# how to set up OBS for capturing external video

### FOR ANALOG VIDEO ON BREADBOARD STUDENTS

in the [foundations of analog video on breadboard](https://polyphaseportal.xyz/a-few-foundations-of-analog-video-on-breadboard/) class we are working with VGA analog video signals on breadboard. to display and capture the output from our breadboard the default method is to [convert VGA to HDMI](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003433149398.html) and then use a [USB HDMI capture card](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001599431974.html) to input this video to a computer

on the computer we will use a software called [OBS - Open Broadcaster Software](https://obsproject.com/) to display the incoming signal.

- download [obs](https://obsproject.com/) for your platform

[![image.png](https://wiki.polyphaseportal.xyz/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/scaled-1680-/0Emx0NiWcNdzXBAr-image.png)](https://wiki.polyphaseportal.xyz/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/0Emx0NiWcNdzXBAr-image.png)

- plug in one of your hdmi cables with one end into the *hdmi output on your computer* and the other end into your **USB\_VIDEO\_CAPTURE** -> then that *usb back into the computer*

[![image.png](https://wiki.polyphaseportal.xyz/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/scaled-1680-/tyhvAJ7c0aCq63Y7-image.png)](https://wiki.polyphaseportal.xyz/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/tyhvAJ7c0aCq63Y7-image.png)

- open the program and find the *sources* in bottom left of screen
- click **+** to add a new source with type **Video Capture Device** then click **ok** on *create/select source*
- now under the properties for *video capture device* you should see an option under device that says **USB VIDEO**
- you should be able to see your computer desktop on the input ! that means its working wahoo!

[![image.png](https://wiki.polyphaseportal.xyz/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/scaled-1680-/UedQcsu1fEVLhgs0-image.png)](https://wiki.polyphaseportal.xyz/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/UedQcsu1fEVLhgs0-image.png)

- if you see colour bars this mean it is finding the usb capture but not getting a signal on it - try unplugging and plugging in the hdmi at output end
- if you dont see the USB VIDEO device coming up this means it is not finding the capture device - try plugging it into another usb port and restarting obs