Question about old projector software.

[TechJunkie]

I like the options of QS, LSX, ect, but its not practical for me to buy the newest best projector software just to use in my living room, even if I could afford it.

So my question is can I buy older versions of these top projector programs? What do you guys do with the old programs you dont use anymore? Does anyone have any old disks, and what do I need to get them to run on my laptop?

[Galvonaut]

Hi Mark

QS is free but only works with an FB3 DAC, so that's what you are paying for there. You may find an FB3 going second hand but it will probably still be more expensive than LSX and an easylase DAC or EtherDream DAC.

The difference in QS and LSX is huge. I am still using QS while learning LSX as it is a very user friendly bit of software with some really handy features but does not have flexibility I want for making abstracts.

What do you want to be doing with your lasers? Beam shows, graphics or abstracts? Do you want to plug the laser in and watch it or do you want to design your own effects?

QS has a pretty intelligent virtual LJ mode that, if you are using in your front room, may be handy, although never as good as the human brain when it comes to putting on a show.

LSX has a multitude of options for creating 'eye melty abstracts' where QS is better suited for replaying canned cues. I like both. QS was great for getting my toes wet without frightening me off but I'm happily growing into LSX now.

I will probably keep a hold of QS and LSX (both get free updates) even if I do change to different software in the future but you might get luck if you put a wanted ad in the Buying section of the forum. I got my LSX Pro and 2x Easylase DACs used from the forum

Keith

[TechJunkie]

I'm looking to do abstract mostly, with some minimum graphics. Like planetarium music shows. I'm an artist so I want to create my own stuff. The funkier the better.

I get it, there is no old software because they get free updates.

I'm going to play around with the free stuff first, and see if I can do something decent.

Thanks Keith.

[Galvonaut]

LSX is probably best value for money then. I've only had LSX a few months, so no expert but have created some ok stuff so far.

This is probably my most 'analoguey' Laserium like show (LSX preview output).



And a little more creative




Point count a little high in parts as I'm designing blind until I've built my projector.

[norty303]

Yep, don't underestimate the point count factor. I took some untested cues with me to a gig on Saturday, and when it came to projecting them, I was only getting 3 to 5 FPS, so some optimization is required! I hadn't thought they were too bad personally, from looking at the image.

I like the Shpongle show, I was always thinking if I did a canned show I'd probably have a crack at Dorset Perception

[Galvonaut]

Cheers Norty, it was fun to make!

Dkumpula kindly tested that show and I was amazed that some of the bits that I wasn't expecting to scan actually did pretty well (4mins 50 for instance).
I'm trying to keep away from designing until I have built my PJ. It will be nice to design within in the limits of the CT6800s.

Dorset Perception is a great track - I might hold you you to that

Keith

[TechJunkie]

The second show kind of reflects better what I would like to create. You did a fantastic job on both shows.

I do have another question though. All the shows I've seen here all basically use the spiro design in one way or another. Even the abstracts use a set number of points in the designs, and role off of those. Its all very mathematical. I thought abstracts were fluid, but I dont see many fluid responses. Is this the limitation of the software, hardware, or designer?

What I want to do is trippy roller coaster rides through rolling tunnels, landscapes, and horizons. Kind of like an acid trip with lasers. I want it intuitive, and be able to freely change a design at will. Am I asking too much? When I go to the planetarium shows I always feel like I'm on a ride. I want my projector to provide that. If the software cant do that than I cant justify the cost.

Another thing I noticed with the planetarium show was it looked like he was free handing some of it. I've seen the same show numerous times, and it always the same, except some small strokes of an abstract would appear in different, and odd places from time to time. Is this possible, or was it part of the program?

[Galvonaut]

Thanks Mark.

I'm only a beginner with LSX. Swami is far more experienced, as is ColouredMirrorBall (CMB). Most of what I have done is based on sinewaves, so it will look repetitive I suppose. There are lots of things I haven't played with yet which I am sure you could use to get your desired effect.

The Shpongle show took me about 2 weeks (I had a cold). Each effect starts of with a simple shape or lissajou effect, then I mess about until I get what I want. Now I've used LSX a bit I can visualise something and sometimes create it!

My abstract shows will have a human input somewhere along the line, to make the show into a performance. It's pretty easy to do, although haven't done a huge amount myself yet. CMB has recently done some awesome Kaleidoscope stuff that takes a human input from the mouse position. You can use midi, kinect, that other thing cmb uses [edit] leap motion[/edit] etc. etc. Might even be able to use brain waves if that is your thing - Mind Lasers! :P

Keith

[colouredmirrorball]

In LSX you can assign external parameters (MIDI control, mouse, on-screen sliders, OSC, ...) to all variables, including those used in abstracts. This allows adjustments to your taste. Downside is that you have to control the show every time you play it (though there are ways around it of course, including ways so that the show isn't the same every time you play it even without additional live control).

As for fluidity or continuity... that entirely depends on your skills. Everybody visuals laser shows differently, so it's good to know what you want. There isn't a "best way" to do transitions. You can use intensity fades, morphings, mathematics, 3D rotations, ... Swamidog likes to use "surfaces" where you can use a shape to let an abstract disappear and let another one appear in its place.

Such things do require skill indeed. What you call "intuitive" is up to you. What you call a "freely changeable design" as well. Do you want to pick an abstract/effect at will at any moment in the show? That's certainly possible. Do you want fluid transitions as well? Now that's an entirely different story... I'm sure that is possible but requires a lot of skill.

I'm speaking from my own LSX experience (which does not only sound like an acid trip, but also is one!). I just found a great way to create fluid kaleidoscope type effects (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTh9g0X2XyY). They are generated by mouse movement, but since then I changed it so it follows a continuously-changing mathematical pattern. I'm very pleased with it, but it involved quite a few expressions... once you see how it's done, it's quite easy, but you need to know which features to use and that isn't very obvious.

[TechJunkie]

Thats great to hear to CMB. You restored my faith.

One thing I have going for me is time. I'm sure I'll develop the skills over time. I pick up things easily.

Thanks again.

Mark