Specifications

Building a High Definition
Recorder for Gameplay
Recording
David Clearwater
Department of New Media
University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
May 2010
Note: this guide does not describe a method for recording copyrighted material in high definition (sorry).
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Introduction
It is fairly simple to record gameplay footage from consoles that output video in standard definition
(480i, 640 x 480 interlaced) as any common DVD recorder can be used. However, when it comes
to high definition (HD), there are very few commercially-available solutions. Consequently, this
guide describes the process of building a computer which can be used to capture a variety of
types of gameplay footage, specifically from HD sources.
Such a guide is something that I wished I had access to when originally planning such this
project. Instead, I spent a great deal of time researching various subjects (from computer
assembly to video recording and codecs) and even had to pester friends and colleagues for help,
information and advice.
Since there may be others who might have similar questions, I decided to write this guide.
Rather than simply providing a set of instructions and a parts list (which would eventually become
dated), I will describe how and why I built it in the manner I did so that readers can better
understand the principles behind these choices and can make modifications for their own
particular needs.
Disclaimer and Warning
This guide is meant as a general overview and is provided 'as is.' I cannot assume any
responsibility for support nor should any warranty be implied. If you decide to build your own HD
Recorder, then you must assume all responsibilities (financial and otherwise) for undertaking such
a project.
If you desire to build your own computer you will need to spend some time researching
other topics such as safely working with electricity, part compatibility (especially in your country or
locality), and computer assembly. There are many 'how to' assembly guides available online and I
1 Instead, this set-up allows you to record gameplay footage. This recorded gameplay footage differs
significantly from the copyrighted original work (i.e. the software itself) and is recorded for critical and
educational purposes protected under fair use (U.S.) and fair dealing (Canada) provisions under existing
copyright law. Interactive media are very interesting in relation to copyright and intellectual property law
because the fundamental interactivity requires the input of a player or user. Generally with regard to
gameplay, since it is performative on the player's part it is theoretically the 'property' (if you need to think
about it in that way) of the player while the game software and other related trademarks remain the
property of developers and/or publishers. This is the fundamental reason why most companies tolerate
(and encourage) individuals to record and somehow distribute recordings of video game play.
At any rate, this is legitimate material to record and it is important to point out—in this era of
corporate-controlled copyright legislation which continually tries to eliminate the rights of users contained
in copyright law—that fair use or fair dealing are fundamental rights. That being said, this configuration
cannot record copy-protected content as that functionality is prevented by the video capture card used.
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