Screen recording, video compression and audio tracks

Showing a short action and editing microphone and computer audio separately require different setups. Decide on the recording format and audio tracks before capture, because mixed audio cannot simply be separated afterward.

Before choosing a task

  1. Choose the recording area, duration and sound sources, then compare the built-in recorder with OBS.
  2. Make a short recording and play it back to check video, microphone and computer audio.
  3. Check format and file size before distribution, keeping original material for future edits.

Compare the options

Comparisons · Microsoft's statement of the conditions for the Windows DVD Player app, VLC's list of supported input media, CyberLink PowerDVD 24's system requirements including the output restriction for AACS and CPRM playback, and Buffalo's stated operating environment for Ultra HD Blu-ray playback on its portable Blu-ray drives

What it takes to play a DVD or Blu-ray on a PC: what Windows leaves out, and what to check before buying

A retail disc that will not play in a drive you just plugged in is not a fault but how the products are specified. From four makers' own pages: what Windows does not include, what a free player's list does and does not name, and why Ultra HD Blu-ray requirements jump.

Read guide →
Comparisons · How to read NVIDIA's Video Encode and Decode Support Matrix (per-board NVENC support) and the Intel® Quick Sync Video field on Intel ARK

Before buying a GPU for streaming or recording: read the NVENC generation, count, session limit and AV1 column

Streaming and video export use the GPU's video encoder, not its 3D cores. NVIDIA publishes a per-board support matrix where AV1 support and the concurrent-session limit are written down. This guide explains the columns and shows what the Intel side does and does not tell you.

Read guide →

Choose an app

Follow the steps

Continue with a related task

Search all practical guides →