Suggestions for beginners?

[Russ]

Hi

I'm writing an article about VJing for International DJ magazine and was wondering what people would suggest as a good package for absolute beginners to use? Something people can get up-and-running with ASAP and that will give people a good overview of how VJ software works....

Any suggestions greatly appreciated, either via this forum or by email to russ@i-dj.co.uk

Thanks for your help in advance!

Russ

[eXhale]

In my opinion, Resolume is the most beginner-friendly software around there. It's quite stable and also has a full 30-day demo so people can test it as they want. ArKaos, VJamm and MooNSTER are also pretty easy to use (ArKaos is available on both Mac and PC too).

That's for video samples triggering softwares, there is also quite a lot of softwares which are generating 2D/3D visuals in real time, such as VisualJockey, Touch Mixer or the upcoming Pilgrim R1. Check the reviews here:

http://www.vjcentral.com/list/software


eXhale

PS: a mention of VJCentral.com on your article would be greatly appreciated :p VJCentral is a full knowledge database for VJs and the VJForums.com community is always here to help newbies. A recent New York Times articles forgot about us!

PPS: it's interesting a DJ magazine wants to write about VJing, yesterday I was mentionned how it seems more and more DJs are registering here, apparently interested in adding a "new layer" to their music.

[Russ]

Thanks eXhale!

Anyone else got any other suggestions?

Russ

[hamageddon]

free stuff like svi, transzendent and midivid might be interesting too

[Russ]

thanks Hamageddon!

Exhale: re: your point about a DJing magazine writing about VJing? we ARE aimed at DJs but cover all aspects of dance music technology and the dance music industry, from the point of view of a bedroom DJ who wants to take things further, and learn how to (eg) run their own club night, build a simple home studio, set up their own label, get into VJing, whatever it might be.

Definitely interest in VJing among vinyl jocks is increasing - hopefully we can inspire a few more people to give it a whirl!

R

[fluchtpunkt]

software: i can recommend arkaos (very user friendly but not too stable) & visualjockey. visualjockey has incredible depth & is a very powerful program. there is a certain learning curve - but anybody that's familiar with the concept of modularity (in programming / software) will feel at home almost instantly.

[Meierhans]

Arkaos is the most userfriendly but also limitated program. Its good for people coming from music sector for its very direct and easy midi control.

Vjo is deep like ocean - but if you know modular systems, its not such a hard start

[Russ]

Thanks everyone very sincerely for all your help - and to those people who emailed me directly!

I'm thinking we're going to go ahead recommending Arkaos and VJamm for newbies - anyone got any reasons why we shouldn't?

Russ

[eXhale]

Hmmm VJamm 1 is maybe a bit outdated, it was one of the first VJ software to be released. There is VJamm Pro (www.vjammpro.com) now which is much more up-to-date compared to other VJ apps but I don't know if it's as easy to use as the first version.

[wellREDman]

russ, i would recommend resolume as a staight outa the box solution for people looking to start somewher, and vjo and Vjamm pro for something which can be harder at the start but has possibilities long term

also if you are writing about vjing in an issue which will be out before the 12 be sure to point out that at avit (www.avit.org.uk) ther will be representatives of all the major software manufactures, so people can come a long andbee shown how/ have a play with the different softs and ask questions.
as well as the discussion groups and installation and vj sets from the cream of europe's vj community

[LEVLHED]

Originally posted by wellREDman
as well as the discussion groups and installation and vj sets from the cream of europe's vj community

and one disturbed, strange American :)

[Rovastar]

Hi Russ

First I would like to give the thanks from the VJ community for trying to spread the word more.

All exposure like this is good exposure. Although no doubt everyman and his dog will want to be a VJ. :)

For the software there are 2 camps of VJ?ing (well more than 2 but 2 to be simple : ) ) the clip based
And real-time generated computer graphics (hell some of these even attempt to move to the sound input : ) )

For fairness of your article I would include both types. So VJamm and VisualJockey.

Otherwise everyone may think that it is all clip based stuff and that all VJ?s are like poor Britney Spear types of VJ. (Sorry private joke - : ) I read the full story on eyecandy recently. Hehe)

Other aspect to VJ?ing to be considered are the hardware - Vision/Video Mixers, video camera, projectors (maybe ?)

There are loads of different style to VJ?ing now-a-day I am one of the few from a computing background and am interested in swirl computer generated graphics automatic sound responsiveness of it all and doing things that a human cannot do.

Anyway I think I will send you an email about what I do in more detail.

[SlipStream]

I started using Premiere. Load your loops into a NEW SEQUENCE then >export>print to video. Works a treat in premiere 4 but plays back a bit slow in premiere 5 (my copy at least):cool:

[bluntfaktory]

a good tip for anyone starting up is remember to "whisper your way to success " . it hard to keep it in when you've had a good brake and landed or done a good show but keep it to your self . the dogs are always there ready to spoil your ride , so don't whack the hornets nets buy boasting about your achievements . the better root to take is to play humble , there is nothing the "veterans" like more to do than to toot their own horn to some "new guy " about how amazing and brilliant they are , throwing in few complements along the way will help grease "fountain" of does and don'ts . never use this information to screw with anyones lively hood , as it will come back to bite you in the ass sooner or later , but use it to form your own gigs and gain a reputation from your work , and being a "good guy" (or girl ).