# video capture card

> computer expansion card for input of video from an external source

**Wikidata**: [Q3278055](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3278055)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/video-capture-card

## Summary
A video capture card is a computer expansion card designed to input video signals from an external source. It functions as a hardware interface that allows computers to receive video data, commonly utilized for video capture and video game livestreaming. It is classified as a specific type of expansion card that adds this input functionality to a computer system.

## Key Facts
*   **Definition:** A computer expansion card specifically for the input of video from an external source.
*   **Classification:** It is a subclass of an **expansion card** (a circuit board connected to a computer to add functionality).
*   **Primary Uses:** The card is used for **video capture** and **video game livestreaming**.
*   **Related Hardware:** The **Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2** is identified as a specific related thing in this category.
*   **Related Concepts:** It is related to the **TV tuner card**, a device that allows television signals to be received by a computer.
*   **Aliases:** Also known as a **Capture Card**, **Video-Aufnahmekarte**, **Capture-Karte**, or **ビデオキャプチャカード**.
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/1222zjbh.
*   **Wikidata Description:** "computer expansion card for input of video from an external source."

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of a video capture card?
A: The primary purpose of a video capture card is to serve as an expansion card that allows a computer to input video from an external source. This enables the user to perform video capture and video game livestreaming.

### Q: How does a video capture card relate to a TV tuner card?
A: Both are types of computer expansion cards related to video. While a video capture card focuses on inputting video from external sources, a TV tuner card is a kind of television tuner specifically designed to receive television signals on a computer.

### Q: Is a video capture card considered an internal or external component?
A: Based on its classification as a subclass of an "expansion card," it is defined as a circuit board connected to a computer system to add functionality.

## Why It Matters
The video capture card is a critical component in the modern digital media landscape, acting as the bridge between external video sources and computer processing systems. By defining itself as a specialized expansion card, it solves the fundamental hardware incompatibility between raw video signals (such as those from gaming consoles or cameras) and standard computer motherboards, which typically lack the necessary ports or processing logic for high-fidelity video ingestion.

Its significance is highlighted by its specific utility in **video game livestreaming**. As the source data indicates, this device is not merely for passive viewing (like a TV tuner) but is actively used for content creation and broadcasting. The card enables the digitization of external video, allowing users to record, manipulate, and stream footage in real-time.

Furthermore, the existence of specific commercial products like the **Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2** underscores its role as a distinct and necessary hardware category for high-performance computing. It distinguishes itself from general graphics components by focusing strictly on input and acquisition rather than rendering, playing a pivotal role in the workflow of video production and the broader livestreaming ecosystem.

## Notable For
*   **External Video Input:** It is specifically notable for its ability to input video from an external source, distinguishing it from internal video generation hardware.
*   **Gaming & Livestreaming Utility:** It is uniquely defined by its use case in **video game livestreaming**, a high-demand modern application.
*   **Hardware Classification:** It is a distinct subclass of the **expansion card**, separate from but related to the TV tuner card.
*   **Global Terminology:** It is recognized internationally under aliases such as *Capture Card* (English), *Video-Aufnahmekarte* (German), and *ビデオキャプチャ* (Japanese).

## Body
### Definition and Classification
A video capture card is a type of computer hardware defined technically as a **computer expansion card**. Its core function is to facilitate the input of video from an external source into a computer system. In the hierarchy of computer hardware, it is classified as a **subclass of expansion card**, which is broadly defined as a circuit board that can be connected to a computer system to add functionality.

### Functionality and Use
The structured properties of the card identify its specific applications. The primary uses are:
*   **Video Capture:** The process of converting analog video signals from external sources into digital data.
*   **Video Game Livestreaming:** The specific application of capturing video game footage from a console or external device for broadcast.

### Relationship to Other Hardware
The video capture card exists within a specific lineage of computer hardware. It is closely related to the **TV tuner card**. While both involve video signals, the TV tuner card is explicitly defined as a device to receive television signals. The video capture card is distinct in its broader utility for capturing input from various external sources.

### Hardware Examples and Identification
Specific entities identified within this class include the **Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2**. An example of the physical hardware associated with this category is represented by the ATI All-in-Wonder HD Graphics and TV Tuner Card, which illustrates the circuit board nature of such expansion cards.

**Aliases and International Recognition:**
The entity is recognized globally under several names, including:
*   English: Capture Card
*   German: Video-Aufnahmekarte, Capture-Karte
*   Japanese: ビデオキャプチャカード, ビデオキャプチャ