How to Add Game Video to XSplit Broadcaster
Last Updated on September 20, 2019 by Michael Brockbank
Ready to add your game video to XSplit Broadcaster? After all, no one is going to want to watch a blank screen throughout the entire stream. Adding the video works whether you’re streaming live or saving a video to upload to YouTube.
And it doesn’t take much effort to start right away.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to add game video to your broadcast. All you have to do afterwards is decide whether you’re streaming to Twitch or saving the file for later.[template id=”145″]
Adding the Game Video
Technically, there are three prominent ways to add game content to your broadcast. You can use: screen, game and capture devices.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a capture device or card on hand, but I’ll still go over how to set it up. When I get a new capture device, I’ll update this tutorial.
Screen Capture
Screen capture is great for those who are creating videos for ordinary content or want to stream a web-based game. You can also create various online tutorials, reviews and pretty much anything else you want.
From XSplit Broadcaster, click the “Add source” option on the bottom left.
Hover over “Screen Capture” and choose the one you want.
You have three options available:
- Smart Selection
This option will immediately switch the view to the active window. While this may work great in some instances, it does mean there is greater room for error. For instance, what if you click into a window showing personal and private information? - Monitor Capture
Monitor capture lets you focus on a specific display. Of course you need more than one monitor for this option to be of use. I have a dual-monitor set up, so I can create a video of everything on monitor 2 while leaving private information on monitor 1. - Window Capture
This lets you pick specific windows that are open on your computer. This includes spreadsheets, MP3 players, web browsers and games. This is excellent for those who are creating how-to videos.
To keep this tutorial simple, I’m just going to add “Desktop 2.”
Use the capture’s border to resize the view.
Game Capture
One of the most common uses of XSplit is to add game video. This means the software will automatically detect games that are currently running on your computer system.
Choose “Auto Detect” from the Game Capture option.
If there was a game currently running, it would show on this list.
I prefer to use the auto detect feature as I tend to change games often.
Use the border to resize the window.
Device Capture
In the Devices option, you can choose where to pull video and audio. This is what you’d use if you have an El Gato or something like a Diamond GC500 capture unit.
Hover over “Devices” and choose the video and audio of your capture device.
If you had a compatible capture device, it will show in the video list.
Then all you would need to do is resize the window to fit your needs.[template id=”505″]
Moving the Game Video to the Back
When you add game video to XSplit Broadcaster, it will appear on the top of the list of sources. This means it will cover everything below it.
This is not good if you want to show your camera or if you have an Extra Life charity widget you wish to show.
Select the game window in the list of sources. You do this by clicking it once.
Click the down arrow on the right. It’s under the sources window near the scene buttons of XSplit.
Now the game will show behind other sources you have.
You can also use drag-and-drop to move sources around in this view.
What if the game window doesn’t fit perfectly in XSplit Broadcaster?
Depending on the type of source you’re using when you add game video, the feed may not fit XSplit Broadcaster perfectly. This often leads to empty space on the sides.
You have two ways to make the video content fit:
- You can alter the resolution of the game you’re playing. Most games have an option in the graphics section to change resolution. If it’s a windowed application, you might be able to adjust the viewable space by dragging the corners.
- You can modify how XSplit Broadcaster displays the recording or live stream. This is done by clicking the values on the top right corner of the screen and choosing the resolution you want to use.
Personally, I use my primary display when playing games. Its resolution is set to 1920×1080. This means any source resolution set to a 16:9 aspect ratio is going to fit in my XSplit Broadcaster perfectly – which is set to 1280×720 at 60fps.
This is the perfect setting for my system streaming XSplit to Twitch. I can probably go higher, but I usually land on the side of performance over visual appeal. Besides, the stream looks nice at this setting.
In reality, you’ll have to spend a bit of time finding the best combination of resolutions for your own recording or live stream. Each system is different; meaning computer power and Internet speeds will impact the end result.
Because so many things come into play, it’s very difficult to guarantee the perfect settings. It’s mostly up to trial and error to find what works best for you.
Can you add more than one video source?
You can add just about anything you want in XSplit Broadcaster. The real question is will your computer run more than one game at a time.
Here’s an idea. You could add game video as one source while showing a website you use for a map in the other.
It’s all up to your imagination and what you want your broadcast to display.
Give it Some Flair
There is far more you can do with XSplit Broadcaster than merely add game video. It’s a flexible system that lets your imagination run wild. It all boils down to what you think your audience will like to view.
Make the video something unique and set yourself apart from others who stream or record game content.[template id=”543″]
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