Testing the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: A Standalone Solution for Video Capture

When I first received the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate, I was excited to test it out. Unlike other video capture devices I’ve reviewed, which require a computer, this device promised to be completely standalone. That meant I wouldn’t have to worry about setting up complicated software or connecting it to a PC. I was curious to see if it would live up to its claims and how well it could handle various video sources—from high-definition HDMI devices to vintage AV sources like VHS tapes.

Here’s a breakdown of my experience with the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate as I tested its capabilities with several video devices.

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Unboxing and Setup: Simplicity at Its Best

The unboxing experience was straightforward and pleasant. Inside the box, I found the capture box, an HDMI cable, an AV cable for older devices, a USB power cable, a power adapter, a remote control, and the user manual. The device itself is compact and easy to handle, with a 3.5-inch preview screen that immediately stood out as a useful feature. It was clear from the start that this device was designed to be both portable and user-friendly, something I appreciated right away.

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Powering Up and Exploring the Menu

Once I plugged in the power adapter, I powered up the device by holding the power button for a few seconds. The ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate has a built-in rechargeable battery, which lasts for up to two hours of continuous use. This is perfect for those who want to capture footage while on the go, without being tethered to an outlet.

The on-screen menu was intuitive and easy to navigate, even for a novice. I quickly adjusted settings such as video quality (I chose 1080p 60fps in high quality) and checked out options like signal loss detection. There was even an option to add or remove a watermark from the footage, which could be handy for creators who want to brand their content.

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HDMI and AV Inputs: Perfect for Modern and Vintage Devices

One of the standout features of the ClearClick device is its versatility in handling different video sources. I started by testing it with an HDMI source—a camera that I regularly use for filming. Connecting the camera was a breeze, and I was able to immediately see the signal on the ClearClick screen.

The device offers several video quality options, but I kept it at 1080p 60fps for the best balance of resolution and smoothness. The quality of the captured video was good, although there was a slight contrast difference compared to the original footage. This could easily be adjusted later in post-production, so it wasn’t a major issue.

Next, I connected the Atari Flashback to test how the ClearClick handles older video game consoles. The device performed well, and I even tested the gaming headset feature, which allowed me to capture both game sounds and my voice. This feature will be incredibly useful for gaming streamers or anyone who wants to capture gameplay with commentary.

Lastly, I connected a vintage VHS player via the AV input, using the included AV adapter. After switching the menu to AV mode, the ClearClick captured the VHS footage without any issues. This is where the device really shines for anyone looking to digitize old tapes and transfer them to a digital format.

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Remote Control: Convenience at Your Fingertips

The included remote control was a great addition, making it easy to control the ClearClick without needing to touch the device itself. I could start and stop recordings, adjust the volume, mute the microphone, and even change the video source—all with the press of a button. This level of convenience is something I really appreciated during my testing.

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USB Streaming Mode: Using the ClearClick as a Webcam

In addition to video capture, the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate also has the ability to function as a USB streaming device. I connected it to my PC and switched the device into PC streaming mode, which allowed it to act as a webcam. I could then record footage or stream directly from the ClearClick to my computer. This was an unexpected but very useful feature for anyone interested in streaming or capturing video content without additional equipment.

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Final Thoughts on Testing the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box

Testing the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate was a great experience. The device offers a hassle-free, standalone solution for capturing video from a variety of sources, whether modern HDMI devices or older AV equipment. From easy setup to a user-friendly interface and impressive video quality, the ClearClick is a great option for anyone looking to convert tapes or capture video without the need for a computer.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate vs. the Elgato Video Capture: A Comprehensive Comparison

As the founder of a tech review website, I’ve tested many video capture devices over the years. A few months ago, I set out on a mission to preserve old home videos by converting VHS tapes into high-quality digital files. During my search for the best solution, I came across the Elgato Video Capture device—a popular option for anyone looking to digitize old tapes. After testing that, I decided to give the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate a try. Both devices promise a simple solution for capturing video, but how do they stack up against each other? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of my experiences with both.

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Setup: Which Device Is Easier to Use?

Elgato Video Capture: Setting up the Elgato was straightforward and took under 15 minutes. I simply connected the device to my VCR via RCA cables, plugged it into my MacBook via USB, and installed the accompanying software. The Elgato is designed to work primarily with a computer, which means you need to install software for the capturing process. While the setup was simple, it required using a computer to operate, which some might find less convenient.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: In contrast, the ClearClick device is a completely standalone solution. No computer is required. After plugging it in and turning it on, the device was ready to use. The setup process was quick, with clear on-screen instructions to guide me through. This made the ClearClick feel more convenient, especially for those who don’t want to rely on software or a PC to capture their footage.

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User Experience: Ease of Use During Capture

Elgato Video Capture: The Elgato Video Capture software has a clean, user-friendly interface, and I was able to start digitizing my VHS tapes within minutes. The software is intuitive, but one minor issue I encountered was the inability to make real-time video adjustments during the capture. Although I could tweak the settings (contrast, brightness, etc.) after previewing the video, it wasn’t as seamless as I had hoped. That said, I still had enough control over the final output to produce quality footage.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: The ClearClick device is extremely easy to use, with an on-screen menu that is simple to navigate. Unlike the Elgato, it doesn’t require any software installation, which makes it more hassle-free. The 3.5-inch preview screen was a bonus for monitoring footage, and the remote control made starting and stopping captures more convenient. I could even adjust settings like resolution and watermark placement directly on the device, making the process smoother overall. It also allowed me to easily capture both modern HDMI devices and older AV equipment, making it versatile for a range of sources.

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Video Quality: How Do They Compare?

Elgato Video Capture: The quality of the video captured by the Elgato was impressive for VHS tapes. I recorded at 720×480 resolution, which is standard for VHS, and while the source video wasn’t perfect, the final result was much sharper with better color contrast after adjustments. The software also allowed me to tweak the color settings to improve dull and washed-out footage. The Elgato does a great job preserving detail and producing clear, vibrant footage from old, low-quality tapes.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: The ClearClick device also captures high-quality video, but I found that the results were slightly different from what I got with the Elgato. The quality of footage was good, especially when capturing HDMI devices like a modern camera. However, when it came to analog sources like VHS, the clarity and color contrast were not quite as strong as the Elgato. The ClearClick device performed admirably, but it didn’t offer the same level of fine-tuning or post-processing control that Elgato’s software provided.

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Features and Versatility: Which Device Offers More?

Elgato Video Capture: The Elgato excels with its built-in trimming tool and ability to capture and instantly save footage in MP4 format. This feature is ideal for users who want to quickly digitize their old videos and share them. However, the software is relatively basic, and there are no advanced editing features beyond trimming. The Elgato is a solid choice for converting VHS tapes to digital, but it lacks some of the advanced capabilities that other devices offer.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: The ClearClick device is more versatile in that it can capture both HDMI and AV inputs, making it a great choice for preserving old video game footage, home movies, or VHS tapes. It also functions as a USB streaming device, which gives it added flexibility for those looking to stream or capture live video from a computer. The ClearClick offers more options for video sources and real-time settings adjustment, though it doesn’t have the same in-depth post-processing options as the Elgato.

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Portability and Convenience: Which Device Is More Portable?

Elgato Video Capture: The Elgato is compact, but it’s designed to work with a computer. This makes it less portable than the ClearClick device, which is completely standalone. If you’re someone who needs to digitize tapes while on the go or without access to a computer, the Elgato might not be ideal.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: The ClearClick is incredibly portable. With its built-in rechargeable battery and stand-alone functionality, you can capture video anywhere without needing a computer. This makes it perfect for those who want a simple, on-the-go solution for digitizing old tapes or capturing live video from any source.

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Final Verdict: Which Device Is Right for You?

Elgato Video Capture: If you’re primarily looking for a device to digitize old VHS tapes and you’re comfortable working with a computer, the Elgato Video Capture is a solid choice. It offers excellent video quality and helpful features like the built-in trimming tool, but it is limited to VHS and other analog sources. The software offers good control over video settings, though it could benefit from real-time adjustments.

ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate: If you’re looking for a more versatile and portable solution that doesn’t require a computer, the ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate is the way to go. It works with a variety of video sources, including both HDMI and AV, and can even double as a webcam for streaming. It’s an excellent standalone device that simplifies the video capture process while offering good video quality and ease of use. However, if you’re after finer video control or need advanced editing features, the Elgato might still be the better option.

Ultimately, both devices are fantastic choices depending on your needs. The ClearClick HD Video Capture Box Ultimate is best for those who want convenience, portability, and versatility, while the Elgato Video Capture is perfect for those focusing on high-quality VHS digitization with a computer.