Noob Looking for Easy to Use VJ Software ($200 Budget)

[PohTayToez]

Hi, I'm a complete noob to this looking for a software recommendation. I'd like something simple with plenty of preloaded videos/visualizations and something that can output to 4-8 monitors. Not looking to prerecord anything or get into any complicated effects or anything like that. Can anyone help me out?

[PohTayToez]

C'mon guys, no one want's to throw me a bone? I'm completely new to this and there are so many different options.

It isn't actually directly for me, I'm building a system for someone and the actual software is the only part I'm unfamiliar with. I plan on downloading a few different trials, but it would help if someone could point me in the right direction. I need something that would be easy to teach to someone with only average computer skills.

[PCProject]

I have been teaching someone how to VJ and make video for three years now. They are a bright student and still have much to learn. This VJ'ing thing isnt quite as easy as you may think.
The link below is a good resource for assessing software.
http://www.softwarevj.com/index.php?ostype=

[stickygreen]

$200 is pretty low for a good VJ software.

if your firm on your budget, I'd suggest checking Ebay for a used NuVJ, it will come with software, a controller, and a DVD full of loops. usually about $200 used...
great beginner tool, but you'll probably find that you'll want to get something more powerful very quickly

[madsmeskalin]

If you just want to play premade videos on 4 - 8 monitors, just download from internet, use a dvd, or an itunes playlist, and serial connect the monitors.

If you want live visual arts made to your specific event, hire a VJ.

If you want to learn a new way of experimenting with visual arts, and learn the tools of the trade; buy modul8/arkaos/resolume/Isadora etc, learn how to do basic postproduction, shoot some video´s and create your own expression.

[mowgli]

Originally Posted by PohTayToez

I need something that would be easy to teach to someone with only average computer skills.

what about their visual skills? will they have any?
A piano is really easy to play isn't it? you just press the keys!

[jawbone]

Have you tried VPT 5.1 It is free and works on both mac and pc platforms. You can use Matrox Triple head to go with it. So with a laptop, that would give you 2 surfaces, with a Triple head to go, that would give you 3 surfaces per laptop. You would need to generate your content outside the program or use stock content. With a projector, instead of monitors, you could project up to 16 surfaces I believe. Another would be Elektronika Live, it is free and pc based. Both take some training to understand. But free is free.

[PohTayToez]

Thanks for the replies!

Let me put it this way, if someone didn't know if they had the visual skills/potential to VJ, and wanted to try it out by starting off with someone simple, what would you recommend?

Also, if someone just wanted to make make visualizations that would look impressive to the average person without being too complex to make, what would you recommend?

Please understand I'm not trying to trivialize your art, but my client is pretty simple DJ who does small local gigs, and he's just looking to add a little visual flair to his presentation. What I think I'm looking for a piece of software with lots of stock video/effects that can be easily used, stuff to fall back on as he learns to create his own.

Also note: definitely not skimming over the replies, I'm looking into each and every suggestion.

[PCProject]

Stickygreens NuVJ solution isnt a bad one.

When I originally read the thread using an older version of resolume (V2.43) sprang to mind as a solution although as far as coming with video clips and plug in visualisers it doesnt immediately fit the bill. However there are resources on the net for free clips to use and if your guy doesnt mind spending a little bit of dosh then VJLOOPS.TV has clips for sale. I personally think it is a very easy application to both use live and to learn. Dont forget to read the manual!

It may also be possible to use the BigFug freeframe plug-in and run milk drop through resolume. Until this moment I had never thought to try. I am sure somebody will come along and correct me if I am telling you a load of bollox.

I dont know if R4 is still around and supported but I have seen at least one person make very good use of this application.

In terms of content creation the obvious would be after effects or maybe C4D. Both will have steep learning curves though and I would suggest starting out with AE, a student license can be got for the entire CS5 package that includes AE for about USD400 when your guy has some spare cash and more importantly time. Plenty of resources for AE on the net youtube tutorials or webpages at creative cow and so on.

To get 4-8 monitors as output from a single computer really requires another piece of hardware. For example a 1 in to 4 or 8 output Video Distribution Amplifier (VDA) would do the job very simply.

[castlerox]

Buy NuVJ to get started for simple flat projections or monitors...

I still use it when I do small favors for friends and pretty much leave it open like a game for people to play with.

That being said, you can still do some fairly complicated things with it once you have it mastered. It is easy to use right out of the box.

My 2 for you