Is a capture card required for streaming?

Only if you bring a console or external camera onto stream. For a webcam and PC games it is not needed.

Should I choose an internal or external capture card?

An external USB capture card is simple to connect and moves between computers, while an internal card sits directly on the motherboard and gives slightly lower latency.

Why does the picture appear with a delay?

This is normal with software preview. For the game watch the capture card passthrough output rather than the OBS window.

Can I receive donations on a capture card stream?

Yes. The Donator alert is an OBS layer, so on the same stream that shows the capture card picture, a donation appears instantly.

Guide

How to use a capture card for streaming

July 10, 2026

Using a capture card, hardware on a desk

A capture card becomes essential when you want to bring a console or an external camera onto stream. This guide explains in plain terms what a capture card is, how to connect it and how to set it up in OBS, then how to link donations to the stream with Donator.

Start receiving donations

What a capture card is and when you need one

A capture card is a device that takes the video signal from a console, camera or another computer and passes it to your computer so you can see it in OBS.

You need one when you want the picture from a PlayStation, an Xbox or a DSLR on stream, which a plain webcam cannot deliver.

Equipment and connections

You need a capture card, two HDMI cables and a USB connection to the computer. The source, for example a console, connects to the capture card input, and a screen or TV connects to the output.

The capture card connects to the computer by USB. A USB 3.0 port is preferable so an HD signal passes without interruption.

Adding a capture card in OBS

In OBS add a new Video Capture Device source, select the capture card from the list, and the picture appears on stream.

Check the resolution and frame rate so the signal matches your stream settings and latency stays minimal.

Optimizing quality and donations on stream

If the picture appears with a delay, use the capture card passthrough output for the game and keep OBS only for the broadcast, this reduces latency.

Add a Donator alert in the same OBS so donations appear directly on stream. Donator is a Georgian platform, in partnership with TBC and Bank of Georgia, and it pays out in GEL to a Georgian bank, from any card including the diaspora.

Frequently asked questions

Is a capture card required for streaming?: Only if you bring a console or external camera onto stream. For a webcam and PC games it is not needed.
Should I choose an internal or external capture card?: An external USB capture card is simple to connect and moves between computers, while an internal card sits directly on the motherboard and gives slightly lower latency.
Why does the picture appear with a delay?: This is normal with software preview. For the game watch the capture card passthrough output rather than the OBS window.
Can I receive donations on a capture card stream?: Yes. The Donator alert is an OBS layer, so on the same stream that shows the capture card picture, a donation appears instantly.

Donator: Georgia's first and best donation platform for streamers, on its way to becoming the only platform a streamer needs and expanding across the Caucasus region.

In official partnership with Georgia's leading banks, TBC and Bank of Georgia.