Need software suggestions from experienced VJ!

[hq]

Hello All,

I happened on this forum by chance, and I am hoping that someone can help me with picking a software package based on what I need to do. I recently became part of a group that runs a youth center, and part of that consists of live shows from various youth bands in the community. I have taken over the computer aspects of the show, and am wanting to change some things. As part of the computer involvement in the center, they currently are using winamp plugins on one of the computers for sound reactive visualizations. While this is decent for what we are using it for, I am wanting to have more control over the effects and more options. I am also wanting to be able to do some simple video overlay and manipulation if possible, but I am not sure what software package would be best suited. Someone suggested Aestesis, but I was wanting to get suggestions from people more knowledgable than me on these matters. Please let me know of any suggestions you might have for me! Please keep in mind that I am not real knowledgable in these matters yet, and that we are a non-profit organization, so cost will probably be a factor. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Dave

P.S. Sorry about the extremely long post. :D

[eXhale]

Hi, welcome here :)

If you want to do visuals similar to Winamp but with more control and more features (including videos), check out VisualJockey (www.visualjockey.com), it may be what you want. This is not a free software but it's not too expensive either... There is a full review here (www.vjcentral.com/show/263).

[wellREDman]

not to run visualjockey down but it does have a steep learning curve, if you are after something more accessible in a straight outa the box way then both resolume and flowmotion are very easy to pick up

[eniac]

give XYNth a try - released the first public pre-alpha today!

A arning curve is non existent, but it still requires skillz to really drive it well... kinda like a hybrid between a video-game and a musical instument ;)

xynth.net (http://xynth.net)

Itincludes a live captured (NOT sequenced) session I performed immediately following 14 hours of mind-melt in order to finish the demo this weekend.... in other words, as wasted and tired as I was, I still pulled the included live set out of my ass, on the fly :)


nJOY!!!

[hq]

I read that VisualJockey doesn't support dual monitors, which I would prefer. I may be asking for too much in one program, but what I need put into one sentence would be: A program that supports dual screen, imported and possibly live video overlay, several different audio responsive visualizations, ability to change between effects on the fly, and the ability to customize it to a degree would be preferable. Am I looking for something that doesn't exist, or is there a package that can do all this? Thanks!

[krezrock]

max/msp
http://www.cycling74.com

nato.0+55 (educational licenses available)
http://eusocial.com

auvi objects for nato.0+55
http://auv-i.de

it would be great to teach and learn with the students.

[videotechno]

maybe also check out FUSE by rhythmic circle. you can download it from audiovisualizers & by a reg. code for it ($100) if it does the trick.

it's not going to be a fully automated source for visuals [like a winamp plug would provide], but there are 2 banks of effects that are triggered by audio. [1 set controls how an image/clip/live feed moves around over a back layer; another set overlays basic FX over the combined layers; another you manipulate without audio responsive stuff]
-rick

[sleepytom]

we've been using VJamm + VJamm Pro 2 for workshops quite allot

there very good for video clip triggering / realtime compositing but it won't do any sound responsive stuff - they are AV clip players though so you can integrate the video clips audio into the performance.

VJamm is very easy to use and extremely stable (we've also been using VJamm Pro 2 in an installation, we left it running for 3 months of continuos use with no restarting the program!!) it can be controlled by midi very easily which opens up a whole load of interesting triggers that can be used by disabled people.

there is an educational discount for VJamm 2 Pro (http://www.vjammpro.com)

VJamm 1 (http://www.vjamm.com) only costs ?10 from the Ninjatune shop (http://www.ninjatune.net/ninjashop/index.php?cat=0&type=Other&by=6&code=ZENVJAM1#ZENVJAM1)