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This week, Astro Gaming gets ready for Black Ops III with a new headset while Elgato helps PC live streamers get started
Astro A40 Headset + MixAmp Pro TR Astro Edition
Astro Gaming has bolstered its range of TR headsets with a new peripheral suitable for shooter fans wanting to play Call of Duty online.
The new Astro A40 TR headset and MixAmp Pro TR features expanded user customisation options, letting players tweak the device to suit their environment and play style.
Chief among these is the ability to transform the A40 TR from an open-back headset to a closed-back noise-cancelling variation. This can be achieved by utilising separately-available Astro Mod Kit components such as speaker tags, microphones and ear cushions.
The noise-cancelling version of the device is suitable for players at tournaments, allowing them to eliminate outside noise and focus on the audio of the game and their teammates’ chatter.
Livestreamers will also find helpful elements in the A40’s design.
The included MixAmp Pro TR has been re-engineered with all digital components to reduce lag and interference when audio such as gameplay commentary and in-game chat over the internet.
This is supplemented by the included Astro Command Center software, which allows each input and output parameter of the MixAmp to be customised to suit users’ preferences.
To highlight the product’s suitability for pro-gaming, all of Astro’s TR products have been announced as the official equipment of Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and are used by Call of Duty eSports teams such as Optic Gaming and Team Envyus.
The A40 is available for PS4 and Xbox One, in black and white colour schemes, respectively.
RRP: 199.99
Release Date: Out Now
Distributor: Lime Distribution
Contact: 01622 845 161
Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro
Elgato has expanded its range of gameplay recording devices with a capture card built just for PC.
Unlike the firm’s other capture devices, the Game Capture HD60 Pro is built around a PCIe interface, meaning it can only be used with a desktop computer. The interface allows users to capture live streaming gameplay in high quality with almost no latency.
A H.264 hardware encoder chip is included, enabling players to simultaneously save a full resolution 1080p60 video file at up to 60Mbps while also live streaming, meaning they can upload the content to services such as YouTube immediately afterwards.
The new additions aren’t all hardware-related. The new Instant Gameview software feature provides a preview screen with low latency, meaning streamers can keep their webcam reactions and audio commentary in sync with gameplay.
This is included as part of the Game Capture 3.0, which also features the Stream Command editor. This introduces support for webpage overlays and chroma key, letting users create their own custom-made streams.
RRP: 159.95
Release Date: Out Now
Distributor: Tech Data
Contact: 01256 788 000
