View from Below (click for larger view)

View from Above (click for larger view)

I’ll post again later on with more info on how I got on with the software and hardware – but overall it was very good, having 8 channels of video to mix with is great, and the ease of use makes selecting videos quick… during one song I did have 7 layers of video in use at the same time!

I started mixing VHS tapes (eg the original Images for Worship VHS tapes from onbd.org), with a Panasonic MX50 mixer connected to a couple VHS players. This was great with lyrics keyed in over the top…. I started doing this about 12 years or so ago…

Now I have a growing collection of video files and have been looking for the best way to locate, mix and control video mixing of these files – mpgs, movs etc…

I have recently been using 2 laptops with their SVIDEO output connected to an Edirol video mixer, and then connect the output of the edirol to a projector.

However, I’ve been looking for a better solution, and I’ve decided on this:

Software Mixer: Arkaos Grand VJ

MIDI Controller: Livid Instruments Ohm64

They are currently on order, but the idea is, that the software can mix 8 channels of videos, and apply effects etc and more, and using the MIDI controller will make make the physical mixing/settings etc quick and easy…

I’ll post back with how it goes, I have an event on March 28 at which I’ll be using this…