Hey all,

I'm looking for a way to input HD video via HDMI into my PC, and then play the video in a window real time. I don't need to record it - I just want to be able to play it on the monitor.

Does anyone have a hardware/software solution they'd recommend for this? I have searched the forums, but it's a hard thing to narrow down with search terms.

Thanks in advance!

You need a capture device.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_1?fst=p90x%3A1%2Cas%3Aoff&rh=n%3A6795230011%2Ck%3Ahd+video+capture&keywords=hd+video+capture&ie=UTF8&qid=1502486028&rnid=2941120011

Thank you, and I should have been more clear. I was pretty sure that I would end up with a device that doubles as a capture card, but I'm looking for a recommendation for a specific card based on a couple things:

1. I don't care how well it does at actually capturing, so long as it plays
2. It comes with software that allows playing video in a window without excessive overhead given to recording (as in, I don't want to open Premiere and play this in a Premiere capture window, I just want a separate stand alone window with the video playing)

I'm also, of course, open to having a capture card and third party software that plays it in a window, in which case I'm looking for a recommendation for the specific third party software.

Thanks again.

You can use VLC to view a capture device (Media > Open Capture Device.)

I recommend the Magewell capture cards since they require no drivers. They enumerate as a webcam.

Great tip on VLC! I didn't know you could use it there, but that solves a lot of problems, really.

The Magewell cards look relatively pricey. I might suck up the extra drivers for a couple hundred dollars ;).

Thanks for the input!

INOGENI makes a device for what you want to do: https://inogeni.com/4k-usb3-0/

Another from Magewell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N16ZM2M/ref=psdc_280341_t2_B01AQ7HQ62

Similar device from Epiphan:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1271171-REG/epiphan_esp1100_av_io_4k_usb_3_0.html

Here's a video demonstrating its use:
Epiphan Video 4K Video to USB Adapter Capture Stream or Record - HDMI SDI VGA DVI - YouTube

Great, thanks for those.

There is a device that's designed specifically to do what you want. No capture card needed and won't slow your computer down. Simply plug in hdmi cable and your good to go...

a TV

I got a 19" Insignia TV at Best Buy about a year ago, have been surprised how good it looks. Cost me $80.

a TV

Simple and cost effective, yes, but it does start to break down a little on the "input HD video via HDMI into my PC, and then play the video in a window real time" part. ;)