Ever wanted to record a montage or record your gameplay but didn’t know how to?? Well this tutorial has all bases covered when it comes to capturing footage from your PS3 or Xbox 360.

There’s a few ways to go about recording the footage. The easiest way is to connect your console to your PC, but you'll need a video card with video inputs, a dedicated capture card, or a Firewire/USB converter.

You can buy PC capture cards that will accept composite, S-Video, or component video signals. They can cost several hundred dollars though, and aren't significantly different from a device that converts video into Firewire or USB. So unless you are wanting to use your PC monitor as a TV, you should go with a more affordable analog-to-digital video converter that converts your console's video signals into a Firewire or USB connection that can be read by your PC.

Firewire converters can be fairly pricey, but they do work well. If you're on a tight budget, a USB converter would be the best choice. Assuming your computer already has a USB 2.0 port (pretty much all computers have at least one), all you would need is the converter. You can find basic kits that include a converter and video-editing software, like the Dazzle Video Creator for example.

If your console is too far away from your computer, there are several other methods you can use to record your gameplay.

Camcorder - Some camcorders out there have AV inputs that can connect to your console for simple recording. If your camcorder has this option, you can record your footage onto a tape (or DVD depending on how new your camcorder is) and transfer it to your computer.
Note that most camcorders only have one set of AV connectors that function as inputs or outputs. If they're being used as inputs, you won't be able to use them to output at the same time. In this situation, you'll have to use the little screen on the camera as your playing monitor (easier said than done, you’d need a mate to help you with this).
If your camcorder doesn't have a video input, you can just point it at your TV and record the game being played. Although by doing that you lose quite a bit of the quality and may see thick black lines running through the screen if you are using an SD TV. Make sure you have good lighting and the quality should be alright.


DVD Recorder - This is my preferred method of recording, as it’s quick, simple, and the quality is great. Be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars for a good DVD recorder though, the price all depends on how big the internal HDD is. Although you can buy DVD recorders that only burn straight to disc (no HDD) but may end up costing you more in discs in the long run. The best way to hook it up would be through HDMI or Component cables, alternatively you can just use the standard composite cables that come with your console.
Connect your console to the DVD recorder, record your footage and then burn the footage to a DVD. Put the DVD into your computer and rip the video to your hard-drive for editing.


VCR - You should only record via a VCR if you are on a strict/limited budget, the quality isn’t very good and it takes a lot more effort to convert to the computer. You can record footage on a standard VHS tape. Just pass the game console's AV output through the VCR.


Other Recording Equipment - If you have access to other types of recording equipment (such as mini-DV or Beta SP), then use them by all means. This type of equipment can costs thousands of dollars, but the image-capture quality is excellent.


So there you have it, you’re all set to start making montages and gameplay videos, you’ll be famous in no time!

Have fun!

Silent-Sniper.

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Also, you can buy rca splitters. This will allow you to run your consoles video output into individual splitters. The splitters will then allow you to connect to your capture device (card, usb convertor, whichever you prefer) and your television set. This allows you to not have to play on such small screens.

Here's a picture of a component cable splitter. It has 1 input and two outputs. Granted you would need 3 or 5 depending if you are using high def or standard. Also the length of the cord will differ for some people. They are relatively cheap. The one being displayed below retails for about $1.20 U.S.

Its worth it to buy these, as you would not want to have to look through your video camera screen if that is your only option.

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^ Thanks Syndrome, completely forgot about the splitters. Would certainly be a better way than watching it through the camcorders screen if that's the option you have. Cheers for the input.

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so whats the cheapest dazzle converter thingy i can find? im on a tight budget and want the best quality for the cheapest price. all help appreciated. thanks guys.

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"Cluster bombing from B-52's is very, very, accurate. The bombs always hit the ground."

People please don't make lackluster montages. If its not the best in editing or whatever please stop making them.

They are flooding all sites like herpes.

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You can buy a cheap usb convertor. It doesnt have to be dazzle brand. I recommend searching the internet. You can probably find a suitable device for like $30 U.S.
As for video editing software, that also can be pricey. But programs like windows movie maker and the such would do fine.

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Like Syndrome-X said, if you search around on the internet for the best price you should be able to pick one up for around $30 US. From the memory the Dazzle ones are around $50 US for the Dazzle Video Creator 85.

As for editing the footage, again as Syndrome-X said, Windows Movie Maker should be adequate. There's also one called VirtualDub which is a free editing programme, along the same lines as Windows Movie Maker.

If you want a serious video editing programme then go for Adobe Premiere Pro or Apple's Final Cut Pro, they both have serious price tags though. Might pay to try and find an older version of the software as it'll more than likely be cheaper.

If you are recording via a camcorder, you'll most likely have the software that came with it which should let you edit your footage through there.

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Yeah, I currently am experienced with Adobe Premiere Pro, and Pinnacle Studio. I have had 2 years experience creating amateur/professional videos for various groups while attending a 2 year technical school. Ive created videos for local fire departments, as well as school projects (Such as graduation). Im now in my 2nd year of college for film (different from the previously mentioned technical school) and can say that Adobe Premiere Pro is the standard, but like Silent Sniper said, it is very pricey.

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But the best still is to connect pc to TV and record the whole play to pc
I dont remember the software that i had for it.
Formated.
But its good quality and it works fine.

Oh good to know im making my first monatge with my dads camcorder lol wish me luck BTW if you dont see this silent ill pm u.