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AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs Epiphan AV.io HD: Comparison
What is the difference between AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Epiphan AV.io HD?
The first real difference is connection type: AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 USB-C / Thunderbolt against Epiphan AV.io HD USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1. Hdr support is not the same on both, Yes on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 versus No on the Epiphan AV.io HD.
Who each one is for
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is the one to take for Single-PC streamers who game and stream from the same machine and anyone standardized on AVerMedia's RECentral software ecosystem. It is equally the pick for streamers capturing HDR console footage who want encoding off their PC's CPU. Avoid it for buyers who already have a spare NVENC-capable GPU and don't need onboard encoding. The Epiphan AV.io HD suits professionals prioritizing low latency over 4K resolution for live production, though it is not built for 4K capture needs, this device tops out at 1080p60 and gaming-oriented streamers wanting bundled overlay software, none is included. It also earns its place with Live event, education, and corporate AV production needing reliable single-source capture. It is not the one for multi-camera live switching, that's a job for the ATEM Mini instead. Our rating of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (8/10): A genuinely useful onboard-encoder pick for single-PC streamers doing HDR console capture, though it costs more than AVerMedia's simpler externals. Our rating of the Epiphan AV.io HD (8/10): dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Epiphan AV.io HD differ on max recording resolution?
Yes. Max Recording Resolution reads 4K30 HDR on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 versus 1080p60 on the Epiphan AV.io HD.
Is the Form Factor the same on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Epiphan AV.io HD?
It is. Both are listed at External USB, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- External USB
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- External USB
Brand
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- AVerMedia
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- Epiphan
Model Number
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553)
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- AV.io HD
Connection Type
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
Max Recording Resolution
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K30 HDR
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
Passthrough Resolution
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K60 HDR
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
HDR Support
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- Yes
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- No
Latency
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 16 ms
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 16 ms
Which one should you pick?
Choose AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 if you want the lower latency (16 ms vs 16 ms).
Choose Epiphan AV.io HD if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 | Epiphan AV.io HD |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely useful onboard-encoder pick for single-PC streamers doing HDR console capture, though it costs more than AVerMedia's simpler externals.
Epiphan AV.io HD
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution.