Recording HDMI to USB storage?

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
69,691
13,325
126
www.betteroff.ca
I want to be able to record HDMI to storage, such as a USB stick or SD card, in a format that is standard such as mp4. Basically I want something with a HDMI in and HDMI out and a place to plug media. It just passes on the video/audio stream to the out but also records to a file when I tell it to start recording. Is there such thing? I know they make some where you connect it to a computer, but you probably need a windows computer for that. I just want something that is stand alone and self contained so I don't need a Windows machine nearby the TV. I want to then be able to take the storage device and put it in my Linux computer and open the file.

This would be mostly for recording console game play (ex: Super Mario Maker levels) but possibly TV as well, ex: if I want to keep something archived, and not just on the PVR. I'd probably lend it to my dad too, he has lot of stuff on his PVR he'd like to actually archive such as hockey games, so I could probably walk him through on how to do that and get it on a computer to burn to DVD for example. (please don't get into the legalities issue... this is not any different than a VCR)

Any suggestions? Thanks.
 

JeffMD

Platinum Member
Feb 15, 2002
2,026
19
81
You may run into HDCP issues with movies and tv shows that you cannot get around, but the above encoders will do fine for any content not protected like your games.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
69,691
13,325
126
www.betteroff.ca
First time I hear of HDCP, did not know that was even possible, just googled it. Figured HDMI was just a one way thing like coax or what not. But if it works for the games that's mostly what I will use it for anyway. I guess if one wanted to bypass HDCP you'd have to make a device that pretends to be a TV then just split the signal internally. But that's another topic.

Those ones suggested are pretty much what I want so it's good to know there is such thing, I'll see if I can find one or equivalent in Canada.

Edit: Ended up going with this: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00PAM2C72?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

And a 32GB USB stick.
 
Last edited: