GrandVJ: The feature request thread

[PhasedMedia]

You could try using the new midi feedback function. Set up each look in GVJ (all features midi/osc mapped) and record the midi settings in ableton or similar. This could then be triggered to call each look.

[032981]

You could try using the new midi feedback function. Set up each look in GVJ (all features midi/osc mapped) and record the midi settings in ableton or similar. This could then be triggered to call each look.

Thanks,
I am doing this already. Using Akai APC40 and live. Time wasting work around for some thing that should be simple.

[lighttch]

Following a Thread in the Mediamaster forum, it would be nice to go to a hardware based serial, like a USB Dongle. This would make it convenient, as at times the shows are small enough to warrant just a laptop and not my multicore rack computer. Also if a computer should crash for some reason, it would be easy to use another computer for an emergency backup. having a dongle means the software could only be active on one computer at a time, while others could run in demo mode. Hope you might consider this for a future upgrade.

Andrew

[Scott Dewar]

I think Grand VJ is a definite improvement over VJ Midi. Hopefully Arkaos can make enhancements at a faster rate than in the past.

My interest in features, in order of priority (I believe the first 5 are critical):
1) Mixer Mode: Saving of the project file also saves the current set up of layers (and their cued contents) - i.e., "scene recall"
2) Freeframe support!!
3) Ability to change order of layers by drag&drop
4) Record Session to a file or a dvd or DV output
5) BPM Tap or BPM Detection
6) Position/Size: scaling more than 100%, up to 300% or so would be great
7) Preview out window needs to be filled more with content - lots of wasted space around the image in the window. Needs to reflect current aspect ratio.

[jcbklyny]

I have to agree with the "hardware dongle" idea.

I am currently using 2 of the 3 serials you get with the program - 1 for my main rack based system and 1 for my laptop as a backup should anything ever go wrong on site. This week I had a situation where the fan on my video card in the laptop died and fried the card - the excess heat also damaged the mainboard. So I ended up getting a new laptop. Problem is I cant use the last serial because I need it should anything ever happen to my main system. Which means now I'm stuck without a backup!!

If you were able to transfer a license to a flash drive that would solve a lot of problems and eliminate the need to give 3 serials with the program. Just pop the flash drive into any PC and you have a fully registered version of the software.

There are many computer based lighting programs that do this and adding it to GVJ shouldnt be that hard to do.


Thanks
John

[DWK]

I actually quite like the three serials system you have in place currently. I can't stand dongles as they tend to get swiped during shows, they clog up USB ports, they get knocked out of laptops and they're just another unnecessary thing that can go wrong during a show.

The only problem at the moment, and it is a massive one, is that you can't email Arkaos to get a serial reset if one of your computers is stollen or decides to blow up. Pretty much all other software that runs this kind of copy protection system (Ableton, Eyecon, etc) allows for serial resets/replacements if something goes wrong.

[jcbklyny]

The only problem at the moment, and it is a massive one, is that you can't email Arkaos to get a serial reset if one of your computers is stollen or decides to blow up.

That's because they state that you can only install the product on 1 computer, and the 2 extra serials are your reset serials. To quote the arkaos electronic license...

Second computer: The ArKaos software license is intended for registering the software on one main computer. Installing ArKaos software on multiple computers require multiple licenses. The additional serials that ArKaos provides are meant to be used in case of hardware modifications or upgrades leading to a Machine ID code change on the main computer. The license does not permit the serials to be used to activate the software on multiple machines. Doing so is working against ArKaos intent of servicing its customers in case of a hardware failure or replacement, whilst restricting non-permitted use of the software.
Using the additional serials to install ArKaos on multiple computers will also increase the risk of running out of serials for the main computer, and having to order a new license to be able to generate new serials and continue to use the software.

Which means you can't have a backup solution (or like in my case, if your backup solution fails - you lose one of your precious serials). The problem I have with the current system is should something happen to your "Main System" on the job site, your screwed! You MUST have an internet connection available at all times in order to log on and request a new serial for a changed machine ID. This isn't always possible.

Which is why I suggested a hardware solution. If you only have 2 USB slots, don't buy a MACBOOK haha (just kidding)

Regardless of what is done, I think we need a better solution then the current 3 serial limit.

And if it helps any, having an (optional) hardware/flash doggle solution at an additional cost is something I'd be willing to BUY.

- John

[DWK]

That's because they state that you can only install the product on 1 computer, and the 2 extra serials are your reset serials. To quote the arkaos electronic license...

I understand this. I don't agree with it though. Fair enough that Arkaos only wants you to run GrandVJ on one computer at a time but why use such a heavy-handed approach?

I like GrandVJ a lot but the licensing system is too harsh. Replacing a component in your computer should not use up an activation, nor should having a computer stolen or break down. You aren't running the software on more than one computer in this situation so why are you being punished? You should, at the very least, be able to log on to your account on the Arkaos website, de-register one activation and get one of your three activations back.

Heh. I'm not anti-dongle because of the strange decision to limit USB ports on Macbooks. I personally always buy PCs anyway. I just don't like having my 'program' dangling from my computer. I've seen dongles swiped or misplaced far too many times. Then you don't just have to run around looking for a cafe with wifi in the middle of a random city at 1am, you have to find a music store stocking audiovisual gear in the middle of a random city at 1am.

I'm a huge fan of companies like Cockos (Reaper) who have realised that no matter what weird and wonderful copy protection a company implements in their software, they only end up punishing legitimate owners. They value the positive benefits of making their customers happy over the negatives of having their product pirated.

[Moabyte]

Regarding serials, I've learned the unique number is attached to your Network MAC address. On my PC desktop I have installed a PCI Ethernet card and disabled the internal network. This lets me move my registration to any PC that I can put the PCI NIC in, basically the card is a giant dongle now. Not sure if this works on Mac, but I would think removing the built in Ethernet kexts and using a NIC that works in mac may do the same thing.

I like the idea of having a USB stick to transfer the license to. I also like the way AVJ let you put in your SN for a 60 day temp license. I used that trick a few times when I could not use my own computer. I think 2 of those places purchased AVJ and use it to this day.

I think a better solution would be to just charge 100 to 150 for add on licenses.

This is defiantly a topic to be talking about, I hope Arkaos Team are reading. I know I'll need a few more registered machines in the future and

[paul-h]

This seems to be a quite hot topic.. I've yust had a heavy rant with Arkaos just about GVJ license system.
I earn Arkaos VJ since 2003 and obvioussly the three keys run out time ago, so I was used to get them regenerated sending a request via mail. It was a nice relationship and I was very happy of it.
But with GVJ things don't seem so smooth.
From my point of view a license should cover the entire lifetime of the application, OR be time limited (10 serials for a one-day giant session and so on) but the "three-shot" policy is simply demential and unfair towards us.
How Arkaos is willing to solve the issue is their business but if they want to preserve their customer base they should think fast.
By the way: I reformatted my pc and GVJ requested a new serial. I didn't change the network adapter so or my mac address changed or GVJ machine ID fishes data somewhere else.
My proposals?
TWO usb dongles and the possibility to purchase additional time limited serials on the fly.
And as an old time Arkaos VJ user I would like it to be unlocked to who purchased it, Arkaos VJ is discontinued but has still some features that makes it sit happily side by side with GVJ!

[jcbklyny]

Well I know the staff is busy with Media Master updates at the moment, but I would love to hear one of the mods chime in here - one way or another.




- John

[apache]

hello , im thinking of selling my old macbookpro , and geting a newone ... is thats means a need to buy a new serialkey for grandvj ??? ouch ... and the guy that will buy my old mbp will have a Free grandvj serial ? i want to desactivate my serial on the old mbp and use it on the new one.

http://support.arkaos.net/index.php/kb/article/000082 <----- this say NO !

i will certainly buy a new serial ... every year i try to upgrade my vj mpb to a new one ... and thats means a new serial every year ... i have already used my 3 grandvj serial ...my new mpb will only work with the so dead arkaos 3.6.5...
arkaos user since 21/04/2006 and grand vj user since 26/08/2008 ...

[jcbklyny]

??? ouch ... and the guy that will buy my old mbp will have a Free grandvj serial ?

I never thought about that - But I believe the way it works, he would and wouldn't. If he downloads GrandVJ he will be assigned same machine ID, but he would still have to log in and get the serial or an activation code. Without either one of those, he wouldn't be able to register a full version. BUT, he WOULD be able to use the serial you were assigned if he got a hold of it somehow. He could always write Arkaos support sending the machine id and your name and info posing as you and MAY be able to pull it off.

If you buy a new macbook you wouldn't have to buy a new serial just yet, right now you get 3 serials with 1 purchase. You can only use the serials on 1 computer. The arkaos license says you would lose the serial you already have registered and would be down to 2. If you log into the main Arkaos site you can go to your purchases and generate up to 2 new serials. After that, you have to buy a new version.

I don't think the way it works now is very fair. In your case for example I dont think you should lose a serial. Your still using it on 1 computer - your just upgrading. An upgrade shouldn't cost you a serial.

I'm curious, does Media Master work this way too? Because I would NEVER pay $2300 bucks to be stuck in this serial nightmare.


- John

[apache]

hi ,
just for a test , i have uninstalled grandvj , then reinstall it , and it works without any need of serial or registration .
so if i sell my mbp , the guy who will buy it , if he download the demo and install it , will get a fully functional grandvj version with a registered serial.
do i need to change some internal component on my mpb b4 selling it ? to change the machine ID ? weird .

[jcbklyny]

You need to format the drive and re-install the OS before selling.

just like Windows, when you uninstall a program on MAC OS, it's not really all gone. Most of the time registration info is saved. There are ways you can remove everything, but it's faster to just re-install if your selling.

[apache]

ty, thats good to know.
do the mpb ID change when i reinstall the os ?

[VJKatza]

* 16 BANKS is not enough for me..
* better & more adjustable audio aware
* multiple video out (at least two)
* scaling for more then 100%
* more then 4 point keystone (a permanent keystone per layer could be fantastic for projection mapping) [while @ mixer mode]
* option to choose the generated thumbnail (which sometime is black)
* freeframe support
* option for a fade out as leaving key (like using synth mode inside mixer mode)
* Option to put a seperate mask on each layer
* SAVING MIDI-KEYBOARD BANK POSITION
* KEEP ON THE GOOD WORK!

[JJJ]

I know it has been said b4 but I'll say it again.

AUTOMATION like they had in ArKaos VJ - audio or midi driving controllers. Simple and slick.

Hoping hoping hoping.


JJJ

[absentcinema]

+1 for bank renaming
+1 for numerical input in addition to the faders

Out of the box midi and feedback templates for the Novation Launchpad & Noctrun would also be nice.

[VJKatza]

Please support transparent flash files....
This can open lotsa possibilities.
(where luma can't be used)

[pointless dav]

export to quicktime!

[PhasedMedia]

-Full screen on load checkbox option like (mediamaster) for installations without DMX.
-Next/previous cell buttons for powerpoint emulation or for simple next cue.
-Fade time (or transitions) on cells for synth mode.

[pointless dav]

-Next/previous cell buttons for powerpoint emulation or for simple next cue.

+1

[absentcinema]

BPM syncing for effect parameters and layer opacity!!! PLEASE!!!! just a BPM tap in button will do..

Yeah, being able to specify linking of individual effect parameters to the audio input would be a major addition adding a whole new dimension of GrandVJ's flexibility.

[opcode66]

My feature requests should be very simple to implement. And, they would sure make the software a lot more functional...

1. The thumbnail displayed for a clip should be generated using the loop start point and not the start point of the clip itself. I have a lot of clips that I want to be able to trigger little bits of. But, it gets confusing to see the same thumbnail for each instance of the clip even though the cells/keys are triggering the clip to play at different start times. In a pinch, I can't easily grab the little bit I want. I have to trigger each one until I see the correct bit in the preview window. That is a pain and is time consuming. It would so much easier to identify which clip is which if the thumbnail displayed was associated with the start time of the loop. That way multiple instances of the same clip with different start times would look different in the cells/keys.

2. Can you PLEASE add a button to the interface (MIDI mappable) for each layer that would clear the effect if any is currently applied? That way, I could easily clear the effects for a running clip. Currently, I have to use the mouse to right click on the clip preview window for the layer and then use the keyboard to do a ctrl+e to clear the effects. I like to work mostly with MIDI controllers and don't like to use the mouse much. And, it is always a stretch to reach the keyboard to type ctrl+e. If you had a button for each layer that would just clear the effects, I could assign them to one of my MIDI controllers and could clear the layer effects easily without reaching for the laptop. You already have a button that clears both the clip and the effect. How about adding another for clearing just the effect?

Thanks Much,

Opcode66

[opcode66]

1. Button to clear the effects for each layer that is MIDI assignable. That way I can clear the effects from a particular layer with one button press.

2. Make the thumbnail displayed for a clip user selectable. Or, generate the thumbnail using the selected Start Time and not the beginning of the clip. I often want to play little bits of a given video clip and those cells/keys all look the same. It is confusing and takes a lot of time to find the bit I actually want to play.

Thanks,

Opcode66

[absentcinema]

Being able to alter the curve on the crossfade and apply different transitions to it would be great.

[fb2003]

* BPM button (beattime parameter in flash)
* Refresh clip thumbnail function (black thumbnails are.... )
* Custom unlimited flash parameters
* Possibility to link parameter value in grand vj to inputs (besides midi) such as mircophone level.
* More effects

[aaintveld]

Mentioned before, but maybe to add some tips:

Make a thumbnail tell / show you in one glance, what clip is behind it.
Either with a picture (user selectable jpg), but for me, the filename would already do ! And then I mean, not needing to put the mouse on the clip, but PERMANENTLY showing the filename right below the thumbnail. Maybe have the option 'show filenames yes/no'.

Next:
- link an mp3 to a clip, triggering the clip will trigger and play the audio from the linked mp3.
- When in synth mode, let the thumbnail of a clip reflect the start point (asked by others), also meaning when the clip is cued to a later start point, showing that later point

[jcbklyny]

An update of any kind at this point would be great!

[aschwin]

EVENT RECORDER
+ export/render to disk
like (or better THAN) Arkaos VJ

Why is it left out? I also used Arkaos VJ for pre-editting please upgrade!

[apache]

vjdmx is dead , grand vj gonna die ?
only media master will survive .

[jcbklyny]

vjdmx is dead , grand vj gonna die ?
only media master will survive .

If that was the case I better get a free upgrade to Express!

[Moabyte]

It would be nice if a layer in mixer mode could be set to synth mode. I know GVJ has an 8 layer limit, so maybe it could be programmed to use remaining off layers. If for example 3 layers were on, that would leave 5 layers to use as a synth layer.

[neoproject]

Hi
I believe these important implementations grandvj:
large preview of the selected clip
allow more effects or combined effects on a single clip
entry apply to all types of audio effects selected
save, export and load bank as in NuVJ
hold the clip and then scretch as NuVJ
thanks
Neoproject

[Riley333]

I would like what seems to be the number 1 request, change the license policy to one that makes sense and does not hurt your customers.
I have spent $600.00 with Arkaos since 2005 and after a hard drive crash this week. Have nothing to show for it.

I have seen people at trade shows using it, I go up to them and say, Hey! That's Arkaos, I use that too! We geek out for a while then they lean over and whisper in my ear....you can get it free at blahblah.com. I get pissed and walk away because I prefer to support the good works of others and ask that people support my good works. BUT! Akaos is making us pay for someone else's crime... It just doesn't make sense?

Riley

[FrankySpanky]

Hi Arkaos,
Any news on the new release of GrandVJ?

I really really really hope you implemented these highly demanded preformance requests

• Refreshable Thumbnails. (highly performance recommandation)
• 4 extra flash parameters (equals 8 parameters). They should not interfere with the applied effects parameter(s).
• A beattime (BPM tap button) option like nuvj for flash.
• A replacement for Quartz Composer for the windows version of Grand VJ. Off course use of external parameters are essential.
• Custom effects

Good luck

PS. When a new clip is triggered, the initial effects (or flash) parameter value's should be that value of the corresponding knobs and or sliders.

[shado]

Hello Arkaos!

I use GrandVJ almost daily and despite being completely enamored overall with the software, I occasionally notice certain things that I feel could use some refinement/improvement.

1. My biggest issue is the preview window. Multi-projector shows running through a triplehead2go make everything in the preview extremely squashed, essentially rendering the preview window worthless. One would think there must be better options for previewing different configurations besides keeping everything in 4:3 mode. Modul8 and VDMX both have a flexible preview system that works great with less common display modes, like 4:1.

2. Automation! Give us some kind of way to sync parameters to other parameters. Once again, both Modul8 and VDMX have interesting ways to automate parameters without having to constantly turn a controller knob. VDMX can pretty much sync anything to anything. I realize that GrandVJ is built to satisfy different marketplace demands yet I feel that the lack of any automation is a major bummer.

3. Your registration/authorization system is honestly one of the most awful that I have ever had to deal with. It's not that it is overly complicated or anything...it just really is lame being forced to unexpectedly buy a new license because of hardware/software upgrades. In just a matter of a few days, I recently managed to lose my remaining serials due to upgrading my hard drive and operating system and had to drop a wad of cash on another license. I understand why you guys are protective of your product and your current protection system is certainly effective but sheesh, cut us some slack.

4. Third major thing I would love changed is the file handling. There have been many times where I accidentally moved some files while organizing and then had to tediously search out each missing file individually the next time I booted GrandVJ. A simple time-saving approach would be to have GrandVJ automatically search out missing files and allow the user the option to ensure the proper files are being found. I've resorted to storing all my files directly in the GrandVJ folder, so that they are all in one spot and I can find them easily.

5. I love the new transitions that are in the new GrandVJ beta, although I feel that there should be more of them available. Also, several of them could stand to have a crossfader adjustment curve parameter, since the curve is way too extreme. This is especially true of the Pixellate Fade. In fact, I don't understand why many of the transitions have absolutely nothing in the way of adjustable parameters.

6. Effects! There can always be more effects with more adjustable parameters too. You don't have to build them all yourselves...give us FreeFrame back! Also, it's great that Quartz Comps are compatible with GrandVJ but there is pretty much zilch about how to set up QC's for use within the program. Same for AS3 Flash files...I'm pretty comfortable with Flash AS3 yet there is practically no info/tutorials available. There are a few posts on the Arkaos blog that briefly touch on setting up QC's and AS3 Flash files, yet the info presented is far from in depth. And, the AS3 sample files are missing so I cannot even peer into the FLA to see how things work (EDIT, the AS3 sample file link has been fixed). Help us learn how to do this stuff ourselves and maybe we'll pester you guys less.

7. TouchOSC feedback. There has got to be a way to have GrandVJ allow bi-directional communication on TouchOSC enabled devices. I would love for my iPad and iPhone to function as my APC40 does, showing me which layers are activated and which clips are launched.

8. More projection mapping options. It would be awesome to be able to projection map each individual layer, with flexible shape options. Modul8 is currently smoking Arkaos in this arena.

9. Greater audio control of visuals. There should be a tap tempo button and a way to generate rhythmic parameters without the necessity for sound. Also, it would be fantastic if there were more audio-reactive sources. I guess this ties in with automation again. There wouldn't be a need for more audio-reactive sources if there was parameter automation.

Anyway, that's all the major stuff I can think of to address. I'm sure you guys get weary of hearing everyone's exhaustive list of wants and desires

[FrankySpanky]

Great improvements from shado! I hope they get implemented!

[absentcinema]

Are we ever going to get a 64-bit Windows version? Surely being able to access more that 4GB of memory and use 64-bit codecs would be highly advantageous for GrandVJ?

[PhasedMedia]

Love the preview tab and other improvements, still would like prev/next cell buttons for fashion shows/auctions/ etc.

[jannypan]

if we had more input parameters for flash movies, then we could perhaps achieve the same results.

[ravenmoon]

-mapping of Fulldome to display output for five projectors
see:
http://7thsensedesign.com/markets-fulldome.php

-Visual Mapping masks ( bezier anchor points to create more complex masks)

[FrankySpanky]

Currently GrandVJ has a Visual-, Effect-, Mixing- and Position/Size tab.

Adding a Parameter tab would be a great improvement to control clips with their own internal script and variable parameters, e.g. flash-, Quartz Composer clips.

This tab displays all external input parameters defined in a currently selected layer's flash- or QC clip.

The Effect tab is then purely functional for the parameters of applied effect of a clip, this way internal and external parameters don't mess up each others functionality.

Bottomline: devide effect parameters and clip parameters into two seperate tabs, and thereby gaining functionality.

[VJKatza]

Here are my most needed features for The next Major GrandVJ release:
1. Layer/Clip Crop Feature (Without Stretching the Image like the Crop Effect).
2. Hold Last Frame (Pauses the clip at the last frame of the segment).
3. Auto Transition (Automatic transition from the active layer to the new triggered cell) [Mixer Mode].
4. Lock Layer (locking a layer in mixer mode to prevent accidently changes).
5. USB Midi dropout support.
6. Allow Keystone drag points be controlled with keyboard curser keys as pixel by pixel moving (Like in Media Master).
7. Layer MASK support (Allows importing a B&W mask file).
8. Playlist (Allows defining a Playlist as a cell).
9. Ability to define the Cell Thumbnail .

Love Grand VJ!
Thanks!