Project Overview

For many aspiring TouchDesigner VJs, the dilemma of choosing between existing tools and building a custom interface has been a common obstacle. AAVJ, born out of years of experimentation and curiosity, emerged as a modular and versatile tool designed to revolutionize VJing within TouchDesigner. This case study delves into the development of AAVJ, which leverages the power of Python scripting and is built entirely within TouchDesigner.

The AAVJ Vision

AAVJ is a product of the desire to create a VJ tool that offers both flexibility and a familiar workflow. It is tailored to work seamlessly with other industry-standard tools for live performances, making it a valuable addition to the arsenal of VJs.

Key Features + Functionality

AAVJ offers a wide array of features that empower VJs and expand their creative possibilities:

Multi-Layer Mixing: AAVJ allows users to blend multiple layers of real-time media, tapping into the extensive blend modes provided by the Composite TOP.

Automatic VRAM Management: AAVJ incorporates a VRAM cleanup script that efficiently manages VRAM resources by compressing unused networks, potentially reducing texture resource usage by a factor of up to 8x.

Auto Learn UI: A fully mappable user interface (UI) supports MIDI and OSC inputs, enabling intuitive control over the visual and audio elements of the performance.

Drag and Drop Custom Components: AAVJ offers drag-and-drop functionality for custom component modularity, allowing VJs to expand their toolset with ease.

Project Customization: The interface allows for adjustable project parameters, enabling flexible rendering, output, and aesthetic customization.

NDI/Spout Inputs and Outputs: AAVJ features dynamic menu panels that facilitate NDI/Spout outputs, which can be blended pre or post-layer with previous visual elements.

OSC Inputs and Outputs: The toolbar includes an OSC menu, allowing for the integration of OSC inputs and outputs, enabling mapping of the interface and creating triggers from UI elements.

Community Engagement and Growth

The developer behind AAVJ has been actively promoting the tool, even presenting it at the TouchDesigner Meetup in August 2023. Official documentation is in progress, and a growing community of users and developers is forming. Those interested in trying out the latest version or becoming part of the AAVJ community can find the project file on Discord under #official-downloads.

Join the Discord Community for all future updates, news, and releases: https://discord.gg/py5FFqQq7G

Conclusion

AAVJ aims to empower TouchDesigner artists with a custom modular interface that enhances their creative possibilities. By harnessing Python scripting and the capabilities of TouchDesigner, AAVJ has become an invaluable asset for live performances, and its active community ensures its continued growth and evolution in the world of live performance.

Questions?

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AAVJ