Elgato Stream Deck promises a smoother streaming experience

By Danny Cowan Updated January 8, 2021

elgato stream deck revealed elgatostreamdeck

Video capture hardware manufacturer Elgato has unveiled the Elgato Stream Deck, a live-stream-focused desktop keypad that maps common stream functions to customizable LED buttons.

The Stream Deck is designed to take the guesswork out of streaming, as tools like Open Broadcaster Software often hide key functionality behind layers of menus and customization options. Elgato’s solution eliminates the need for streamers to struggle with software, as the Stream Deck promises full control over stream content via a tactile interface.

Elgato previously produced the Elgato Systems Game Capture HD, a device that allows gamers to capture and stream live gameplay footage from modern consoles. The company later introduced the Elgato HD60, which bumps video quality up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, making it the capture card of choice for many streamers.

Though applications like Open Broadcaster Software and Elgato’s own Game Capture HD are designed to assist with live-streaming gameplay footage, their complex interfaces often leave novice streamers stumped when problems arise. Elgato hopes to address this issue with its Stream Deck, which maps many aspects of the live-stream experience to physical keys in a seamless, easy-to-understand interface.

Promising compatibility with “Elgato Game Capture, OBS, Twitch, Twitter, TipeeeStream and more,” the Elgato Stream Deck allows streamers to instantly access features like scene switching and media playback with the push of a single LED button. These buttons can be further tweaked by assigning custom functions and labels suited to any streamer’s personal style.

“One-touch, tactile operation lets you switch scenes, launch media, adjust audio, and more, while visual feedback confirms your every command,” Elgato said. “Traditionally this level of control was exclusive to mainstream entertainment broadcasters. Now, it’s at your fingertips.”

Elgato continues: “Customizing Stream deck is effortless. Simply drag and drop actions onto keys, and you’re good to go. Likewise, drag and hold one key over another to create a folder. Better yet, assign your keys custom icons to make them completely your own.”

The Elgato Stream Deck launches on May 15 at a suggested retail price of $150.

Topics

Contributor

Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…

Gaming

Another one! Amazon could announce game-streaming service in 2020

green gaming report us gamers global warming climate change

Google Stadia just launched this week, and the game-streaming service has already been criticized for a poor game selection, sub-par performance, questionable pricing and business practices, and even for killing Chromecast Ultra units. These issues appear to be no worry to Amazon, however, as it appears the retail and tech behemoth is preparing to announce its own competing service in 2020.

CNET reported this week that Amazon will announce a game-streaming service next year, and that it has already begun recruiting staff from other major technology companies as it moves toward launch. Unsurprisingly, the plan is for the unnamed service to integrate with Twitch streaming and other Amazon services. Google heavily implemented YouTube into Stadia, with options to start a game from a streamer's save state or jump into their multiplayer session right from a stream. Neither of these features is available at launch, however.

Gaming

Ninja’s new streaming deal has been a mixed bag for Mixer and Twitch, data shows

fortnite ninja espn the magazine cover

Two months ago, famous streamer Ninja left Twitch for the Microsoft-owned Mixer. He cited various reasons for the switch, including his desire to get back in touch with his roots. Following his move, Streamlabs and Newzoo have compiled a series of reports and data showcasing how much the streamer has impacted both Mixer and Twitch.

Although Microsoft managed to secure one of the most popular streamers on the internet right now, Mixer has seen a decrease in a few metrics. The platform's average concurrent viewership (CCV) is down by 11.7% compared to its previous quarter. Fortunately, Mixer has seen an increase in both gamings hours streamed and unique channels. Within the last quarter, the platform has seen its number of distinct channels double.

Gaming

How to revive dead companions in Baldur’s Gate 3

Withers offering services to the player in Baldur's Gate 3.

You're given a good bit of leeway during battles in Baldur's Gate 3 before you or a companion actually bites the dust for good. While in battle, if a teammate does take enough damage to drop, they aren't dead then and there. Instead, they will be downed with a chance to roll every turn to get back up. If they roll successfully three times, the battle ends, or you use another character to pick them up, they're good. If they fail that roll three times, however, they will be completely dead. That can be harsh when you've become attached to certain characters and want to further their stories, so you'll be looking for any way you can to bring them back. Thankfully you do have a few options for reviving companions in Baldur's Gate 3, but just like respeccing, they aren't so obvious.
Pay Withers to bring them back

Withers is a friendly undead you can find in a secret room in the Dank Crypt found inside the Overgrown Ruins. After finding and speaking to him in his sarcophagus, he will offer you various services, one of which is bringing back any dead companions. He won't do this out of the kindness of his heart (probably because it isn't beating) and will charge you a heavy fine of 200 gold to do so. Still, that's a small price to pay to bring back a beloved character. Once paid, that character will appear in your camp where they would normally be, so there's no need to go back to their corpse and find them.
Use a scroll of Revivfy or learn it