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Hauppauge HD PVR 2 vs StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP: Comparison

What is the difference between Hauppauge HD PVR 2 and StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP?

On latency the spread is 100%, Hauppauge HD PVR 2 30 ms against StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP 60 ms, so Hauppauge HD PVR 2 takes it.

Who each one is for

Buy the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 for recording last-gen consoles or set-top boxes without a PC running and archiving component or HDMI sources to a USB drive directly, though it is not the pick for anyone wanting clean progressive 1080p60 recording and 4K or HDR capture of any kind. It is not the one for PC-connected streaming setups, where a USB webcam-class capture card is simpler. The StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP is the one to take for lecture capture, conference room recording, or signage monitoring setups and anyone wanting a capture device with zero required companion software, though it is the wrong buy for gamers wanting 4K capture or HDR support, not offered here and streamers wanting bundled overlay or streaming software, none is included. The same goes for IT departments and AV integrators needing plain UVC capture across many machines. Our rating of the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 (5/10): A niche standalone recorder for HDMI/component sources without a PC. Interlaced-only 1080i recording and USB 2.0 make it feel dated next to the GC513. Our rating of the StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP (6/10): A reliable, unbranded UVC capture device that does exactly one plain job well for IT and AV integration use cases.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 and StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP differ on connection type?

Yes. Connection Type reads USB 2.0 on the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 versus USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 on the StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP.

Is the Form Factor the same on the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 and StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP?

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

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    External USB
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    External USB
  • Brand

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    Hauppauge
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    StarTech
  • Model Number

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    HD PVR 2 (Model 1512)
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    USB3HDCAP
  • Connection Type

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    USB 2.0
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
  • Max Recording Resolution

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    1080i60 / 720p60
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    1080p60
  • Passthrough Resolution

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    1080p60
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    1080p60
  • HDR Support

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    No
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    No
  • Latency

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2
    30 msBest
    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    60 ms-100%

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Hauppauge HD PVR 2 if you want the lower latency (30 ms vs 60 ms).

    Choose StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerHauppauge HD PVR 2StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP
    AmazonView on Amazon

    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

    Hauppauge HD PVR 2

    5 / 10 Expert Rating

    A niche standalone recorder for HDMI/component sources without a PC.

    StarTech.com StarTech USB3HDCAP

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A reliable, unbranded UVC capture device that does exactly one plain job well for IT and AV integration use cases.

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