The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3, a new generation capture box, presents itself as a solution of choice for gamers wishing to record and share their gaming sessions with optimal quality. In an increasingly populated landscape of capture and streaming options, this box stands out for its advanced performance and compatibility with the latest gaming consoles such as PS5 and Xbox Series. After several days of streaming consoles, it's time to tell you about it.
Features and Design
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 presents itself as a capture box designed to meet the demands of the new generation of gaming consoles. With specifications such as capturing up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps) and compatibility with the Variable refresh rate (VRR), this body delivers exceptional image quality and increased sharpness, ideal for capturing high-resolution gaming. Its compact design and Plug & Play connectivity make it an easy device to install and use, with HDMI (input and output) and USB-C ports as well as audio jack (input and output) located on the back of the case.
Information
•Interface: USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-C (plug and play, UVC)
•Video Input: HDMI 2.0
•Video Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0
•Audio Input: HDMI 2.0 / 3.5 mm 3-Pole Jack
•Audio Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0 / Jack 3.5 mm 3-Pole
•Maximum HDR Pass-Through resolutions: 2160p60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240
•Maximum VRR Pass-Through resolutions: 1440p120 / 1080p120
•Maximum Supported Resolutions (Video Input): 2160p60/1440p120
•Max Supported Recording Resolutions: 2160p30 / 1080p60
•Dimensions: (L x W x H): » 112.5 x 66.1 x 20.9 mm
•Weight: 85 g
Performance and Usage
In terms of performance, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 proves to be a solid choice for capturing and streaming games. With a time of ultra-low latency and remarkable audio and video fidelity, this box provides a smooth and seamless gaming experience, even for fast-paced games like FPS and fighting games. For the record, during Twitch streams on the Univers Simu channel, I could play directly with the display on OBS, there was no perceptible latency between the moment I pressed a command and the moment the action was displayed, even on fast actions.
Compatibility with AVerMedia RECentral 4 software makes it easy to manage capture and streaming settings, giving users complete control over their content. The use of the software is however not mandatory for broadcasting or capturing video content, I personally used OBS. The only use I have had of RECentral is disabling HDCP, otherwise I couldn't properly connect a laptop with AMD GPU without getting a message telling me that the video stream was copy protected.
Small downside all the same, concerning HDR support, or rather the absence of recording support. Activating HDR on PS5 results in a slightly washed out rendering on the captured video stream. Nothing annoying though, just deactivate HDR on the console to find a beautiful contrasty image.
The VRR is undoubtedly what will make THE difference between this card for 150 euros on Amazon, and an Chinese card at 35 euros. Having experienced these entry-level cards, the Live Extreme 3 amazed me with its management of variable console refreshes (in addition to the general quality of the image). No more tearing effect in the center of the image during rapid movements! This is THE most relevant characteristic in my opinion.
Tearing and VRR
Tearing occurs when the graphics processing unit (GPU) generates frames at an irregular rate, which can lead to visible tearing on the screen when the generated frames are out of sync with the screen refresh.
VRR allows the display to dynamically synchronize its refresh rate with the refresh rate of the GPU's video output. This means that the display can adjust its refresh rate in real time to exactly match the number of frames per second generated by the GPU. As a result, this eliminates screen tearing and produces a smoother, smoother gaming experience, even when the frame refresh rate varies.
Thus, VRR is an important feature for gamers who want a visually pleasing and flawless gaming experience, especially when playing graphics-intensive games where tearing may be more frequent.
Good positioning
While AverMedia recently launched a card capable of capturing 4K 60 fps, the Live Gamer Extreme 3 is positioning itself as a peripheral of choice for streamers. The latter very rarely broadcast content beyond FullHD resolution at 60 fps, and it is to this population that this acquisition card is aimed, even if it is possible to capture in 4K 30 fps . The quality of the captured image is fine, detailed, colorful, and fluid. The VRR fulfills its task brilliantly. Its small size makes it discreet and easily transportable.
Ultimately, this box represents excellent value for money for streamers and videographers getting started with 4K.