How to Screen Record H.264 (MP4), Even with GPU Acceleration

There are many H.264 screen recorders that enable you to screen record H.264 video at high quality and fast speed on computer.

H.264 video, especially that’s in MP4 format, is the most widely used video type for file documentation, sharing, storing and streaming thanks to its advanced encoding tech and gorgeous playback compatibility. That makes it the first choice for screencasting on computer desktop still, either from the perspective of screen recorder developer or common video creator.

Through investigation, we found that H.264 MP4 is the default video configuration of 95% screen recording software. Even some adopt any other file format like WebM, H,264, also known as x264, is still the encoding method. Then “how to screen record H.264 video“ thing seems to be a piece of cake. Theoretically it is, however, the details matter a lot more.

What May Impact Your H.264 Screen Recording?

● Encoding Method
There are generally two kinds of encoding ways – software encoding and hardware encoding.

As their names suggest, software encoding means the video processing takes place in software with its internal encoder like H264, while hardware encoding, on the contrary, happens on qualified GPU, say from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia.

What’re the differences between them? One one hand, hardware encoding has much higher encoding speed than software one. But in order to gain the benefit of it, the machine should at at least a middle- or hign-end rig. If your PC is quite low-end or out-dated, you are possibly have no opportunity to utilize it. On the other hand, although software encoding lags behind on efficiency, it usually supports more encoders and formats (not merely the H.264 MP4 or so), outputs higher-quality clip and owns better stability, especially when it comes to the desktop app.

● Screen Recorder Type
Since there are multiple types of screen recording programs – online (launcher), plug-in, and desktop, they must have diverse feature combinations, performances, file saving & sharing schemes. Only the slick yet easy-to-handle ones could be the first choices of general video producers, newbies in especial.

Best H.264 Screen Recorder Software of 2020

1. Media Express from Blackmagicdesign
This is a powerful and frame accurate screen recording software for Windows and macOS, wich which you can not only capture H.264 on desktop, but also play the file back and manage them at your own way. However, as an app that’s included with pro-level H.264 Pro Recorder, a capture card similar thing which is able to accept external video signals and encoding the into H.264 video from HDMI, SDI, analog component and more, you have to purchase this advanced H.264 Pro Recorder tool to enjoy the attached Media Express free of charge.

Many industry professionals choose Blackmagicdesign products as their perfect assistant to maintain either old or new programming media into mainstream file format like H.264 MP4. If you are one of those senior users, this $395 Pro is worth a shot.

2. RecMaster Screen Recorder
In view of that most common users only need a video recording utility to grab the activity or content coming from computer itself for further usage, here we recommend RecMaster desktop screen recorder to create H.264 MP4 screencast at will easily. No matter your goal is to capture game sessions, save online streaming, make video presentation, work out software demo/how-to video, or just document certain on-screen operation.

How to Screen Record H.264 Video on Windows/Mac?

Taking entry-level yet feature-packed shareware RecMaster as the target H.264 screen recorder, the following part shows how it produces H.264 video in a streamlined process. Now you can free download it and set it up on your PC to standby.

Step 1. Launch RecMaster and Prepare for the Recording
You’re suggested to open up RecMaster first, and then run the desired app, gameplay, web page or other things you’d like to capture.

Step 2. Set for the Recording
From recording mode to video parameter settings, audio source to more other options for effects, saving folder and recording time, you can define the section & audio source to record, customize the output format at a preferred level, apply webcam overlay into screen, add mouse cursor/watermark effect into video, and also decide when to start the mission.

Currently, all video formats available on RecMaster are based on H.264 codec, which is also called AVC, MPEG-4 Part 10, or MPEG-4 AVC. So, just pick the video format, frame rate and quality as you which and then move on to the next step.

Note: To enable hardware encoding for H.264 video on Mac, you should click “Settings” and navigate to the bottom to tick the “GPU acceleration” option.

Step 3. Start and stop the recording
After you’ve finished the settings, begin the recording by pressing REC button or related hotkeys on keyboard. Then it’s time to display the event to have RecMaster turn it into H.264 video at the same time. During the recording, you are empowered to do real-time annotation if you are tend to make informing, training or alike movies. When everything is done, hit the button or use shortcuts to end recording and load the file into a list.

Step 4. Edit and Share (Optional)
RecMaster has in-app editor for you to do quick edits like cutting unnecessary parts off, and also give you access to one-click uploading to YouTube and Google Drive. If the editor can’t meet your video polishing demands, please seek help for the dedicated video editor like VSDC, Openshot, Lightwords etc.

Bottom Line

That’s all about the two H.264 screen recorders for beginner and advanced users respectively, along with a detailed instruction on how to screen record H.264 video on Windows or Mac with RecMaster – a pure desktop application for shooting computer action or sound. If your PC doesn’t have good configuration, RecMaster only lets you enjoy the H.264 software encoding. If not, you are able to turn on the GPU hardware acceleration for a faster and smoother capture with less or no lags at all.

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