Elgato HD60X Review – Perfect console capture for PS5?

For quite some time now, the old Capture Card has been failing me Elgato HD60 S No problem when it comes to streaming and recording gameplay and screenshots from my consoles. With the new generation of consoles Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 the demands on the quality of the recorded or streamed video material are increasing and it is time for the well-deserved retirement of the capture devices.

As a new addition, the current model HD60 X from Elgato are used, which comes with a fresh design such as technical improvementsamong other things 4K60 HDR passthrough, Recorded in 1080p60 HDR and VRR, attends. In our test, we will find out how the X model performs in everyday use and whether it proves to be a worthy replacement.

Specifications Elgato HD60X

• connections: USB 3.0 Type-C to Type-A, HDMI 2.0 input, HDMI 2.0 output (passthrough), 3.5mm TRS jack line-in
• weight: 90g
• Dimensions: 11.2 x 7.2 x 1.8 cm (W x H x D)
• resolution: Passthrough up to 2160p60, 1440p120, 1080p240 VRR
• Capture: 2160p30, 1440p60, 1080p60 HDR, 1080p30, 1080i, 720p60, 576p, 480p
• compatibility: a.o. PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
• scope of delivery: HD60 X, USB 2.0 cable, HDMI 2.0 cable
• software: Elgato 4K Capture Utility (4KCU), OBS, Streamlabs and more
• Price: approx. 199 euros

Scope of delivery and connection: It couldn’t be simpler

The first glance at the contents of the Elgato-typical blue box is clear. Besides that just now 90 gram light capture device in a new, thoroughly pleasing, design variant, only a USB 3.0 cable with USB-C to USB-A connector and an HDMI 2.0 cable are included in the scope of delivery. Well, there would also be an Elgato sticker and a piece of paper with microscopically small print with safety instructions, but you won’t find instructions, for example.

But this is also not necessary, because even absolute capture novices will find their way around without any problems and if need be, a look at the inside of the packaging will help, as there are a few pictures that clearly show the connection. For example, would you like Record or stream gameplay from your PlayStation 5proceed as follows:

Connects the HD60 X to a PC or Mac with the included USB cable, via HDMI In connects her to the PlayStation and via HDMI Outt with TV or monitor. It should be noted that your PC or Mac has USB 3.0 inputs availablet, otherwise an error message is displayed. That also makes sense, because high-resolution streams in the 4K range require a high data transfer rate, which only the USB 3.0 standard can guarantee.

A little hint: If you have several USB sockets, the USB 3.0 socket usually has a blue inner part. And while we’re on the subject of tips, Don’t forget to turn off HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which is usually activated by default, on your PS5 or PS4, otherwise you will not get an image for your recordings via a capture box. You can find this option on the PS5 in the settings under System, HDMI.

What software can you use?

If you have everything wired properly, you will of course need software that you can use to stream, record videos or take screenshots of screen content that is used for blocked the “in-house” function of the PlayStation are. If you are just taking your first steps in this area, the free option is available Elgato 4K Capture Utility for Mac and Windows.

In addition to records in 4K30 or 1080p60 with HDR10 dynamic rangeespecially like the sensible one Flashback function. If you find out that you would like to have recorded game scenes, but the recording is not running, you simply pick it up automatically saved material return. It can be set in the software options that up to four hours of video afterwards can still be saved.

The integration of the capture box into existing applications has been solved very well: Almost all common programs are supported, for example OBS, Streamlabs, Vmix, XSplit, Twitch Studio, Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which recognize the HD60 X without hesitation and accept it as a source.

Another advantage would be the at the Easily accessible line-in socket on the frontwhich means her a headset 3.5mm TRS jack plug connects and to Commenting on your game scenes uses. There will be one separate audio track created, with the advantage that you can easily adjust the volume of your voice to the game sound. By the way, this one will be in one very good 48 kHz sound resolution recorded.

Professional quality recordings, passthrough issues

The video and audio quality of streams and recordings is in practice really nothing to complain about and 1080p60 HDR material is transmitted crisply and with almost no latency respectively recorded. By the way, the box uses this for saving Format H.265 HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), which, compared to the frequently used H.264 format with otherwise the same settings, ensures significantly smaller file sizes without having to fear a loss in quality. If you want to use a higher resolution, you stand for capturing and streaming maximum 4K with 30 frames per second available, nothing more is possible.

But let’s come to a point of criticism: If you have connected the HD60X to a console and TV or monitor, there are some restrictions. The box has laudably over VRR support, which almost completely eliminates stuttering, in passthrough mode, however, the resolution increases capped at 1440p maximum, if frame rates of 120 and more frames per second are to be displayed. So do you have a screen with HDMI 2.1 and want yours Enjoy games in 4K and 120 FPSthen you have to dismantle the capture box or limit yourself to a 4K60 HDR10 resolution.