Video player w/ loop function for music performances

[metaflux]

Hi

I'm looking for a video player to complement my one-man band project. Basically, I will be playing songs on the guitar, using live looping techniques and lots of effects, and I would like that to be accompanied by video projections behind me.

How I imagine it could work:

I would have several short videos prepared for each song. Ideally, I would now create a playlist for each song in my set, containing of, let's say, 4-5 videos each. As I progress through an individual song, I would need to be able to switch to the next video in the song's playlist by hitting a single button. More importantly, however, I would need to be able to define that, for instance, video 1 loops indefinitely until said button is pressed. Video 2 could be a one-shot transition. Video 3 could be a loop again etc. etc.

Why do I need this? Since my performance will make use of live-looping and contain many ambient effects as well as spontaneous elements, I cannot use a video that has a fixed runtime. So I would progress from part to part by switching to the next video when I'm ready. The loop function would be essential.

I've researched software for the last few days, but I haven't come up with anything useful. I'd be glad for any pointers or suggestions on how to realise what I want to do.

Thanks!

[filmboss80]

There is no market demand for a consumer-level product that will do what you want, so don't expect something cheap and easy on the hardware. If you have a rational budget, you might want to check out one of the Newtek Tricaster models.

[JVRaines]

I would solve this problem by "hard looping" the videos that need to repeat. In other words, I would create one file that was the same video repeated X times, where X is the maximum number of required loops. Then all you have to do is press a "Next" button, which is found on any player.

[metaflux]

Thanks for the replies!


Unfortunately, the Newtek Tricaster models are out of my price range, and I would like to keep things simple. So yes, I also had the idea of simply creating a pre-edited video loop that's long enough for me to finish up my musical part. I guess I'll be using VLC player then (hitting "n" for the next video).

[JVRaines]

I thought you were talking about limited hardware media players. If you're on a full computing platform, there are other solutions. You can use AppleScript to make iTunes do what you want, although you'll need a workaround to turn Repeat on and off. The VLC player has a LUA add-on for scripting.

[Cornucopia]

I would suggest a VJ ("video jockey") software. A simple Google search brought up a number of apps (resolume, arkaos, modul8, avmixer pro...) that ought to do what it seems you are referring to.

Scott

[metaflux]

Sorry for not being clear enough in my initial post. Yes, I just want a laptop on stage to do what I want. If VLC can do it, all the better! I'd like to keep things simple. Let's see if I can get those scripts to work. Thanks for the tips, JVRaines!

I'll also look into the apps you've suggested, Cornucopia. If there's a ready-made software with all the functions I need, that would be ideal, of course.