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Friday, December 18th, marked my 500th career professional VJ performance. A lot of people say “Wow, you actually counted?” – well, yeah. When I first started out VJ-ing, I had no idea how long it would last, so at first, just doing one or two shows a month was a big deal and something to marvel at.  It wasn’t too hard to keep track of. Back then I thought reaching 20 was pretty amazing.  Before I knew it, 100! Now, some 1500+ performance hours later, I can look back and be humbled by the milestone. I am VERY lucky, and VERY grateful to everyone who has asked me to perform at their show/event. It has been an honor. 

THANK YOU!

On Thursday, December 10th, I had the pleasure of performing with THE HUMAN ELEMENT for two sets at ITVNW’s studios for their live streaming show “The DJ Sessions”. This time I was actually in the studio – LIVE (not re-streaming) – it was a blast. Each one of these sets is about an hour. Enjoy!

1st Set with The Human Element 12-10-09

2nd Set with The Human Element 12-10-09 (I really like it towards the end where we finally grabbed one of the web cams and started to move it around! Much more fun!!)

I’m thinking I should create a  Wikipedia/Wiktionary entry describing “re-streaming”. It’s possible they would just delete it, but it might be fun to give it a shot! lol

Re-streaming: The process of adding new content (audio/video) to to a LIVE internet web stream and repurposing it back out LIVE, to the internet. The re-stream can be mixed back into the original web stream or as a separate "simulcast" providing an alternate viewing experience.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Corporate sponsored "re-streams" of live events/concerts where viewers have the choice to watch either the original feed or the enhanced "remix" version.  For example,  a live remix of Super Bowl 44 could be called “Super Bowl remiXLIVe” (*note:  I LOVE how that Super Bowl number works for this! How cool is that?!  Should do something with that I think
2. Internet web radio could add video streams by inviting VJs to remix live to their audio broadcasts. Sponsors could have their content "remixed" into the performance, thus providing a business opportunity for VJs and stations to generate revenue.

Here’s a recent example from an ITVNW collaboration from 11/17/09 with Alex E providing the music. I took the live feed from their USTREAM broadcast, added my visuals and sent it back out to my scobot TV page, where they grabbed it and mixed it back into their stream! This is what you would have seen on my site.

It’s pretty exciting to be able to collaborate with other artists/events/broadcasters  via the web! Looking forward to expanding this in 2010. Can’t wait to start remixing live WEBCAMS from viewers into a performance.

Ok, we’ll see how this works out, but so far I’m encouraged! I picked up one of these WESTERN DIGITAL WD TV media players last week because for $99 (plus the cost of an external usb hard drive) how could you not get one for carrying around an entire library of videos to your VJ gigs?! I love the idea of creating folders and playlists like “Nature” and “Car crashes” and “Sexy Models” – not to mention having a ton of movies to access anytime – and just doing away with the whole DVD thing.

One really important feature that I was glad to see they included; a REPEAT function for video playback! Now I can load up that 2hr. “VJ EYE CANDY” track and just let it loop all night And did I mention COMPOSITE output? Yep, plug this right into the V-4 and off you go! I imagine some people might even get two of these and just VJ with that! (that and the Entrancer? Hmmm….)

Click on the picture to check it out at my Amazon.com store!

Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player
From Western Digital

Since I am now VJing every Friday at the Pro Sports Club (“DJ Cardio Night), I needed a mobile rig that was quick and easy to set up and plug in. Plus, I didn’t want to have a bunch of cables hanging all over the place and looking all ghetto. So…I put all my gear (sans the laptop, external drive and midi controller) into one roadcase. The cool thing about it, it works really well and is super flexible (thanks to the KORG Kaptivator), it really feels like an instrument. The bad thing about it…it’s SUPER HEAVY! That sucks. Most of the weight is from all the power adapters (11!) – but, with the help of a little hand truck, it’s not too bad to maneuver around (if I can get it out of my car!) Here’s some pictures:

• The empty case (Odyssey FZGSNS7WBL)
• 1. Upper Shelf (slides and covers messy cables)
• 4. Funny soft Velco padding blocks (actually useful!)
• 5. Plexiglass shelf (will mount cooling fans in)
• 6. Foam block that allows room underneath gear.
• 9. Sliding tray – had to give up because needed space.

• The puzzle of 11 Power Adapters!
• 3. APC 11 Outlet 3400J Surge Protector (P11VT3)
• 5. Video Distribution Amp

• Power, Distribution, and Fans – they fit!
• 3. Starting to plug in the power
• 4. DA sits on top of laptop adapter
• 5. Awesome fans and controllers from CoolerGuys.com
• 8. Spot where Thermal Fan Controller will go
• 10. Kramer UXGA scan converter

• All set up and ready to ROCK!
• 1. Lacie Esata external drive (with all my VJ content)
• 2. M-Audio X-Session Pro midi controller
• 3. ASUS G50V-X1 running Arkaos 3.6.5
• 4. RCA monitor (from car DVD kit – love it!)
• 5. Microsoft wireless mouse
• 6. Video Distribution Amp
• 7. KORG Entrancer (my baby!)
• 8. Programmable Thermal Fan Controller
•                                                                             9. Edirol V-4 (the classic! with cross fader)
•                                                                           10. Kramer UXGA scan converter
•                                                                           11. KORG Kaptivator (sampler + two monitors!)

*Note about the routing (for those who care) – all source material signals (Laptop, Kaptivator, DVD player etc.) all feed into the V-4. From there it goes to the ENTRANCER > Distribution amp > Monitors+Projectors+Recorder. I also send the PREVIEW signal from the V-4 to the input of the KAPTIVATOR. This allows me to sample any source (handy for last second logo filler) and use it as a new source to mix back into the V-4. Fun fun fun!