VJ Heaven

VisualJockey: Real-time Animation

The Mac may be in the spotlight these days, but Windows may boast the broadest access to freeware and open source tools for live visuals. The latest edition: VisualJockey. Blending patching, performance, and timeline metaphors, with a healthy dose of effects and sound capabilities, VisualJockey is a unique tool you can now have for free. Need an excuse to load Boot Camp, Mac users?

You get a pretty powerful set of tools in this app, first introduced in 1999:

• Windows Vista support
• Image, AVI, QuickTime format compatibility
• MIDI
• Multi-monitor support
• Generators for particles, patterns
• 25+ transitions
• 3D support and animation
• Export Footage

VisualJockey’s approach is unique - a hybrid blend of other interface paradigms. The user interface has a retro feel with more flexibility than modular patching environments. At this price it’s hard to resist.