At Computex 2024, Sparkle has unveiled its latest product aimed at streamers, the Streamer 4K60. This innovative PCIe video capture card is engineered to cater to the demands of high-quality video production. Sparkle has seamlessly integrated many advanced features into this remarkable device, ensuring that content creators and streamers can unleash their creativity without compromise. The Streamer 4K60 boasts the ability to capture ultra-high-definition video at a smooth 60 frames per second in 4K resolution or even 120 frames per second in 1080p resolution. Its dual HDMI input support facilitates video passthrough and enables users to explore the realms of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and cooperative streaming functionalities. Furthermore, this cutting-edge device effortlessly combines HDR10 support, a robust metal cover design for durability, and comprehensive software compatibility with popular platforms like OBS and XSplit. For connection to the PC, it requires a PCIe 2.0 x1 connector. For video passthrough and video input, HDMI 2.1 is used. The card is priced at 299 USD and will be available in late July or early August.

Roland announces BRIDGE CAST X, the latest addition to the growing family of BRIDGE CAST products for online gaming and livestreaming. BRIDGE CAST X is a powerful desktop interface and connection hub that allows streamers to simplify their setups and improve their content with Roland's renowned pro AV features. Multiple USB-C, HDMI, and audio ports provide simultaneous connectivity for computers, gaming consoles, and other devices, eliminating the need to repatch for different streaming scenarios. BRIDGE CAST X also includes an XLR mic input, assignable control pads, and support for thousands of royalty-free backing music titles via the BGM CAST service on Roland Cloud.

From online gaming to podcasting, vlogging, and other video content, BRIDGE CAST X keeps users focused on creating rather than fussing with cables and different pieces of specialized gear. The integrated design simplifies connections and reduces clutter, while the friendly panel is filled with controls for executing actions in real time while streaming.

Twitch, OBS and NVIDIA are leveling up livestreaming technology with the new Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting beta, powered by GeForce RTX GPUs. Available in a few days, streamers will be able to stream multiple encodes concurrently, providing optimal viewing experiences for all viewers. Today, many streamers must choose between higher resolution and reliable streaming. High-quality video provides more enjoyable viewing experiences but causes streams to buffer for viewers with low bandwidth or older viewing devices. Streaming lower-bitrate video allows more people to watch the content seamlessly, but introduces artifacts.

Twitch—the interactive livestreaming platform—provides server-side transcoding for top-performing channels, meaning it will create different versions of the same stream for different bandwidth levels, improving the viewing experience. But the audience of many channels are left with a single stream option. Twitch, OBS and NVIDIA have collaborated on a new feature to address this—Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting, releasing in beta later this month. Using the high-quality dedicated encoder (NVENC) in modern GeForce RTX and GTX GPUs, streamers will be able to broadcast up to three resolutions simultaneously at up to 1080p.

NVIDIA today announced the GeForce RTX 4060 family of GPUs, with two graphics cards that deliver all the advancements of the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture—including DLSS 3 neural rendering and third-generation ray tracing technologies at high frame rates—starting at just $299. The GeForce RTX 4060 Ti and GeForce RTX 4060 deliver unparalleled performance at fantastic value—bringing for the first time to the company's popular 60-class twice the horsepower of the latest gaming consoles, including ray tracing for premium image quality on top games.

"The RTX 4060 family delivers PC gamers both great value and great performance at 1080p, whether they're building a gaming battle box or an AI-assisted creation station," said Matt Wuebbling, vice president of global GeForce marketing at NVIDIA. "These GPUs deliver an incredible upgrade, starting at just $299, putting Ada Lovelace and DLSS 3 in the hands of millions more worldwide."

The Razer Stream Controller X is Razer's newest addition to their streaming ecosystem of products, designed to captivate audiences during gameplay or casual socializing. With 15 programmable LCD buttons in a compact form factor, streamers can effortlessly flash stream lights, blast customized sounds, or switch between applications with a simple click, elevating their streams to the next level.

The Stream Controller X is powered by Loupedeck Software, ensuring play-and-play compatibility across all major streaming platforms such as OBS Studio, Twitch, Streamlabs, Adobe Premier Pro, and more. With access to Loupedeck's UI, streamers can effortlessly install popular applications, plugins, and even emotes to further enhance their streaming experience. Streamers can also easily drag and drop preferred applications via the Loupedeck Marketplace, for endless customizability. Popular plugins include Spotify, Phillips Hue, Adobe Photoshop, and even Voicemod which can help streamline creative processes. Additionally, Loupedeck's full suite software also provides users with access to native profiles that are preset for convenience and inspiration. Each comprehensive set of profiles contains premade macros and functions that can be easily interchanged to suit the user's needs, further enhancing the Stream Controller X's customizability.

Popular video transcoding and playback software FFmpeg, in its latest update, received support for AV1 format hardware-accelerated encoding leveraging the NVENC AV1 hardware encoders on the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" GPUs. The author Timo Rothenpieler remarked that in his testing, the new NVENC AV1 encoder is outperforming the NVENC HEVC-based FFmpeg encoding by 75 to 100 percent, in terms of encoding speed, at comparable quality. When deployed at a data-center scale, or even a production studio-scale, accelerated AV1 encoding should have a tangible impact on costs, and not just because AV1 is a royalty-free format. NVENC AV1 encoding support was also recently added to OBS Studio, the popular free video streaming software.

Popular video streaming software suite OBS Studio, in its latest version 28.1 release, adds hardware-accelerated AV1 encoding support for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" GPUs. This takes advantage of the updated NVENC hardware media encoders "Ada" comes with, which has fixed-function hardware to encode AV1 video, a royalty-free format that offers comparable quality and bitrates to HEVC. There are a handful limitations, besides the fact that this only works with the RTX 40-series. To begin with, only the NV12 (OBS default) and P010 color formats are supported. The "rescale" feature in advanced output modes, isn't supported for now. Grab OBS Studio from the link below.

DOWNLOAD: OBS Studio 28.1

MOUNTAIN, creator of innovative, premium peripherals with user-centric design to enable gamers and content creators to perform at their best, expands its eco-system of premium peripherals with the launch of the MOUNTAIN Keypad series in the form of MOUNTAIN DisplayPad and MOUNTAIN MacroPad. True to the core pillars of MOUNTAIN, DisplayPad and MacroPad are packed with innovative features, deliver peak performance, feature a stylish and ergonomic design and offer unparalleled customization.

Modularity, flexibility, and freedom of choice are at the heart of MOUNTAIN's design philosophy, which is why DisplayPad and MacroPad were developed to be used either together with the Everest Max or Core keyboard to create a powerful command center, or standalone with the included sturdy anti-slip base. Following 4 years of meticulous software development, after the integration of dedicated controls for popular creative software and services such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, DaVinci Resolve, Twitch, and OBS Studio, MOUNTAIN opens a new chapter.Check out the TechPowerUp Review of the MOUNTAIN DisplayPad and MacroPad.

GAMDIAS Technology launches the IRIS M1 webcam today as part of its all-new streaming product lineup. Designed for streamers and creators, the webcam features full HD resolution in 1080p at 60 frames per second, autofocus optical technology, and an adjustable ring light. The all-in-one camera solution delivers high-fidelity images while accurately focusing on subjects in any environment with near-zero distortion. IRIS M1 also features one-tap privacy touch control to protect your privacy at all times. Compatible with leading cloud conference platforms and streaming software, it caters to a variety of needs from creators, gamers, and even office workers.

Deliver sharp and detailed FHD (1080p) resolution at a perfectly smooth 60 FPS granting the perfect visual delicacy while streaming, gaming, recording, or any type of video conference. With autofocus technology, the IRIS M1 is able to adjust the lens intelligently in real-time when you move toward or away from the camera. The IRIS M1 is equipped with a premium lens with less than a 1% distortion rating, which is superior to the market standard of a 3% rating. High-quality video footage can be captured using the webcam without any visible distortions.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear and systems for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, today announced it is working with NVIDIA to integrate key features from NVIDIA Broadcast into CORSAIR iCUE, Elgato Wave Link, and Elgato Camera Hub software. For owners of NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards, NVIDIA Broadcast AI effects enhance microphones and cameras in real-time to improve the gaming, streaming, and video conferencing experience, all controllable from CORSAIR and Elgato software interfaces. Compatible versions of CORSAIR iCUE, Elgato Wave Link, and Elgato Camera Hub are available today, ready to unlock the power of your NVIDIA RTX graphics card for gamers and content creators immediately.

NVIDIA Broadcast's AI-powered noise and echo removal ensures that audio has a new level of clarity and crispness, unlocking a state-of-the-art audio experience on nearly the entire lineup of CORSAIR headsets, Elgato microphones, and XLR microphones with the Elgato Wave XLR. Running through Tensor Core processors on GeForce RTX GPUs, NVIDIA Broadcast effects use machine learning to identify users' voices and separate them from other ambient sounds, resulting in advanced noise cancellation that greatly improves audio clarity during calls and video. Background noise such as fans, chatter, or traffic disappear, leaving the speaker's voice crystal clear. NVIDIA Broadcast effects also cancel room echo, providing dampened, studio-quality acoustics in a wide range of environments, without the need to sound-proof the walls and ceiling.

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and e-sports, today announced it has surpassed the one million shipping milestone with its line of USB microphones. Initially introduced into the microphone market in 2019, the HyperX QuadCast USB microphone became a popular choice for gamers, streamers and influencers. As demand for microphones increased, HyperX expanded its portfolio with the customizable QuadCast S and affordable SoloCast to fulfill the need for gamers, content creators, students, and WFH pros to be heard and stay active in their communities and productive at work.

"HyperX is pleased to support a thriving community of content creators, influencers and gamers with the highest quality gaming products to meet their individual setup needs," said Kevin Hague, general manager, HyperX. "Our continued efforts have created a lineup of microphones that deliver clear and consistent sound not only for gamers, streamers, and casters, but also students and business professionals alike."

Razer over the weekend introduced the Ripsaw X, a device the company describes as a low-latency USB capture device for cameras. Intended for those who use DSLRs, GoPros, or professional video cameras that stream live video over HDMI. The device acts like a convenient USB dongle, if you don't want to use internal PCIe capture cards. It supports resolutions of up to 4K UHD at 60 frames per second, or Full HD (1080p) at up to 120 frames per second. It requires a USB 3.x port (5 Gbps), with a single connection handling both power and connectivity. The device is compatible with most popular camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, GoPro, Panasonic, and FujiFilm. It is largely plug-and-play, with the device fetching its own drivers and software over the Internet once plugged in. It supports most popular software, including OBS. Available now, the Razer Ripsaw X is priced at USD $140.

NVIDIA's tool to enhance both live streaming and video conferencing just got even better. The Broadcast app has transformed the homes, apartments and dorm rooms of millions of content creators, remote students and workers into home studios through the power of AI—all without the need to purchase specialized equipment. The latest upgrade, NVIDIA Broadcast version 1.3, is available to download today and further improves noise removal, adds more camera compatibility, and reduces the impact on overall system performance.

NVIDIA Broadcast's noise removal AI effect has been widely praised for its ability to remove background noise while keeping speech clear and crisp. The exception? When someone speaks with a lot of emotion—typically speaking loudly or at a higher pitch—and their speech is sometimes inadvertently removed. This rarely happens, but is typically at the peak moments of excitement during a livestream. The new update addresses this with dedicated training sound profiles to retain that speech while removing the unwanted background noise.

[Editor's note: Our review of the Mountain Everest Max keyboard can be found here]

MOUNTAIN, creator of innovative, premium peripherals with user-centric design to enable gamers to perform at their best, brings integration of OBS Studio to Base Camp. Starting with version 1.0.36, MOUNTAIN's critically acclaimed management software interfaces with OBS Studio to allow for easy streaming setup and management.

Users of MOUNTAIN Everest mechanical keyboards will be able to create custom key bindings to easily access OBS Studio functions, significantly decreasing the complexity of setting up a streaming or recording setup. Everest Max' surplus of available buttons offers plenty of room for different functions, doing away with the need to remember complex hotkeys.

NVIDIA updated the NVIDIA Broadcast software to version 1.2, to include even more features that the company claims can transform any room into a home-studio. The latest version can remove room echo, audio reverb/echo caused by the walls of the room, to put out clear voice. It can also detect and remove certain kinds of pet noises from the background, so your doggo doesn't mess with an important call at work. Lastly, the video post-processing tech has been improved to reduce video noise stemming from sub-optimal lighting conditions or low web-cam resolutions. NVIDIA Broadcast can also be integrated with popular streaming platforms such as OBS, AVerMedia, and Notch.

Elgato, a leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, today announced the release of Cam Link Pro, a powerful new PCIe capture card and video mixer that boasts four HDMI inputs to stream or record 4K or 1080p60 Full HD video from DSLR cameras, laptops, tablets, and any other devices that output a clean HDMI signal. From live broadcasting and editing to video conferencing and remote teaching, Cam Link Pro makes multicam production easy for content creators and professionals who engage with audiences online.

As the production value of user generated content continues to improve dramatically, conventional webcam setups are struggling to provide the quality and flexibility to keep up. With Cam Link Pro, creators can connect up to four high-quality cameras, including DSLR cameras, video cameras, and action cams. Other HDMI sources can also be connected to add multimedia content from laptops, tablets, and more. Thanks to Cam Link Pro's four HDMI inputs and built-in Multiview technology, you can create even more advanced multi-camera content by utilizing multiple HDMI devices simultaneously. The Elgato 4K Capture Utility provides a host of Multiview layouts, such as Picture in Picture or Side by Side, that can be switched on-the-fly for professional-grade streams and presentations.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology, Inc., today announced the release of the HyperX SoloCast USB microphone for streamers and content creators. SoloCast offers Plug N Play audio recording capability and a tap-to-mute feature that indicates the mute status when the red LED is flashing. Using a cardioid recording pattern, it provides a clear sound ideal for streamers, casters, students, and working from home professionals

The SoloCast microphone offers an easy Plug N Play setup. It utilizes a cardioid polar pattern that is more sensitive to sound sources directly in front of the microphone, making it great for in-game voice chat, streaming voice audio, and audio recordings for content creation. "We are excited to expand our USB microphone line with the addition of HyperX SoloCast," said Nate Almond, audio business manager, HyperX. "We are always looking for new ways to deliver an amazing user experience and expanding our USB microphone lineup with our new SoloCast brings a different option to streamers and content creators."

The EVGA XR1 Capture Device allows you to share the world with 4K HDR Pass Through Mode - Record at 1080P/60FPS while you game at 4K/60FPS with HDR. Also features an Advanced Pass Through Mode that allows you to switch to 144Hz refresh rate + HDR with the press of a button. No need to disconnect or disable to get the full capabilities of your display.

For The Game Streamer: Instantly capture and stream every moment every win of your gameplay. For the Working Professional: Connect a camera to set up web conference, meetings, lectures, or seminars for higher video quality. For the Power User: Connect multiple EVGA XR1 with connected cameras for multi angle broadcast. Show your audio levels, change colors and more with the press of a button. Control your Mic-In volume with the built in controls, no need to exit your game or launch software. The EVGA XR1 is the FIRST device that is Certified for OBS. Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Download and start streaming quickly and easily on Windows.

Logitech today announced that it has agreed to acquire Streamlabs of San Francisco, California. Streamlabs is a leader in software and tools for live streaming, allowing game streamers to engage with viewers, grow their brands and channels, and monetize their broadcasts across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Mixer and Facebook.

Ujesh Desai, general manager and vice president of Logitech G, commented: "We've been fans of Streamlabs and their software since we started partnering with them over two years ago. Their industry-leading software is complementary to our existing gaming portfolio, and we believe we can do even greater things together."

Elgato, the leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, today announced the launch of HD60 S+, an external video capture card that lets content creators play high-fidelity console games in stunning 4K60 HDR10 while simultaneously streaming or recording gameplay in 1080p60 HDR10. It's easy to get set up and streaming with HD60 S+ thanks to a simple USB 3.0 connection and full compatibility with today's most prominent streaming applications including OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit. Accompanied by powerful Elgato 4KCU recording software, HD60 S+ is ideal for content creators looking to grow audiences on Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer.

Building upon the original hugely popular HD60 S, HD60 S+ allows 4K60 HDR10 zero-lag passthrough, with onboard video downscaling to enable streaming to any platform in industry standard full HD 1080p60 quality and recording unlimited 1080p60 HDR10 footage to your hard drive. HD60 S+ also benefits from ultra-low latency Instant Gameview technology, keeping gameplay, mic, webcam, and other sources perfectly synched.

We saw a glimpse of this at the NVIDIA suite during CES 2019, with a beta version coming out shortly after. NVIDIA and OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) have since brought out the full release of a new OBS Studio, version 23.0.1, that adds improved support for NVIDIA GeForce cards. In particular, their latest and greatest RTX lineup, including the new desktop RTX 2060 as well as the mobile and Max-Q variants, will see an FPS impact drop by as much as 66% according to NVIDIA's internal testing. Some example results are seen below, with games such as Fortnite, PUBG, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 - Blackout, and Apex Legends seeing a frame rate boost by up to 48% compared to x264 Fast, and 27% compared to x264 Very Fast.

Given this is a result of NVENC, NVIDIA's hardware encoder, in place, older GeForce GPUs (GTX 600-series and newer that support NVENC) will also see some benefits. GeForce RTX GPUs just get to enjoy a bit more- up to 15% more, in fact, in efficiency as far as bitrate consumption for the same graphical fidelity. NVIDIA effectively says that "GeForce RTX GPUs can stream with superior image quality compared to x264 Fast, and on par with x264 Medium", thus putting in a strong case for single-PC gaming and streaming, as opposed to having a dedicated streaming PC. They have even put out a video to go over the enhancements, which will no doubt interest game streamers on the PC platform.

I'm pretty sure many of our readers devote part of their time not only to enjoy video games, but also to broadcast their games via YouTube, Twitch, Mixer or some other alternative. Live Streaming has become a phenomenon for users, but also for hardware & software developers. Suddenly a new, juicy cake appears on the market, and everyone wants a piece.

That's precisely what Streamlabs, developer of Streamlabs OBS is announcing. This free broadcasting app offers more options and a faster and easier startup for beginners than the original solution, OBS (Open Broadcast Software). The company has teamed up with Intel to develop PCs specially dedicated to live streaming. They won't be alone, as they've also partnered with Shuttle, SimplyNUC, ZOTAC and Acer. All of them will join forces to offer hardware solutions with Streamlabs OBS (which by the way, is still in beta stage) and various optimizations for this field already pre-installed.