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The idea of DJs combining visual and audio elements in their performances seems to be gaining momentum. In previous issues of Pro Mobile, DJs have been featured who use projectors and even plasma screens in their setups. There have been a few hardware equipment reviews, but I thought it was time to explore one of the major software applications for DJs who want to include visual projections as a part of their shows. ArKaos VJ has actually been around for a while now, but I think that 2007 may be the year when this technology is truly embraced by mobile DJs.
ArKaos VJ is a software package that allows users to combine video clips, flash animations, still images and text in a live environment. The general idea is that you import a collection of video loops, stills and animations, and then assign each one to a different key on your computer keyboard (or a midi keyboard). During a performance each element can be triggered at any time by hitting the associated key. The software also supports multiple layers, which means that more than one element can be shown at a time. This allows visuals to be layered and mixed in a similar way to audio, allowing continually changing and interesting projections to be generated.
The software is built around four windows, 'Visuals', 'Patch', 'Effects', and 'Preview', and looking at each of these in turn will probably be the best way of explaining how ArKaos VJ works. Firstly, the Visuals window lists all of your visual elements and is sorted into four categories: Static Pictures, Video Loops, Video Inputs and Flash Texts. Any .jpg, .bmp or .pct / pict (mac) files can be imported as Static Pictures, which means that digital camera photos and logos are easy to add into the ArKaos mix. A range of file formats are supported for Video Loops including .avi, .mov, mpeg, .wmv and .swf (flash animations). Obviously, good video loops are harder to source, but fortunately plenty of samples are provided to get you going. The Video Inputs option allows live video to be streamed into the software from a web cam or digital video camera. Any video devices can be used as long as they are compatible with Direct X (windows) or QuickTime (Mac OS). Finally, the Flash Texts option features 52 text animations that can be easily customised with any words or phrases - it's like animated clipart! The animations range from very simple scrolling text to complex and intricate designs. These are so easy to edit that it would be possible to include event specifics such as the birthday boy or girls name or even display 'Shout Outs' on the fly.
The patch window shows a representation of either your computer or midi keyboard and allows visual elements to be dragged from the Visuals window onto any key. Once assigned, pressing the key will trigger the visual element. When you have assigned every key, it is possible to create a new 'patch' allowing each key to be assigned with a different set of visuals. It is then very easy to switch between patches, and they can be given names to help with the organisation of visual elements ready for a performance. ArKaos VJ supports 128 different patches - that's a heck of a lot of visuals!
Written By John Fisher |
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The full article can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 21, Pages 66 - 68 |
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Copyright EJ Media 2003 - 2010
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