We take cryptocurrency — so the coins you hold can buy real hardware.Pay in crypto, spend it on real hardware. Free insured shipping worldwide over $399. Plain, unbranded boxes, sent from Germany.Free insured shipping over $399. Your rate is locked for 30 minutes once checkout opens.Rate locked 30 minutes. Every item sealed, serial-checked and covered by a 24-month warranty.Sealed, 24-month warranty.

Saved items Sign in
Small black rectangular capture card with HDMI and USB 2.0 ports

Elgato ZY-UCH601 HDMI to USB 2.0 1080p Capture Card

SKU CH-M7F4-Q89WB

Captures HDMI video up to 4K input and outputs 1080p via USB 2.0 for streaming or recording with OBS, VLC or Amcap on Windows, Android or macOS

  • CPUA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible
  • Memory sizeA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible
  • GPU modelA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible
  • Interface typeHDMI
  • Casing colorUCH601 USB2.0 Audio Video Capture Cards
  • Spec summaryA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible
  • Captures 4K input and delivers 1080P output for sharp recordings
  • Works with VLC, OBS and Amcap on Windows, Android and macOS
  • Plug-and-play over USB 2.0 with no driver or external power needed
  • Connects DSLR, camcorder or action camera for live preview and streaming
  • Compact design supports HDMI cable runs up to 15 metres

What this capture card does

The Elgato ZY-UCH601 is a compact HDMI-to-USB 2.0 video capture device that accepts up to 4K input and delivers a maximum 1080p output at 30 Hz in YUV format. It draws power directly from the host USB port with a working current of 0.4 A and requires no external adapter. The unit supports 8, 10 and 12-bit deep colour and works with standard acquisition software such as VLC, OBS and Amcap on Windows, Android and macOS.

Who it suits and who should look elsewhere

Streamers and educators who need a simple, portable way to bring an HDMI source — camera, console or PC — into a laptop for live production or recording will find the plug-and-play operation convenient. Buyers who need 4K capture, 60 fps at 1080p, or multi-channel audio mixing cannot be served by this device. Those requiring HDMI loop-through, onboard encoding or hardware scaling should consider a different class of capture hardware.

The spec that decides fit

The single decisive specification is the USB 2.0 interface combined with a maximum output resolution of 1080p at 30 Hz, which caps both bandwidth and frame rate regardless of the 4K input capability.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Broadcast & Pro Video Equipment, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $28.99
Cheaper than about 77% of the 509 comparable items (median $80.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameElgato
Product lineZY-UCH601
Model nameZY-UCH601
Part numberZY-UCH601
Casing colorUCH601 USB2.0 Audio Video Capture Cards
Product typeExternal TV Tuner Box
Product colorBlack
Processor
CPUA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible operating system (OBS, VLC, Amcap)
Memory
Memory sizeA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible operating system (OBS, VLC, Amcap)
Display
Supported resolutions1080P
Display type1080p
Graphics
GPU modelA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible operating system (OBS, VLC, Amcap)
Audio & video
Video capabilitiesYUV, 1080p
Ports & slots
Interface typeHDMI
Video outputsYUV
Additional connectorUsb2.0
Ports outUsb2.0
Available slotUsb2.0
Power
Power drawNo
Power supplyA modern computer with an available USB port and compatible operating system (OBS, VLC, Amcap), false, usb2.0
Size & build
Product dimensions14.33 in W × 12.83 in H × 9.06 in D
Product weight0.136 kg
Compatibility
Maximum monitor supportedYUV
In the box
Included itemsCapture Card
In the boxCapture Card
More details
OthersUsb2.0, 1080p, YUV, A modern computer with an available USB port and compatible operating system (OBS, VLC, Amcap)
Product formatYUV
Device controlUsb2.0, A modern computer with an available USB port and compatible operating system (OBS, VLC, Amcap)
Video encodingHardware Encoding
Video formatDivx

Questions about this item

Does the USB 2.0 capture card run hot or draw much power when streaming all day?

The device draws a maximum of .4 A at 5 VDC from the USB port and operates between -10 °C and +55 °C, so it stays cool without any external power supply.

What computer specifications do I already need to run this capture card?

You need a modern computer with a free USB 2.0 port, at least 4 GB RAM, a CPU equivalent to an i5-3400 or i7-3537U 2.0 GHz, and graphics such as NVIDIA GT630 or GT735M, plus Windows, macOS or Android.

Will my older 1080p camera work through the HDMI input alongside this card?

Yes — the HDMI input accepts up to 4K at 30 Hz and down-scales to 1080p at 30 Hz output, so legacy 1080p sources connect and capture without extra adapters.

More in Broadcast & Pro Video Equipment

Similar items