Setting Up Automated Scheduled Recording
Configure automatic recording schedules for lecture capture, surveillance, and unattended operation.
The Solution
Use OBS advanced scene switching, FFmpeg command-line scripts, or dedicated recording software to automate capture on a schedule.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Option 1 - OBS Advanced Scene Switcher plugin: Install from OBS Plugin marketplace
Configure Time trigger: Set start/stop times for recording
Option 2 - Windows Task Scheduler + FFmpeg:
Create FFmpeg batch script: ffmpeg -f dshow -i video='Magewell USB Capture' -t 3600 output.mp4
Schedule in Task Scheduler: Create Basic Task > Set trigger time
Option 3 - Magewell Capture Express: Built-in scheduled recording feature
Set recording duration limits to prevent storage overflow
Configure storage location on fast SSD with adequate space
Test schedule before relying on it for critical recordings
Pro Tips
- Calculate storage: 1080p60 H.264 at 20Mbps = ~9GB per hour
- Auto-delete old recordings when storage hits 80% capacity
- Use RAID or NAS for long-term unattended recording reliability
- UPS (battery backup) prevents recording loss during power outages
- Email/webhook alerts on recording start/stop for monitoring
Related Guides
Optimizing Capture Quality for 4K60 Workflows
Complete optimization guide for 4K60 HDR capture including system requirements, encoding settings, and storage configuration.
Advanced Custom EDID Configuration
Deep dive into EDID configuration for problematic sources, custom resolutions, and professional workflows.
Setting Up Multi-Camera Production Workflows
Configure professional multi-camera setups using multiple Magewell devices for live production, events, and studio work.
Using Hardware Scaling and Cropping Features
Configure hardware-based video scaling, cropping, and aspect ratio conversion for optimal capture quality.