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Jason Parker
Create great video art--on your PC

Jason Parker
Contributing Editor, Downloads
Friday, July 11, 2003
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As a downloads addict, I play with all kinds of software. Some of the apps I download are for practical purposes, like making my computer run faster or reading e-mail. But some are just for fun.

Recently, I came across an app for both Windows and Mac that fits into that latter category. It's called ArKaos VJ, and it lets you create professional-looking video performances in real time--complete with music and on-screen graphics.

Even if you aren't a professional VJ or performance artist and can't afford the high price ($345), I recommend trying out the free demo version. It provided me with hours of enjoyment.

I'M NO VIDEO ARTIST, but once I got my performance started with some music and effects, it looked really slick. The program comes with tons of eye candy to choose from, including kaleidoscope effects and various color wipes.

Once you choose the ones you want to use, you can assign each effect to a key on your keyboard. This lets you create a full video performance on the fly: While the video and music play, you hit a key--or multiple keys at once--and the effects show up on your computer's screen.

You can use your own video clips and still pictures, or, if you don't have any, the app includes premade movie clips with people dancing and colorful text that you can control. All of your effects "keep time" with the music so you can easily create a dynamic performance.

THE PROGRAM ALSO supports full MIDI suites, so you can write and produce your own music, giving you complete creative control over the project.

In order to run some of the more complex effects, you'll need a fairly powerful computer. ArKaos (the company that makes ArKaos VJ) recommends a Pentium 4 1.3GHz processor and 256MB of RAM for the PC version; for Mac it recommends a PowerPC G4 800MHz with 256MB of RAM.

ArKaos VJ is really for professional video and performance artists. But if you're interested in creating fun and lively presentations, I suggest trying out the demo.

What are some of your favorite fun downloads? TalkBack to me!

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