Regarding Hardware/Software

[A.Leytman]

Hi my name is Alex, I would like to do a full introduction later.

here is my big question:
What i am seeking to do is to fast track our knowledge on any hardware or software or strategy that lets a VJ marry pre-shot dance videos and other visual imagery to a DJ's unique changing in the moment song sets. So basically I want to be able to edit video live to music a DJ is playing.

[032981]

You will need
1. A computer
2. VJ software
3. A hardware controller

Use the search box and Google. Some search terms might be; VJ software, VJ hardware, computer specs...

Hire a VJ?

[PCProject]

Originally Posted by A.Leytman

What i am seeking to do is to fast track our knowledge on any hardware or software or strategy that lets a VJ marry pre-shot dance videos and other visual imagery to a DJ's unique changing in the moment song sets.

Welcome to the forum.
Either a computer and VJ software. This will allow you to do everything you describe above. You can do it with hardware, but, with what is currently available you will leave yourself projecting what is fast becoming low resolution imagery. The search terms you have already been suggested is a good starting point.

So basically I want to be able to edit video live to music a DJ is playing.

This isnt really possible. What happens in reality is pre-rendered video clips are played back, as you have explained in the first part of your quote. These clips and the way they are presented to the VJ and played back would be dependent on platform and software being available to the VJ and they are generally kept in what is described as banks or decks and they are generally mixed live and 'on the fly', in much the same way as a DJ might play a set of tunes.
In terms of pure midi based 'VJ' controllers there arent that many and most VJ's use a control surface that is primarily designed for musicians. If you really want a controller designed with Vj's in mind then Codanova is a good company to check out BUT you would have to ship it from France as that is where they are based.

[{VJPortal}]

Welcome to the forum.

While the majority of us here are in the VJ software + MIDI controller camp, I'm a 100% hardware VJ using Edirol P-10s and a Edirol V-4 VJ video mixer, along with a Korg Entrancer video effects processor. I find hardware much more intuitive and powerful as a live performance control surface, but it's true that quality software and good laptops can generate higher spec output resolutions.

I personally think high-definition in a club event video install setting on a project cost vs. promoter / attendee value basis isn't justified, but I encourage you to do your own homework on the event install costs (i.e. long-run cabling, projection, monitors, distribution amplifiers, etc.) and decide for yourself.

[vjair]

Originally Posted by {VJPortal}

Welcome to the forum.

While the majority of us here are in the VJ software + MIDI controller camp, I'm a 100% hardware VJ using Edirol P-10s and a Edirol V-4 VJ video mixer, along with a Korg Entrancer video effects processor. I find hardware much more intuitive and powerful as a live performance control surface, but it's true that quality software and good laptops can generate higher spec output resolutions.

I personally think high-definition in a club event video install setting on a project cost vs. promoter / attendee value basis isn't justified, but I encourage you to do your own homework on the event install costs (i.e. long-run cabling, projection, monitors, distribution amplifiers, etc.) and decide for yourself.

i reckon i could make a hi def setup for less cost than the kit you just listed.

[{VJPortal}]

I'm not talking about the stage apparatus, though. A premium on a top-of-the-line control surface is worth paying, IMHO.

I'm talking about long-run cabling, projection gear, D/As, monitors, etc. Classic, regular club video installation costs. In North America, HD costs double to do the same thing within plain display infrastructure. That $ tag means a lot to promoters, I can tell you that.

[vjair]

vga over lan converters - around £150 a set, then its cheap cat 5 / cat 6 cable all the way. you most likely wont charge the promoter the whole cost for a cable setup ( rental cost is usualy about 10% of retail - so say £20 ?), so the difference is negligable tbh.

you could easily cover that with the best part of £1000 that you have left over from buying two laptops, 2 computer liscence for avenue and a tv one switcher controlled by imix vs the 2 p10's / v4 / entrancer combo.

[{VJPortal}]

Rental cost percentages are way higher than 10% of retail over here. I get quotes from A/V rental companies all the time of around 20-25% of purchase. I don't say I think it's worth it, but that's the grim reality "on the floor" over here.

The other challenge is "change management" of paradigm with venues and event promoters. They can't wrap their heads around VGA-to-Ethernet signal path conversion stuff. They still have trouble understanding what distribution amplification for HDMI could look like.

[vjair]

Originally Posted by {VJPortal}

The other challenge is "change management" of paradigm with venues and event promoters. They can't wrap their heads around VGA-to-Ethernet signal path conversion stuff. They still have trouble understanding what distribution amplification for HDMI could look like.

suprisingly, mosty promoters dont understand a lot of the kit in use at events.... do they say no to a lighting desk because they dont understand DMX protocol.... nope. you are the specialist, not them, so to not use equipment for that reason just seems a bit silly to me.

what they need to know - it looks much better, its much brighter and the cabling is lighter and easier to install.

[SteveG]

I still enjoy mixing with DVJ's and using a CG8. Traveling the country I've still to come across a club venue or event which requires or even requests an HD solution. Even many of the larger well funded corporate events. Each to their own as far as equipment I suppose. I wish the VJ's on the forum would post more of their work on the forum as they used to. Lots of talk here these days of HD, equipment with little examples of what people are up to and the steps forward they have made with HD set ups etc. I'll go HD when someone wants to buy me a Hippo and an HD mixer