- Overview
- Features
- Model Number / Included
- System Requirements
- Firmware Update
- Hauppauge Capture
- Connection Diagrams
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HD PVR Rocket Overview
Carry an HD video recorder, small enough to fit in your pocket!
HD PVR Rocket is portable and USB bus powered. Record your best game play at gaming events or at your friends home. Simply plug a USB thumb drive into the slot on the front of the Rocket and you can start recording your game play from a PC game system, Sony PlayStation® 3 or 4, Wii U or Microsoft Xbox® One or 360.
Plug your headset or microphone
into the HD PVR Rocket to record game commentary
Click to enlarge
Record your game commentary with Rocket's built-in audio mixer
HD PVR Rocket has a build-in audio mixer, so you can record game commentary while you record your video game play. Simply plug a microphone into the mic jack on the front of the Rocket, and then use the mixer panel (conveniently mounted on top of the Rocket) to adjust the volume of your microphone before it's mixed with your game audio. Your recordings will have the audio from your game along with your game commentary!
Record your videos to a USB thumb drive or to an external USB disk drive
When used stand alone, the Rocket records your videos to a USB thumb drive or an external USB disk drive. Simply plug a thumb drive into the connector mounted on the front of the Rocket, plug the USB power cable into a USB port on your game console, and start recording. Or plug a self powered USB hard disk into the Rocket's USB port and record up to 2 terabytes (TB) of video!
Make your own YouTube channel and share your best game play with your friends
Once you have made your recordings, you can share them with your friends on YouTube. Make your own YouTube channel and get famous!
New! Now stream your game play with the Rocket
Hauppauge Capture provides hardware accelerated StreamEez support for the Rocket. Stream your game play with Twitch and YouTube. Stream your game play live to hundreds or thousands of fans!
Amazing HD audio and video quality
HD PVR Rocket records at resolutions up to 1080P30 or 720p60 using H.264 video compression. The H.264 format is used by Blu-ray discs and exceeds other video compression standards in quality and disk space consumption, providing a crisp image and amazing digital sound. H.264 uses 1/3 the disk space compared with the popular MPEG-2 format.
Rocket can also be connected to your PC to make game recordings directly to your computer's disk
HD PVR Rocket also can be connected to your PC so your recordings can go directly to the disk drive inside your PC. Use the Hauppauge Capture application to record game play, trim your videos and upload them to YouTube.
HD PVR Rocket for PC gamers: your personal HD recorder for your game play
Record your best gaming moves without slowing down your PC. The video compression is done inside HD PVR Rocket so you can record your PC game play in HD without slowing down your PC. Simply plug the HDMI out from your PC gaming system into the HD PVR 2, and then connect HD PVR Rocket to your TV monitor.
HD PVR Rocket
Carry a personal HD video recorder in your pocket!
Add game commentary to your
recordings with the built-in audio mixer
Click to enlarge
Record and stream your Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC game play in full 1080p HD!
HD PVR Rocket is portable and USB bus powered. Record your best game play at gaming events or at your friends home. Simply plug a USB thumb drive into the slot on the front of the Rocket and you can start recording from your games console or PC. Plug a microphone into the front of the Rocket and record your game commentary too!
HD PVR Rocket can also be connected to your PC. Record your gameplay to your PC's disk drive for unlimited storage. And when PC connected, you can use FaceCam to add your webcam to your gameplay recordings. And stream your gameplay with Twitch or YouTube.
HD PVR Rocket records video at up to 1080p and can record from either HDMI (without HDCP protection) or Component Video.
New! Stream your gameplay with Twitch or YouTube with Hauppauge Capture and StreamEez. StreamEez provides hardware accelerated streaming for the best results!
Key Features
- Pocket sized, USB powered HD video recorder
- Portable! Just plug in a USB thumb drive and start recording in HD!
- Record at 720p60 or 1080p30
- With built-in microphone mixer for recording your game commentary
- Also supports PC connect mode. Record, trim, upload and stream with Twitch and YouTube
- Works with Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4, the Wii U plus PC game systems
Model numbers
model 01535/01540: HD PVR Rocket and English manual
Included in the box
- HD PVR Rocket high definition H.264 personal video recorder, with USB 2.0 port for recording to thumb drives and a built-in microphone mixer. USB 2.0 or 3.0 bus powered
- USB power cable, with ‘Y’ for USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports
- 2 meter HDMI cable to connect your TV set
- Microphone with 3.5mm jack
- Component video cable with Hauppauge A/V adapter cable to connect to a PS3 or other component video source
- Quick installation guide
Bundled with Hauppauge Capture
- Hauppauge Capture application for Windows (software download)
- Record your game play to your PC. Add your webcam to your recordings with FaceCam!
- Record game commentary with game audio
- Fast trim
- Upload to YouTube
- Stream to Twitch and YouTube
HD PVR Rocket System requirements
Stand alone recording requirements
- For storing recordings: USB thumb drive (1GB to 64GB) or external USB self powered hard drive (up to 2 TB)
- USB bus power: USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, 5v 1a
PC connected requirements
- PC with 2.0 GHz processor or faster
- Microsoft® Windows® 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista or
- HD TV set with HDMI in (optional)
- USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
Technical specifications
- Hardware encoder
- H.264 AVCHD high definition video encoder, video encode to 1080p from HDMI or component video
- No lag HDMI pass through:
- HDMI or Component in to HDMI out
- Recording datarate: from 1 to 18 Mbits/sec
- Recording formats: MP4 in standalone mode, TS or MP4 in PC connected mode
- Audio mixer
- Game audio + microphone
- Microphone volume adjust, +20db boost and mute
- Input/output connections
- HDMI from Xbox, PC game systems or other HDMI sources without HDCP
- Component video in from Hauppauge AV cable (supplied) with red/green/blue RCA jacks plus left/right audio
- 3.5 mm microphone jack
- USB thumb drive connector
- HDMI output (no delay passthrough from HDMI or component video in)
- Size: 4.75 in wide x 3.5 in deep x 1.5 in high
- Power: 5v @ .9 amps
- Weight: 4.6 oz/130 gms
HD PVR Rocket Firmware Update
Are you using Component or composite video with the Rocket?
With component/composite video sources, firmware version 43 is required if you are running stand alone, but if you are running PC connected you can use either firmware .48 or .43
File name: hdpvrrocketfirmware_3_1_1_35_43.exe
USB thumb drive firmware
Firmware version .43 installation instructions:
Note: Make sure you have installed Hauppauge Capture before updating the firmware. And if you are powering the Rocket from a PC, plug in BOTH the red and black USB connections to assure adequate power during the firmware update.
- Click the Download button above (this is the Rocket Windows driver and latest Rocket firmware). Save to your PC (do not click Run).
- Connect your Rocket to your PC using the USB power cable
- Run the downloaded file
- Click Install and the firmware upgrade will begin. Your Rocket will blink for a few seconds and then the firmware update will be complete
- Click Finish
- After upgrade, the Rocket needs to be power cycled to complete firmware upgrade: unplug the Rockets USB cable, then plug it back in.
You can now either disconnect your Rocket and use it in the standalone mode, or you can continue to leave it connected to your PC and use Rocket with Hauppauge Capture. When you run Hauppauge Capture, you can make settings such as audio and video sources, bit rate and volume adjustments 'sticky' for use standalone.
Rocket firmware version 48 features:
- The microphone audio volume has been increased by 50%, fixing some problems with low microphone audio volume when recording standalone
- Adds support for recording stand alone from video sources without audio (such as medical devices)
- Adds support for HDMI video and LineIn audio (for use with the Hauppauge Chat Cable). You need to use Hauppauge Capture to set the input combination to HDMI video and LineIN audio. This setting will then be remembered in standalone mode.
- There are no file size limits for recordings with NTFS formatted USB thumb drives. For example, if you insert a 16GB NTFS formatted USB thumb drive, you can record about 8 hours of video in one file
- Rocket recordings are now compatible with the VLC media player
- Audio processing improvements (your recordings will sound better)
- Fixes flashing on some TV sets
- This version now supports HDCP management. HDCP detection is disabled by default (this will ensure Xbox One game play can be recorded)
To turn HDCP detect ON, PUSH and HOLD the record button for 5 seconds. The red record ring will flash twice.
To turn HDCP detect back OFF, PUSH and HOLD the record button for 5 seconds and the red record ring will flash once.
Note: in either mode, you still cannot record HDMI video protected with HDCP.
Firmware upgrade notes:
After upgrade, the Rocket needs to be power cycled to complete firmware upgrade: the Rocket USB cable must be unplugged and replugged.
Firmware version 48: upgrade your Rocket from your PC
File name: hdpvrrocketfirmware_3_1_1_35_48.exe
Installation instructions:
Note: Make sure you have installed Hauppauge Capture before updating the firmware. And plug in BOTH the red and black USB connections to assure adequate power during the firmware update.
- Click the Download button above (this is the Rocket Windows driver and latest Rocket firmware). Save to your PC (do not click Run).
- Connect your Rocket to your PC using the BLACK USB power cable.
- Run the downloaded file.
- Click Install and the firmware upgrade will begin. Your Rocket will blink for a few seconds and then the firmware update will be complete
- Click Finish
You can now either disconnect your Rocket and use it in the standalone mode, or you can continue to leave it connected to your PC and use Rocket with Hauppauge Capture.
Firmware version 48: upgrade the Rocket firmware from a USB thumb drive
File name: hdpvrrocket_3.1.1.35.48.zip
Installation instructions:
- Turn the Rocket off by disconnecting the USB Power Cable
- Download this file and unzip it to root directory of a USB thumb drive. There is one file: jedi.img
- Connect the USB thumb drive to HD PVR Rocket
- Reconnect USB Power Cable
- The RED Record Ring will flash. This means the Rocket firmware upgrade is in progress.
- Please wait until the RED Record Ring stops blinking (about 30 seconds). Then unplug/replug the USB Power Cable to complete the process
- Note: the jedi.img file is deleted from your USB thumb drive after the firmware upgrade
Hauppauge Capture for the HD PVR Rocket
Record, trim, upload and stream your game play
Hauppauge Capture for the Rocket
Click to enlarge
Hauppauge Capture for the Rocket features:
- Record HD video from the Rocket, with Skipback and adjustable audio and microphone volume and recording bitrate
- Includes Hauppauge's StreamEez: stream your game play with in-game chat with our microphone mixing feature
- Simple and fast trim editor
- Built-in YouTube upload
- Simple to use video quality selector and scaling options
- Mix microphone audio with your game to add commentary to your recordings and streams
- For Windows 10, 8 and 7
HD PVR Rocket Connection Diagrams
HD PVR Rocket PC connection
HD PVR Rocket PS4 connection
HDMI to Component video converter
Component video connection
for cable and satellite TV boxes
Composite video connection
for VCR and video cameras
Record your PC screen
HD PVR Rocket Manuals
What is the HD PVR Rocket?
The HD PVR Rocket is a high definition H.264 portable video recorder. The Rocket can receive video from either HDMI or compenent video and will record up to 1080p30 onto an attached USB thumb drive. The Rocket is USB bus powered and can be powered by a USB port on your Xbox or Playstation game system. The Rocket has a built-in audio mixer which will take microphone audio and mix it with game audio so you can add game commentary to your game play recordings.
The Rocket can also be connected to a PC, which we call the 'PC connected mode'. In this mode, recordings are made to the hard disk inside your PC and the USB thumb drive is not used.
Do I need to connect the HD PVR Rocket to my PC to record?
No. The Rocket can be used either with or without a PC. When used standalone it records to a USB thumb drive which is plugged into the front of the Rocket.
When connected to a PC, you can use Hauppauge Capture to record, upload and stream. Recordings are made to your PCs hard disk drive.
How can I change the recording bit rate in standalone mode?
You will need to install the Hauppauge Capture software on a PC with the Rocket connected to a USB port with the black end of the USB cable. Then open the Hauppauge Capture software and you can adjust the bit rate up or down using the bitrate slider. Any adjustments you make in the software will be saved when you exit the application and be applied to standalone mode.
How To Record Xbox 360 Game & Party Chat
- Go to the Xbox Guide Menu.
- Go along to settings.
- Select Voice.
- Go down to voice output and select 'Play though both'. This will make the audio play out your TV and through your mic at the same time.
Depending on what game you are on, I highly recommend you turn down game volume as well as sometimes voice chat can't be heard because the game volume is too loud. However I guarantee that there will be a way to turn down your audio setting on whatever game you are on. Make sure you make it loud enough to hear, but quiet enough to make the voice chat clear and easy to hear.
How do I turn off HDCP on a PS4?
- On the PS4, go to Settings: from the main user interface, push up on the DualShock 4 to reach the top-level of the system’s menu, and select the toolbox labelled ‘Settings’
- Enter the System submenu: When the long list of options appears, scroll down to the icon named ‘System’ and select it
- Turn off HDCP encryption: You’ll find another long list in Settings. Scroll down to ‘Enable HDCP’ and ensure that the box to the right of the label is not ticked. It will be enabled by default, so simply click on it to disable the irritating feature. If you have any applications open, the system will ask you to close them, so make sure that you’ve saved your game before completing this last step.
How do I turn off HDCP on an Xbox One?
The following information comes from the Xbox support site
Problem: Playing premium content on your console establishes an HDCP connection with your television. Some unintended video and sound behavior may occur if you plug in a DVR or home entertainment system while the console is turned on.
To resolve this problem, try the following solutions:
- Restart your Xbox One console:
- Press the Xbox button on the console for ten seconds until the console turns off.
- Touch the Xbox button on the console again to turn it on.
- Try to play the content again.
- If your Xbox One console is in instant-on power mode:
- Go to the Home screen.
- Press the Menu button on your controller and select Settings.
- Go to Power & startup, then Power options.
- Select Power mode and then select Save Energy.
- Turn off the console by holding the Xbox button.
- Turn on the console by pressing the Xbox button, and then try to play the content again.
What kind of webcam can I use to make Facecam videos
Hauppauge Capture uses any webcam, either HD or standard definition, as long as it has a 'raw' YUV or YUY2 mode. MJPEG and other compressed formats are not used. Your webcam can be 4:3 or 16:9. Popular webcams include the Microsoft Lifecam HD-3000 plus, if you have a laptop, the built-in webcam.
Hauppauge Capture chooses the most suitable video mode supported by your webcam. You can set the size of the video, and the format (4:3 or 16:9) in the Settings menu of Hauppauge Capture.
What types of video sources can I record?
The rocket can record any source with either component video out or HDMI without HDCP. Common examples are : Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, PC Graphics card, Cable or Satellite set top box (most times you would use Component video to record from a set top box).
What is the range of video resolution I can Capture?
The Rocket records in all standard video resolutions: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p as well as several PC specific resolutions. The upper end of the limit is 1080p30.
Using Component Video, what is the highest Resolution/Frame Rate I can Capture with the Rocket?
Using Component video, the rocket can record up to 1080p at 30 frames per second.
Does the Rocket have No-Delay Passthrough?
Yes, the Rocket has a no delay pass-thru so you can see your game on your TV set and at the same time, record your game play.
What is the Red Button on the top of this device used for?
The red button is used to start and stop recordings while in standalone mode.
Where are my Recordings Saved?
While in standalone mode, recordings are saved on a USB flash drive which is plugged into the front of the Rocket.
When in the PC connected mode, recordings are saved to your PC's hard drive.
How long can my recordings be?
In standalone mode, recording length is only limited by the size of your USB thumb drive. For example, a 32Gb USB thumb drive can hold up to 8 hours of video.
*PLEASE NOTE*: When recording to a USB thumb drive, unless the USB thumb drive is formatted as NTFS, your recordings are formatted in 2Gb file "chunks".
Can I include my headset's Microphone Audio in my Recordings?
Yes. When the Rocket is used stand alone, you can plug your microphone or your headset's microphone into the 'Mic input' jack on the front of the Rocket. Then you can use the mixer panel on the top of Rocket to adjust your audio volume. In the stand alone mode, the recordings made onto the USB thumb drive have mixed game and microphone audio.
What is the highest Bit-Rate the Rocket can Record?
18Mbit/s
What do the Lights on the Rocket mean?
When Rocket is stand alone, and recording to a USB thumb drive
Blinking Blue - No Video
Blinking Red - No Thumb Drive
Blinking Green - HDCP
Solid Green - Ready to Record
Red Record Ring - Recording!
When Rocket is PC connected, and recording to your PC's disk drive
Blinking Blue - Applying a new setting - wait until the light goes to green (see the note below if the Blue light does not stop blinking)
Solid Green - Ready to Record
Red Record Ring - Recording!
Note: if the Blue light comes on and does not go off, you might need to connect BOTH ends of the USB cable (the red and black ends) to two USB ports on your PC. A blinking Blue light which does not go away means there is not enough power from one USB port and you should plug the second, black USB connector, in.
What Software should I use with the Rocket?
When used stand alone, the Rocket does not need any software to operate.
But the Rocket can also be connected to a PC so that you can record to the PC's disk drive. This is called 'PC connected mode of operation'. When PC connected, the Rocket works with our Hauppauge Capture software for recording and most third party editors for editing.
Why does the supplied USB Cable have two Connectors on one end?
The red end of the USB cable is for power only: this is used when recording in standalone mode. The black end of the USB cable is used when operating in PC mode.
You can plug both the black and red ends into two USB ports, which will provide more power to the Rocket and is useful with certain low power USB ports.
What is the panel on the top of the Rocket used for?
This panel controls microphone settings. You can adjust the microphone audio volume, mute the microphone or add a +20db audio boost (used with unpowered microphones).
Can I record my TV shows with the Rocket?
Yes. If you have a cable TV or satellite TV set top box with component video outputs, you can connect it to the Rocket using the supplied Hauppauge A/V Cable set. When using component video, you must use Hauppauge Capture and select 'Component Video' for video, and 'AV In' for audio.
Does the Rocket come with a power supply?
No, the rocket is powered over USB. You can use a USB port on either your PC or game console. IF you are trying to record a source without a USB port, you can use a standard USB power adapter as long as it is rated at 5v 1amp.
Can I use the Rocket to Stream?
Yes. The latest version of Hauppauge Capture includes StreamEez, for streaming with the Rocket to Twich, YouTube and Ustream.
I am using the microphone for audio input, but I am not getting any audio in my recordings?
To record audio from the Microphone input jack, there also must be some audio coming from either the HDMI or Component Video connectors on the back of the Rocket.
If your HDMI source does not have audio but you would like to record audio from the Microphone as your only source of audio, here is a work around: in Hauppauge Capture, select the audio source as 'AV In'. Even though you don't have an audio source connected to the Hauppauge AV connector on the back of the Rocket, this will allow audio to come from the Microphone jack.
