UGREEN 25773 Video Capture Card Review 4K Loop-Out & 2K Recording

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Are you a content creator, streamer, or gamer looking for a reliable and versatile video capture card? The UGREEN 25773 Video Capture Card might just be the solution you've been searching for. This compact device offers a range of features, including 4K loop-out, 2K recording, and broad compatibility with various platforms and devices. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the specifications, performance, and overall value of the UGREEN 25773, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The UGREEN 25773 video capture card comes in a simple yet effective package. Inside, you'll find the capture card itself, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a user manual. The device is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go recording or streaming. The build quality feels solid, with a durable aluminum alloy casing that should withstand regular use. The minimalist design features HDMI input and output ports, as well as a USB-C port for connecting to your computer.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we dive into the performance, let's take a look at the key features and specifications of the UGREEN 25773 video capture card:

  • 4K Loop-Out: This feature allows you to play games or view content on an external display in 4K resolution while simultaneously recording or streaming in 2K.
  • 2K Recording: The card supports recording resolutions up to 2560x1440 at 60fps, providing crisp and clear video quality for your recordings and streams.
  • HDMI to USB-A/C: The UGREEN 25773 supports both USB-A and USB-C connections, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
  • Wide Compatibility: This capture card works seamlessly with various devices, including PS5, DSLR cameras, and other HDMI-enabled devices. It also supports multiple operating systems, including MacOS, Windows, and Linux.
  • Plug and Play: No need to install any drivers. The UGREEN 25773 is a plug-and-play device, making it easy to set up and use.
  • Low Latency: Enjoy smooth gameplay and recording with low latency, ensuring a seamless experience.
  • Compact Design: The compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable and convenient for use in various setups.
  • Aluminum Alloy Casing: The durable aluminum alloy casing provides excellent heat dissipation and ensures the longevity of the device.

Setting Up the UGREEN 25773

One of the standout features of the UGREEN 25773 is its ease of use. Setting up the device is incredibly straightforward, thanks to its plug-and-play functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Connect your HDMI source: Plug the HDMI cable from your gaming console, camera, or other HDMI-enabled device into the HDMI input port on the capture card.
  2. Connect your display (optional): If you want to use the 4K loop-out feature, connect an HDMI cable from the HDMI output port on the capture card to your monitor or TV.
  3. Connect to your computer: Use the included USB-A to USB-C cable to connect the capture card to your computer.
  4. Open your recording or streaming software: The UGREEN 25773 is compatible with popular software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit. Simply select the capture card as your video source in the software settings.
  5. Start recording or streaming: You're now ready to capture your gameplay, camera footage, or other video content.

The entire setup process takes just a few minutes, and you don't need to install any additional drivers. This makes the UGREEN 25773 an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced content creators.

Performance: 4K Loop-Out and 2K Recording

The primary function of a video capture card is to record and stream high-quality video without introducing significant latency. The UGREEN 25773 excels in this regard, offering both 4K loop-out and 2K recording capabilities.

4K Loop-Out

The 4K loop-out feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to play on a 4K display while simultaneously recording or streaming. It allows you to enjoy the full visual fidelity of your games without sacrificing performance. The UGREEN 25773 handles 4K loop-out flawlessly, providing a crisp and clear image on the external display with no noticeable lag. This ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience while you record or stream.

2K Recording

While the card supports 4K loop-out, it records and streams at a maximum resolution of 2K (2560x1440) at 60fps. This is still a very respectable resolution for most content creation purposes. 2K provides a significant step up in quality compared to 1080p, offering sharper details and more vibrant colors. The UGREEN 25773 captures video at this resolution with excellent clarity and minimal artifacts. The 60fps frame rate ensures smooth and fluid motion, making it ideal for recording gameplay, live streams, and other dynamic content.

During testing, the UGREEN 25773 consistently delivered high-quality recordings with accurate color reproduction and minimal noise. Whether you're recording gameplay from a PS5 or capturing footage from a DSLR camera, the results are impressive. The card handles different types of content with ease, from fast-paced action games to detailed close-up shots.

Low Latency Performance

Latency is a critical factor for any video capture card, especially for live streaming and gaming. The UGREEN 25773 boasts low latency performance, which means there's minimal delay between the input signal and the output on your display or recording. This is essential for maintaining a smooth and responsive experience, whether you're playing games or interacting with your audience during a live stream.

In our tests, the latency introduced by the UGREEN 25773 was virtually unnoticeable. This allows you to play games without any distracting lag and ensures that your streams are in sync with your actions. The low latency performance of this capture card makes it a reliable choice for professional content creators and casual users alike.

Compatibility and Software Support

The UGREEN 25773 video capture card is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices and software. This versatility is one of its key selling points, making it suitable for various applications and setups.

Device Compatibility

This capture card works seamlessly with a variety of devices, including:

  • Gaming Consoles: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
  • Cameras: DSLRs, camcorders, action cameras
  • Other HDMI Devices: Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, etc.

The UGREEN 25773 supports HDMI input, which is the standard connection for most modern devices. This ensures that you can easily connect your preferred devices and start recording or streaming without any compatibility issues.

Operating System Support

The UGREEN 25773 is compatible with the following operating systems:

  • Windows: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7
  • MacOS: macOS 10.12 and later
  • Linux: Various distributions

The broad operating system support makes this capture card a versatile option for users with different computer setups. Whether you're using a Windows PC, a Mac, or a Linux machine, you can expect the UGREEN 25773 to work seamlessly.

Software Compatibility

The UGREEN 25773 is compatible with popular recording and streaming software, including:

  • OBS Studio: A free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming.
  • Streamlabs OBS: A popular streaming software with a user-friendly interface and various features.
  • XSplit: A professional-grade streaming and recording software.
  • QuickTime Player: A built-in media player for MacOS that can also be used for recording.
  • VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports video capture.

The compatibility with these software options gives you the flexibility to choose the tools that best suit your needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced content creator, you'll find that the UGREEN 25773 integrates smoothly with your workflow.

Pros and Cons

To provide a balanced perspective, let's summarize the pros and cons of the UGREEN 25773 video capture card.

Pros:

  • 4K Loop-Out: Allows you to play games or view content on a 4K display while recording or streaming.
  • 2K Recording: Captures video at a high resolution of 2560x1440 at 60fps.
  • Plug and Play: Easy to set up and use without the need for driver installation.
  • Low Latency: Ensures smooth gameplay and recording with minimal delay.
  • Wide Compatibility: Works with various devices and operating systems.
  • Compact Design: Portable and convenient for use in different setups.
  • Durable Build: Aluminum alloy casing provides excellent heat dissipation and longevity.

Cons:

  • Maximum Recording Resolution: While it supports 4K loop-out, the maximum recording resolution is 2K.
  • No Advanced Features: Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end capture cards, such as hardware encoding.

Value for Money

The UGREEN 25773 video capture card offers excellent value for money, especially considering its features and performance. At a competitive price point, it provides a solid set of capabilities that cater to both casual users and professional content creators. The combination of 4K loop-out, 2K recording, low latency, and wide compatibility makes it a compelling option in its category.

For users who prioritize ease of use and reliability, the UGREEN 25773 is an excellent choice. Its plug-and-play functionality and broad compatibility ensure a hassle-free experience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive capture cards, it delivers on its core promise of capturing high-quality video with minimal latency.

Conclusion

The UGREEN 25773 Video Capture Card is a versatile and reliable device that offers a compelling blend of features and performance. Its 4K loop-out, 2K recording, low latency, and wide compatibility make it an excellent choice for gamers, streamers, and content creators. The plug-and-play functionality ensures a quick and easy setup, while the durable build quality provides peace of mind.

While it may not record in 4K, the 2K recording capability is more than sufficient for most applications. The UGREEN 25773 strikes a good balance between price and performance, making it a great value for money. If you're looking for a dependable video capture card that delivers high-quality results without breaking the bank, the UGREEN 25773 is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the UGREEN 25773 Video Capture Card stands out as a top contender in its class, offering a seamless and efficient way to capture and stream your favorite content. Whether you're gaming, creating videos, or live streaming, this capture card has you covered.