The Narvitech NS120 Video Capture Wand is a device designed for live streaming and recording video content, particularly from gaming consoles like PS4 and PS5, using software such as XSplit Broadcaster and OBS Studio.
Function Description:
The NS120 acts as an intermediary device that captures video and audio signals from a source (e.g., a gaming console) and transmits them to a computer for live streaming or recording. It is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and macOS operating systems. The device facilitates the integration of external video sources into popular broadcasting software, allowing users to customize their streams with various settings for video resolution, frame rate, audio input, and more.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific detailed technical specifications like input/output ports (beyond HDMI for video/audio), power requirements, or dimensions are not explicitly listed in the provided pages, the manual highlights several key operational specifications:
- Supported Resolutions: The device supports various resolutions for output, including 640x480, 720x576, 1280x720, 1920x1080, 2560x1440, and 3840x2160. For live streaming, 1080p or 720p is recommended.
- Frame Rate: The NS120 can be set up to 120 FPS. However, for live streaming, a frame rate of 60FPS or 30FPS is recommended.
- Audio Input: It supports HDMI audio input, specifically "HDMI (Narvitech Video Capture Wand Audio)."
- HDCP: The device requires HDCP to be turned off on the video source (e.g., PS4: Settings > System > HDCP > Off; PS5: Settings > System > HDMI > HDCP > Off) if the preview screen is black after selecting the device video.
- Bandwidth Recommendation: For 1080p streaming, an upload bandwidth of at least 15Mbps or more is recommended.
- Software Compatibility: Fully functional with XSplit Broadcaster (Professional Edition, one-month license included) and OBS Studio.
- Operating System Compatibility: Supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and macOS.
Usage Features:
XSplit Broadcaster Integration:
- Download and Installation: Users download XSplit Broadcaster from the official website. The installation process involves selecting a language (English) and following a setup wizard.
- License Activation: A one-month serial number for XSplit Broadcaster Professional Edition is included with the NS120. Users redeem this license on the XSplit website after installation and then restart the software.
- Adding Video Source: The NS120 is added as a video source within XSplit via "Add Resource > Device > Video > Narvitech Video Capture Wand Video."
- Video Settings: Users can configure video output size (resolution) and frame rate. Custom audio devices can be selected, with "HDMI (Narvitech Video Capture Wand Audio)" being the relevant option for the NS120.
- Audio Settings: Audio input volume can be adjusted for the live broadcast.
- Streaming Setup: To start streaming, users select "Broadcast > Create a new output" and choose a platform (e.g., Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Custom RTMP). Authorization with the chosen platform (e.g., Twitch) involves logging in and entering a verification code.
- Stream Settings: Bitrate (recommended 2000-2500 kbps) and other encoding settings can be adjusted.
- Starting/Ending Stream: Live streaming is initiated by clicking "Broadcast > [Platform Name]" and ended by clicking the same option again.
- Recording: Recording is started by clicking "Record > Options" and stopped by clicking the option again. Recorded videos can be accessed via "File > My Recording."
OBS Studio Integration:
- Download and Installation: OBS Studio is downloaded from its official website.
- Adding Video Source: The NS120 is added as a video capture device via the "+" button in the "Sources" panel, selecting "Video Capture Device," naming it, and then choosing "Narvitech Video Capture Wand Video" from the device list.
- Video Settings: Users can adjust resolution (recommended 1080p or 720p for live streaming) and frame rate (recommended 60FPS or 30FPS). "Use custom audio device" is selected, and "HDMI (Narvitech Video Capture Wand Audio)" is chosen.
- Audio Settings: Microphone sound effects can be added.
- Output Settings: The output bitrate (recommended 2000-2500) is configured under "Output" settings. The recording path and rescaled output resolution can also be adjusted here.
- Streaming Setup: Users click "Settings > Stream," select a service (e.g., Twitch), and link their account.
- Starting/Ending Stream: Streaming is initiated by clicking "Start Streaming" and recording by clicking "Start Recording" in the main interface.
Maintenance Features:
The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features for the NS120 hardware itself. However, it provides guidance on software-related "maintenance" in terms of ensuring optimal performance and troubleshooting:
- Software Updates: XSplit Broadcaster indicates when updates for plugins are available, suggesting that keeping the software updated is part of maintaining optimal functionality.
- Troubleshooting (HDCP): A specific troubleshooting step is provided for a black preview screen: turning off HDCP on the video source device.
- Performance Recommendations: Recommendations for upload bandwidth (15Mbps+) and resolution/frame rate settings (1080p/720p at 60/30FPS) are given to ensure good streaming quality, which can be seen as a form of performance maintenance.
- FCC Compliance: The device complies with FCC rules, and troubleshooting measures for interference (reorienting antenna, increasing separation, connecting to different outlet, consulting technician) are provided, indicating potential issues and solutions related to electromagnetic compatibility.
- Waste Disposal: Information on the proper disposal of the device as electronic waste within the European Union is provided, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Support and Resources:
- Official Website: https://Narivtech.com
- Support Page: https://narvitech.com/home/support-center/
- Contact Email: Supprot@Narvitech.com
- Blog: Narvitech's blog is mentioned as a source for more information and resources.
- Software Manuals: For detailed settings and functions of XSplit Broadcaster, users are directed to the XSplit official website's support section and user manual. For OBS, users are advised to find information through the internet due to the lack of a complete user manual.
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