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If you're a Mac user and speed runner and/or streamer, chances are you've used that search field with terms like "mac" or "os x," probably in conjunction with "stream" or "record" or "capture."
This is long overdue.
I wanted a thread that centralizes the important information so those without knowledge can find all they need right away. Since no one else made one, here it is.
NOTE: The Knowledge Base now has great reference pages for some of these things! If you want to learn how to record, encode, and stream on OS X please go here: https://kb.speeddemosarchive.com/Mac_Recording_and_Streaming
Hardware
Probably the worst part of all this is learning what hardware you can use. Capture devices generally aren't plug-n-play; they have their own drivers and chances are they don't exist for OS X. There are 10 choices I'm aware of (if anyone knows of others, please post and I'll edit accordingly):
Elgato Video Capture
Blackmagic Intensity Pro (internal card for Mac Pro), Shuttle (USB 3.0 version is Windows only, you need Thunderbolt), and Extreme
EasyCAP
Dazzle for Mac (this seems to be really hard to find.)
Dazzle DVC 100 (Windows only, but guides on YouTube explain how it can be used on OS X.)
Hauppauge HDPVR
AVerCapture M
Game Capture HD (records, does not stream.)
Game Capture HD 2 (records, does not stream.)
Elgato Game Capture HD
The first two come with their own software, so it shouldn't be hard to figure those out. I don't have any personal experience with them myself, though. The 3rd one is probably the worst option, but it's the cheapest and also the only one that works with 240 video (can someone verify this?).
Recording/Streaming Software
I believe Elgato and Blackmagic have recording features in their respective software. I'm not sure if you can produce an SDA-submittable video with these, however (someone confirm please).
Norichan: Right from SDA's backyard. It only works with the Stk1160 models of EasyCAP (Syntek), but if you have one then you can take advantage of its recording features, such as no dropped frames and proper flicker capture. It records 30 fps interlaced uncompressed video (even if the preview window displays F1 or 60 fps).
EasyCapViewer: Supports multiple EasyCAP models (check the site to see which ones), but has subpar recording features compared to Norichan. Still, it is capable of producing very nice-looking 60 fps, deinterlaced mp4 video. Not SDA-submittable, but a great recording solution that uses less CPU than Norichan and encodes on-the-fly.
Syphon Recorder: You can combine this with CamTwist to record anything you see in your broadcast feed.
ScreenFlow: This will record your entire screen at 60 fps and with very low CPU usage. Once you finish the recording you have a plethora of post-production options to edit and polish the video, as well as optionally add other media/recordings and manage clips via timeline. It uses the x264 encoder for exporting (even though it says H.264 in-app) and can encode 60 fps videos.
QuickTime Broadcaster: Can take various sources (including CamTwist), stream, and record locally.
Flash Media Live Encoder: Same as QTB.
Wirecast: Same as QTB and FMLE, but is (expensive) paid software and more feature-filled.
CocoaSplit: A newer alternative to QTB and FMLE that is more lightweight, supports Syphon, CamTwist 3.0, and x264.
CamTwist: This should be your go-to app for streaming. It's free and incredibly powerful, allowing you to manage various video sources, add overlays, apply effects, and preview things before cutting to live feed. One of its best features is Desktop+, which lets you confine capture to a single specific application window. You've all seen streams where windows appear on top of the streamer's timer, game window, or shows part of their desktop? You can avoid all that with Desktop+ for a much more professional-looking stream or just plain convenience. Combine with encoders like QTB, FMLE, or CocoaSplit to actually broadcast your video, as CamTwist can't normally do this alone.
OBS: This is the new multi-platform rewrite of OBS. Currently in its early stages and may eventually become a full CamTwist + CocoaSplit alternative.
HDPVRCapture: Capture software for the Hauppauge HDPVR.
Kumari: Basic streaming software designed by Nate. Still in its early stages, but is capable (with the slider more towards the left) of incredibly low CPU usage and better video quality than alternatives. It shows your current fps, and is not compatible with CamTwist.
Audio Hijack Pro: Extremely powerful and robust solution to all your audio needs. It is paid software, but well worth it. Using this you can record/route any specific application audio, change the gain, add effects, etc. Combine with Soundflower for total control. NOTE: To capture your mic and Skype audio without an echo, click your Skype source in AHP, and under Input click on "Advanced..." Choose MegaMix Mode and for "Play inputs through:" choose Mute. This will prevent AHP from capturing the input audio stream in Skype that you normally cannot hear (because it isn't played back to you in Skype). This is very important, because during a Skype call you won't hear the echo, but your stream will! This echo solution probably works with other VoIP software too.
LineIn: Not nearly as capable as AHP, but it is free. You can open two instances of it to capture both mic and game audio.
Soundflower: Audio routing utility. Can be combined with many different apps (like AHP and FMLE), even at the same time.
For detailed steps, there is a great streaming guide here: http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/05/29/setting-up-desktop-streaming-on-mac-os-x/
Encoding Software
NOTE: Recordings from Norichan on 10.8.4 will not encode properly due to the aforementioned bug, except with Anri-chan.
Yua: Designed by Nate as a cross-platform replacement to Anri-chan, you can use this to easily encode SDA-submittable videos with minimal effort.
HandBrake: Excellent, all-around encoding option.
Avidemux: Some people swear by this, but I've personally had some issues trying to produce SDA-submittable videos ("chroma ghosting," apparently). If someone could figure out how to avoid that issue it could possibly be used for submissions.
Compressor: One of Apple's "Pro Apps," to call this powerful is an understatement. Unfortunately I've had problems with this also, as I apparently couldn't get a "properly" deinterlaced result for submission. This is likely lack of knowledge on my part, though. If anyone has further input feel free to post.
And because I'm lazy, here's a link to a few other encoders you can try: http://mac.appstorm.net/roundups/video-roundups/7-video-encoding-apps-for-mac/
Timer Software
Time Split Tracker: Made by dunnius. Great timer that can autosave PBs.
Llanfair: Java-based timer designed as an alternative to WSplit. The interface is a bit clunky, but it is highly customizable and in continuous development.
ShitSplit: Python-based game split timer. Originally it was made by setz as a favor to me so I could use game time splits for Sonic 3, but he's expanded it to support several types of games. Very useful for games that show you game time after stages, rounds, etc.
Splits: Alternative to TST and Llanfair.
This is long overdue.
I wanted a thread that centralizes the important information so those without knowledge can find all they need right away. Since no one else made one, here it is.
NOTE: The Knowledge Base now has great reference pages for some of these things! If you want to learn how to record, encode, and stream on OS X please go here: https://kb.speeddemosarchive.com/Mac_Recording_and_Streaming
Hardware
Probably the worst part of all this is learning what hardware you can use. Capture devices generally aren't plug-n-play; they have their own drivers and chances are they don't exist for OS X. There are 10 choices I'm aware of (if anyone knows of others, please post and I'll edit accordingly):
Elgato Video Capture
Blackmagic Intensity Pro (internal card for Mac Pro), Shuttle (USB 3.0 version is Windows only, you need Thunderbolt), and Extreme
EasyCAP
Dazzle for Mac (this seems to be really hard to find.)
Dazzle DVC 100 (Windows only, but guides on YouTube explain how it can be used on OS X.)
Hauppauge HDPVR
AVerCapture M
Game Capture HD (records, does not stream.)
Game Capture HD 2 (records, does not stream.)
Elgato Game Capture HD
The first two come with their own software, so it shouldn't be hard to figure those out. I don't have any personal experience with them myself, though. The 3rd one is probably the worst option, but it's the cheapest and also the only one that works with 240 video (can someone verify this?).
Recording/Streaming Software
I believe Elgato and Blackmagic have recording features in their respective software. I'm not sure if you can produce an SDA-submittable video with these, however (someone confirm please).
Norichan: Right from SDA's backyard. It only works with the Stk1160 models of EasyCAP (Syntek), but if you have one then you can take advantage of its recording features, such as no dropped frames and proper flicker capture. It records 30 fps interlaced uncompressed video (even if the preview window displays F1 or 60 fps).
EasyCapViewer: Supports multiple EasyCAP models (check the site to see which ones), but has subpar recording features compared to Norichan. Still, it is capable of producing very nice-looking 60 fps, deinterlaced mp4 video. Not SDA-submittable, but a great recording solution that uses less CPU than Norichan and encodes on-the-fly.
Syphon Recorder: You can combine this with CamTwist to record anything you see in your broadcast feed.
ScreenFlow: This will record your entire screen at 60 fps and with very low CPU usage. Once you finish the recording you have a plethora of post-production options to edit and polish the video, as well as optionally add other media/recordings and manage clips via timeline. It uses the x264 encoder for exporting (even though it says H.264 in-app) and can encode 60 fps videos.
QuickTime Broadcaster: Can take various sources (including CamTwist), stream, and record locally.
Flash Media Live Encoder: Same as QTB.
Wirecast: Same as QTB and FMLE, but is (expensive) paid software and more feature-filled.
CocoaSplit: A newer alternative to QTB and FMLE that is more lightweight, supports Syphon, CamTwist 3.0, and x264.
CamTwist: This should be your go-to app for streaming. It's free and incredibly powerful, allowing you to manage various video sources, add overlays, apply effects, and preview things before cutting to live feed. One of its best features is Desktop+, which lets you confine capture to a single specific application window. You've all seen streams where windows appear on top of the streamer's timer, game window, or shows part of their desktop? You can avoid all that with Desktop+ for a much more professional-looking stream or just plain convenience. Combine with encoders like QTB, FMLE, or CocoaSplit to actually broadcast your video, as CamTwist can't normally do this alone.
OBS: This is the new multi-platform rewrite of OBS. Currently in its early stages and may eventually become a full CamTwist + CocoaSplit alternative.
HDPVRCapture: Capture software for the Hauppauge HDPVR.
Kumari: Basic streaming software designed by Nate. Still in its early stages, but is capable (with the slider more towards the left) of incredibly low CPU usage and better video quality than alternatives. It shows your current fps, and is not compatible with CamTwist.
Audio Hijack Pro: Extremely powerful and robust solution to all your audio needs. It is paid software, but well worth it. Using this you can record/route any specific application audio, change the gain, add effects, etc. Combine with Soundflower for total control. NOTE: To capture your mic and Skype audio without an echo, click your Skype source in AHP, and under Input click on "Advanced..." Choose MegaMix Mode and for "Play inputs through:" choose Mute. This will prevent AHP from capturing the input audio stream in Skype that you normally cannot hear (because it isn't played back to you in Skype). This is very important, because during a Skype call you won't hear the echo, but your stream will! This echo solution probably works with other VoIP software too.
LineIn: Not nearly as capable as AHP, but it is free. You can open two instances of it to capture both mic and game audio.
Soundflower: Audio routing utility. Can be combined with many different apps (like AHP and FMLE), even at the same time.
For detailed steps, there is a great streaming guide here: http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/05/29/setting-up-desktop-streaming-on-mac-os-x/
Encoding Software
NOTE: Recordings from Norichan on 10.8.4 will not encode properly due to the aforementioned bug, except with Anri-chan.
Yua: Designed by Nate as a cross-platform replacement to Anri-chan, you can use this to easily encode SDA-submittable videos with minimal effort.
HandBrake: Excellent, all-around encoding option.
Avidemux: Some people swear by this, but I've personally had some issues trying to produce SDA-submittable videos ("chroma ghosting," apparently). If someone could figure out how to avoid that issue it could possibly be used for submissions.
Compressor: One of Apple's "Pro Apps," to call this powerful is an understatement. Unfortunately I've had problems with this also, as I apparently couldn't get a "properly" deinterlaced result for submission. This is likely lack of knowledge on my part, though. If anyone has further input feel free to post.
And because I'm lazy, here's a link to a few other encoders you can try: http://mac.appstorm.net/roundups/video-roundups/7-video-encoding-apps-for-mac/
Timer Software
Time Split Tracker: Made by dunnius. Great timer that can autosave PBs.
Llanfair: Java-based timer designed as an alternative to WSplit. The interface is a bit clunky, but it is highly customizable and in continuous development.
ShitSplit: Python-based game split timer. Originally it was made by setz as a favor to me so I could use game time splits for Sonic 3, but he's expanded it to support several types of games. Very useful for games that show you game time after stages, rounds, etc.
Splits: Alternative to TST and Llanfair.
Thread title: