Hauppauge Colossus is an internal PCI Express HD-PVR. In simpler terms, it is an internal card that is fixed within your computer that records high-definition footage from a video source. As such, the name HD-PVR stands for, High Definition Personal Video Recorder. I am mainly using the Colossus to record gameplay footage from my PS3 as well as my PC. This review will thus revolve around mainly my experience in using the Colossus for gameplay recording rather than other types of recording such as TV footage and others. If you’re in the market looking for a new capture card, read on for my review and some test footages of the Colossus.

If you’re more interested to be visually and aurally pleased, you can see my very brief and short video review of the Colossus (contains test footages as well. For a more detailed review please read on. The video does not cover in depth and simply gives an overview):

To start off, here are some technical specifications of the Colossus:

• H.264 AVCHD video encoder
• AC-3 recording from AC-3 source
• AAC audio encoding from PCM source
• Recording datarate: from 1 to 20 Mbits/sec (user selectable in the ArcSoft ShowBiz application)
• Recording format:
• up to 1080i from component video (YCrCb or YPrPb)
• NTSC: 720p60, 1080i60, 480i60, 480p60
• PAL: 720p50, 1080i50, 576p50, 576i50, 480p50, 480i50
  Note: the video input format determines the recorded format. For example, 1080i input records at 1080i, 720P records at 720P, etc. Any other format conversions needs to be done with the MediaConvert program (supplied).
• NTSC or PAL supported

Here are the input and output of the Colossus:

• A/V cable input adapter with:
  • Component video input
  • Left/ Right RCA audio input
• A/V cable output adapter with loop through audio and video:
  • Component video output
  • Left/ Right RCA audio output
• Optical audio input and loop through output
• HDMI input (Note: for use with un-encrypted HDMI video sources)
• IR Blaster output

Let us talk about the specifications of the Colossus. Firstly, since this is an internal PCI-E card you will have to open up your computer to fix it in. Now, that can be a problem for some mainly because of warranty reasons (warranty for some prebuilt computers are void should the case be open) or simply because you don’t really know how to. Well for the latter, I will say that it is pretty simple. Obviously if you own a custom built (that perhaps you have built by yourself or have some knowledge in building one) computer you should know how to plug in the card rather easily. However, if you are still unsure, there are several tutorials and help online that you can read or even watch (on youtube) that will show you the process. To put it simply, open the case, find the correct slot (PCI-E X1) and slot in the card. If you are still worried and not willing to learn, I suggest that the Colossus as a capture card is not the right option for you.

Do note that since this requires a PCI-E X1 slot (Or X4, X8, X16. They are all theoretically compatible but depending on how your motherboard implements the different slots results might vary), you must have such a slot available on your motherboard and you should anyways. To check if your motherboard does have this slot, simply do a search online for your motherboard’s model and read its specifications. Otherwise, you can simply open your computer case and see inside for any available PCI-E slot. If you’re not sure how it looks like just do a google image search, it is basically the shortest PCI-E slot. Another thing to take note is that this is a full height PCI-E card and thus this can have compatibility issue with your cases especially if they are of the smaller form factors (e.g mini-itx, matx). They do not have any low-profile brackets available so do check first before considering the Colossus.

Putting the technicalities aside, the Colossus input options for recording is versatile. The ability for recording either via HDMI or Component covers almost all kinds of devices. Do note however that the HDMI input only accepts un-encrypted sources, meaning you cannot use the HDMI input to record PS3 that outputs via HDMI. It is not so much so of a problem as Component output do support up to 1080p. However, because of the protection stuff put into place, the device output may be of resolution of 1080i or lower. This also brings us to the point that the Colossus only accepts a maximum resolution of 1080i, not 1080p. It isn’t so much of an issue as the quality difference between 1080i and 1080p can hardly be differed. The Colossus also accepts optical audio in and has a slot to allow for the use of the remote.

The Colossus output options are less desirable though. You only have the choice to output via component and optical audio. Now this can be a huge problem especially if you’re using a computer monitor as a display. Most computer monitors do not have any component input, and by logical reasoning most people use a computer monitor with a computer rather than a television set with a computer. Of course if your display does accept component inputs then you have nothing to worry about. However, if your display doesn’t (like mine) have component input, you may have to get an additional signal converter (the most common one being component to hdmi). This can set you back by roughly $30 for a cheap brandless one and can go up to $100 for a more competent and higher build quality one. The price may vary from country to country so do consider this additional cost should you need to spend. The audio video pass through requires that the computer is turned on so say if you’re using a PS3 connected to the Colossus, you must have your computer powered on as well even if you don’t plan on doing any recording. There is no input lag whatsoever by using the pass through. However, there is long unplayable delay should you want to view the display through the software that does the recording.

Input wise the Colossus is on par with the rest of the products in the PVR market. Its output however, disappointingly lacks a very important HDMI option which their direct competitor, the Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro (another internal HD-PVR), delightfully provides. It can get really troublesome especially when the availability of the converter and pricing vary in different countries. There is much to consider in order to ensure that the Colossus is fully compatible with whatever setup you have in mind. Sad though that such a minor issue can cause that much problems, and no I’m not making a mountain out of a molehill. However, overlook that and everything else is great.

The softwares that come bundled together with the Colossus are WinTV and ArcSoft Showbiz. Both are adequate enough for both TV and gameplay recording. For me (and most of you probably), I’ve used Showbiz to do most of the recordings and will continue to do so. It is a simple little program with sufficient enough options to ensure quality recording. Setting it up is fairly straightforward if you’re recording from your console or another video device. It gets a bit more complicated should you plan to record from your PC (Will have a series of How-To in future to explain more of my setup should you need additional help). Otherwise the software does its job well. There are some video encoding options that you can play with for example the aspect ratios and more importantly the encoding bitrate. Playing around with that will allow you to balance between file size and video quality. So far I’ve left it at default settings and everything seems to be working just fine. It is important to take note that recording at higher bitrates will result in larger file sizes. The HDD that you are writing to (saving the video recording) should have sufficient sequential writing speed to allow smooth recording.

The quality of recording of both the video and sound is great. I am unable to tell you the difference between perhaps recording via the Colossus as compared to perhaps say the Intensity Pro as not only do I lack the different devices for comparison, I also lack that awesome photographic eye to tell the difference. What I strongly believe though is that with similar settings (say same bitrate encoding etc), the quality will be pretty much the same. Anyways here are some recording of PS3 and PC footage with the default settings. I simply plug in the Colossus, installed the different drivers and went on to record the different footages:

The thing about uploading to youtube is really complicated when considering the quality before and after. Videos uploaded to youtube will undergo their very own encoding and compression. It is thus vital to find the optimum settings for your original footage before uploading to youtube to ensure that quality is maximized. I have yet to dwell much into that but will experiment and research more in the near future. You too can read up the various discussions over the internet about what contributes to the best final outcome after uploading to youtube. Should you plan to upload to other sites or merely use it for personal use, you too can read about the different encodings and compressions to optimize the quality.

There is just one problem that I have encountered when recording 1080i footage from my PC. There is this blue line at the left side of the video. Not sure if you’ve noticed it in the youtube video but it seems to be a common problem when recording 1080i footage through HDMI input. Did a simple search and came across various people with such a problem. Not sure of any solutions or any workarounds besides not using HDMI input to record 1080i but if you do find or know of any please do contact me and let me know.

Overall, the Hauppauge Colossus is a fantastic product and serves its purpose well. The lack of HDMI output is rather disappointing but other than that it is one of the better HD PVR in the market. Specifically for gameplay recording the Colossus does a fantastic job. The only problem is that since it is an internal PCI-E card you might have a little trouble installing it into your system. Get past that and you have one great solution to start your gameplay recording.

I will be writing several other articles (and perhaps videos) explaining the setup I am using, the benefits of using a capture card to record PC footage and whatever that comes into mind. Do let me know if you want me to discuss any other things that you might be confused or concern with.

The Acase leather case is one of the types of accessories that iPad owners will be looking out for. Like most cases, it gives additional protection for the device and also beautifies your device depending on the design of the cases. The Acase Leather Case has a simple design and look to it, but it definitely is one of the better few cases that you might want to take a look at.

For those not wanting to read a wall of text, do take a look at the video review. Please give me any comments on it and I must admit that I wasn’t too prepared and ready to do video reviews. First timer here, constructive criticisms are highly welcomed. Anyways, first up we shall talk about the outer appearance of the case. The case looks generic, but as generic as it is it is pleasantly looking and definitely adds a touch of professionalism to it. As in it looks as if you’re some kind of business man or something. Not too sure about my generalization of such stuff but yeah it does look fine.

It does have a strap at the back that adds additional functionality. And I actually like the touch of colours the strap has. If not in used for its main purpose (explained later), it does make the design of the case a little bit more interesting. It uses a button to close and open the case it does work well. Installation went easy as all it required was the slotting of the iPad into the strap inside, and then using the elastic bands to secure it better. I find it really easy to remove and insert the iPad in and that is definitely a plus if you for some reason like to use it naked at home or something.

The internal of the case looks simplistic as well. Nothing too fanciful here and it does have the same kind of colour scheme and feel to it as the outside. You will immediately notice that there are some grooves or leveled knobs to allow you to make your iPad stand. It is a really good function especially if you are into using your iPad as a digital photo frame at times or simply when you are watching videos while lying on the bed. A nice touch to it, and it works really well as well. Stable when typing, playing games and definitely doesn’t fall if there are slight movements on the base it is supported on (e.g the mattress of the bed etc).

The strap behind is also supposedly to be used as a strap-on for your vehicle seat. You simply use the elastic strap to put it round your seat’s head or something and there you have your personal in-vehicle entertainment system. I believe that the elastic strap should be tough enough and durable to last long enough and withstand some minor jerks etc. But just a caution to constantly observe for any wear and tear or damages to the strap as you don’t want to see your iPad flying as you drive your vehicle.

Overall for the price of around $25 USD (roughly $37 SGD), it is a great case. Extremely value for money and if you’re looking for a case that helps protect your iPad while still maintain a good appearance, the Acase Leather Case should really be considered.

Visit the AETech Acase for iPad Official Page for more information on purchasing the case or for their other accessories.

Around three weeks back, I made a post informing you readers that some PSP accessories are on their way to my house for reviewing. And they did come a week after I made that post. The review however was delayed due to the fact that my PSP was under servicing (its spoilt). Still, I am glad that the servicing was done a few days back and that now I have the time to do a proper review on the accessories I received.

I ordered/requested, for 5 different products, 4 of which are specially made for the PSP and one for general use. To be honest with you people, out of all 5 of them, I am only satisfied with 2. This review will tell you why I dislike the rest, and why I like the others.

Product Reviews

miniBuds^TM – headphones

The colour of the headphone I chose is of lime green. I kind of like that colour after seeing it used in the previous theme I applied for SwiftWorld. The headphones come in a rather attractive packaging, providing users with an extra pair of those ear muffles (I am not sure what those stuffs are called). At the back of the packaging, there are instructions on how to use the retractable headphones properly. I am glad they included such tutorials. Yes I know you must be thinking that I am such an ass for not knowing how to do the simplest of things, but the fact is, many out there do not know too. Ah, thanks the these set of headphones, I finally know the proper way of pulling retractable headphones out. The design is not bad, colour combinations are rather common but does its job. The headphones when used are extremely comfortable (some scratches my ears), sound quality is good, length is acceptable, and lastly it is very portable and easy to be kept (wires will not get tangled up as it is retractable).

The only disadvantage is its price. I surveyed local stores here in Singapore and found out that such headphones (retractable as well) cost around $15 to $20 SGD. The boxwave headphone however, costs $22.95 USD (around $32.26 SGD). For that amount, you can actually purchase a portable headphone plus a mic along with it. In conclusion, everything is fine except the pricing. A little on the high end.

PSP GameShield^TM

The GameShield comes in two different designs. One is whereby users play looking through the cover, while the other would requires users to flip open its cover before playing. Both however have one similar purpose, to protect the screen and front side of the PSP (yes it only covers the front. The most important part appears to be on the front though.) I have one problem though; the packaging it comes in is just some plastic box with a blank cardboard paper behind. No instructions, no attractive headings etc, no information at all. There are screws that are supposed to be screwed into the PSP. But where? Yea yea, I know you hardcore PSP users know where it is. However, lets say, just say, what if I do not know where to screw? Assuming that I did notice the two holes on the top of the PSP, but are they for screwing? (That sounds kind of weird). With so much possibilities, completely new users, would be in lost for help or instructions worrying if putting the screws through both two holes would destroy or damage their PSP. Therefore, I strongly suggest that some sort of instructions should be on the box or whatnots to tell people and assure them the correct position and way to put the covers on.

I had no problems screwing the flip-cover design into my PSP. However, it is not to same for my play-through design cover. I tried screwing the screws in for around 10 to 20 minutes or so before giving up. Sometimes I am able to screw the right screw in but not the left, the left but not to right. Therefore, the whole cover seems to be popping out after whatever screws I tried to screw in. Perhaps I do not have that special touch to screw the screws in? Or maybe it is the design or placement of the screws that made it hard to screw it? Whatever it is, I am not going to try anymore as the flip-cover design would do fine enough. The pricing is average I guess. $7.00 USD ($9.83 SGD. Other stores I saw sell from around $9.00 SGD to $15.00 SGD) for each of the different designs. I would strongly advice users to buy the flip-cover design as the screws are easier to be screwed in. I really do not want people to come to my site and comment that they are having the same problems, complaining that I did not inform you people about the problems I faced with the play-through design.

Overall, I guess it is fine as it protects the screen and front side of the PSP from receiving any scratches or damages when it is kept. Once more I would love to emphasize on the screws being hard to be screwed in and that some instructions would definitely help users and clear their doubts.

FlexiSkin^TM
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The FlexiSkin is a skin for your PSP, handphones etc. It helps protect your gadgets from scratches and damages. Keeps your gadget’s surface clean from dusts etc, and at the same time add new colours to spice them up. The FlexiSkin I chose was for the PSP. When put on, it seems to be bigger than the PSP and thus covering some of the major input and output points (audio output for headphones). Perhaps it is designed for the PSP but not the PSP Slim (the one I have). And if that is the case, it should be stated somewhere on the site to inform users. Still, it has its advantages such as better grip and nicer style. Washable as well, helps to keep it clean and your PSP clean for a long period of time. It comes in many different colours and thus giving a variety for users to chose from and personalize their own gadgets. The pricing is rather costly, around $12.95 USD ($18.20 SGD) but for the style and protection it provides, I guess it is worth it. Overall, not necessary but definitely gives you the edge over other PSP users in terms of design and style.

Gamer ActionGrip^TM

I always had a problem with the layout design of the PSP. The PSP is namely the playstation PORTABLE, therefore it has to be small. Thus, it results in the limited space available to put the different buttons etc. However, everything is fine except the position of the analog stick. Games that require massive usage of the analog stick would always succeed in causing hand and wrists pains for me. I am not too sure about others but I am sure that I am not the only one having such problems. Long hours with the analog stick is a big no-no. The position of it makes users bend their thumb resulting in pain after long usage. However, thanks to a product called ActionGrip, it enables users to use the analog stick in comfort. I have tried it out and it makes my time gaming with the PSP more comfortable as well as providing a better grip of the PSP. Basically, you just have to place your PSP on it and you start playing (No clipping or pushing required. There are no measures to secure the PSP to the accessory). The price is definitely affordable ($9.95 USD, $13.98 SGD) and is worth it for the comfort. However, using such an accessory when not at home sometimes prove to be a hassle as the ActionGrip is kind of bulky. All in all, it is good and it benefits the health of users.

One problem though is that if you apply an addition skin to your PSP, the PSP might not be able to be fit into the ActionGrip. I tried applying the FlexiSkin I received on the PSP as well as trying to put the PSP on the ActionGrip. All my efforts were futile. The ActionGrip is designed to only hold ORIGINAL untouched physical appearance PSPs. I guess perhaps they could change the design a little so as to allow adjustable heights?

Conclusion

Everything is fine except some of the products’ packaging. The price is a little costly but for the unique and stylish accessories, it is worth it. BoxWave ships products really quickly and have extremely friendly staff to help those who are in doubt. The site itself is professional so as the way they ship the products to your designated place. Extremely secure packaging with air packs and Styrofoam covers to prevent any damages from occurring on the products you ordered. Perhaps if you have a little spare money, you can try purchasing some of the products I reviewed (and give me your comments) or others and tell me what you think of them. I guess that is all and I am sure both me and Polar would be happy to have such accessories to boost and personalize our gaming experience with the PSP.

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