Computer VJing is about to hit prime time, thanks to gains in computer performance. Mixing 2-channel 640×480 Photo JPEG-compressed video is finally possible — no more 320x240x15 jaggies. One of the tools I’m most excited about is the new Edirol hardware/software package, and I got to try it out at AES.

While we’re on the subject of VJing, curious what the future looks like? Think HD. Amateur VJs need not apply. Edirol has unveiled pricing and availability on their new V-440 HD Multiformat Video Mixer, and it’s not for mortals: US$$12,995 — an incredible deal for HD mixing if you’ve ever priced pro video equipment, but, […]

Video iPods? Whatever. Pro users, as always, want faster machines. So a lot of us were disappointed to find out Wednesday’s announcement from Apple wasn’t a brand-spanking new PowerBook. (I got over it by watching some Desperate Housewives — ahem, on DVD. Remember those?) Fortunately, this is Apple, and last Wednesday’s announcement is to be […]

Now we’re talking. Tascam’s upcoming HD-P2 is finally a portable Compact Flash recorder that doesn’t skimp on pro features. Incredibly, its street price will be under US$1000, but the preliminary specs read like a device costing a lot more, and by providing timecode input on a cheap device, it’s an indie filmmaker’s dream recorder: Up […]

I took a first look at Gemini’s new iKey portable recording device, first on its own, then in a roundup of portable recording products. Basically, it’s a 2 lb. box that connects to an RCA line in and outputs MP3s or WAV files onto a USB key. Gemini iKey [Product Page] I was initially critical […]

Controlling soft synths with keyboards can be a pain, only because it often requires messing around with templates or MIDI learn to map hardware knobs and faders to onscreen controls. Propellerhead’s Remote is a fantastic two-way protocol that allows your keyboard to automatically control synths — but it only works in Reason. What about the […]

Okay, in an ideal world I’d be on a plane to L.A. to experience the Reakt audio/visual “experience” this Friday. But I’m tired, and have my own A/V experience gigs to get ready for, so I’m staying here in NYC. Let me tell you, instead: Reakt is a massive party in downtown L.A. featuring some […]

Well, it seems there’s some confusion over how Guitar Rig 2’s interface works. Previous versions of Guitar Rig sent control data from the foot pedal as audio signal, a system that caused more complex configuration in some hosts and, honestly, wasn’t terribly popular among users. Part of what’s cool about the new Rig Kontrol 2 […]

Indie film and iTunes? Maybe hard to believe a day after the announcement when you can only watch a few ABC TV shows or Pixar shorts, but Dave Ahl of Modiba Productions writes us in with an optimistic take: I just wanted to let you know how revolutionary Apple’s announcement regarding paid downloadable video segements […]

Cycling ’74 has released a new collection of plug-ins I’ve been eagerly anticipating, developed by a team from Electrotap. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill audio effects and virtual instrument: think spectral and granular sound, wild filter/delay stuff, morphing color-palette interfaces, and input from gamepads and webcams: Cycling ’74 Hipno “Subversive” Plug-in Collection US$199 for a whole […]