A scene from a sea otter video processed using ‘Premium Cable’ by BPMC
Not modular
Two weeks ago Christopher Konopka demonstrated modular analog video. This week we will explore analog video made from found objects and circuit bending. https://reactivemusic.net/?p=18982
Kinect
Kinect is still your friend, especially if you use Windows.
Composite uses the yellow RCA plugs found on most consumer video devices. It is also the standard for LZX analog modular systems http://www.lzxindustries.net.
Because composite is the most common format, the approach here will be to convert everything else to composite. With a few exceptions.
S-video
S-video uses several channels to convey AV data. The easiest way to convert S-video to composite, or vice-versa is to use a VCR or capture device that has s-video IO.
VHF analog TV
Older video devices use coaxial cables with F connectors to transmit modulated AV signals on channels 3 and 4.
RF modulators and demodulators
RF modulators
To convert from composite to TV use an RF modulator:
To convert from TV to composite, use an RF demodulator. The demodulator removes the VHF carrier, leaving a baseband composite signal.
Demodulators can be expensive and difficult to find, so if you are not too concerned about image quality its easier to use a VCR. Connect the input signal to the TV coax input. Set the VCR to channel 3 or 4. The signal passes through to the composite output (yellow RCA jack). This method also works as an inexpensive method of TBC (time base correction).
Here are some of my favorite ways to generate and process video.
Videonics Video Equalizer
Composite and S-video IO.
Camcorders with composite output
Many camcorders have composite output. Often they will use a proprietary AV adapter cable. Classic Sony camcorders use an adapter cable with 3.5 mm plug connecting to 2 or 3 RCA plugs for composite video and audio.
Camcorders are the most versatile and interesting devices for synthesis. They are instant feedback machines. Just point the camera at the screen. Zoom for instant hallucinations. Some camcorders have filters that can be applied in real time.
VCR’s
Older VHS VCR’s and tapes are inexpensive. Sometimes free. They provide an infinite variety of input signals. As well as a variety of signal conversion functions. Look for one that has a remote control.
Ancient analog TV’s
Use an RF modulator (see above) to watch composite video on a very old TV. You may also need an impedance transformer if the TV has screw terminals instead of a coax jack.
The Atari Video Music generates geometric patterns from audio input. https://reactivemusic.net/?p=19004. It features a TV output, although oddly uses an RCA plug. Use an RF demodulator (see above) or a VCR to convert to composite.
BPMC produces circuit bent versions of consumer video devices. I have been using the BPMC “Premium Cable” device. It is an amazing effects processor. It has composite IO (and S-video).
My First Sony
A video version of MS-paint. It has composite output and is fun to draw with. The AC adaptor can be difficult to find. But it also works with D batteries.
The earliest examples of algorithmic composition applied mathematics to pitch, rhythym, harmony, and ensemble playing. Midi was an ideal medium for mathematical transformations. The examples we look at today are for the most part Midi based.
I would encourage you to collaborate. To use the work of other artists as a starting point. And to build a composition/performance tool that you would actually use.
This assignment will be due on the last class day of the semester (May 5th).
“The jit.ameba object began life as a completely failed attempt at a linear interpolation object. As the Oblique Strategies say, “Honor thy error as a hidden intention.” If you’re interested in linear interpolation objects, try the jit.plur object. Otherwise, please enjoy the mess.”
“This is a pixilation (resampling) trick. The help file admits this was supposed to be something else, but didn’t work. Needs a spell check too, but pretty interesting. ”
Using the text processing example I built a 4th order Markov chain for “The Cat in The Hat” (by Dr. Seuss). Here is some of the result (it continues to infinity) with indentation added for readability:
The sat the sun is not shine.
It was to Sit! Sit!
And I sat in the house
All that?
How I wish We had something went BUMP! How I wish We did not shine.
It was to us jump! We looked!
The Cat in that cold to go out And wet to play.
So all we sat in the Hat! And he saw him!
Then we sat is wet to Sit! Sit!
And to go out
And the house
All that?
Why do was too wet And there little bit. And wet to go out
And there we saw him step in on that?
How I wish We sat is nothing at all.
So all we could do was too wet day.
So all we sat the house
All that is fun there we can have Lots of good fun the mat!
We had something at all.
So wet to go out And the sun is wet to Sit! Sit!
And I said too wet to do I know it is not sunny!
Too we can have Lots of good funny!
Too wet And I sat is fun the house. We sat the house. We saw him!
The Cat is wet to us.
…
The help file patch allows real time Midi improvisation with a step sequencer style of playback:
“A real-time keystroke-dependent visuals manipulator, based on… mathematically layering… a repeating matrix… and noise… or something, I’m not really sure to be honest.”
“… A blog of short lessons on the topic of algorithmic composition — the use of formal systems to generate music (and, by extension, other types of time-based art) with computer programs. The examples in these lessons are provided in the form of Max programs.”
