ultra low res content - VersaTile tips?

[RentaPhil]

First post so stay with me here.....

Looking for tips on creating content for use with Element Labs VersaTile and their C1 controller. The controller itself does not take live video, but plays clips off of a compact flash card. This requires a user to load .avi files into RasterMapper (Element Labs mapping software) and then saves a map along with the video as a .cff file.

So the problem I have is that most the arrays I'm working with are very low pixel count. Around 40x20 pixels. Any one have experience working in this low of resolution? What software do you generally use? (Talking about static images as well as video).

Is there a video encoder commonly used in the VJ community for scaling down existing content? What about keeping aspect ratios while scaling down that low?

-Phil

[Kyle]

HI Phil,
Lots of choices for down converting your content. I've never worked with the software your talking about. I use low resolution content mainly for previews on my website. Currently im using several softwares for conversion.

Mpeg Streamclip
http://www.squared5.com/

Also Livid Batcher which uses the QT engine.
http://www.lividinstruments.com/software_other.php

Hope this helps.

[RentaPhil]

Thanks Kyle... I'll give both of those a try.

[asterix]

Just wondering - is it a pretty cost effective system?

[FxDrew]

Phil-

I'll call you tomorrow about this... You cannot escape the all seeing eye of Drew!!!

Cheers mate,

Drew

[RentaPhil]

Originally Posted by asterix

Just wondering - is it a pretty cost effective system?

It's not cheap, but it's definitely quality gear. The setup in the attached pictures would rent in Minneapolis, MN for around $1,500. (14 meter x meter VersaTiles, C1 Controller and rigging.)

-Phil

[Kyle]

cool pics, bust out the atari and play some pong