HD PVR Rocket: carry a personal HD video recorder in your pocket!

Record and stream your Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC game play in full 1080p HD!

HD PVR Rocket is portable and USB bus powered. Record your best game play at gaming events or at your friends home. Simply plug a USB thumb drive into the slot on the front of the Rocket and you can start recording from your games console or PC. Plug a microphone into the front of the Rocket and record your game commentary too!

HD PVR Rocket records video at up to 1080p and can record from either HDMI (without HDCP protection) or Component Video.

New! Now stream your gameplay with Twitch or YouTube with Hauppauge Capture and StreamEez!

Key Features

Pocket sized, stand alone video recorder. With built-in microphone mixer for recording game commentary
Record Xbox, PlayStation and PC games
Stream your video game play with Twitch or YouTube in the PC connect mode
USB powered for portable recording
Also supports PC connect mode for recording, streaming and uploading to YouTube

HD PVR Rocket Overview

Record your game commentary with Rocket's built-in audio mixer

HD PVR Rocket has a build-in audio mixer, so you can record game commentary while you record your video game play. Simply plug a microphone into the mic jack on the front of the Rocket, and then use the mixer panel (conveniently mounted on top of the Rocket) to adjust the volume of your microphone before it's mixed with your game audio. Your recordings will have the audio from your game along with your game commentary!

Record your videos to a USB thumb drive

When used stand alone, the Rocket records your videos to a USB thumb drive. Simply plug a thumb drive into the connector mounted on the front of the Rocket, plug the USB power cable into a USB port on your game console, and start recording!

Make your own YouTube channel and share your best game play with your friends

Once you have made your recordings, you can share them with your friends on YouTube. Make your own YouTube channel and get famous!

New! Now stream your game play with the Rocket

The latest version of Hauppauge Capture now provides streaming support for the Rocket with the best gaming services: Twitch and YouTube. Stream your game play live to hundreds or thousands of fans!

Amazing HD audio and video quality

HD PVR Rocket records at resolutions up to 1080P30 using H.264 video compression. The H.264 format is used by Blu-ray discs and exceeds other video compression standards in quality and disk space consumption, providing a crisp image and amazing digital sound. H.264 uses 1/3 the disk space compared with the popular MPEG-2 format.

Rocket can also be connected to your PC to make game recordings directly to your computer's disk

HD PVR Rocket also can be connected to your PC so your recordings can go directly to the disk drive inside your PC. Use the Hauppauge Capture application to record game play, trim your videos and upload them to YouTube.

HD PVR Rocket for PC gamers: your personal HD recorder for your game play

Record your best gaming moves without slowing down your PC. The video compression is done inside HD PVR Rocket so you can record your PC game play in HD without slowing down your PC. Simply plug the HDMI out from your PC gaming system into the HD PVR 2, and then connect HD PVR Rocket to your TV monitor.

Model numbers

model 01530: HD PVR Rocket special Best Buy edition

model 01540: HD PVR Rocket and English manual

Included in the box

HD PVR Rocket high definition H.264 personal video recorder, with USB 2.0 port for recording to thumb drives and a built-in microphone mixer. USB 2.0 or 3.0 bus powered
USB power cable, with ‘Y’ for connecting to game consoles or for PCs
2 meter HDMI cable to connect to your TV monitor
Component video cable with Hauppauge A/V adapter cable to connect to a PS3
Quick start guide

Specifications

Compatible with

Xbox One
Xbox 360
PS4 (with update from Sony)
PS3 (using Component video cable supplied with the HD PVR Rocket)
WiiU
PC game systems (requires HDMI output on your PC game system)
Some retro game consoles such as the Nintendo 64

Technical specifications

Hardware encoder:
- H.264 AVCHD high definition video encoder, video encode up to 1080p30 from HDMI or component video.
No delay HDMI pass through:
- HDMI or component in to HDMI out.
Recording data rate:
- 1 to 18 Mbits/sec.
Recording formats:
- MP4 in standalone mode, TS in PC connected mode.
USB thumb drive compatibility
- USB 2.0 or USB 3.0
- Size: from 1GB to 32GB
- Minimum transfer rate: 2.5 Mbytes/sec
- External hard disc compatibility: any self powered external storage drive ( up to 500GB ) with at least 2.5Mbytes/sec transfer rate
Audio mixer:
- Mixes game audio with microphone audio
- Supports both powered and unpowered microphones.
- Microphone volume adjust, +20db boost and mute.
Input/output connections:
- HDMI from Xbox, PC game systems or other HDMI sources without HDCP.
- Component video in from a PS3 with stereo audio.
- 3.5mm microphone jack.
- USB thumb drive connector.
- HDMI output.
Size:
- 4.75 inches x 3.5 inches x 1.5 inches.
Power:
- 5v @ 0.9 amps
Weight: 4.6 oz
Bundled with Hauppauge Capture software applicaiton:
- Record your game play to your PC.
- Record game commentary with game audio.
- Fast trim.
- Upload to YouTube.

Upgrade your HD PVR Rocket to the latest features with a firmware update

Features and improvements

There are no file size limits for recordings with NTFS formatted USB thumb drives. For example, if you insert a 16GB NTFS formatted USB thumb drive, you can record about 8 hours of video in one file
Rocket recordings are now compatible with the VLC media player
Audio processing improvements (your recordings will sound better)
Fixes flashing on some TV sets
This version now supports HDCP management. HDCP detection is disabled by default (this will ensure Xbox One game play can be recorded)
- To turn HDCP detect ON, PUSH and HOLD the record button for 5 seconds. The red record ring will flash twice.
- To turn HDCP detect back OFF, PUSH and HOLD the record button for 5 seconds and the red record ring will flash once.
Note: in either mode, you still cannot record video protected with HDCP.

Upgrade your Rocket from your PC

Firmware version 37

To upgrade your firmware

Click the Download button above (this is the Rocket Windows driver and latest Rocket firmware). Save to your PC (do not click Run).
Connect your Rocket to your PC using the BLACK USB power cable.
Run the downloaded file.
Click Install and the firmware upgrade will begin. Your Rocket will blink for a few seconds and then the firmware update will be complete
Click Finish

You can now either disconnect your Rocket and use it in the standalone mode, or you can continue to leave it connected to your PC and use Rocket with Hauppauge Capture.

Manual Rocket firmware update (from a USB thumb drive)

Firmware version .37

Updates in this version

This version has no limit on the size of recordings when using NTFS formatted flash drives. For example, if you insert a 16GB NTFS formatted USB thumb drive into the Rocket, you can make one recording for the entire thumb drive. Note: FAT32 formatted thumb drives will still make 4GB segmented recordings.

Installation instructions:

Turn the Rocket off by disconnecting the USB Power Cable
Download this file and unzip it to root directory of a USB thumb drive. There is one file: jedi.img
Connect the USB thumb drive to HD PVR Rocket
Reconnect USB Power Cable
The RED Record Ring will flash. This means the Rocket firmware upgrade is in progress.
Please wait until the RED Record Ring stops blinking (about 30 seconds). Then unplug/replug the USB Power Cable to complete the process

Hauppauge Capture

The new Hauppauge Capture application for the HD PVR Rocket
Record, trim and upload your game play
Now with Facecam recordings!

The new Hauppauge Capture application for the HD PVR Rocket
Record, trim and upload your game play

click to enlarge

Hauppauge Capture features:

Record and stream your game play with in-game chat with our microphone mixing feature
Simple and fast trim editor
Built-in YouTube upload
StreamEez for easy streaming
Simple to use video quality selector and scaling options

Hauppauge Capture version 33030

Version 33030
Date: January 30, 2014

Fixes a problem with USB microphones and the HD PVR Rocket
Improved video preview in StreamEez
Fixes a problem when using multi-track audio and high bitrates, where the audio becomes corrupt

Adds Facecam to recordings. To turn on the Facecam, go to the Settings tab and select your webcam in the Webcam drop down menu. On slower PCs (slower than an Intel i5), the 'Low resource mode' is turned on.

To install:

Click the download button and Save Hauppauge Capture to your PC (do not select 'Run')
Once Hauppauge Capture is downloaded, run the Hauppauge Capture installation
After installation, you will be asked to reboot your PC. Please reboot.
While rebooting your PC, if you have an HD PVR 2, remove the power plug from the back of the HD PVR 2 for a few seconds and then plug it back in. This resets the HD PVR 2.
Once your PC is rebooted, you will see the Hauppauge Capture icon on your Windows desktop. Run it. No other setup is needed.

New features in this version:

Facecam for your recordings. The Facecam settings are in the Settings tab: choose your webcam in the pulldown menu and Facecam will automatically be added to your recordings. You can also adjust the position and size of the Facecam
StreamEez support for the Rocket: stream with Twitch and YouTube
Record hotkey: Alt and the space bar starts and stops recording
Multi-track audio recording updates
Improved Export to MP4 function
Added game audio volume adjustment for the HD PVR Rocket
Now with multi-track audio recording. To turn on multi-track recording, click:
Advanced -> Audio encoder and select Use Multiple Audio tracks. Click OK and then close and reopen Hauppauge Capture.
Each of your audio sources will now be on a separate track, and can be edited in Sony Vegas. To check out the multi-track audio, we suggest you open your recording in the VLC media player and click on Audio -> Audio track and you can listen to track 1 (game), track 2 (microphone) or track 3 (PC audio).
Improved MP4 export function in the Edit tab
Reduced PC requirements for recording and playback

Manuals

HD PVR Rocket Quick Install Guide

Frequently asked questions

What is the HD PVR Rocket?

The HD PVR Rocket is a high definition H.264 portable video recorder. The Rocket can receive video from either HDMI or compenent video and will record up to 1080p30 onto an attached USB thumb drive. The Rocket is USB bus powered and can be powered by a USB port on your Xbox or Playstation game system. The Rocket has a built-in audio mixer which will take microphone audio and mix it with game audio so you can add game commentary to your game play recordings.

The Rocket can also be connected to a PC, which we call the 'PC connected mode'. In this mode, recordings are made to the hard disk inside your PC and the USB thumb drive is not used.

Do I need to connect the HD PVR Rocket to my PC to record?

No. The Rocket can be used either with or without a PC. When used standalone it records to a USB thumb drive which is plugged into the front of the Rocket. When connected to a PC, the Rocket records to your PCs hard disk drive.

How To Record Xbox 360 Game & Party Chat

1. Go to the Xbox Guide Menu
2. Go along to settings.
3. Select Voice.
4. Go down to voice output and select 'Play though both'. This will make the audio play out your TV and through your mic at the same time.

Depending on what game you are on, I highly recommend you turn down game volume as well as sometimes voice chat can't be heard because the game volume is too loud. However I guarantee that there will be a way to turn down your audio setting on whatever game you are on. Make sure you make it loud enough to hear, but quiet enough to make the voice chat clear and easy to hear.

How do I turn off HDCP on a PS4?

On the PS4, go to Settings: from the main user interface, push up on the DualShock 4 to reach the top-level of the system’s menu, and select the toolbox labelled ‘Settings’
Enter the System submenu: When the long list of options appears, scroll down to the icon named ‘System’ and select it
Turn off HDCP encryption: You’ll find another long list in Settings. Scroll down to ‘Enable HDCP’ and ensure that the box to the right of the label is not ticked. It will be enabled by default, so simply click on it to disable the irritating feature. If you have any applications open, the system will ask you to close them, so make sure that you’ve saved your game before completing this last step.

How do I turn off HDCP on an Xbox One?

The following information comes from the Xbox support site

Problem: Playing premium content on your console establishes an HDCP connection with your television. Some unintended video and sound behavior may occur if you plug in a DVR or home entertainment system while the console is turned on.

To resolve this problem, try the following solutions:

Restart your Xbox One console:
- Press the Xbox button on the console for ten seconds until the console turns off.
- Touch the Xbox button on the console again to turn it on.
- Try to play the content again.
If your Xbox One console is in instant-on power mode:
- Go to the Home screen.
- Press the Menu button on your controller and select Settings.
- Go to Power & startup, then Power options.
- Select Power mode and then select Save Energy.
- Turn off the console by holding the Xbox button.
- Turn on the console by pressing the Xbox button, and then try to play the content again.

What kind of webcam can I use to make Facecam videos?

Hauppauge Capture uses any webcam, either HD or standard definition, as long as it has a 'raw' YUV or YUY2 mode. MJPEG and other compressed formats are not used. Your webcam can be 4:3 or 16:9. Popular webcams include the Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 plus, if you have a laptop, the built-in webcam.

Hauppauge Capture chooses the most suitable video mode supported by your webcam. You can set the size of the video, and the format (4:3 or 16:9) in the Settings menu of Hauppauge Capture.

What types of video sources can I record?

The rocket can record any source with either component video out or HDMI without HDCP. Common examples: PS3, XBOX360, Xbox One, PC Graphics card, Cable or Satellite set top box.

What is the range of Resolution I can Capture with this device?

The Rocket records in all standard video resolutions: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p as well as several PC specific resolutions.

Using HDMI video, what is the highest Resolution/Frame Rate I can Capture with the Rocket?

The rocket can record up to 1080p at 30 frames per second.

Using Component Video, what is the highest Resolution/Frame Rate I can Capture with the Rocket?

The rocket can record up to 1080p at 30 frames per second.

Does the Rocket have No-Delay Passthrough?

Yes, the Rocket has a no delay pass-thru so you can see your game on your TV set and at the same time, record your game play.

What is the Red Button on the top of this device used for?

The red button is used to start and stop recordings while in standalone mode.

Where are my Recordings Saved?

While in standalone mode, recordings are aved on a USB flash drive which is plugged into the front of the Rocket.

When in the PC connected mode, recordings are saved to your PC's hard drive.

How long can my recordings be?

Recording length is only limited by the size of your USB thumb drive. For example, a 16Gb USB thumb drive can hold up to 4 hours of video.

*PLEASE NOTE*: When recording to a USB thumb drive, your recordings are formatted in 2Gb file "chunks".

Can I include my Headset's Microphone Audio in my Recordings?

Yes. When the Rocket is used stand alone, you can plug your microphone or your headset's microphone into the 'Mic input' jack on the front of the Rocket. Then you can use the mixer panel on the top of Rocket to adjust your audio volume. In the stand alone mode, the recordings made onto the USB thumb drive are in one audio track.

What is the highest Bit-Rate the Rocket can Record?

18Mbit/s

What do the Lights on the Rocket mean?

Blinking Blue - No Video
Blinking Red - No Thumb Drive
Blinking Green - HDCP
Solid Green - Ready to Record
Red Record Ring - Recording!

What Software should I use with the Rocket?

When used stand alone, the Rocket does not need any software to operate.

But the Rocket can also be connected to a PC so that you can record to the PC's disk drive. This is called 'PC connected mode of operation'. When PC connected, the Rocket works with our Hauppauge Capture software for recording and most third party editors for editing.

HD PVR Rocket Videos

The Hauppauge YouTube channel

An introduction to the HD PVR Rocket

How To Set up the Rocket

Record retro games with your HD PVR Rocket

How To Record In Game Voice Chat with the PS3

Another "Record retro games with your HD PVR Rocket"

Plug your headset or microphoneinto the HD PVR Rocket to record game commentary

The HD PVR Rocket allows you to record andstream without limits with your Xbox One or PS4