Windows 7: what video capture card would i need to make machinima on windows 7 os

like the title states i keep hearing about how i need a video capture card to make machinimas from game play i record from my xbox 360, however i havent a clue how i go about looking for this or if it is even necessary for windows 7 os laptops (i dont have desktop) so any and all info would help, from what i already found out there are 2 types USB and internal hardware inserts and installations available but the rest is a mystery to me so if anyone has information on this i could use it for sure.

I also do not know of a way without the use of a capture device.

USB Video Capture Devices, USB Video Capture Cards, USB 2.0 Video Capture at TigerDirect.com

Fortunately there is a rather significant array of these devices available that use usb to connect to the computer.

Unfortunately I have no personal experience with any of them, so you'll have to wait on some more input for suggestions.