Capture · Record · Stream · Encode · DecodeCapture · Record · Stream · Encode · DecodeMost no-signal faults are in the source, the cable or the software settings, not the capture device, so work through these checks in order. Start by connecting the HDMI source directly to a display to confirm it is sending video. If the display shows nothing either, the fault is with the source or its settings. Then look at the LED on a USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 or Plus device: steady means the input is locked to a signal, slow pulsing means it is not. If it keeps pulsing, try another HDMI cable.
Most Magewell USB Capture devices have a USB 3.0 interface and are compatible with USB 2.0, but USB 2.0 carries far less data, so use a USB 3.0 port for full performance. USB 3.0 ports are often marked in blue or labelled SS. Connect directly to the computer, not through a hub, and try a different port.
HDCP is the copy protection used on HDMI. Magewell capture devices do not capture an HDCP-protected signal, so the picture stays black. Blu-ray players, set-top boxes and streaming sticks normally protect their output. Some games consoles switch HDCP on by default and have a menu setting to turn it off for game capture. Cameras do not normally use HDCP.
If the source sends a resolution or frame rate that your capture software is not set to, the software may show black even though the device has a signal. Open Magewell’s USB Capture Utility to see what the device is receiving. In OBS Studio, set the Video Capture Device’s Resolution/FPS Type to Custom and choose a resolution that matches the source. If the source keeps choosing a format you do not want, a custom EDID will hold it to one.
Download Magewell’s USB Capture Utility from the downloads section of Magewell’s website. Open it and select your device. If the Utility shows the input signal correctly, the device and the source are working, and the fault lies in the settings of your capture software.
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The usual causes are a source that is asleep or has its HDMI output switched off, a faulty or unsuitable HDMI cable, HDCP-protected content (which cannot be captured), or the wrong device or resolution selected in your capture software. Check each in turn.
No. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is the copy protection used on HDMI, and Magewell capture devices do not capture an HDCP-protected signal. This is by design. Where the source lets you turn HDCP off, as some games consoles do, turn it off before capturing.
First check the cable. Not every HDMI cable carries 4K or high frame rates reliably, so try a known-good one. Then check that the source is set to a resolution your capture device accepts. Finally, try a different USB port or PCIe slot.
Work through these steps. 1) Confirm the source is sending video on the output you have connected. 2) Try a different cable. 3) Check that the source’s format is one your capture device accepts, and set a custom EDID if needed. 4) On a USB Capture device, open the USB Capture Utility to see whether a signal is detected. 5) Test with a known-good source.
A black picture with a signal present often means HDCP-protected content, such as Blu-ray, a streaming service or pay TV. If the content is not protected, check the HDMI cable, and check that the resolution and colour format chosen in your capture software match what the device offers.
Yes. A source that applies HDCP cannot be captured, and the usual symptom is a black picture. This affects Blu-ray players and set-top boxes playing protected content, and games consoles that have HDCP switched on. On a console, turn HDCP off in its settings.
Magewell USB Capture devices are driver-free, so there is no Magewell driver to reinstall. Open Device Manager, uninstall the device entry, then unplug the device and plug it in again so that Windows sets it up afresh. Also check the camera privacy settings in Windows. Pro Capture cards are different: they use a Magewell driver, available from Magewell's download centre at magewell.com/downloads, which our Updates & Firmware page at forefrontimaging.com/updates-firmware links to directly, in the Pro Capture section.
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