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To loop a local 4K, 60fps video in OBS without needlessly reducing its quality, enable Loop in the Media Source, keep the source at its native dimensions, and set OBS’s output resolution and frame rate deliberately. Looping only restarts playback; it does not improve fidelity or guarantee smooth playback. Decoding, rendering, recording, and—if you are streaming—your network all need to keep up.
How do I loop a video in OBS?
- Add the file: In your scene, add a Media Source and select the local video. OBS’s guide lists MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM among supported formats; actual playback can depend on your OBS version, operating system, and installed codecs. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Enable looping: Open the Media Source properties and check Loop. OBS will play the file again after it finishes.
- Choose what happens when the source appears: Restart playback when source becomes active controls whether playback restarts when the source becomes visible; OBS lists it as enabled by default in its guide. Show nothing when playback ends matters only when playback can end, such as when Loop is off.
- Optionally test hardware decoding: Turn on Use hardware decoding when available only if the GPU supports decoding that file type. OBS lists this option as off by default. It can change where decoding work happens; it does not restore missing detail or make a compressed source higher resolution.
If you are using VLC Video for a playlist rather than a single Media Source file, its Loop Playlist option is separate. VLC must be installed, and the 64-bit OBS build requires 64-bit VLC.
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Set the OBS output to genuine 4K at 60fps
A source, canvas, and output are different things. The source is the file; the base canvas is the scene’s composition space; and Output (Scaled) Resolution is the size OBS sends or records. OBS’s Studio Overview Guide identifies Common FPS Value as the output frame-rate control.
- Open Settings → Video.
- Set Base (Canvas) Resolution to the intended composition size. If the scene is built around a 4K source or display, that may be 3840×2160.
- Set Output (Scaled) Resolution to 3840×2160 for 4K delivery. A smaller output saves workload and bandwidth, but it is no longer 4K output. Scaling a smaller source up to 3840×2160 does not add genuine detail.
- Set Common FPS Value to 60 if the intended output is 60fps. The source itself must contain 60 frames per second to provide native 60fps motion; an OBS setting cannot turn lower-frame-rate footage into 60 unique frames per second.
OBS cautions: “Note that 60-fps streaming can be very taxing on your system compared to 30-fps.” A 4K60 scene can strain decoding, rendering, and encoding even before network delivery is considered. The correct settings are the ones your source, hardware, and destination can sustain.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Choose recording quality, encoder, and container
These choices affect compression, file size, compatibility, and system load—not whether the Media Source repeats. OBS’s Standard Recording Output Guide describes four simple recording-quality presets:
| Preset | What OBS describes | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Same as stream | Uses the stream encoder settings | Convenient, but recording quality is tied to the streaming configuration. |
| High Quality | Targets high quality with medium file size | A practical starting point when file size matters. |
| Indistinguishable | Targets visually indistinguishable quality | Creates larger files and may affect weaker or older hardware. |
| Lossless | Uses the CPU encoder and produces extremely large files | OBS’s 2023 guide estimates around 7 GB per minute; this is an approximate guide figure, not a guaranteed size for every system or codec. |
For encoder-specific quality controls, OBS lists baseline ranges of NVENC constant QP 16–23, x264 CRF 16–23, AMD CQP 16–23, and Quick Sync ICQ 16–23. In these controls, lower values mean higher quality and larger files. Treat these as OBS baselines, not universal optimal settings for every 4K60 workload. The Advanced Recording Settings Guide has further encoder detail. Where a compatible hardware encoder is available, OBS recommends considering it for local recording; support varies by system.
Rank #2
- 【1080P 30FPS Full HD Recording】The HDMI capture card connects to your video source and computer, and captures high-definition video up to 1080p 60fps
- 【HDMI Video Capture】Based on high-speed USB 2.0 technology, you can capture a high-definition HDMI video and HDMI audio signal of a signal channel, sending audio and video signals to computers /pc. The gaming capture card is suitable for devices with HDMI output, such as devices for PS4, for Xbox one, for Wii U and for Switch
- 【Screen Sharing for Meetings】The video capture card is a fast, familiar and economical way to share content in conference rooms and online meetings. Connect to presentations without software, just connect to a laptop or tablet via HDMI to start sharing
- 【Plug and Play】This USB capture card does not need to install a driver, so you can use the built-in functions of the current software to get a seamless experience. Because the video capture device is compatible with most third-party software, it can be plug-and-play for Windows, for Ma OS X, and for Linux. The USB2.0 high-speed transmission port makes it easier for you to have real-time streaming for Twitch, for Youtube, for OBS, for Potplayer and for VLC
- 【Compact & Portable】The capture card is small size & easy to carry, convenient for outdoor and indoor live broadcasting. We provide 30 days no question asked money back and lifetime technical support, if you have any problem, please feel free to contact us
For local recording, OBS’s Video Format Guide recommends AV1, then HEVC, then H.264 for its stated high-quality recording recommendation, while emphasizing compatibility differences. H.264 is widely supported; HEVC can offer better quality at a given bitrate or file size but has more restrictive licensing and less web-streaming support; AV1 can improve on HEVC in quality per file size but has weaker editing-software support in the guide’s account. Check that your playback, upload, and editing applications support the codec before choosing it.
Container choice is separate from codec choice. OBS calls MKV its default and recommends it for most use cases because it is resilient if a recording is interrupted and can be remuxed; some editing software has weaker MKV support. Fragmented MP4 or MOV can offer broader compatibility while seeking resilience. Avoid conventional MP4 or MOV recording when an interrupted file must remain recoverable. None of these containers adds image detail.
Rank #3
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Check the result instead of trusting the preview
- Record a short sample with the intended scene, source, resolution, FPS, encoder, and container.
- Inspect the saved file’s actual resolution and frame rate, then watch motion for dropped or repeated-looking frames. The preview alone does not prove the saved file is 4K60.
- If it stutters, review the OBS log and test playback, recording, and network delivery separately before changing quality settings or buying hardware. OBS’s dropped frames and connection issues guide distinguishes network delivery problems from local rendering or encoding problems.
Why does my 4K video look blurry in OBS?
- Check the source file: Confirm its actual resolution is 3840×2160. A file labeled “4K” may not contain 4K image data, and OBS cannot restore detail that is absent or lost to compression.
- Check scaling: Confirm Output (Scaled) Resolution is 3840×2160 when 4K output is required. Avoid enlarging a source beyond its native dimensions if preserving detail is the priority.
- Check recording compression: A lower-quality preset or encoder setting can soften detail. Test a higher-quality setting and compare the saved files, while accounting for larger files and greater hardware demand.
- Check color range: Media Source has a YUV Color Range control, listed as Partial by default in OBS’s guide. Match it to the file and workflow; setting Full indiscriminately can make levels look wrong.
How do I stop a video from stuttering in OBS?
- Uneven motion or repeated frames: Verify the file’s frame rate and OBS’s Common FPS Value. Test the source and saved recording separately. A 60fps output setting does not create native 60fps motion from lower-frame-rate footage.
- Local playback, rendering, or recording stutter: Look for a CPU, GPU, decoding, rendering, or encoding bottleneck. Test hardware decoding if supported, and consider a compatible hardware encoder for recording. High-quality and lossless recording can increase file size and workload; 4K60 is demanding.
- Increasing dropped-frames counter while streaming: This points to network delivery: OBS says it means the connection to the streaming service is unstable or cannot keep up with the configured bitrate. It is different from a local media loop failing to decode or render smoothly.
- Clip stops instead of repeating: Reopen the Media Source properties and verify Loop. If using a VLC playlist, check its separate Loop Playlist setting and VLC installation.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep a pre-recorded video live on YouTube, StreamNeo is an alternative to leaving OBS running locally: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube only and plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed. UPI is available in India; cards are available worldwide. See StreamNeo, then start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
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