small scale setups?

[alessandra]

Is anyone working in smaller scenes like galleries?

Any equipment recommendations?

My ideas are to have stills and short video loops,
simple setup, original material, to accompany
minimal experimental music. Using an iBook
and projector, leaning towards not having
a video mixer. It all needs to be very portable,
for hauling on public transit.

(None of this'll happen 'till early next year when
I can afford computer & projector ? hoping prices DROP.
Meanwhile I'm creating source material and
trying out software, keeping a look out for used projectors.}

[LEVLHED]

if you intend to travel with your gear, esp mass transit types of locomotion, you need to give consideration to proper casing. That is, what are you going to carry your gear in?
Things to consider...
size (of course, it always matters)
waterproof?
can it take a fall/drop/kick
do you mind if it looks like something thats obviously worth money, or would you prefer something more discreet?

Good pro casing costs good pro money, but is a sound investment. esp when you consider the value of what you're trying to keep valuable. Even if you don't rely on mass transit, proper protection for your gear is essential unless you're just ruthlessly spending someone elses money....

[alessandra]

I could fashion a cheap container for a projector out of
a hard plastic case and some foam rubber cut to size. Snap it closed,
slip it into a beat up backpack, and no one's the wiser.

[bigloose]

VDMX maybe what you're looking for. From what I've seen @ avit it looks great if you want everything in your computer...
check the FA on Vjcentral

b!gl00z3

[hyperdimensional]

VDMX looks like a great piece of software, but if you are looking at gallery situations, experimental music etc. then MAX/MSP with either NATO or Jitter maybe more you're bag.

VDMX is created from MAX and NATO so you get all the possibilities of that plus heaps more.

If you're on a budget then pure-data or jMAX offer a similar experience. You could also check out ISADORA.

As far as kit goes, from my previous gallery exeriences I recommend a cradle for your projector so that you can hang it up, away from the crazy loon who thinks its extremely funny to either sit in front of it, or make shadow puppets.
:rolleyes:
:shake:

[holly]

My inFocus projector came with a soft shoulderstrap bag (think lady executive going to a corporate meeting). Many backpacks these days have a wide flat pocket for carrying laptops. There's no need for heavy-duty road cases and packing foam if the gallery is in your town and you are just carrying it on a train or a bus to get there. If you do it often, then a hardshell case may be worthwhile as a protective measure. Wait until you have the equipment before you rush out and buy the fancy packing cases.

Extra concerns are: stereo amp and speakers for the music, a hanging tray or wall mount for the projector, and possibly a spandex or lycra? screen.

Will you be VJing or will the presentation be automated?

[alessandra]

bigloose wrote:
> VDMX

hyperdimensional wrote:
> MAX/MSP with either NATO or Jitter
> jMAX ... ISADORA

Thanks for the software suggestions ? I'll be downloading/trying out
programs this week to get a feel ? the reviews on vjcentral are
very helpful!

holly wrote:
> stereo amp and speakers for the music, a hanging tray or
> wall mount for the projector, and possibly a spandex or lycra? screen.

The speakers are already taken care of ? I'm not handling the
sound end o' things ? I plan on being the vj for one person
(we'll basically be a "band")
He either uses the venue's pa or Roland MA-8BK monitors for small shows.
But I DO need to look into a screen.

Are there problems with having an adjustable table for the projector?

> hardshell case may be worthwhile as a protective measure

err, if you're talking about me, I need a hardcase. I'm not careful. ;-)

> Will you be VJing or will the presentation be automated?

Definitely VJing. The music is live, sometimes improvised ? I plan on
having a solid idea of what I'll be doing for each show, with plenty
of room to change w/ the music.

Thanks for all the comments!