The world of live streaming has taken the internet by storm, with millions of users tuning in every day to watch their favorite streamers play games, share their lives, and showcase their talents. If you’re an aspiring streamer, you’re probably wondering what equipment you need to produce high-quality content that will captivate your audience. One of the most popular and highly-regarded capture cards on the market is the Elgato HD60, but can it handle the demands of 4K resolution? In this article, we’ll dive into the capabilities of the Elgato HD60 and explore whether it’s possible to play in 4K with this capture card.
What is the Elgato HD60?
The Elgato HD60 is a compact, external capture card designed specifically for gamers and streamers. It’s a popular choice among content creators due to its ease of use, high-quality video output, and affordability. The HD60 can capture video at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, making it an excellent option for those who want to stream or record gameplay in high definition.
Key Features of the Elgato HD60
Before we dive into the 4K question, let’s take a quick look at some of the key features that make the Elgato HD60 a top choice among streamers:
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to take on the go
- Plug-and-play setup with easy installation
- High-quality video output with low latency
- Supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second
- Compatible with both Mac and PC
- Includes Elgato’s Game Capture software for easy recording and editing
4K Resolution: What You Need to Know
4K resolution refers to a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of 1080p. This means that 4K resolution offers a much more detailed and immersive viewing experience, with a higher pixel density and a wider color gamut.
Can the Elgato HD60 Handle 4K?
Unfortunately, the Elgato HD60 is not capable of capturing video at 4K resolution. The maximum resolution supported by the HD60 is 1080p at 60 frames per second, which falls short of the 4K mark.
But don’t worry, there are still ways to play in 4K with an Elgato HD60!
While the HD60 can’t capture 4K natively, you can still use it to play games in 4K resolution on your console or PC, and then downscale the video to 1080p for streaming or recording. This means you can take advantage of the improved graphics and performance offered by 4K, while still producing high-quality video content with your Elgato HD60.
How to Play in 4K with an Elgato HD60
So, how can you play in 4K with an Elgato HD60? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Method 1: Downscaling on Your Console
If you’re using a console like the PlayStation 4 Pro or Xbox One X, you can set it to output video at 4K resolution, and then let the Elgato HD60 downscale it to 1080p for streaming or recording.
- Set your console to output video at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- Connect your console to your Elgato HD60 using an HDMI cable
- Set the Elgato HD60 to capture video at 1080p at 60 frames per second
- Start your stream or recording, and the HD60 will downscale the 4K video to 1080p in real-time
Method 2: Downscaling on Your PC
If you’re using a PC with a 4K-capable graphics card, you can set your game to render at 4K resolution, and then use software to downscale the video to 1080p for streaming or recording.
- Set your game to render at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- Use software like OBS Studio or XSplit to capture your gameplay and downscale it to 1080p
- Connect your PC to your Elgato HD60 using an HDMI cable
- Start your stream or recording, and the software will downscale the 4K video to 1080p in real-time
Limits and Considerations
While it’s possible to play in 4K with an Elgato HD60, there are some limits and considerations to keep in mind:
- Downscaling can affect video quality: Downsampling 4K video to 1080p can result in some loss of detail and quality, especially if you’re using a lower-end graphics card or console.
- System requirements: To play games in 4K, you’ll need a powerful console or PC with a high-end graphics card, plenty of RAM, and a fast processor.
- Not all games support 4K: Not all games are optimized for 4K resolution, so you may not be able to take full advantage of this feature.
Conclusion
While the Elgato HD60 can’t capture video at 4K resolution natively, you can still use it to play games in 4K and downscale the video to 1080p for streaming or recording. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can take advantage of the improved graphics and performance offered by 4K, while still producing high-quality video content with your Elgato HD60.
Remember, the Elgato HD60 is still a powerful tool for streamers and gamers, even if it can’t handle 4K natively.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about playing in 4K with an Elgato HD60. Happy streaming!
Can I play in 4K with an Elgato HD60?
The Elgato HD60 is a popular capture card among streamers, but it does have its limitations. While it can capture and stream high-definition video at 1080p and 60 frames per second, it cannot handle 4K resolution. The HD60’s maximum resolution is 1080p, and it cannot capture or stream 4K video.
This is because the Elgato HD60 is an HDMI 1.4 device, which has a limited bandwidth that cannot support 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. If you want to stream in 4K, you would need a capture card that supports HDMI 2.0, such as the Elgato 4K60 Pro, which can capture and stream 4K video at 60 frames per second.
What resolution can I stream with an Elgato HD60?
The Elgato HD60 can capture and stream video at a maximum resolution of 1080p, or 1920×1080 pixels. This is a high-definition resolution that is suitable for most streaming platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming.
However, it’s worth noting that the Elgato HD60 can also downsacle to lower resolutions, such as 720p or 480p, if your internet connection or computer hardware is not powerful enough to handle 1080p streaming. Additionally, the HD60 can also capture and stream at a maximum of 60 frames per second, which provides a smooth and lag-free streaming experience.
Do I need a powerful computer to stream in 4K?
Yes, to stream in 4K, you would need a powerful computer that can handle the high processing demands of capturing and encoding 4K video. A 4K stream requires a significant amount of processing power, memory, and storage, and not all computers are equipped to handle it.
As a general rule, you would need a computer with at least a quad-core processor, 8-16 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card to stream in 4K. Additionally, you would also need a high-speed internet connection that can handle the high bandwidth requirements of 4K streaming.
Can I upgrade my Elgato HD60 to support 4K?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade the Elgato HD60 to support 4K resolution. The HD60’s hardware is limited to HDMI 1.4, which cannot be upgraded to support HDMI 2.0 or 4K resolution.
If you want to stream in 4K, you would need to purchase a new capture card that supports HDMI 2.0 and 4K resolution, such as the Elgato 4K60 Pro. This would require a new purchase and not an upgrade to the existing HD60.
What are the benefits of streaming in 4K?
Streaming in 4K offers several benefits, including a more immersive and engaging viewing experience for your audience. 4K resolution provides a much higher level of detail and clarity compared to 1080p, making it ideal for gamers, artists, and creators who want to showcase their skills and creativity.
Additionally, 4K streaming also provides a future-proof solution for streaming, as more and more devices and platforms begin to support 4K resolution. By streaming in 4K, you can ensure that your content looks great on the latest devices and platforms, and that you are future-proofing your streaming setup.
Do all streaming platforms support 4K?
Not all streaming platforms support 4K resolution. While YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming all support 4K streaming, other platforms may have limitations or restrictions on 4K content.
Before you invest in a 4K-capable capture card and start streaming in 4K, it’s essential to check the streaming platform’s technical requirements and limitations to ensure that they support 4K resolution. You should also consider the internet connection and hardware requirements needed to stream in 4K.
Is streaming in 4K worth the cost and effort?
Whether streaming in 4K is worth the cost and effort depends on your specific needs and goals as a streamer. If you are a professional gamer or creator who wants to showcase your skills and provide a high-quality viewing experience for your audience, then streaming in 4K may be worth the investment.
However, if you are a casual streamer or just starting out, you may not need to invest in 4K-capable hardware and may be able to get by with a lower resolution such as 1080p. It’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of streaming in 4K and consider your specific needs and goals before making a decision.