Anime Boston

I have a friend who is working on a video project for class. The problem is, he needs footage from video games and doesn't know how to get it - does anyone know how to capture game footage?

Thanks ^_^

Depends on the system. There are tools floating around for ripping footage from the original PSX and even the Sega Saturn. I'm not sure about tools for ripping footage from any of the other CD/DVD/etc. based systems or from cartridge based systems.

The only other option I can think of is that you can get video capture cards for your computer where you can hook up the console to your computer and just record the footage as someone plays.

PS2 and PS1 Ripping Thread

"How to Rip PS2 FMV Files"

And for online or other PC games, there's a handy little program called "FRAPS" that runs in the background while you play. You hit a chosen key (like F8 or space bar, whichever you want to use) to start and end recording.

In addition, non-DVD games that can't be ripped via the traditional methods do require the use of a capture card. Also, some new games are so complicatedly encrypted that game-specific hex-editing programs need to be used.

My favorite method was always having a blank casette/DVD and hitting record while I played my game.

From there all you need to do is put the DVD in your PC.

Hope that helps!

Why would you introduce an extra layer of quality loss by recording to VHS if you need a capture device to get it onto the computer anyways?

Well, no need for VHS anymore (esp. since they don't make them anymore, really).

But, DVD would be most promising.

[quote=ShadowWolf]Well, no need for VHS anymore (esp. since they don't make them anymore, really).

But, DVD would be most promising.[/quote]

It's still a quality drop, however small - you might as well just capture it straight by that point.

This is true. My only thought is less equipment is required.

[quote=ShadowWolf]This is true. My only thought is less equipment is required.[/quote]
How much does a Set-top DVDR that produces actual discs go for nowadays? I remember they used to be a $500+ investment when they were introduced.

[quote=BasharOfTheAges][quote=ShadowWolf]This is true. My only thought is less equipment is required.[/quote]
How much does a Set-top DVDR that produces actual discs go for nowadays? I remember they used to be a $500+ investment when they were introduced.[/quote]

A quick search on NewEgg shows that el-cheapo brands can be had for under $100 and a quality name brand (Toshiba, Samsung, Sony, etc.) for under $200.

I'd still go with the video capture card though if you're hard core about video editing. I've seen MPEG-4/2/1 capture cards as cheap as $20 on NewEgg.

Hell, I remember back in the day before DVDs and DVD ripping, the only way to get footage for AMVs was via ripping from VHS via a capture card than sometimes cost as much as a couple hundred bucks.

well, not the ONLY way, but for most people access to a TV studio-styled AV setup would be out of the question. They're fun to edit on though.

True. I have met one AMV creator (although I guess he is retired from AMV creation these days, but he does do the AMV panel at Otakon every year) who has done AMVs on a studio setup. It's definitely not common, even back in the "dark ages."

Still, part of me wonders how good a classic Video Toaster was/is at AMV creation... But AMV old-fogeyism is probably off-topic for this thread.

Thanks everyone!

[quote=Dragonmaster Lou]True. I have met one AMV creator (although I guess he is retired from AMV creation these days, but he does do the AMV panel at Otakon every year) who has done AMVs on a studio setup. It's definitely not common, even back in the "dark ages."

Still, part of me wonders how good a classic Video Toaster was/is at AMV creation... But AMV old-fogeyism is probably off-topic for this thread.[/quote]
I did it. My 2 submissions for AB03 were edited on a studio linear setup... and submitted on VHS. Or, as DOKool likes to say.... I edited with sticks and leaves.