Hauppauge

Hauppauge USB-Live2

Expert rating6 / 10

Form Factor:: Camera Dongle
Max Recording Resolution:: 480i / 576i (SD)
Connection Type:: USB 2.0
HDR Support:: No

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Manufacturer: Hauppauge Last updated: 2026-09-12

Hauppauge USB-Live2 Review

If you're trying to digitize old VHS tapes, camcorder footage, or a retro console with only composite or S-Video output, the Hauppauge USB-Live2 is built specifically for that, not for HDMI game capture.

It has no HDMI input at all, tops out at standard-definition 480i/576i, and has no live passthrough monitor output, since the whole point is archiving analog sources through its bundled software rather than streaming. Don't confuse it with an HDMI capture card, it's a completely different category of device aimed at analog preservation.

Comparison to Alternatives

Nearly every other card in this category, including the Elgato Cam Link 4K and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini (GC311), captures digital HDMI sources; the USB-Live2 is the opposite, an analog-only composite/S-Video digitizer with no HDMI input and no passthrough. It's the right tool for converting old VHS or camcorder tapes, where an HDMI-only card like the Cam Link 4K simply can't accept the signal at all.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating6 / 10

A dedicated, no-frills analog video digitizer. Good at exactly one job, do not buy it expecting HDMI game capture.

Best for

Digitizing VHS tapes, camcorder footage, or other composite/S-Video sources
Preserving retro console footage from systems with no HDMI output
Simple, low-cost SD archiving projects

Not for

Any HDMI source, since it has no HDMI input at all
Streaming or live passthrough monitoring
Anyone needing HD or 4K resolution capture

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	Hauppauge
Model Number	USB-Live2 (610)

Design

Form Factor	Camera Dongle
Connection Type	USB 2.0

Performance

Max Recording Resolution	480i / 576i (SD)
Passthrough Resolution	None
HDR Support	No

Form and connection

Video Input	Composite RCA and S-Video only, no HDMI

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Hauppauge USB-Live2 (External USB Dongle / Composite & S-Video Capture / SD Resolution / Analog-Only)?

Key specs for the Hauppauge USB-Live2: Form Factor Camera Dongle, Connection Type USB 2.0, Max Recording Resolution 480i / 576i (SD), HDR Support No, Input Type Composite RCA and S-Video only, no HDMI.

Who is the Hauppauge USB-Live2 (External USB Dongle / Composite & S-Video Capture / SD Resolution / Analog-Only) best suited to?

Best suited to: Digitizing VHS tapes, camcorder footage, or other composite/S-Video sources; Preserving retro console footage from systems with no HDMI output; Simple, low-cost SD archiving projects.

What are the drawbacks of the Hauppauge USB-Live2 (External USB Dongle / Composite & S-Video Capture / SD Resolution / Analog-Only)?

Not the best fit for: Any HDMI source, since it has no HDMI input at all; Streaming or live passthrough monitoring; Anyone needing HD or 4K resolution capture.