Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition Plus

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅03-07-13
Packaging and First Look

The exterior packaging of the HD PVR2 GE+ is fairly busy compared to the current fad for minimalism, with more space than normal given over to features, technical specifications and other marketing tweaks. Hauppauge have chosen to have quite a small package footprint, thereby reducing shelf space requirements and packing costs for shipping. Given that their PVR devices are seen on the shelves of many specialists PC brick-and-mortar retailers this shouldn’t be that surprising.



The front panel shows an exterior shot of the HD PVR2 GE+ with green recording/streaming LED enabled, although this is quite small compared to the jazzed-up gamer branding embodied by the robotic creature behind it. Obviously Hauppauge want it to pop out to gamers which is why it looks a little like a game title at first glance, but even so. Just in case the viewer wasn’t aware, the main function of the HD PVR2 GE+ is identified – game capture and streaming – whilst the latest platform updates are also outlined. In addition the Mac compatibility is highlighted prominently, which is perhaps a note more for the US market, where desktop Mac’s have greater market penetration.

Notice also the early shout-out to two of the most popular streaming platforms as well as Youtube. With streaming becoming so popular it pays to answer the important question of ‘can it do…’ early.



More detail is added to the rear of the packaging, where specific features are explained in more detail. The relatively priority of these features are interesting to note: Youtube upload and streaming are high, whereas the nuts and bolts capabilities such as no-delay passthrough are a little less prominence. The ArcSoft ShowBiz editing software gets only a passing mention, perhaps less noteworthy than personalised logo.

Nice to note are the images of the bundled cabling, allowing buyers to be aware in the unlikely event that additional are needed. Whilst not being the most exciting of panels, the rear does a comfortable job of relaying the most pertinent information and doesn’t overlook anything important.



The left side is where you will find all of the technical specifications and system requirements, and Hauppauge are refreshing upfront with both. The hardware video encoders capabilities aren’t shied away from, nor are the input/output connections; both of these are often-times hidden by manufacturers who wish to conceal certain inadequacies. Mac OS and hardware requirements aren’t identified, but this is probably an oversight.

It’s also important to note that Hauppauge state the HD PVR 2 will not record video from HDMI HDCP copy-protected sources. Although it most affects PS3’s right now, it could have a large impact depending on the output specifications of next-generation consoles.

Package Contents



Hauppauge have packed the contents securely within a fold out cardboard insert, ensuring that even if the out box becomes a little blemished in shipping the contents should arrived unharmed. Although it doesn’t provide a great deal of cushioning the contents are lightweight and robust in the main.

Included in this package

* HD PVR 2 GE Plus high definition H.264 personal video recorder, USB 2.0
* 6V 1.6 amp power supply
* USB cable
* 2 meter HDMI cable
* PlayStation 3 component video gaming cable with Hauppauge A/V adapter cable
* HD PVR 2 Installation CD-ROM
* Quick installation guide


Hauppuage have included an installation CD, but as with all good manufacturers Hauppauge also mirror the latest drivers and software on their website. The HD Capture software is updated regularly and so grabbing the latest version is generally the best idea; the ‘Prosumer’ class ArcSoft ShowBiz 3.5 video editing software relatively little behind the times as the software is now on its fifth major release.

So that’s out first look at the HD PVR 2 GE+ bundle, and it’s pretty impressive thus far. Plenty of cables for all your connectivity needs are provided out of the box, and the necessary software can be picked up from the official website. The ageing ArcSoft 3.5 editing software will be a disappointment to some, but given the retail value of the latest version is approaching $80 it’s perhaps not that surprising that a more up to date one isn’t made available.


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