick the one that keeps allowing it on this site, so you aren't asked every time.
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Brave is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Click the site controls icon at the far left of the address bar, just before collectivision.net.
Switch Camera and Microphone back on (or set them to allow).
Reload the Studio page.
Or paste this into Brave's address bar and remove collectivision.net from the blocked list — then do the same on the microphone page.
brave://settings/content/camera

You may also see a camera icon with a line through it at the right end of the address bar. Clicking it opens the same controls.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Brave from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Brave Browser on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Brave and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Brave, then restart it.

Arc

The first time

Let Arc use your camera and microphone

Arc will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A small box appears near the top of the Arc window, by the address.
Choose the option that allows the camera and microphone. If there's more than one, pick the one that keeps allowing it on this site, so you aren't asked every time.
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Arc is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Open the site controls for collectivision.net from Arc's address bar (click the page's address to show it).
Switch Camera and Microphone back on (or set them to allow).
Reload the Studio page.

You may also see a camera icon with a line through it at the right end of the address bar. Clicking it opens the same controls.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Arc from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Arc on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Arc and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Arc, then restart it.

Opera

The first time

Let Opera use your camera and microphone

Opera will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A small box drops down from the top-left of this window, just under the address bar.
Choose the option that allows the camera and microphone. If there's more than one, pick the one that keeps allowing it on this site, so you aren't asked every time.
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Opera is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Click the site controls icon at the far left of the address bar, just before collectivision.net.
Switch Camera and Microphone back on (or set them to allow).
Reload the Studio page.
Or paste this into Opera's address bar and remove collectivision.net from the blocked list — then do the same on the microphone page.
opera://settings/content/camera

You may also see a camera icon with a line through it at the right end of the address bar. Clicking it opens the same controls.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Opera from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Opera on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Opera and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Opera, then restart it.

Vivaldi

The first time

Let Vivaldi use your camera and microphone

Vivaldi will ask before Collectivision can see your camera or hear your microphone. It takes one click.

A small box drops down from the top-left of this window, just under the address bar.
Choose the option that allows the camera and microphone. If there's more than one, pick the one that keeps allowing it on this site, so you aren't asked every time.
Then pick your camera or HDMI capture device from the Video list in Go live — the browser's box doesn't need to show the right one.

Until you allow access, the browser hides the names of your devices. That's it protecting your privacy, not a fault.

If you blocked the camera by mistake

Vivaldi is blocking the camera for this site

No harm done — it's a setting to switch back, and you only need to do it once.

Click the site controls icon at the far left of the address bar, just before collectivision.net.
Switch Camera and Microphone back on (or set them to allow).
Reload the Studio page.

You may also see a camera icon with a line through it at the right end of the address bar. Clicking it opens the same controls.

If your computer is blocking the browser

Your computer is blocking Vivaldi from the camera

This is a setting on your computer, not on the website.

On a Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, switch Vivaldi on, do the same under Microphone, then quit Vivaldi and open it again.
On Windows: Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, turn on the switch for camera access and the one that lets desktop apps use the camera (on Windows 11, "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera"), then the matching switches under Microphone.
On other systems: look for Camera and Microphone in your system's privacy or security settings, allow Vivaldi, then restart it.

Any browser: the camera is busy, or nothing shows up

Another app has the camera

Another app is using your camera

Only one app can hold a camera or capture device at a time, and something else got there first.

Close any other app that might be using it — OBS, Zoom, Teams, or your capture device's own utility (like Magewell's USB Capture Utility).
Check other tabs and windows too: a video call open in another tab counts.
Go back to Go live in Studio and connect again.
Still busy? Unplug the capture device, wait five seconds, plug it back in and try again.

If nothing else works, restarting the browser — or the computer — lets go of the device.

No camera or capture device found

We can't see a camera or capture device

The browser isn't reporting a camera. Most of the time it's the cable or the port.

Plug the capture device straight into a USB 3 port on the computer — not a hub, dock or extension cable.
Check the HDMI source is on and sending a picture: camera powered up, HDMI output on, not asleep.
Try a different USB port, or a different USB cable.
Go back to Go live in Studio and connect again.
Not sure your device works in a browser? See the capture devices we recommend.

A browser only sees devices that work like a standard webcam (UVC), with no driver to install. Devices that need their maker's driver or app running won't show up here.

Questions

Do I need OBS or other software to go live from a camera?

No. On Pro and Advanced plans, Studio's Go live console opens a webcam or a USB HDMI capture device right in the browser and streams it — no encoder to install.

Which browsers work?

Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox on a Mac or PC, and Safari on a Mac. Phones and tablets can use their own cameras, but an HDMI capture device needs a Mac or PC.

Why is my capture device's picture black?

Most often the source is sending encrypted HDMI (HDCP) — game consoles, Blu-ray players and streaming sticks do. Cameras don't. Also check the camera's HDMI output is on and not showing its menus.

Is a capture device better than a webcam?

It lets you use a real camera — better lens, better low light, a proper zoom — or the output of a video switcher. For a talking head, a good webcam is fine.