Using Video Capture Device Source (Windows)

Windows

The Video Capture Device source is used to add video feeds from webcams or capture cards to your scene before starting a live stream or recording.

You can add multiple different cameras or capture cards within a single scene to create various layouts.

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1. Adding and Selecting a Device

1

In the Sources tab, click the [+] (Add source) button and select Video Capture Device.

2

In the Device dropdown menu, select the webcam or capture card you wish to use.

3

If your device does not appear in the list:

• Check if the data cable is securely plugged in.

• Verify if the device is recognized and the driver is installed in the Windows Device Manager.

• Close other software currently using the camera (e.g., Zoom, Teams) and reopen the properties window.

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2. Video and Quality Settings

• Resolution and FPS

  • Device Default: Uses the resolution and frame rate recommended by the device. These are often lower, so choose 'Custom' if you need higher quality.

  • Custom: Manually select your desired resolution (e.g., 1920x1080), frame rate (e.g., 30, 60), and video format. If the combination is unsupported, the feed may not appear; try a different set of values.

• Screen Orientation

  • Flip Vertically / Flip Horizontally: Use these to correct the image if it appears upside down or mirrored.

  • Apply rotation data from camera: If the camera supports auto-rotation, the image will follow the device's physical orientation.

• Color (Color Space/Range)

  • Generally, keep Color Space and Color Range set to Default. Only select options like Rec. 2100 if you are certain your device supports HDR; otherwise, it may trigger a "Device does not support HDR" error.

• Buffering

  • Auto-Detect is recommended for a balance between smoothness and low latency. Set to Enable for capture cards to improve stability, or Disable for webcams to minimize delay.

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3. Audio Input Configuration

• Capture audio only: The most common option; it uses only the built-in microphone audio from the camera or capture card.

• DirectSound / WaveOut: Select this if you need to output the device's audio through the desktop audio (e.g., for games or music).

• Use custom audio device: Check this to select a specific separate microphone or sound card as the audio source for this specific video capture device.

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4. Useful Options and Advanced Settings

• Activate / Deactivate

  • Activate: Starts capturing video and audio from the device.

  • Deactivate: Temporarily stops using the device and releases it so other software can access it (most cameras only support one app at a time).

  • Tip: If there is no image after changing settings, manually click 'Deactivate' then 'Activate' to refresh the connection.

• Deactivate when not showing

  • When checked, the device automatically turns off if the source is hidden or if you switch to a different scene. This reduces CPU/GPU load, heat, and power consumption. It is highly recommended for multi-camera setups.

• Manufacturer Setup Windows

  • Configure Video: Opens the native settings window (brightness, exposure, etc.) provided by the device manufacturer.

  • Configure Crossbar: Available for some capture cards to select specific input ports (e.g., HDMI 1 or 2); ignore if not available.

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5. Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions

• Q: My camera or capture card does not appear in the device list.

• A: Try unplugging and re-plugging the USB cable. Also, verify in the Windows Device Manager that the driver is correctly installed, and ensure that any other programs currently using the camera (such as Zoom or Skype) are completely closed.

• Q: I see a "Device is busy" or "Device in use" message.

• A: You must close any other software currently accessing the camera. If you intend to use the same device across multiple scenes within the PRISM app, do not add a new source; instead, use the 'Add existing source' feature. After closing other applications, you must click [Deactivate] and then [Activate] in the source properties to re-establish the connection.

• Q: It was working fine before, but now the screen is blank or says "Device removed."

• A: This is likely due to a loose USB connection. Re-plug the device, re-select the device name from the Device dropdown menu in the source settings, and click the [Activate] button.

• Q: I get an error saying "The device does not support HDR."

• A: This error occurs because an HDR-related option was manually selected in the Color Space settings. Changing this setting back to Default will resolve the issue and restore the video feed.

• Q: Selecting a custom resolution or FPS triggers an "Unsupported attribute" error.

• A: This happens when you choose a combination that the device cannot process (e.g., setting 1080p at 60fps on a webcam that only supports 30fps). First, revert to Device Default to see if the image returns. If you still want to use custom settings, try changing the Video Format to Any or lowering the resolution and FPS values.

• Q: The video is stuttering, lagging, or showing significant delay.

• A: Whenever possible, connect your device to a USB 3.0 port (identified by its blue interior) rather than a USB 2.0 port. Avoid using low-quality or excessively long USB extension cables. Additionally, try adjusting the Buffering option in the settings—typically Enable for capture cards and Disable for facecams—to find the best performance for your setup.

Desktop, Guides, Sources, Video Capture Device Source