advise on adding video

[DJ Yada]

I apologize if this is one of those overasked questions but I did not have any luck searching old posts.

I am thinking of adding video services to my show. I have various pieces and parts already but need to know how best to put them together. I have a couple decent 48" TVs that I plan to mount and I have purchased some DVD series to start with. I use a laptop with Hercules RXM controller with Virtual DJ LE for system #1 and and an NS6 with Serato Itch for system #2 along with my backup of Pioneer 600 and 2 Denon S5000's. I guess my biggest question is how to get video to the TV. I know I can get video add-ons for Itch and upgrade VDJ to get video but do I need any type of video mixer or do I just use the VGA output of the computer. Would greatly appreciate a gentle push in the right direction. Advice, links, books, articles, anything. Thanks so much.

Keith

[lee miran]

do I need any type of video mixer or do I just use the VGA output of the computer

The mixing will be accomplished from within the software, so no external mixer is needed. You can output via whatever output type your video card is capable of VGA, HDMI, etc. If using a laptop, it is already capable of outputing to a second display. If using a computer other than a laptop, you will need a card capable of multi-displays.

[hippydog]

Most likely you will use the VGA out from your computer, to a splitter, and then to your 2 TV's..

[DJ Yada]

Awesome. I can setup some options and see what works. Am I correct that if I decide to update my backup system to DVJs that I WOULD require some type of external video mixer or an audio/video mixer to send both video and audio?

[BillESC]

Keith,

Your audio/video chain will depend on the source(s) you plan on using. I've done a lot of church installations where multiple cameras, laptops and DVD's get routed to one or more outputs.

[NickyB]

I run video through a 4 way electronic switching network. The switch takes four selectable "ins" to a single out. I run VDJ videos to ch 1, my Toshiba laptop to ch 2 for slide shows, effects and powerpoint presentations, a Sony moving yoke "live" camera to ch 3 and nothing on ch4 right now although I could run my backup VDJ system to it.

Everything is monitored on a 12" PC monitor at the input side. The output side is routed through a 1 in x 8 out video amp/splitter and out to any combination of displays. Maxed out I have two DELL projectors to large 8 ft screens and four 42" HD plasma monitors on Applied L-11 crank stands.

[jimeppes]

And VDJ has a pretty good video mixing program. Will acutally sync up the beats \ tempo from video to video.

Make sure you get the sonique effects for when you are not playing a music video. Has some pretty cool wallpaper like effects to keep the kiddies dazzled.

http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/7461...se_on_VDJ.html

My memory is pretty bad.... is Serato coming with a new build soon that will have better video mixing ability's?

Video is a ton of fun... opens a lot of idea avenues.

Don't mean to open a smack down discussion about the pro's and con's of which type output to use, but I have gone back to an RGB cable and away from HDMI.

lil video drop jimmy

[hippydog]

Awesome. I can setup some options and see what works. Am I correct that if I decide to update my backup system to DVJs that I WOULD require some type of external video mixer or an audio/video mixer to send both video and audio?

not a very efficient use of your time or money.. It would be like getting into computer DJing but carrying around all your cd's because you want a backup.. Whereas a 2nd computer and external hard drive(s) are available for less then $1000.. I cant stress this enough.> Your backup needs to be ready to go at a moments notice! and it should be able to approximate what your main system can do.. <

big question is.. are you a Mac fan or PC fan? without getting into details, I would recommend Serato setup for a mac, or a VDJ setup for PC.. you can use both, but your biggest ROI is if you concentrate on one system type IE: being competent on one can sometimes be tough, being an expert on two systems is most likely going to be an issue. pick which one you like better and go with it..

Do you have a major need to use turntables? VDJ can do timecode, but Serato is less problematic

[DJ Yada]

You are right Hippy. In fairness, the backup CD system has been sitting around in the back of the trailer unused for awhile. I was originally thinking about going with DVJ for a video system exclusively but you are absolutely right, I would need even more of them for backups and that might be cost prohibative. I do have a backup computer and 2 external HDD with the same music as backups now so the CD players and CDs are kinda taking up room. I am new to the Computer DJing so I guess I haven't completely let go yet. <lol> I am currently a PC guy so I will take a look at your suggestion to concentrate on being very good with VDJ and see where that takes me.

[Universal Sounds Ent]

I run video through a 4 way electronic switching network. The switch takes four selectable "ins" to a single out. I run VDJ videos to ch 1, my Toshiba laptop to ch 2 for slide shows, effects and powerpoint presentations, a Sony moving yoke "live" camera to ch 3 and nothing on ch4 right now although I could run my backup VDJ system to it.

Everything is monitored on a 12" PC monitor at the input side. The output side is routed through a 1 in x 8 out video amp/splitter and out to any combination of displays. Maxed out I have two DELL projectors to large 8 ft screens and four 42" HD plasma monitors on Applied L-11 crank stands.

Thanks for sharing that information, Nicky. I have been curious for sometime about how to do this and I think you just answered my question. What brand and model would you recommend when buying a 4-way electronic switching network and where would you recommend buying one from? (store or website)