NerdZap View | Browser HDMI Viewer

Mute

Technical Documentation

NerdZap View is a client-side browser utility designed to render raw video streams from UVC (USB Video Class) Capture Cards directly into the browser pipeline. Unlike traditional desktop software (OBS, Win10 Camera), this tool utilises the HTML5 MediaDevices API to request a direct hardware stream, minimising the input latency often introduced by software compositing layers.

System Requirements

Hardware: A USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card (MS2130/MS2131 chipset recommended for 60FPS). Note: Older MS2109 cards are limited to USB 2.0 speeds (MJPEG compression) and will have higher latency. 🛍️ View Recommended Capture Cards →

Browser: Chrome, Edge, or Brave (Chromium 90+). Firefox is not recommended as it lacks support for the uncompressed video constraints used by this tool.
OS: Windows 10/11, macOS (12+), Linux (Ubuntu/Arch), ChromeOS, or iPadOS 17+ (USB-C port required).

Troubleshooting Input Lag

If you experience delay ("mushy" controls) while playing your Switch or Steam Deck, check the following:

The "Blue Port" Rule: Ensure your capture card is plugged into a USB 3.0 port (usually Blue or Red). Black USB 2.0 ports lack the bandwidth for 1080p 60FPS uncompressed video.
Motion Smoothness: Verify your monitor refresh rate is set to 60Hz or higher. A 30Hz display signal will visually appear to lag even if the input is instant.
Hardware Acceleration (PC/Mac): If using a desktop browser, go to settings (chrome://settings/system) and ensure "Use graphics acceleration when available" is ENABLED. Note: This is enabled automatically on iPad and Chromebooks.

Video Tutorials

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📐 Resolution Cheat Sheet

Step 1: Select your screen shape in the NerdZap View toolbar (e.g. iPad, Chromebook).
Step 2: Set your input device (e.g. Switch, Steam Deck) to one of these matching resolutions.

NerdZap View Setting (Your Screen)

Input Setting (Console Resolution)

16:9

Standard Laptops & TVs

1920 x 1080 (1080p)

1280 x 720 (720p)

1600 x 900

16:10

MacBooks & Chromebooks

1920 x 1200

1680 x 1050

1280 x 800

3:2

iPad Mini & Surface

2160 x 1440

1440 x 960

720 x 480

10:7

iPad Pro 11" & Air

~ 2388 x 1668

Or use 3:2 Resolutions

4:3

iPad Pro 13" & Retro

1600 x 1200

1440 x 1080

1024 x 768

💡

Black Bars? Don't Panic.

If your capture card or console doesn't support the specific resolutions above, simply select 16:9 in NerdZap View and set your console to standard 1080p. You will have small black bars, but the image will be sharp and undistorted.

⚡ Privacy Note

NerdZap View operates entirely locally on your machine. The video feed travels from your USB port directly to your browser's video renderer. No video data is ever sent to a server, recorded, or analysed.

⚡ NerdZapView ⚡

A low-latency, browser-based viewer for your Switch, Steam Deck, or consoles. Play directly on your screen using a USB Capture Card.

💻 SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY

✅ Windows, Mac & Linux

✅ Chromebooks (ChromeOS)

✅ iPad (iPadOS 17+ with USB-C port)

❌ Android & iPhone (Not supported)

⚠️ HIGH LATENCY/LOW QUALITY?

To verify your optimal hardware config, you must select 1080p and 60 FPS.

Press 'S' or Triple-Tap the video to toggle Stats for Nerds.

⚡ UNCOMPRESSED:
Excellent! You are getting the fastest, raw video signal.

🐌 COMPRESSED:
This adds input lag. Check the following:

Wrong Port: Ensure you are plugged into a Blue USB 3.0 port (Black USB 2.0 is too slow).
Old Chipset: Cheap cards tend to use the MS2109 chip (fake USB 3.0). I recommend cards with the MS2130 or MS2131 chip (see my Amazon list).
Browser Settings: Ensure "Hardware Acceleration" is enabled in your browser settings.