The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA S (GC553Pro) supports 4K60 HDR/VRR pass-through, but that does not mean it records 4K60 HDR. AVerMedia lists capture up to 2160p60 without HDR; its listed HDR capture modes top out at 1440p30 or 1080p60. The card also supports RGB24, with an important macOS limitation: AVerMedia says neither RGB24 nor HDR capture is available on macOS.
Does the GC553Pro capture 4K60 HDR?
No. AVerMedia lists 2160p60 as a maximum capture mode, but its HDR capture modes are lower: 1440p30 or 1080p60. The 4K60 HDR specification refers to pass-through, which sends the video signal onward to a display while the card captures a separate output.
| Use | AVerMedia-listed maximum | HDR/VRR qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Pass-through | 2160p60, 1440p144, or 1080p240 | AVerMedia lists HDR and VRR support at these modes. |
| Capture, without HDR | 2160p60, 1440p144, or 1080p240 | These are capture modes, not a promise of HDR recording at those rates. |
| HDR capture | 1440p30 or 1080p60 | AVerMedia does not list 2160p60 HDR capture. |
| VRR recording | 1440p60, 1080p120, or 1080p240 | AVerMedia says to use Streaming Center for VRR recording; the software is listed for Windows only. |
These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. In particular, “4K60 HDR” is accurate as a pass-through description, but inaccurate if presented as the card’s HDR recording limit. AVerMedia’s GC553Pro specifications distinguish the pass-through, capture, HDR capture, and VRR recording modes.
What do RGB24 and P010 mean here?
AVerMedia lists RGB24 and P010 (HDR) among the supported video formats, alongside YUY2, NV12, and MJPEG. Its 2025-02-12 datasheet describes 4K60 capture and RGB24 as uncompressed video. Format support alone does not guarantee that every format works in every operating system or recording application.
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#1 Best Overall
- 4K Capture Card for Gaming: Seamlessly capture and stream with PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch gameplay to Discord in 1080p or stunning 4K resolution. Perfect for Twitch, YouTube, and video streaming with OBS Studio and Streamlabs.
- 4K60 HDR and VRR Passthrough: Play at up to 4K60, 1440p144 or 1080p240 with HDR and VRR passthrough while recording for smooth gameplay on supported displays.
- VRR Recording and Ultrawide Support: Record VRR up to 1440p60 or 1080p240 with Streaming Center, plus 3440x1440 and 2560x1080 input support for 21:9 gaming.
- 5.1 Audio and OBS Workflow: Capture 5.1-channel audio on Windows with Streaming Center or Streaming Center Plug for OBS through the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connection.
- Console, PC, Mac and iPad Support: Capture unencrypted HDMI from PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 or PC using Windows 10/11, macOS 13/14+ or iPadOS 17+.
For Mac users, the product page explicitly says HDR capture and RGB24 are unavailable on macOS. That statement addresses those two features; it does not establish complete compatibility details for every Mac, including each Apple silicon generation. Check the intended application and operating-system requirements before relying on a specific workflow.
What does the GC553Pro connect to?
The card uses USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C at 5 Gbps for its computer connection, with HDMI 2.0 for video and audio input and output. AVerMedia lists supported input resolutions from 480p through 2160p, including ultrawide 3440×1440 and 2560×1080 modes.
Rank #2
- 4K144 Capture on Windows: Record up to 4K144 MJPEG with AVerMedia Streaming Center on supported Windows PCs; macOS capture supports up to 4K60, with HDR capture available on Windows
- High-Refresh HDMI 2.1 Passthrough: Play up to 4K144 HDR/VRR, 1440p240 or 1080p360 on compatible displays; monitors using DSC may limit 4K passthrough to 4K120
- USB-C 10Gbps for Console and PC Capture: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connects to Windows, Mac or iPad for capturing PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC gameplay
- Party Chat and 5.1 Audio: Dual 3.5 mm four-pole ports capture headset and gamepad audio; 5.1-channel audio support is available for compatible Windows workflows
- OBS and Streaming Center Ready: Use with OBS Studio through the AVerMedia plugin or Streaming Center for recording and streaming; RGB supports Windows Dynamic Lighting
Audio support is listed as up to 5.1 channels, with an LPCM limitation: LPCM is stereo (2.0-channel) only. The maximum video mode does not by itself determine the audio format; check the source, software, and connection setup for the audio configuration you need.
What software and cables are included?
AVerMedia lists Assist Central Pro, Streaming Center (Windows only), Streaming Center Plug (an OBS plugin), and a firmware update tool among its supported software. The user guide’s box contents include the capture card, an HDMI 2.0 cable, a Type-C-to-Type-A cable, and a quick start guide. Those included cables mean they are not automatically extra purchases, though a different cable or connection may be needed for a particular setup.
Rank #3
- 4K60 HDR Pass-Through and 1080p60 Capture: Play on a compatible display at up to 4K60 HDR while recording or streaming at Full HD 1080p60. HDR applies to pass-through; captured video is up to 1080p60 SDR.
- High-Refresh, Ultra-Low-Latency Gameplay: HDMI 2.0 pass-through supports up to 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR, helping fast gameplay stay smooth and responsive while USB 3.0 Type-C sends video to your capture system.
- Broad Console and Camera Compatibility: Capture HDMI video from PS5 and PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PCs, DSLR cameras, and camcorders. Use compatible Windows or macOS computers and USB-C iPads running iPadOS 17 or later.
- Easy Streaming Software Support: Driver-free operation helps new creators start quickly. Record or stream using OBS, Camo Studio, or AVerMedia Streaming Center on Windows, with support for platforms including YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and Facebook.
- Made in Taiwan with FCC Compliance: Proudly manufactured in Taiwan by AVerMedia and tested to comply with FCC Part 15 Class B limits. Built for dependable everyday streaming, with a compact outer shell made from 60% post-consumer recycled plastic.
For a basic setup, connect the gaming source to the card’s HDMI input, connect the card to the computer over USB, and connect the display to HDMI output if you want pass-through. Then select the capture device and an available mode in compatible software. Available options can depend on operating system, software, source signal, and whether you are aiming for HDR or VRR recording.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider the Live Gamer ULTRA S?
The GC553Pro’s headline modes suit a setup that needs high-refresh or 4K HDR pass-through and can accept a lower resolution or frame rate for HDR capture. It is also worth considering for non-HDR capture up to the manufacturer-listed 2160p60 mode, subject to the software and system requirements of the chosen workflow.
Rank #4
- 4K60 HDR Pass-Through: Record stunning 4K30 gameplay while enjoying high refresh rate pass-through up to 1080p240. Supports VRR pass-through at 1440p120 or 1080p120 for a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
- Ultra-Low Latency Gaming Capture Card: Stream and record your gameplay with near-instant responsiveness on Twitch, YouTube, and OBS. Enjoy perfectly synced audio and video for a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No extra drivers or external power needed—just set up and start capturing. Fully compatible with top third-party platforms like OBS and Twitch. Supports Windows 10/11, Mac 13/14, and iPadOS 17 or later.
- Wide Compatibility: This HDMI capture card is perfect as live streaming equipment, supporting PS5/Pro, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S for seamless streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and OBS Studio.
- 3.5mm Audio In & Out: Connect your headset or mic directly to the USB capture card to capture game chat and commentary with ease—no extra software required. Perfect for live streaming, recording, and engaging with your audience.
- Good fit: You want 4K60 HDR/VRR pass-through, or high-refresh pass-through, while recording separately.
- Check the limit first: You require 4K60 HDR recording; that is not among AVerMedia’s listed capture modes.
- Mac caveat: Your workflow depends on HDR capture or RGB24, both of which AVerMedia says are unavailable on macOS.
- Windows software condition: You need Streaming Center for VRR recording; AVerMedia lists that application as Windows-only.
AVerMedia’s specifications establish the device’s stated capabilities, but they are not a substitute for confirming compatibility with a particular console or PC, operating system, and capture application. The product page and user guide are the most relevant references for the exact setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Level up your gameplay with support for refresh rates up to 240Hz
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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