DMX output from video file

VVVV is great - I’m a newbie, but loving it so far :)
I am trying to decipher how to do DMX output from VVVV. In the most simple instance I would like to be able to play a video file and sample the RGB values on a given grid (eg. 4 x 3 grid x 3 channels = 36 channel DMX output). The effect would be not dissimlar to the Colour-Tramp software http://www.artisticlicence.com/item220.htm from Artistic License (which is pretty expensive!).
At my disposal I have a Lanbox LCX box, an Enttec DMX PRO, and an Artnet down/lynx device. Judging by discussions across these boards, it sounds like Artnet output is probably the way forward.
I have looked at the ambilight.v4p project and can understand the logic of what is being done, but can not get it to work.
If there is anyone who has some sample patches I could look at, or even would like to have a stab at it, I would most appreciate it!
Thanks,
Dominic

DMX in vvvv is quite easy - its just one spread of value for each universe.

so: (1) make sure you have read the Spreads tutorial. (2) open up the help patches for Pipet (EX9.Texture), RGB (Color, Split), Vector (3d Join) and DMX (Network Artnet Sender) .
then you should have all necessary pieces on your screen - the solution is really simple :)

Artnet uses a so-called Class A net, which has a submask 255.0.0.0 and uses IPadresses like 2.0.0.x.
search http://www.artisticlicence.com for further informations.

perhaps this is the problem?!?

Are you already able to send out DMX with VVVV?

That is the first step, than you can just connect the spread you created with pipet (and translated to RGB values using RGB Split (color) )

The Ambilight patch is not a very good patch, but is was my forst time ever I use VVVV. So also look at how many channels your RGB DMX device use, and what the proper RGB channels are.

I also have an Enttec dongle, but I need two PC’s to use it with vvvv, just artnet send it over to universe one recieve the artnet on another PC, that is properly connected to your Entec. Use SoftNode 1.2.0 and select universe one, and it should work.

Good luck.

thanks for the help + tips. I’ve got the dmx output working nicely (thanks West!!!) via artnet dmx output. My next challenge for which i need some help is that I am trying to get the patching of lights working correctly from the video feed.

I have an array of 95 lights that is not quite evenly distributed on a grid and therefore I need a digital version of a patch panel. In the attached file you will see that on the right I have an IOBOX in which I have mapped which pipet slice refers to which lamp. Some of the PIPET SLICES are completely dropped from the final DMX output, and others need to be renumbered/reorganised. (see text box in file)

Not quite sure what the next step is. I suspect it is something like using the GetSlice index pin but can’t see how to make it work.

Your help is as always much appreciated!
thanks, dominic

dh-dmx video map POST.v4p (25.9 kB)

Hehe, great to see you are getting some where.

Artnet send values from 0.000 till 1.000, no need to multiply with 255 (or I might use a different artnet reciever, than I said nothing).

For your patching problemm, well, as I see it, you just need to’insert’ an empty slice on the places where there are no channels, so use ‘insertslice (spreads) node’. (look at the helpfile).

I made a InsertSlice (color) and SetSlice (color) module, need to post it on my Wiki Page, when I have time. Just drop them intoo your modules folder, and you can use them like any other node, no Helpfile yet, but look at the instertslice (spreads) and setslice (spreads) help files. Best to make input slice a black one, so it creates no DMX.

SetSlice (color).v4p (7.1 kB)
InsertSlice (color).v4p (8.3 kB)

Ahem,

why inserting empty slices?

i would prefer only getting the slices i want.
see attched patch and comments.

VideoMap.v4p (23.5 kB)

Thanks for help.
Kalle, the getslice worked perfectly. That’s a nice way to build a lighting patch.
I’m feeling this is just the beginning of a whole new DMX world for me… :)

I just figured, since there are more used than empty slices, it was easier just using the empty ones… but that also works :)

I just wanted to say I redid my Ambilight Patch, it works great now (filtered out the shades off grey).