I believe he uses a Hauppauge. However, most of this is moot for his guides since most of them are Wii, which is not an HD capable system.
I'm going to state this before you get confused with quality and what is "HD"
Rendering in HD doesn't count, anyone can do it, you have to actually be recording in High Definition for us to actually count the guide, visually, to the naked eye, it is clear what was recorded in SD and what was recorded in HD.
I haven't looked at your work since your last application personally, nor do I have the time to right now, but if you're using a Dazzle, it isn't 720p. The Wii itself can't produce 720p, this is true, but, you'll have to use the 480p image and stretch it to a 720p image.
A dazzle however records in 480i not 480p, which isn't what we're looking for in quality. And if it isn't true 720p or at least "the best that can be possibly done." it is logically not accepted for the ballet, or at least, I always pay attention tot his rule, others may not, but it should be mandatory that they do.
For example, if I see a majority of the videos being captured (especially the latest ones.) with a Standard Definition device such as a Dazzle without any commentary, I automatically rate the video it's lowest, or close to, the lowest possible grading. People who apply with this do not read the rules through correctly.
Manage your content and be more specific, there is a difference between TRUE 720p/Best You Can Do 720p and FAKE HD. And fake HD, unless supplied with CONSTANT GOOD COMMENTARY is not accepted for director applications and will be voted poorly on. We have these rules for a reason, directorship is all about talent and being the best of the best, this is why the list is so small.
Originality (style, editing and commentary) go a long way in applications for Directorship, as well as that of video quality (Formats, playback, clarity, wither or not it's true HD) have the biggest impact on the application.
Skorch is correct. I currently use an HD PVR with my recordings. I do exactly what you say, record in 480p, and stretch to 720p. Now, my oldest walkthroughs, I didn't have a HD PVR, so I will re-do those, recording with my PVR. But my current walkthroughs, I've used emulators and component cables and recorded at 720p or higher. With my PS2 walkthrough (DDR), I have recorded with composite at 720x480, since the PS2 isn't an HD system either. But that was stretched to 1080x720 and rendered in 720p HD. I'm attempting to record a game off my X360 with component, so it will be true HD. But, I'm having problems with the Arcsoft software. Anyways, because the Wii isn't HD capable, I can't get my quality any higher, right?
Anything you say here has no bearing on the application. That's what your app statement is for.
Commentary is not required, but it's what we prefer. It won't affect you direly one way or the other.
Cranking out quantities of walkthroughs doesn't necessarily make it any better for you than taking the time to do longer ones.
Good, consistent quality, with keen attention to site demands (requests, popular titles missing, etc.) is what we like to have.
Oh, I know this isn't my application. I'm just asking directors' opinions before and if I apply right now. I can try and get a hold of some new releases and do those. I'm starting to do longer walkthroughs, I just got some shorter ones out of the way, because it was easy. I hope I'm keeping consistent quality, as I've been recording in true HD and rendering in HD for a while now.
Oh, and by the way, I really appreciate the feedback.
