HDMI Video Capture ( HDMI to USB ) Review

I recently purchased a HDMI Video Capture device. This is a generic device that you will find on Amazon on Ebay, probably in the $30 range - I got mine on Amazon from the seller “ZI YOUREN”, the link is at the end of this page.  I didn’t have a specific need for one, but it looked cool so I figured why not give it a try.

The device is very simple.  A small adapter with USB plug on one side, and HDMI socket on the other.  For whatever you connect via USB, that device will likely just see it as a webcam so you don’t need special drivers or anything.

Just in the first day I playing around with it, I was able to test the following:

- Connected to Windows 10 device, and used the camera app as a quick test to see if the video worked (which it did).
- Connected to an Android phone ( Samsung S9+ ).  Since my phone is USB-C, I used a USB-C dock and plugged this device into the dock.  I was able to see video, you do have to find software designed to view video from a USB webcam.
- Connected to a Chromebook.  Again, it seemed to register as a webcam and from there I was able to see video input.
- On the Windows PC, I set up OBS ( Open Broadcaster Software ).  Now, I have never used it before but the manual that came with it suggested this app.  It seems to be designed for people that do video streaming, but it allows recording as well.
- Used OBS to record, and stream (via Facebook live) some video using a Nintendo Switch as my input.

The only issue I noticed is sometimes, especially when first starting the capture, the video would get artifacts.  Now, I have no clue if it is the adapter, or something else like the software or just the fact I don’t have a powerful PC.  I did change one setting in Windows ( I think it was disabling the Game bar ) that may have helped address it, the video I recorded from the Switch looked pretty good.

Also there is a small amount of lag on the video, it wasn’t an issue with Animal Crossing but if you are going to play a fast paced game you may want to get a HDMI mirror device that will take 1 input and output to two HDMI devices ( a monitor and the capture device ).  To see a short sample of video I captured from Animal Crossing: New Horizons check out this link ( https://youtu.be/RuPB3_cEiTk ).

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Simple setup: You just plug it into the computer, and then hook it to your HDMI source.

Simple use: Your device just sees the input as a webcam.

Useful tool: This could have a wide range of uses for a variety of users.  You can take video from a wide range of devices - computers, gaming consoles, devices like a Raspberry Pi, cameras that have HDMI output really anything that can output HDMI video.  Once you have the video signal, you can record it, stream it, or probably use it in collaboration software.

Bottom line: Just based on these quick tests, it seems like a good budget level entry device into video capture.

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C7CSD2D/

CharJenPro Stingray - Switch Dock Review

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free, I was not asked or required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a CharJenPro Stingray for Nintendo Switch.  There was no requirement to do a review or post, but I think it is a neat little product so I figured I would share some thoughts and results from testing it out.

The device is pretty small, with just the adapter with a built-in USB-C cable.  Once you look at the device you can see why they went with the name Stingray (if you aren’t familiar with the shape of a stingray, google what a stingray looks like).  In addition to the cable with USB-C connector (that connects to the Switch) the device has the following ports:

- Ethernet
- HDMI (full size)
- USB-C for power
- USB 3.0 (Type A socket)
- USB 2.0 (Type A socket)

Red dots show the ports, you can see they are spaced out pretty well.
Left ports: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
Front ports: USB-C and HDMI
Right: Ethernet

To test it, I connected two different USB-C power adapters.  The directions clearly state to only use the original Nintendo Power Adapter or CharJenPro Power Adapter but the whole point of testing things is to see what happens.  One power adapter caused the white LED to blink ( which means it is not compatible ) and the other adapter I tested made the LED solid which seems to show it is working.

Make sure you put the Switch face down so the vents are not covered.

Nintendo Switch on a computer monitor (excuse the cable mess)

I had to use a HDMI to VGA adapter, so I could use a computer monitor I had setup.  Once I connected everything ( power, HDMI and Switch ) it turned on fine.  I was able to play games with no problems, no glitch in video or anything.

I also tested the Ethernet port, the device did pull a different IP address than it was using on wireless and seemed to work fine.  I used the built-in network connection and noticed the download speeds didn’t change much (they fluctuate up/down each test so I can’t really say which connection was faster).  I did noticed that the wifi upload test would give an error, but upload test on the Stingray Ethernet worked fine which I found interesting.

Since I like to test things, I had to test this adapter on two other devices with the following results:

- I tried to connect this to my Samsung S9+ to see if it would work with video out or trigger DeX mode, but it did not.  To be clear this is designed for Nintendo Switch so there was no reason for me to expect this to work.

- I connected the adapter to my Lenovo C330 Chromebook.  The HDMI video output worked, and the power worked to charge the Chromebook was using video out.  This gives it a neat second use, but remember the primary purpose of the adapter is for Nintendo Switch.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Compact: This is much easier to carry around than the original Switch dock for travel.

Ports: Despite the fact it is portable, it still gives you the same basic functionality as the original dock.  You can use it to play on TV.  You do lose one “Type A” USB port (the original dock has 3, this has 2) but you gain an Ethernet port.  The ports have good spacing between them in case you have a cable with a wider than normal plug.

Easy to use: The adapter is easy to use, and you can use the same cables (power, HDMI, and USB accessories) that you would use on the original dock.  No need to buy a special power adapter or HDMI cable just for this unit.

Bottom line: Neat little adapter to replace the factory dock for the Nintendo Switch that adds an Ethernet port.

CharJenPro Product Page: https://www.charjenpro.com/switchstingray
Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YSCQQX6/

Goodock USB-C to HDMI Adapter Review

I recently purchased a Goodock USB-C to HDMI adapter.  The package just included the adapter itself with no brand specific logo on the package or device.  The adapter has a USB-C plug/cable (for connecting to your phone), a HDMI port, a USB-A port and a USB-C port (for connecting power to the adapter which also charges the phone).

Adapter

Right to Left: USB-C Power, HDMI and USB-A

The adapter is marketed for specific devices such as the Nintendo Switch, Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus/Note 8, Macbook, ChromeBook, Dex Station.  The part that really caught my attention is the adapter was marketed as being able to put the Samsung S8/Note 8 into the DeX mode in addition to the normal screen mirroring of most HDMI adapters support.

USB-C to HDMI -> HDMI to VGA -> VGA monitor

As soon as I got the adapter, I started to play around with it.  I had a Samsung S9 Plus, a HDMI to VGA adapter, USB-C power supply and a Dell computer monitor that I used for my test setup.  Based on my initial tests here is what I noticed:

1) If you connect the adapter to the phone, but do not connect a USB-C power to the USB-C to HDMI adapter, it seems to only work in mirror mode.

2) Once you connect power to the USB-C to HDMI adapter, it goes into DeX mode.

3) If you do not connect a USB mouse, the phone screen will turn into a pad that you can use to control the mouse.  Once you connect a mouse, the screen just goes dark.  For my test setup, I used a USB keyboard (that has two built-in USB ports) and a wireless mouse (receiver plugged into the ports of the USB keyboard).

4) There were a few random disconnects but they were very quick.  I am not 100% sure I can blame it on the USB-C to HDMI adapter, since I also have a HDMI > VGA adapter in my setup, but I never had this issue using the same HDMI > VGA adapter with my Raspberry Pi so it was probably the USB-C to HDMI adapter.

The DeX mode is pretty cool.  I am not going to go into all the expected features, because you can probably find other websites / reviews with details or just read the Samsung info ( http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-dex/ ).  I will share a few high level things I noticed so far using DeX:

Some of the applications seem to open in a window that basically looks like it would on your phone, but others (such as Chrome) allow you to resize the window.  Using Chrome on DeX was very similar to using Chrome on a computer.  I also liked the fact you can have multiple windows open - for example Chrome and another application.  Using Google Play Movies, I was able to put a movie on full screen.  I did run into a few application that would not run at all, but none were apps I felt that I would have missed - and of course they are still usable on the phone when you leave DeX mode.

While you are in DeX mode, the device is still works as a phone.  I was able to receive and send text messages, and answered a test call just fine.  If most of your computer apps are web based or available in Android, I think DeX is a great way to leverage the power of your existing smartphone.  I wrote this blog post in DeX mode, and really after using it for a while you just feel like it is a normal computer.

At the end of the day, I don't know if I will find DeX mode to be useful or just a neat gimmick but either way the Goodock adapter is much cheaper than the official Samsung options and is a great way to play around with the capability.  Even if you don't like DeX mode, the adapter supports screen mirroring.

Bottom line: If you are interested in playing with DeX mode, then this Goodock adapter is a great low cost option.  Just keep in mind, you may see random disconnects.

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074ZP5Q51

Choetech USB Type-C to HDMI Cable Review (Model XCH-1201BK)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free in a giveaway. I was not required to write a review, but I chose to do so since the product aligns with my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a Choetech USB Type-C to HDMI Cable Review (model XCH-1201BK) in an online giveaway.  The company Choetech has many different adapters, so make sure you look at the various options to determine which works for your intended use.

Carrying case

Cable and open carrying case

The cable itself came in a nifty little round case that has enough space to hold another small cable or maybe a memory card making it a useful carrying case.  The cable itself has a USB-C plug on one side, and a HDMI connector on the other side.  You can read all the details on the company or Amazon page ( links at the end of this post ) but here are some key points:

- Supports 4K @ 60Hz resolution
- Support DP Alt Mode ( NOT MHL or Slimport, make sure your device is compatible )
- Does not charge your device while playing video, but Choetech does have other adapters with that option

To test the cable, I connected it to my HDMI TV and my Samsung S9 Plus.  The video immediately came up on the TV, then I proceeded to test multiple video applications:

- Google Play Movies
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Crackle
- Movies Anywhere
- Hulu
- Tubi TV
- PUGB Mobile

All the applications displayed on the TV with no problem.  I didn't get any error messages or warnings from the movie apps.  I don't remember the exact adapter, but I know that in the past I would run into issues using HDMI adapters ( MHL or Slimport I can't remember which ) because certain applications would not output video.  I think this was some sort of security related feature, so I was happy to see that this Choetech adapter worked just fine.

I plan to continue testing the adapter, including watching a full movie or multiple TV episodes to see if I run into any issues and will update my review as necessary.

Here are the main points I noticed about the adapter:

Built-in HDMI connector: You don't have to carry around a bunch of extra cables, just this one adapter that can plug into the HDMI input that most TVs / projectors have.  I do have a HDMI to VGA adapter (for a computer monitor) that had a male HDMI connector so I couldn't plug it into this cable, so depending on your scenario you may want to consider other Choetech options.

Angled connector: If you are going to use this with a smartphone, the connector will help keep the cable out of the way if you are holding the phone.  It should also help keep the plug tidy coming out of a laptop since you can run it along the side of the laptop instead of just sticking out.

Easy to use: On the Samsung S9 Plus there was no special software or configuration required, it worked as soon as I plugged it in.

Bottom line: Great USB-C to HDMI option to consider, and if this isn't exactly the right one for you Choetech has other options.

Choetech Product Page: https://www.choetech.com/product/usb-c-to-hdmi-nylon-braided-cable-4k-60hz.html
Amazon Product Page: http://a.co/4yy2Nbg

Inateck USB-C Wall Charger Review (Model UCC1004)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck USB-C wall charger ( model UCC1004 ) for a product review.  In addition to the wall charger itself, the package came with a long ( approx 6ft ) USB-C to USB-C cable.

Charger and USB-C cable

The wall charger itself was much larger than my factory Samsung S9 Plus charger.  The larger size makes sense because the Inateck charger supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) at a max of 60W for a range of voltages (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V) up to 3A.

Folding plug

For my first test, I used the charger on a 26800 mAh battery pack that was at 2 of 4 LEDs charge level.  After about 3 hours, the unit was fully charged.  Using the stock Samsung S9 Plus charger on the same battery pack was much slower.

I also tried the charger on my Samsung S9 Plus, and compared it to the factory charger.  Here are the numbers I came up with:
- Inateck charger.  Charged from 49% to 98% in 55 minutes.  Approx 53% per hour.
- Samsung S9 Plus factory charger.  Charged from 60% to 100% in 61 minutes.  Approx 39% per hour.

Based on both tests above, it seems clear that this charger can provide faster charging over factory chargers that normally come with your smartphone.

Left: Stock S9 Plus charger
Right: Inateck charger

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Travel friendly: Charger has a folding power plug, making it travel friendly.

Long cable: The charger comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable that is approx 6ft long.

Device support: Support USB PD 3.0, up to 60W so it can work in devices like laptops / tablets that require more power than a standard wall jack.

Bottom line: If you have a device that requires USB PD this is a great charger to consider, but even devices that don't require PD could potentially benefit from the charger.

Inateck Product Page: https://www.inateck.com/inateck-ucc1004-black.html
Amazon Product Page: http://a.co/b17Td7o