I am trying to livestream my console with the Avermedia live gamer portable with OBS and its not working. I have the LGP Stream Engine it told me to download to make it work but still not coming up in OBS. I got it to work yesterday but I had to delete everything and download it again but I am.

Anyone can start streaming on Twitch and become a gaming star. Countless people have done it. Part of the process of showing up live on Twitch is to use compatible streaming software available and understand them well enough to get the best out of the tool and your streaming creations.

Herein we will delve into the best software to use to setup your Twitch streaming software.

Note that the ranking below is in no particular order.

Table of Contents

#1. Twitch Studio

In the streaming industry, Twitch Studio is probably the most popular streaming software available owing to the popularity of Twitch as a streaming platform.

It is the to-go-to software form many novice Twitch streamers and many experienced streamers. Since the software is linked with Twitch, it a tad easier to set up and use.

You need not fret over the video and audio mixing, configuring the hardware and making sure the software detects your hardware and all other annoying preparation tasks you get accustomed to with the other streaming software.

The software’s guided stream setup will automatically detect the hardware (microphone, camera, monitor resolution, and streaming bitrate), and by using one of the customizable templates, you can get started with your stream quickly and with little hassle.

However, just like other Twitch streaming software, it does have some cons. For some streamers, Twitch Studio does not offer ample customization on the setup front like some third-party software.

#2. OBS Studio

Popular with professional and experienced gamers, Open Broadcast Studios is an open-source streaming software available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

It features advanced capabilities and ample customization possibilities. For instance, the software comes with powerful APIs that allow users to create scripts and plugins to customize their streaming to suit their needs.

Aside from streaming on Twitch, the software allows you to also stream on YouTube, Facebook Live, Livecoding, DailyMotion, and many other platforms.

Its various qualities make the software a bit of an overkill for many streamers, especially novice streamers. Case in point, mixing sources takes some time to understand and get used to.

OSB Studio is, however, the perfect streaming solution for power users and/or professional gamers looking to create a thrilling experience for their audience.

To get the best out of OBS Studio, you need to spend a considerable amount of time using the software. Moreover, there is not a lot of guidance available on using the software and you might need to do some trial and error first before you get going.

#3. Xsplit Broadcaster

This is a paid software renowned for the high fidelity sound it captures. Starting at $24.95 per 3 month license, the software provides streamers with a suite of tools that helps them create exceptional game recordings and streams.

Alternatively, you can purchase a lifetime license for $199 that gives you access to all the premium features without limits. However, users have access to a free version with a limited number and variety of features.

Among its notable qualities is the drag and drop users experience for streamers. You can select and organize the various sources in your stream by simply dragging and dropping them within the window.

Additionally, you can also save your setups as scenes, thereby negating the need to setup your streams every time you want to start recording.

This feature allows streamers with one screen to use multiple setups within one stream by switching between the different setups effortlessly.

Xsplit Broadcaster is available on Windows only (Win 7 and newer).

#4. Stream Labs

Stream Labs is another software designed and optimized for power users. It comes with ample features and, importantly, the ability to back up your recording to cloud storage.

Streamers will find it easy to setup their streams as it comes with numerous themes and overlays that allow you to setup you’re your streams fast.

And with 46 apps available to extend the functionality of the software, you get more control, better analytics, and advanced automation.

In all, streamers have capable software with the Stream Labs, and viewers enjoy high-quality streams and memorable interaction with you. And should anything go wrong, Stream Labs has one of the best support personnel ready to help.

#5. LightStream

Designed to give your streams on Twitch a professional look without the hassle of complex setups. “Dubbed the Google Docs for live streaming,” you can start live streaming your videos directly from your browser without downloading any software.

The software is hosted in the cloud and you use the browser as the interface with the software. Importantly, the heavy lifting of encoding and compositing is done in the cloud, freeing your computer resources for other things.

As such, LightStream is the perfect solution for streamers who lack the expensive hardware needed to stream high-quality videos on Twitch.

#6. AverMedia Live Gamer Portable

The AverMedia gives streams a whole new way of capturing and sharing their video streams. This game capture device gives you a hardware and software solution, thereby doing away with the need for a computer to capture record and/or live stream your videos.

It is a portable plug and play solution to all your streaming needs. You can use the AverMedia with your computer, gaming console (Xbox, Wii U, and Play Station 3 and 4), and, mobile device.

The combination of PC-free mode and SD memory slot allows you to capture your gaming sessions even when you do not have a computer near you.

#7. Vmix

Vmix provides a suite of multimedia solutions for streaming on Twitch and other platforms. The live video production software has been optimized for streamlining multiple video and audio inputs and managing and mixing all the sources efficiently.

The software allows users to add and use multiple images, audio, cameras, web streams, Powerpoint, and much more. This is in addition to the ability to display, live stream, and record your videos.

However, to make use of all of these features, users need a high-spec computer as compared to other streaming software.

#8. Elgato Game Capture HD60 S

Another game capture device, Elgato is designed to capture your gameplay on your gaming console (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) and stream it or record it to your computer.

The device is perfectly suited to overcome the shortcomings of limited recording times that gaming consoles offer. The device is fast enough that you can incorporate the captured video to your computer streaming software.

However, it does give users the ability to set up stunning layouts and overlays. It comes with an HDMI input that can take unencrypted signals up to 1080p at 60fps, a 3.5mm audio input, a USB-C port.

On the software front, it uses Elgato’s Game Capture HD software available as a free download. The software allows video creators to stream online on Twitch (and other platforms) or record the video locally.

#9. Nvidia GeForce Shadowplay

As the name suggests, the Nvidia GeForce Shadowplay has been made by Nvidia to provide the best streaming and recording experience for individuals using Nvidia graphics cards.

As an extension to the GeForce experience, you can access this streaming software in the GFE window via the share button on the upper right corner.

The software is inherently easy to use and to share your videos via the Broadcast Live. You can stream up 1080p at 60fps on Twitch using.

With three recording options, gamers have ample choice on how to create their content. The Instant Replay allows users to record the last 5 to 20 minutes of play up to 1440p resolution at 60fps for instant replays.

#10. OBS Live

OBS Live can do everything the OBS Studio can and then some more. As such, the software comes with additional features that improve the lives of streamers while creating a better experience for the viewers.

Some of the added features you get with OBS Live include a built-in chat and activity feed, custom bot name, and media requests that allows you to play videos and songs.

The software also gives users the ability to better control the replays, skip, and mute functions. You also get quick access to all of the StreamElements tools such as overlays, tipping, and ChatBot.

#11. Player.me

From its onset, Player.me has been designed to offer content to create more engaging tools. With easy to use in-game overlays (and hundreds of overlay templates available), powerful widgets, and a host of pre-made themes, streamers are in good footing when it comes to creating high-quality content with this software. The free software also has a donation system alerts, trains, and stream cups.

The only cone of using this software is sometimes it can be draggy, leading to frustration. As such, you need high-spec hardware to get the best experience possible.

#12. Telestream Wirecast

The Telestream Wirecast is an award-winning video capture software that gives users the ability to connect to multiple cameras, graphics, and much more with TV-like operability.

While the software has been optimized for game-capture streaming purposes, users benefit from a robust software with an intuitive design.

The software comes in two offerings – the Studio at $599 and the Pro at $799 with different features.

Among the software stand-out features include the Wirecast Rendezvous conferencing feature, the high-quality audio mixers, easy to use social media integration, and much more.

That said, users have to contend with some bugs, which the software maker is continuously fixing.

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A capture card enables you to capture, record, and stream HD content directly from your PC, Mac, or console devices directly to streaming platforms such as Twitch or YouTube. There are two types of capture cards: internal and external capture cards. Internal capture cards are installed inside your computer using standard PCI and PCI Express slots. While external capture cards connect via USB or similar interfaces. Some external capture cards are standalone capture cards meaning they will stream and record without any assistance from a computer. While other capture cards are installed directly inside a computer system.

Capture cards are mainly used for streaming, but it can also be used to record and capture your best moments in gaming. The advantages to using a capture card depends on whether you are using it for a computer or console. Console users will typically see a greater improvement in stream and recording quality, while PC users will likely need to run a dual PC setup to notice a significant difference. In addition, capture cards can connect PCs and consoles together to create a separate recording and gaming system.

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Benefits of Capture Cards for PCs

Reducing CPU Usage

Gaming and streaming simultaneously puts a lot of stress on your CPU. Streaming with a capture card will help reduce and offload CPU workload. Reducing workload will increase your performance, but it varies from game to game. Most PC games rely heavily on GPU performance while a few games rely on CPU performance. Thus, capture cards will have minimal performance increases for most PC games. It will have slight improvements for PC games that rely on CPU processing. For the most part, capture cards for PCs are only useful if you are running a dual PC setup.

Dual PC Setup

The main purpose of a capture card is to improve streaming and recording quality. However, most modern computer systems can handle streaming and gaming without a capture card. A capture card will not significantly improve performance or increase the frames per second (FPS). If you are experiencing low frame rates or poor streaming quality, then the ideal setup would be a dual PC with a capture card. One system should be used for gaming, while the other is used independently for streaming. A dual PC setup with a capture card will ensure a lag-free experience and the highest stream quality.

Benefits of Capture Cards for Consoles

Higher Quality

The benefits of a capture card is much more noticeable on consoles. While most consoles can stream and record without a capture card, many desired features are missing. The impact on a stream’s performance and quality is much more apparent. A capture card enables you to use streaming programs such as OBS or XSplit. Streaming programs give you more flexibility and additional streaming options. A capture computer with a capture card will offload most of the stress from your console. It will give you more control over your stream and significantly improve stream quality.

Unlimited Recording

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Most consoles can record gameplay but the recording duration is limited. For example, instead of recording hours of gameplay, you are limited to ~30 minute recording sessions. A capture card will remedy the problem by removing the recording limit and offering unlimited recording. As long as you have a capture card alongside a capture computer, you can record gameplay at the highest quality for as long as you want. This is especially important if you want to archive your stream footage and upload them to YouTube for a wider audience.

Best Capture Cards for Streaming

1. AVerMedia Live Gamer HD
2. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable
3. AVerMedia ExtremeCap U3
4. Elgato Game Capture HD60
5. Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro

Best Capture Card

1. AVerMedia Live Gamer HD

Compatible: PC, Xbox, Playstation, WiiU
Interface: PCI-E

AVerMedia Live Gamer HD is designed for PC gamers who want to record or stream their game footage. It is a PCI-E capture card that is installed directly inside your computer system. It can record or stream gameplay of up to 1080p and support for a wide range of resolutions. Live Gamer HD comes with an on-board H.264 hardware encoder which will significantly lower CPU usage and will render smaller files for post-editing.

Decreasing CPU consumption will greatly enhance your gaming machine’s potential for streaming and gaming simultaneously. A decrease in CPU load also means better quality and higher fps. Your PC’s performance will no longer be affected during gaming and streaming sessions. Streaming amazing quality requires a high bitrate. The Live Gamer HD allows you to record at a bitrate of up to 60,000 kbps, which guarantees HD quality.

Best Standalone Capture Card

2. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable

Compatible: PC, Xbox, Playstation, WiiU
Interface: USB

AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable is a simple solution for gamers of all types. It works with nearly all mainstream gaming platforms such as Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. In a touch of a button, Live Gamer Portable can instantly capture and record gaming content. This device is portable, so there is no installation or setup involved. For people who want to record gameplay from consoles, this device works without a PC.

Live Gamer Portable records high quality content in full 1080p. It works flawlessly with many popular streaming software such as OBS and XSplit. You can stream and record HD content simultaneously to local storage devices such as a PC or laptop. The files are suitable for post-editing software to make it easy to upload to social media platforms such as YouTube. For console platforms, a portable capture card is a better choice over standard PCI-E capture devices.

Best Quality Capture Card

3. AVerMedia ExtremeCap U3

Compatible: PC, Mac, Xbox, Playstation
Interface: USB

AVerMedia’s ExtremeCap U3 is a video capture card that uses the USB 3.0 interface. It is a highly versatile device and offers extreme quality. ExtremeCap U3 is an affordable high-end capture card that is compatible with PCs, Macs, and console devices. It can record stunning HD video and raw uncompressed data. Recording and streaming smooth gameplay requires high-end hardware.

ExtremeCap U3 can record and stream game footage of up to 1080p 60fps. This is particularly useful when it comes to recording fast-moving FPS and sport games. At 60fps, it can record twice the amount of frames than many of its competitors. ExtremeCap U3 is designed to work seamlessly with the most popular streaming software such as XSplit, OBS, Wirecast, and more. ExtremeCap U3 is a portable device and is a viable alternative to AVerMedia’s Live Gamer Portable.

Best Portable Capture Card

4. Elgato Game Capture HD60

Compatible: PC, Mac, Xbox, Playstation, Wii U
Interface: USB 2.0

Elgato’s Game Capture HD60 is the best portable capture card. At a thickness of 19mm and weight of 106grams, the HD60 is incredibly slim and lightweight. Yet it is one of the most powerful capture cards on this list. The HD60 is capable of streaming and recording stunning 1080p video at 60 frames per second. It is one of the few capture cards on this list that is able to record at 60fps. However, there is one drawback. The HD60 is not a standalone device and requires a PC.

Nevertheless, the HD60 is full of exceptional features. For instance, Flashback Recording allows you to slide back in time to record retroactively. Or perhaps the Live Streaming feature that makes it easy to get up and running on Twitch, YouTube, or Ustream. The HD60 is compatible with most devices and streaming services. It is a high quality product that offers full functionality and control.

Best PCI-E Capture Card

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5. Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro

Compatible: PC, Mac, Xbox, Playstation, Wii U
Interface: PCI-E

Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro is an internal desktop capture card with a PCI-E interface. It is the upgraded version of Elgato’s Game Capture HD and HD60. It offers the highest bitrate at 60,000 Kbps, compared to the 40,000 Kbps on the HD60. The HD60 Pro is compatible with the latest consoles and can stream directly to Twitch or Youtube in stunning 1080p at 60fps. A new feature called “Instant Gameview” feeds your stream with superior low latency technology, which eliminates delays.

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You can simultaneously save full resolution 1080p60 recording along with separate tracks of live webcam and commentary. The built-in H.264 hardware encoding ensures smooth recording and streaming while gaming. Perhaps one of its best features is Flashback Recording, which allows you to go back in time and record retroactively. The HD60 Pro offers the highest quality and best performance of any PCI-E capture card. But it requires a computer in order to record or stream. If you want a more portable or standalone capture card, the HD60 Pro may not be for you.