Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For sending a local prerecorded video to YouTube Live, Wirecast is the better-documented fit. The Wirecast 16 user guide for Windows explains how to add a media file as a shot and set it to loop when playback ends. Larix Broadcaster is documented as a mobile live-capture encoder; the official Larix materials reviewed do not document selecting a prerecorded file or creating a playlist. That is a limit of the available documentation, not proof that no workaround exists in any Larix version.
Which app fits prerecorded video?
Choose Wirecast if you need to play a video file from a Windows computer into YouTube Live and want the clip to repeat. Telestream’s Wirecast 16 User Guide for Windows documents local media-file shots and a Loop end behavior. Telestream also documents choosing YouTube as an output destination in its YouTube streaming workflow.
Choose Larix Broadcaster for its documented use case: capturing and streaming a live phone feed. Softvelum’s Larix documentation covers YouTube publishing setup, including connection settings and video-plus-audio mode. The reviewed Larix materials do not establish prerecorded-file playback or playlist controls.
| Need | Larix Broadcaster | Wirecast |
|---|---|---|
| Stream a live phone-camera feed | Documented mobile capture and live-streaming use case. | Desktop production software; not the phone-camera app described in the Larix guidance. |
| Use a local prerecorded video | Not documented in the reviewed official Larix materials. | Wirecast 16 for Windows documents adding a local media file as a shot. |
| Repeat one clip | Not established by the reviewed Larix materials. | The guide documents Loop as a media file’s end behavior. |
| Publish to YouTube Live | Softvelum provides YouTube publishing setup guidance. | Telestream documents YouTube as an output destination. |
This comparison is based on vendor and YouTube documentation, not hands-on testing. The Wirecast file-playback details below are specifically for the Windows version 16 guide; do not assume every label or behavior is identical on macOS or in another release.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
How to play and loop a video with Wirecast
- Prepare the YouTube live event. In YouTube Studio, create or open the live event and obtain its stream settings, following YouTube’s current encoder setup guidance. Account eligibility and the live interface can change, so use the current YouTube instructions for your account.
- Load the video in Wirecast. In Wirecast 16 for Windows, import or browse to the local media file, then add it as a media-file shot. The guide describes these controls in its media-file workflow.
- Set the clip’s ending behavior. Open the media file’s When Finished setting and choose Loop if you want that clip to start over at the end. The Telestream guide states: “Loop causes the media to begin playing again.” Other documented choices include Hold and Remove.
- Connect Wirecast to YouTube. Configure YouTube under Output Settings, following Telestream’s Wirecast-to-YouTube instructions. Use the event’s stream settings as directed; do not expose your stream key.
- Check the complete signal path before going live. Confirm the file plays and repeats as intended, audio is present and in sync, framing is suitable, and the correct event and output are selected. These are prudent preflight checks, not claims of tested compatibility. A file that fails to decode or has unexpected audio or framing needs attention before you start the public stream.
- Start the output and monitor the event. Confirm YouTube receives the feed and that the live event is showing the intended video before relying on it. Keep the computer and Wirecast available while using this desktop workflow.
Can Larix Broadcaster play a prerecorded file?
The official Larix material reviewed documents a mobile app workflow for live capture and YouTube publishing, not selecting a stored video or setting up a playlist. YouTube’s encoder help lists Larix in the context of mobile live streaming, while its listing of Wirecast Go identifies a separate iOS mobile production app; neither listing establishes prerecorded-file playout in Larix. Accordingly, Larix is not the documented choice for this particular job. A screen-capture workaround or a feature in another version is not ruled out, but the cited documentation does not verify one.
For a live phone contribution, Softvelum’s YouTube setup guidance describes configuring the connection settings and using video-plus-audio mode with a suitable bitrate. Follow the current YouTube requirements and Softvelum instructions for the app version you have; this is a camera-stream setup, not a method for choosing a video file.
Rank #2
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Looping one clip is not the same as a playlist
The Wirecast 16 Windows guide establishes how to add a media file as a shot and what to do when that file finishes. It does not, on the evidence cited here, justify promising unattended sequencing of multiple files. If you need a specific playlist order or continuous multi-file schedule, verify that behavior in the installed Wirecast edition and version before building the event around it.
Common problems and what to check
- The prerecorded file is not available as a Larix source: the reviewed Larix setup documentation does not describe file selection. Use the documented Wirecast media-file shot workflow for a local file, or verify any proposed workaround in your exact app version.
- The clip stops instead of restarting: check the media file’s When Finished option in Wirecast and set it to Loop.
- YouTube does not receive the Wirecast feed: verify that YouTube is selected in Wirecast’s output settings and that the event’s stream settings are correct. Re-check YouTube’s current encoder instructions if its interface or account requirements differ.
- Video arrives without sound, or framing is wrong: inspect the source file and Wirecast shot/output configuration, then preview the received feed before going live. No particular media file, computer, or configuration is guaranteed compatible by the documentation cited here.
- You plan to leave a stream unattended: desktop playback depends on the computer and software remaining available. If the event must continue without a home computer running, consider a cloud service instead of treating a local looping shot as unattended infrastructure.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video live on YouTube without leaving a computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud keeps the uploaded video looping, so nothing has to stay on at home. It plays uploads to YouTube only, not a live camera feed. Each slot uses one flat price for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, without re-encoding or quality tiers; it includes 10 GB storage per slot (pooled across active slots), 24/7 looping and playlists, and automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Rank #3
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
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.
