Need advice: Simple live playback setup at DVinfo.net

Mike Marriage · October 12th, 2010, 07:03 AM

Hi guys

I've recently edited together footage for a theatrical production. It is pretty simple with only 3 cues but it starts and ends the show so is very important. It is video and audio synced and the audio will need to be routed through the sound system. We originally had a DMX cued system arranged but have canceled as it can't output the audio as required.

They can't afford me or a separate op to cue just 3 cues for every performance, so the (Deputy) Stage Manager will do it. Therefore I need a very simple system that can playback instantly on cue from a laptop. Ideally it would work with the projector acting as the secondary monitor and the laptop monitor showing the cues etc.

I'm thinking along the lines of an itunes (ie simple) interface where the DSM can just select the cue and then hit space bar to play it instantly. I considered tape but as the timing is critical this could be tricky and I'm not sure if the DSM will want to be cuing it up whilst concentrating on other things.

I am familiar with high end systems like Catalyst but that is overkill for this. Budget is tight.

Many thanks!!!

Rohan Dadswell · October 13th, 2010, 03:41 PM

Hi Mike,

Have a look at QLab Figure 53 | QLab | Live Show Control for Mac OS X
We have started using it for shows and so far have been happy with it.
If you already have a mac book it will probably fit within your budget.

It can do far more than simple video playback - but that is all we are using it for at the moment.

Andrew Dean · October 14th, 2010, 04:05 AM

This probably isnt helpful to your particular situation, but for live stuff i use liveworship or propresenter. Its funky since both are designed to be church software, but both are great for having a library of video clips that you can play instantly on demand in order or just nonlinear with a click.

I already own liveworship for my church and propresenter for my mate's church, so the price isn't an issue as it would be if you were buying it cold.

It sucks that they've intentionally crippled itunes for dual head video playback. Its more than capable of doing it, if they'd let it. Then you could have your videos "like itunes" actually be in itunes!

cheers,
-a

Mike Marriage · October 14th, 2010, 05:40 AM

Thanks guys, really appreciate the input. I'm taking a look at the demos now.

Any other ideas welcome as I don't need to buy just yet.

Arnie Schlissel · October 14th, 2010, 08:36 AM

If your needs are really that simple, you might be able to do this with VLC player, which is free.

videolan.org

October 12th, 2010, 07:03 AM	#1
Mike Marriage Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NE of London, England Posts: 788	Need advice: Simple live playback setup Hi guys I've recently edited together footage for a theatrical production. It is pretty simple with only 3 cues but it starts and ends the show so is very important. It is video and audio synced and the audio will need to be routed through the sound system. We originally had a DMX cued system arranged but have canceled as it can't output the audio as required. They can't afford me or a separate op to cue just 3 cues for every performance, so the (Deputy) Stage Manager will do it. Therefore I need a very simple system that can playback instantly on cue from a laptop. Ideally it would work with the projector acting as the secondary monitor and the laptop monitor showing the cues etc. I'm thinking along the lines of an itunes (ie simple) interface where the DSM can just select the cue and then hit space bar to play it instantly. I considered tape but as the timing is critical this could be tricky and I'm not sure if the DSM will want to be cuing it up whilst concentrating on other things. I am familiar with high end systems like Catalyst but that is overkill for this. Budget is tight. Many thanks!!! __________________ www.mikemarriage.com

October 13th, 2010, 03:41 PM	#2
Rohan Dadswell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canberra Australia Posts: 228	Hi Mike, Have a look at QLab Figure 53 \| QLab \| Live Show Control for Mac OS X We have started using it for shows and so far have been happy with it. If you already have a mac book it will probably fit within your budget. It can do far more than simple video playback - but that is all we are using it for at the moment. __________________ Lighting Cameraman - www.rotahead.com.au Sony PMW-350, FS7, JVC LS300, BMPCC, BMPC, GH5 & a shed full of lights,dollies, jibs

October 14th, 2010, 05:40 AM	#4
Mike Marriage Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NE of London, England Posts: 788	Thanks guys, really appreciate the input. I'm taking a look at the demos now. Any other ideas welcome as I don't need to buy just yet. __________________ www.mikemarriage.com

October 14th, 2010, 04:05 AM	#3
Andrew Dean Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Motukarara, New Zealand Posts: 475	This probably isnt helpful to your particular situation, but for live stuff i use liveworship or propresenter. Its funky since both are designed to be church software, but both are great for having a library of video clips that you can play instantly on demand in order or just nonlinear with a click. I already own liveworship for my church and propresenter for my mate's church, so the price isn't an issue as it would be if you were buying it cold. It sucks that they've intentionally crippled itunes for dual head video playback. Its more than capable of doing it, if they'd let it. Then you could have your videos "like itunes" actually be in itunes! cheers, -a

October 14th, 2010, 08:36 AM	#5
Arnie Schlissel Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York NY Posts: 322	If your needs are really that simple, you might be able to do this with VLC player, which is free. videolan.org