Newbe

[kwangkaos]

Just recently started out in this field I've got two Epson projectors an emp50 and an emp52 I carry two Dell latitude PIII laptops a Sony PC 120e digi cam and a scart switch wich I use to toggle betwwen the three signals I mostly use Arkaos which I run on my main lt and run win media player on the other to make any changes on Arkaos. I'm interested in obtaining some kind of visual mixer but have never come accross any and am wondering whether it would make any defference to the performance I give at the moment? Lastly are there any other recomendations for my setup? p.s I'm just using plain white sheets which I saple onto walls to project onto

TA
Peace:)

[LEVLHED]

yes, a mixer would be my next aquisition if I were blessed w/ such a setup:) Its a little hard to understand the true potential of adding a mixer until you get your hands on one.

I don't think I understand how you're using your laptops, though...the WMP bit..are you running windows media player out of one lappy into the other? You mean the audio part or the video part of WMP?
Also, the camera you're using as a live feed? like with shots of the dancefloor or the DJs?

With a video mixer, you could be doing things like running two VJ apps (one on each lappy) and BLENDING them together on the video mixer into one whacked-out composite...or, blending the VJ app w/ the camera feed...of course just doing the 'ol mixing btwn sources to the beat....a mixer with 4 inputs would let you add a "backup" VCR on one channel that has a pre-mixed tape running...
I found a video mixer really helped me open up and get creative to make original content too...oh, another cool thing to do w/ two lappys, running one VJ app (like Arkaos) into the other as the live feed/video-in (like on Resolume)...

before you ask for mixer recommendations, be sure to check out the hardware reviews on www.vjcentral.com but don't be afraid to ask questions!

plain white sheets are fine to start with...in my opinion, a video mixer is one of the most essential bits of VJ kit...

[kwangkaos]

Thank you for your comments, just to clarify a few point at the moment I only have the luxury of utilising one channel I use the WMP visual facilities, however I've just recently purchased Arkaos license of which I have three so I'm planning of using two Arkoas sessions to implement in my performance. The camera is a live feed as mentioned, I use a scart switch console with three input feeds 2 X lappies and camera, is there a budjet mixer I could use in the meantime without shelling out too much cash as I 've spent too much already this year.........maybe something from ARGOS ??
If I were to go for a different projecting material what would you suggest.

Thanking you agin for your input

Arkaos:D

[murph]

sounds like you have quite the setup for a newbie!

I'd definitely recommend getting a mixer, dunno about what kind of budget you have, but getting say an MX12 will run you about US$500. A composite-only MX10 is even cheaper, like US$250-300. The MX20 and MX30 will run you US$600-1000, and the 50 can usually be had for about US$2000-2500. The 50 rocks the boat. I'd like to have a 30, but can't afford it at the moment, I have a 20, and if I could do the luma mod a 12 could be really cool too. For now, I'd recommend the 12, with a couple switchers to change which input is going into each channel.

[MoRpH]

I agree a mixer should be your next purchase. Also though I would check out the other softwares available as the field is CONSTANTLY evolving (I still keep my eye on it which recently made me change app after using the same one for 3 years). So don't let Arkaos rest on its laurels, download and trial....... you might find something you like more :) (I guess it would have been nice to get this message to you b4 you just spent money on 3 arkaos licences....... oh well :p)

[kwangkaos]

thanks again for all your input I will certainly now go and sort myself out with a vis mixer. one last thing the material you should project onto any suggestions apart from white sheets??

Cheers:p

[LEVLHED]

well, if money isn't a concern, the DaLite Fast Fold screen systems are pretty sweet.
Otherwise many vidiots make screens out of different white materials...i.e. spandex, polypropelyne, I've used parachute nylon, etc...

[murph]

there's a guy from the uk in the backstage section looking to sell screens made for VJs, look like they'd be even easier than the fast folds and much much cheaper.