The Tool Desk
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For a prerecorded SDR video playing in an OBS loop, use Rec. 709 for YouTube’s SDR output, keep the Media Source’s YUV Color Range matched to the actual file, and enable Loop on the source. Don’t switch on HDR simply because the stream runs for a long time: HDR requires HDR footage and a compatible end-to-end setup.
Recommended OBS settings for a prerecorded SDR loop
- Add the video: In OBS, add a Media Source, select the local video file, and enable Loop in its properties. Loop is a source setting: it makes the file replay when playback reaches the end.
- Use the SDR color target: Configure the YouTube Live output for Rec. 709 and 8-bit SDR. YouTube’s encoder guidance states, “Color space: Rec. 709 for SDR.”
- Check the source range: In the Media Source properties, inspect YUV Color Range. OBS documents Partial as the default. Match the setting to the actual file rather than changing it blindly; the right value depends on the source and cannot be inferred for every video or processing chain.
- Set the encoder for YouTube Live: Use CBR and a 2-second keyframe interval. YouTube recommends a 2-second keyframe frequency and says not to exceed 4 seconds. Select bitrate according to YouTube’s resolution and frame-rate guidance and the stability of your upload connection.
- Test the result: Check the source’s metadata when possible, then make a private or otherwise appropriate test stream. Look for crushed blacks, washed-out contrast, or unexpected color shifts. A global color-space setting does not necessarily correct a per-source range mismatch.
YouTube transcodes live streams into formats for viewers on different devices and network conditions. Your job is to send a correctly configured ingest signal; you do not set each viewer’s rendition yourself. See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions and the OBS Media Sources reference.
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SDR and HDR are different workflows
| Setting area | SDR loop | HDR stream |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Ordinary SDR prerecorded footage | HDR footage and a playback/source chain that preserves HDR |
| Color target | Rec. 709, 8-bit SDR | Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; YouTube recommends HLG |
| OBS and encoding requirements | Use an SDR-compatible output configuration | YouTube’s described setup requires OBS 30.1 or later, HEVC hardware encoding, and P010 |
| Viewer compatibility | Standard SDR viewing | HDR playback depends on a compatible device; viewers on unsupported devices receive SDR |
HDR is not a general “better color” switch for SDR footage. Enable it only when the video is genuinely HDR and the playback, color format, color space, encoder, and YouTube stream configuration all support the HDR path. Consult YouTube’s HDR live-streaming directions. OBS’s HDR guide includes a device list based on hardware support described in 2022; treat it as a dated tested list, not a complete current compatibility guarantee.
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Range mismatches: what to check
Color space and YUV range are separate settings. Rec. 709 identifies the SDR color target; the Media Source’s YUV Color Range setting controls how that selected source’s range is interpreted. OBS documents the control and its Partial default, but the correct setting for an unspecified file is not established by the default alone.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS | Capture Card for Streaming, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)
- 【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
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- 【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
- If blacks look crushed or the picture looks washed out, check the file’s range and the Media Source setting before changing unrelated global output options.
- Do not assume every file uses the same range or that one setting is correct for all video sources in a scene.
- Verify the result through a test output. YouTube processing and the full playback-to-encoder path can affect what you see, so a setting’s label by itself cannot guarantee the final appearance.
Keep the file and OBS setup reliable
OBS supports common video formats as Media Sources; if a file does not play, confirm that it is in a supported format and can be read locally. Looping only repeats playback: it does not by itself configure the YouTube stream or protect a computer-based broadcast from a power, software, or connection interruption.
If you are recording or repackaging the source, OBS recommends recording to MKV because it is more resilient to an ungraceful stop; OBS can remux recordings to MP4. Save encoder and output configuration in an OBS Profile. OBS stores scenes separately in Scene Collections, so preserve both when moving or backing up a setup. See the OBS recording formats guide and OBS Profiles reference.
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- 【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.
Troubleshooting common problems
- The video plays once and stops: Open the Media Source properties and turn on Loop.
- The stream looks washed out or too dark: Confirm the intended SDR target is Rec. 709, then check that the source’s YUV Color Range matches the file. Test the actual output rather than assuming a global setting fixes the source.
- YouTube rejects or struggles with the encoder signal: Check that the output uses CBR and the recommended 2-second keyframe interval (no more than 4 seconds), then review bitrate against YouTube’s guidance for the chosen resolution and frame rate and your available upload capacity.
- HDR looks wrong or is unavailable: Do not force HDR on SDR footage. For HDR, confirm the source is HDR and the complete setup meets YouTube’s requirements, including OBS 30.1 or later, HEVC hardware encoding, P010, and Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG.
- The file will not load: Check that the local file is readable and uses a format supported by OBS Media Sources.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps prerecorded videos live without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not broadcast from a camera.
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- Nothing has to stay on at home: playback runs from the cloud.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
Quick Recap
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Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device | Audio Video Capture, 4K HDMI Loop-Out, Work for PS5/PS4/Switch/Xbox/PC/Camera/OBS, Game Screen Recorder Streaming Equipment
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
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- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
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