Best Value in Capture Cards? Behar Bros Prodigy 1080P Capture Device

In this episode, we test out the new Behar Bros Prodigy Capture Device, which could possibly represent the best value in capture cards and streaming devices to-date.
Being able to create content for KZbin has its unique challenges, especially for gaming channels. You need to not only be able to film yourself as you present your topics, but if you're playing console-based video games or want to stream, you need to be able to connect your systems to a computer for that purpose. There have been many options out there over the years from ElGato, Avermedia, Hauppauge, and others. The problem often is that the good capture devices aren't very cheap, and the cheap capture devices aren't very good. This is where the Behar Bros are looking to change the dynamic with their new Prodigy 1080P video capture device.
If you're not familiar with the Behar Bros, they are the same guys who brought us the Xedusa for the original Xbox. They recently sent us one of their Prodigy Capture Devices to test out free of charge, but all the thoughts and opinions in this video are my own.
Specs:
Maximum video input 4K（3840×2160@30Hz)
Maximum output resolution for capturing: 1920×1080 (1080P 60Hz, 148.5MHz)
4K HDMI Loop Out
USB-C 3.0 To Connect to PC
3.5mm Mic-In/Line Out jacks
Supported color spaces: RGB，YUV444，YUV422
Supported Audio formats: maximum 24bit 48KHz
Supported Deep Color: 24bits, 30bits，36bits
HDMI 1.4b compatible (cable not included)
One of the things I had noticed in the past was people complaining about the solder work and overall fit and finish with some of the previous Behar Bros products. As such I wanted to do my due diligence and take a close look at the solder joints and overall fit and finish of the board. To my eye everything looked extremely well put together and cleanly soldered. So whether those who had previous concerns just had a bad one-off product or the Behar Bros have cleaned up their manufacturing process, this looked very good to me.
To test the Prodigy out, I simply connected it to the output of my HDMI switch, connected the other HDMI cable to my Samsung Gaming Monitor, and plugged in the USB-C cable to my laptop. Windows immediately recognized there was a device connected and upon firing up OBS, I was able to add it as a source quickly and easily. From here it was time to get recording!
Prior to filming this review, I've actually been using the Prodigy as my primary capture device for about a month now. I've been able to simply and easily record content on my PC, regardless of source. Pretty much anything that I connected to my system, whether it had a Native HDMI output or if I was first going into my RetroTink 5X and upscaling the video and outputting to the Prodigy has worked perfectly. I've been using the Huaham 8K HDMI cables I've featured in the past, and while they are overkill they do ensure that I do not have any signal loss over the trip.
While the Prodigy does include headphone and microphone jacks, these were not something I had any desire to use or test out. First, it would mean having to use some sort of headset for the mic and headphones, something I did not want to do. It also meant that I could not independently adjust the volume of my voice and the game volume. To me, I'd rather see these omitted and reduce the price more.
To say the video quality has been exceptional would be an understatement. Yes, it's only 1080P, but that's what most people are streaming at or using to watch videos on KZbin and other platforms. Looking into the properties of my recorded content, I am seeing 60FPS consistently, high bit rates, and 48kHz for the audio capture. Overall these are strong numbers!
Why It RoX:
Only $50!
4K passthrough
1080P Recording
USB-C for connection to PC
Delivers good quality
Small footprint
Well built
What Could Be Improved:
Only HDMI 1.4
On on-device recording option
Built-in Headset and Mic ports are wasted on me
Open design can allow dust to get into the PCB
Should You Buy One?
I'm really digging the Prodigy, it has become my go-to capture device for recording or streaming. Speaking of Streaming, I actually used the Prodigy when I recently hosted my 5-hour charity stream in honor of my mom, and we didn't have a single issue during the entire stream. The video quality was great, the sound was clear, and the overall performance was outstanding. Combine all of these things with a $50 price tag and you have a category-defining device! I don't know why you would spend money on some other 1080P capture device if you don't need to record on the device itself, and the fact that it has 4K passthrough is normally a very expensive option. Kudos to the Behar Bros for producing an amazing piece of tech, job well done!
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