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Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber vs Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card: Comparison

Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber vs Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB: the latency difference

On latency the spread is 30%, Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber 100 ms against Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB 130 ms, so Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber takes it.

Who each one is for

The Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber is the one to take for casual camera or console capture where HDCP-protected sources aren't involved, though it is the wrong buy for true 4K recording, since actual capture is limited to 1080p60. The same goes for budget streamers who want a 4K monitor loop-out with basic 1080p60 recording. Avoid it for any HDCP-protected source, such as most streaming boxes or Blu-ray players. The Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB suits casual, non-competitive HDMI recording on a tight budget, though it is not built for competitive gaming, given the passthrough lag typical of this tier and 4K or HDR capture of any kind. It is equally the pick for same-day, in-store purchases when you need a capture card right now. Our rating of the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber (5/10): one of the better budget HDMI dongles, but still a 1080p60 recorder wearing a 4K label. Fine for casual use, not a Cam Link 4K substitute. Our rating of the Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB (4/10): A generic budget dongle whose main selling point is being on a physical store shelf. Fine in a pinch, not worth seeking out online over cheaper alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber and Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB differ on connection type?

Yes. Connection Type reads USB 3.0 on the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber versus USB 3.0 / USB-C on the Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB.

Is the Form Factor the same on the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber and Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB?

It is. Both are listed at Camera Dongle, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    Camera Dongle
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    Camera Dongle
  • Brand

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    Pengo Technology
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    Vivitar
  • Model Number

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    4K HDMI Grabber
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    VIVRW7310
  • Connection Type

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    USB 3.0
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    USB 3.0 / USB-C
  • Max Recording Resolution

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    1080p60
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    1080p60
  • Passthrough Resolution

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    4K60 (HDMI loop-out)
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    1080p (loop-through)
  • HDR Support

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    No
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    No
  • Latency

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
    100 msBest
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    130 ms-30%

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber if you want the lower latency (100 ms vs 130 ms).

    Choose Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Verdict

    Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber

    5 / 10 Expert Rating

    One of the better budget HDMI dongles, but still a 1080p60 recorder wearing a 4K label.

    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card

    4 / 10 Expert Rating

    A generic budget dongle whose main selling point is being on a physical store shelf.

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