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Epiphan AV.io HD vs Hauppauge USB-Live2: Comparison
Epiphan AV.io HD vs Hauppauge USB-Live2: the form factor difference
The first real difference is form factor: Epiphan AV.io HD External USB against Hauppauge USB-Live2 Camera Dongle. They differ on connection type too, USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 on the Epiphan AV.io HD versus USB 2.0 on the Hauppauge USB-Live2. Max recording resolution is not the same on both, 1080p60 on the Epiphan AV.io HD versus 480i / 576i on the Hauppauge USB-Live2. There is a split on passthrough resolution as well, 1080p60 on the Epiphan AV.io HD versus None on the Hauppauge USB-Live2.
Which should you buy, Epiphan AV.io HD or Hauppauge USB-Live2?
Buy the Epiphan AV.io HD for professionals prioritizing low latency over 4K resolution for live production, though it is the wrong buy for 4K capture needs, this device tops out at 1080p60 and gaming-oriented streamers wanting bundled overlay software, none is included. The same goes for live event, education, and corporate AV production needing reliable single-source capture. It is the wrong buy for multi-camera live switching, that's a job for the ATEM Mini instead. The Hauppauge USB-Live2 suits digitizing VHS tapes, camcorder footage, or other composite/S-Video sources and preserving retro console footage from systems with no HDMI output, though it is not the pick for streaming or live passthrough monitoring and anyone needing HD or 4K resolution capture. It is not the one for any HDMI source, since it has no HDMI input at all. 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. Our rating of the Hauppauge USB-Live2 (6/10): A dedicated, no-frills analog video digitizer. Good at exactly one job, do not buy it expecting HDMI game capture.
What Epiphan AV.io HD and Hauppauge USB-Live2 have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: hdr support are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- External USB
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- Camera Dongle
Brand
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- Epiphan
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- Hauppauge
Model Number
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- AV.io HD
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- USB-Live2 (610)
Connection Type
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- USB 2.0
Max Recording Resolution
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- 480i / 576i (SD)
Passthrough Resolution
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- None
HDR Support
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- No
- Hauppauge USB-Live2
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose Epiphan AV.io HD if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Hauppauge USB-Live2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Epiphan AV.io HD | Hauppauge USB-Live2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| 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
Epiphan AV.io HD
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution.
Hauppauge USB-Live2
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A dedicated, no-frills analog video digitizer.