Computers, graphics cards, video mixers and advice

[johnnypalmer]

Hi guys,

I run a pro audio, lighting, conferencing and travelling discotheque company based in Bristol, England, UK.

I have just acquired a projector (CP- s860) and am planning on getting into VJing / visuals.

My first job is this wednesday where I am going to run a few winamp visuals on a 6' x 8' screen.


I know this is pretty basic, and I want to learn how to do things properly, professionally and impressively.

Where do I look? Are there FAQs?

On top of this gear, what else do I need?

If I upgrade my computer to something amazing, can I just use that? Do I need a video mixer?

Thanx loads for your help - if anyone needs help with pro audio, or lighting (inc intelligent), please feel free to ask me in return.

thanx again!!

[Ollie]

Where do I look? Are there FAQs?

look no further...

your here mate, vjcentral or vjforums is the place to figure stuff out and be inspired.

On top of this gear, what else do I need?

many different trains of thought on this one, really depends what your trying to achive, and from the sounds of it you don't even know that yourself!!!
if you just wanna add some eyecandy to the rest of what you do then i would'nt suggest spending anymore money until you know for sure where your going with it.
VJing is'nt about just getting some kit, getting someone elses software, and banging it all together in any old fashion. VJing takes passion, dedication, inspiration and most of all time. If you hang around here enough you will know what i mean, most of us live and die vjing.
so if your really into the sound aspect but want to add vjing as extra then one option is to use like you said Winamp onto your projector, but be realistic not only is it crap, unoriginal, and someone elses work, but any moronic Tom Dick or Harry can do that in his bedroom and figure it all out in about 1/2 an hour.
so imo haveing thousands of pounds of projector for showing winamp only is a big NO NO.
or this is just the beginging for you and your really intrested, and have ideas as to what you would like to see on the big screen, and also have lots of time and patience to figure it all out so that at the end of the day it is your vision on the screen. in which case your in the right place completly, be prepared to put the social life on hold for a bit whilst you get your self sorted, but this place is full of all the answers and directions, and at the end of the day it will be fully worth it.

If I upgrade my computer to something amazing, can I just use that? Do I need a video mixer?

doesn't matter what computer or any other hardware youve got, its about whats in your head, anyone can spend a fortune on the most bad ass equipment, but what good is that if they don't know how to use it, or have the insperation to get anything out of it.
stick with what youve got for now, get a feel for it, start creating, and if you have ideas and demands that your machine can't handle then yeah maybe buy a more powerful one.

most importantly remember that using Winamp is not Vjing, if thats what you wanna use then fine, but pls don;t promote winamp style vjing, its not good for the rest of us.

maybe your best option would be just to hire a vj, you sound like you have a set up and business going your way, surely it could be easier to just employ someone in who's efforts are purley palced on the visulas, and not some jack of all trades but master at none, if you know what i mean.

peace and good luck

Ollie

[Rovastar]

Originally posted by MysticalFish

Winamp onto your projector, but be realistic not only is it crap, unoriginal, and someone elses work, but any moronic Tom Dick or Harry can do that in his bedroom and figure it all out in about 1/2 an hour.
so imo haveing thousands of pounds of projector for showing winamp only is a big NO NO.

.,,......but pls don;t promote winamp style vjing, its not good for the rest of us.


:) If only it took half an hour to write good stuff for them. :);)

Yeap you have sussed me out I have only spent half an hour over the last 2 years or so on this stuff. :)

.....
Read through the many starting VJ software threads.

Ummh maybe we need a sticky about this so we can point every there will a complete list of stuff.

VJcentral.com has a list of software of everything (although they are all reviewed with 4 or 5 stars :) ) It is horses for courses no-one can tell you what you want it is like telling you what instument you should play. :)

Download a few and try them out but as said before it is not always easy and there is no magic bullet it requires passion. :)

If you are using the WA stuff then maybe make sure the stuff you use you are allowed to use it for a public performance. :) Get a low latancy plug-in to improve responsiveness. See the WA forums.
If you can feed through a mixer with other stuff on the other machine.

But really try and get a VJ first see what they do. Book someone they all have there own styles and they will know what they are doing (or should do. :) ) Then you will know what you want.

Welcome and enjoy

[Ollie]

sorry rovastar i did'nt mean the development of WA, just the use of it :)

but i'm sure you knew that.

and i do reckon that WA/milkdrop does produce some very cool impressive stuff, but i don't feel it should be the only thing used in a perfomance. :sad:

[Rovastar]

:) I knew what you meant it was just funny seeing how you put it. :)

Obviously you need new stuff and extra to keep things orginal.