EPTSo it has come to my attention that there are some annoying technical barriers when it comes to actually trying to stream another PC using a capture card. My fellow content creator Dino uses my ASUS laptop that although, is an amazing little piece of machinery, does not have the wear with all to stream at a low upstream bit rate. Fortunately I do own a capture card but there are some obscure issues you run in to that I thought I might talk about in order to help others who might have an interest in using this setup.
PC to PC Streaming
Now most of the issues you run in to are audio related and there are several different solutions to the problems you face. Mainly you get in to the issue of how to send the audio to your "Capturing" pc and still be able to hear in game sound your self. There are solution that involve using "Virtual Cables" that require no additional hardware. However I find the integrity of audio is easily deteriorated when using this system and I prefer the most losses solution possible. As such this is what I have devised.
The Problem
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So as I mentioned above, the main issue is being able to capture game audio and still be able to hear that game audio to play the game. Now, if you are willing to invest in a sound board, that is the most straight forward solution. This maximizes you ability to control sound with the least quality loss. That being said, this is not an inexpensive solution and I am all about good, affordable solutions. The sound board also does not help you out how to figure out strange interactions like Skype.
Simple Things
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I just want to mention right off that bat that being able to keep the computers in reasonable proximity is probably the most reasonable way to solve most issues inexpensively. This information is being given under the assumption you can keep your rigs with in a few feet or meters.
The Solution
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The solution is to strip a copy of the audio from the capture card through a HDMI Audio Extractor and send it back to a set of ear buds or any other audio output device. In theory you could then sent the signal on to a monitor as well if you want a second view of what is being sent to the capture PC via the capture card.
Required Equipment:
Equipment Explanation:
I am including a picture that shows the setup, as it is a lot simpler than reading it but a brief run down of what some of these things are or why you need them is necessary. One PC needs to be capable of streaming at whatever settings you find satisfactory. This computer for all intensive purposes is the more powerful PC. The second PC simply has to have an HDMI out port and be able to handle outputting a secondary or mirrored monitor. The capture card is what is sending the video/audio single to the capturing computer. The HDMI audio extractor is what is going to let us solve our audio issues. You require a headset and secondary audio outputting device to be able to handle awkward audio interplay with programs like Skype and streaming programs. The cords, well they're the cords you need.
If you do no know what an HDMI Audio Extractor is, this is an example. It simply allows you to take only the audio from the HDMI signal.They can use numerous different audio outputs, so find one that suits what you need, be it 3.5mm, Coaxil, OPtical etc.
HDMI Audio Extractor
Setup Image:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yxwTla7.png)
Required Equipment:
- Recording Capable PC
- HDMI Out Read PC
- Elgato (Or any other HDMI) Capture Card
- HDMI Audio Extractor
- Main streaming headset
- Secondary audio output (ear buds recommended) or second mic
- 2 HDMI cables
Equipment Explanation:
I am including a picture that shows the setup, as it is a lot simpler than reading it but a brief run down of what some of these things are or why you need them is necessary. One PC needs to be capable of streaming at whatever settings you find satisfactory. This computer for all intensive purposes is the more powerful PC. The second PC simply has to have an HDMI out port and be able to handle outputting a secondary or mirrored monitor. The capture card is what is sending the video/audio single to the capturing computer. The HDMI audio extractor is what is going to let us solve our audio issues. You require a headset and secondary audio outputting device to be able to handle awkward audio interplay with programs like Skype and streaming programs. The cords, well they're the cords you need.
If you do no know what an HDMI Audio Extractor is, this is an example. It simply allows you to take only the audio from the HDMI signal.They can use numerous different audio outputs, so find one that suits what you need, be it 3.5mm, Coaxil, OPtical etc.
HDMI Audio Extractor
Setup Image:
Final Notes
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Now you have to use your main head set, or good mic at least with the capturing PC that will be doing the streaming so that the correct PC has access to you talking. This means if you want to Skype with a team, or Team Speak, etc... You have to do it through the capturing computer. This is why for the second audio output device I recommend using ear buds so you can layer the audio in you ears. Two get both audio sources to come through a single source, well then you are back to VAC's or a sound board.
Another possible solution is that you use to mics. Still requires the exact same setup, run audio program on the output PC but a second mic is still attached to the capturing PC. This allows you to hear everything and for both the stream and VoiP program to hear you.
Another possible solution is that you use to mics. Still requires the exact same setup, run audio program on the output PC but a second mic is still attached to the capturing PC. This allows you to hear everything and for both the stream and VoiP program to hear you.
Hope this was helpful,
Basic
