Setting Up a Let’s Play, Week 1

Because those who know me in the real world know that when I do anything, it winds up as an adventure, I thought I’d chronicle this little set-up process and things that I’m learning along the way for anyone who might be interested. So this might not be a series that goes on forever, but I hope it entertains you while it lasts!

Also, I’ll eventually be talking about the different products that I’m using and take some pictures of the actual set-up, if you guys are interested in that.

You can check out our full journey here.

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Historical Background

I started batting this idea around in my head along time ago, and took my first baby steps into Let’s Playing in August, when I took the plunge, did some research, and purchased a game capture device. The plan was that I would use it triumphantly after completing my thesis in December.

So I started acquiring the various wires and bits needed to capture epic gameplay and post it on the interwebs. I was most excited for a microphone, which I’ve been wanting to purchase to record music with, so I had an “excuse” to really splurge with a cardiod condenser mic and some sweet phantom power.

Then I realized that my lovely CRT TV would need a little extra love and care to make this work, and so I set to work drawing diagrams as to how I could set up 21st century technology to a television that only has one coaxial input. Keep in mind this TV has a Wii, a PS3, a PS4, and a Nintendo64 all hooked into it, so I felt more than up for the challenge. My channel selector had been dying, so I purchased a new one and rewired my whole configuration. It would be easy to wire in one more device. So a few more wires later, and with the addition of an HDMI-to-RCA converter and HDMI splitter, I was ready!

And then I found out my thesis would be delayed. So I mournfully packed away my capture device – not even tempting myself with hooking it up – and hunkered down into my insane thesis-driven life.

But promises are promises, so I decided that I would continue trying to set up a Let’s Play in January. Another diagram and a few conversations with my friend BadgersAndBowties later, I circled a date in red ink and started to set it all up.

Which brings me to this week.

Current State of Affairs

My room looks like an insane spider wove a web of wires around it, and everything is working perfectly!

Except for the capture device.

Four and a half hours, a few rage-filled texts to a friend, 16 YouTube videos, and one phone call to customer service later, I find out that the device may be faulty. But wait. There’s more.

Because I purchased it so long ago (from Amazon), the window to return it has closed. And because I purchased through a third-party seller (even though it was labeled as “new”) I’m fairly certain the device isn’t under warranty.

One very polite email to the seller later, and I’m sitting here covered in wire-webs.

Lessons Learned This Week

• Hook up your new toys as soon as you get them, even if it means having to put them away too soon.

Like I mentioned, my goal for videos going up in January meant it would probably happen by March, so we’re right on schedule with that 😉

Am I crazy for continuing? Do you have any tips for me? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you soon!
~Athena

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