How to Distinguish Between Genuine Magewell Products and Knockoffs

The quickest checks: a genuine Magewell product carries the Magewell name printed on it, a serial number, and, on USB Capture devices, CE and FCC marks on the back. If any of these is missing, or the seller cannot show that they are an authorised Magewell dealer, do not buy. Magewell protects its designs, firmware and drivers with patents, trademarks and copyright, but knockoffs are still sold, and Magewell reports problems with their build quality, compatibility and stability. Below are the six types Magewell has identified and how to recognise each one.

Knockoff Type 1 (PCIe cards)

The serial numbers on these knockoff cards typically begin with "MM", and the card carries a "date mark" sticker. Magewell states that these cards infringe its firmware and driver software copyrights and the design patent on its first-generation cards, whose model names began with "XI". They are often falsely advertised as "Magewell products" or "OEM products of Magewell".

How to identify: check the serial number closely, and look for the QC sticker that appears on genuine Magewell cards. If you are not sure, ask the seller for proof of their Magewell dealer authorisation before you buy.

Knockoff Type 2 (USB capture devices)

These devices carry no Magewell name, logo or trademark, show no CE or FCC marks on the back of the housing, and have no serial number. They look very much like the genuine products, which Magewell states infringes its design patent. They are often falsely advertised as "Magewell products" or "OEM products of Magewell".

How to identify: every genuine Magewell USB Capture dongle has CE and FCC marks and a serial number on the back. If any of the three is missing, the product is not genuine.

Knockoff Type 3 (USB capture devices)

These devices carry no Magewell name, logo or trademark. They look very similar to genuine Magewell USB Capture devices, which Magewell states infringes its design patent. They may be advertised as "Magewell products", or shown with promotional pictures that lead buyers to believe they are.

How to identify: the Magewell trademark is printed on genuine Magewell capture products. If there is no Magewell branding, it is not a genuine product.

Knockoff Type 4 (USB capture box)

These boxes carry no Magewell name, logo or trademark, or use a sticker for the markings instead of printing on the case. Magewell states that they infringe its software copyright and design patent. They may be sold as "Magewell products", or shown with promotional pictures that lead buyers to believe they are.

How to identify: the Magewell trademark is printed directly on the white chassis of genuine Magewell USB capture boxes. If there is no Magewell branding, or the labelling is a sticker, it is not a genuine product.

Knockoff Type 5 (quad-channel PCIe HDMI capture cards)

Magewell states that these four-channel HDMI capture cards infringe its firmware and driver software copyrights and the design patent on its first-generation cards. The makers may change the colour of the product and claim to own the patent rights, and they often mention Magewell in their marketing, which gives a false impression that they work with Magewell.

How to identify: Magewell's first-generation capture cards have been discontinued and replaced by second-generation products. If a reseller claims to be selling first-generation Magewell capture cards, ask for proof of their Magewell dealer authorisation.

Knockoff Type 6 (quad-channel PCIe SDI capture cards)

Magewell states that these four-channel SDI capture cards infringe its firmware and driver software copyrights and the design patent on its first-generation cards. As with the HDMI version, the makers may change the colour of the product and claim to own the patent rights, and they often mention Magewell in their marketing, which gives a false impression that they work with Magewell.

How to identify: Magewell's first-generation capture cards have been discontinued and replaced by second-generation products. If a reseller claims to be selling first-generation Magewell capture cards, ask for proof of their Magewell dealer authorisation.

The Genuine Advantage

Genuine Magewell capture devices may cost more than general consumer electronics because they are designed and built for professional use. Knockoffs compete on a low price, but their performance, reliability, compatibility and driver and firmware updates cannot be guaranteed. A cheap card that will not take a driver update can cost far more than it saved once it is built into a system.

Magewell has had reports from customers who were misled into buying knockoffs and found that the stability and performance of their projects suffered. Its advice to professionals and consumers is to buy only from official Magewell channel partners, so that the product is genuine and comes with proper after-sales service. ForeFront Imaging is Magewell's authorised UK distributor; if you are unsure about a product you have been offered, ask us before you buy.