RaspiVj (alpha release)

Yesterday, I’ve pushed online the code for what I call the RaspiVJ, a minimal VJ application for the Raspberry Pi.

RaspiVJ set up

The idea was to build a portable and lightweight VJ set up that could be versatile enough to adapt to multiple situtations and configurations. So the Raspberry Pi, as a small and cheap computer, seemed a good candidate. It can already play videos up to an HD format and can connect to a screen via HDMI or RCA (for those old televisions).

Inspired by PocketVJ, everything runs from the Raspberry Pi. All is needed is a smartphone, tablet or computer to connect to the web interface of Raspivj and then be able to manipulate the videos and switch between clips.

RaspiVJ screenshot

The difference with PocketVJ so far, is that it behaves more like a VJ application. You can quickly switch between clips, crossfade between two videos and fade to black.

I’ve already been using this application during a live show with the band Left Arm of Buddha. And I think it could be the perfect tool for young bands, performers or musicians that would like to play videos during their shows with a bit of control over the playback, while still being simple to use and easy to set up.

Left Arm of Buddha

Technically, a node.js server sends the interface to the user’s browser and communicates any action from that user to a custom video player (coded with openFrameworks and ofxOMXPlayer).

So all you’ll need is a Wifi dongle for the Raspberry Pi (or a network cable), some cables to connect the Raspberry Pi to a screen or projector and a smart device to access the webpage that acts as the interface.

The code is released on github as open source under an MIT license. Right now, you have to go through a somewhat lengthy process to install the application. But I’m planning to make a plug-and-play image that you will just have to burn on an empty SD card to get running. Just ping me if you’re interested, it would increase my motivation to do so.

Else, if you just like this project or wish their could be more features, don’t hesitate to say hello.

Old Joy + Requiem4Tv (video report) 2013-03-23

Last saturday, we were at Sign6 playing and veejaying (live coding) in front of a small audience. Here’s a small video report kindly recorded by Fred Monnoye with his iPhone. So quality is not right there, but you can have a feel of what it was like. This was a first for Sébastien (Old Joy) and me (Requiem4tv). We certainly hope there will be others.

Live coding has been done with Fluxus, in case you were wondering. Big thanks to the Fluxus community for answering questions and sharing code, even to the last minutes before the event.

Old-Joy_Requiem4Tv_Julien-Lambrechts Photo: © Julien Lambrechts.

More photos on facebook.

What’s going on at the #metahub workshop in #brussels?

Spending a week with the Metahub crew in Brussels preparing processes and tools for the White Night 2012.

I’ve been working on fetching content (images mostly) from social networks to feed the loops of the VJs that will be present at that event.

Right now, I have two scripts running. One using the Teleportd (awesome) API that fetches content on Twitter, Instagram, Flickr and alikes (see what comes out of it in the slideshow below). And another script that uses Facebook Graph API to get pictures posted (or tagged) to the Facebook Metahub page.

There will also be a Piratebox running on a local network for those who directly want upload content on the local Metahub server.

We are opening our working space tonight for a “private showcase”. Welcome to anyone if you can find us. ;) (Tweet me or drop a comment to get in touch) Or see you on the 6th of October in the center of Brussels.