garageCube

[hook]

i was told of a VJ performance here in Hamburg the other day and someone said it was done by modul8 application. although i have heard much good, the friend who was there said about a switching flicker (he assumed the unwanted effect came from previewing resp. switching thru the internal banks while still actually showing another bank...is this a problem known by frequent users of modul8?

thanks for any infos on this!

[VjKg]

i was told of a VJ performance here in Hamburg the other day and someone said it was done by modul8 application. although i have heard much good, the friend who was there said about a switching flicker (he assumed the unwanted effect came from previewing resp. switching thru the internal banks while still actually showing another bank...is this a problem known by frequent users of modul8?

thanks for any infos on this!

I have a feeling the answer to your question was not forth coming because of the answer is yes/no/maybe/never/always.

Do to the way the program can handle media many, many factors can lead to this kind of output. I will list in my own order from most to least important.

1. Computer Power ( RAM, HD Speed, GPU, CPU)
2. Media encode settings ( poor encoding practices will spoil your day)
3. Media Length (put 30 Min clips on DVD or trim it!)
4. Style ( if you have to ask you don't have it, not to worry though I see at lot of paided Vj's with no Style)8)

All that being said this program is the only one I have used that is so much more then clip playback. You can really tweak it and actually create live!

I use first gen Macbook Core Duo 2.0 Ghz, 2.0 Gig RAM, 5400 RPM Bus Powered USB 80 Gb, V-4 and Camera Guy several days a week. Does it hiccup sometimes? Yes! Does that effect my performance? No!

If you want to charge lots of money for timed, perfect performances then rackmount some G5's or MacPros. If you want to have fun and mix on the fly, Macbook or Macbook Pro will get your there.

When I pull out all the stops I'm running at least 2 computers (up to 4) and up to 7 cameras. If it hiccups I got coverage.

[hook]

heya VjKg - thx for your multiple input :- ))

i do see the point w computerpower. got a PB G4 1.25 w 1 GB RAM.
will that be good enough to work 'cleanly'
how about
"Media encode settings ( poor encoding practices will spoil your day)"
...they say here that photo-jpg is best 4 movies - true?
full SD (720x576) or better perf. @ 320 x 240...?

images best in .jpg?? .png?? your opinion/experience?

thx alot,
hook

[VjKg]

I have a friend with same machine. I works ok. We use it mostly for basic playback and chyron type of stuff. The key is not trying to tweak lots of layers. Also build and test your sets ahead of time. The G4 PB is not the best for testing new ideas live. My MacBook allows for some creative "accidents". Meaning tweaking live with no idea what you may get.

I have actually had issues finding the right mix with setttings for encoding. I have many years of Broadcast and Broadband encoding skills. Yet it still seems to be a test,test and retest with Modul8. Photo-jpeg seems to work fine for short clips, I actually use many different settings depending on how much I plan on manipulating live. If your clips are more then a few second I recommend going smaller like 320X240 for the PB.

As far as images .png is the best because of the transparency option, no need to key.

I know my encoding answer was very vague and to tell you the truth I have been using iPod formated H.264 because I like to load my iPod and watch my clips over time wherever and whenever. It helps me develop my shows and decide which clips I am going to use without the hassle of lugging my MacBook out on the train or when I am shooting new source footage. Some times I find stuff I shot years ago that fits with current project and go back to the source to shoot more angles and coverage. Although I concide H.264 may not work best on your PB G4.

Apple's compressor makes the whole process easier. Find some short, medium and long footage. Then create multiple profiles in Compressor encode and test. When you find your happy medium make a droplet or two and you can batch till your hearts content. That is unless your downloading AVI's.

Good Luck

[hook]

VjKg - thx again for you thorough information given here :- )
so,

chyron type of stuff = ??

build and test your sets ahead of time:
thats xactly what i do ;- ) i basically will prepare my show here, so that i just can
slowly *blend* from layer to layer and from set to set. (thats my kinda style, at time)

H.264 may not work best on your PB G4.
you're right. AND it takes pretty long for encoding too! ;- /

Find some short, medium and long footage. Then create multiple profiles in Compressor encode and test.
>> will do. seems like an unavoidable path!
ta,
hook