ArKaos Visualizer 1.5 for iTunes (OS 9 and X), SoundJam and Audion
Thank you for trying the ArKaos visualizer. This interactive mp3 visualizer plug-in is the basic distribution tool of the ArKaos products.
The ArKaos engine is a real-time video sampler and is used to create real-time graphics in live concerts. Thanks to this visualizer you can now use this technology on you mac or pc !
The ArKaos engine has 60 real-time effects that can be used to create cool images synchronized to the music, you can also use the computer keyboard to drive the effects!
Please check often www.arkaos.net for updates!
How can I install it ?
First you need iTunes, SoundJam or Audion. If you don't have them you can download a free version on their web site : www.apple.com, www.panic.com/audion/, soundjam.com
The installer will locate your mp3 player and install all the files in the right directory.
After launching the mp3 player you must just select the ArKaos visualizer.
ΓÇó For itunes:
To enable the visualizer select ArKaos Visualizer from the Visuals menu and then select Turn Visual On from the Visuals menu.
ΓÇó For SoundJam:
To enable the visualizer select ArKaos Visualizer from the window menu.
ΓÇó For Audion:
To enable the visualizer you must select Console from the tool menu, click on the visuals tab, select the ArKaos visualizer and click on the Enabled check box. Then you can open the visualizer window by selecting Visualizer window from the window menu.
What can it do ?
The ArKaos visualizer lets you use visual files created with the ArKaos real-time video sampler. Those visual files are *.kos files and are complex visual databases that combine static visuals, video loops, flash animations, real-time effects and eventually sequencer informations.
If you just do nothing after selecting the ArKaos window the ArKaos engine will just listen to the beat and launch the real-time effets encoded in the visual file. For each new song it will open a new visual database, so if you have a lot of them it will create an infinite stream of video animations automatically !
How can I change the visuals ?
Each time you play a new song or each time to clic on the start button a new kos file is selected, there are 6 visual synths with this version of the Arkaos Visualizer.
Why is it interactive ?
Some visual databases can be configured to be played via the computer keyboard, by example you can select the "Ituneskos1.kos" and just start playing on the keyboard, you are now driving the visuals !
When you play in VJ mode a logo "ArKaos" is displayed on top of the graphics.
Can I add more visuals ?
Sure, if you just want to add more visuals to your database without having nothing to do, just visit our web site www.arkaos.net, we are distributing free visuals.
In the option dialog of the visualizer you can select a "kos folder", by doing so you can just put all downloaded kos files inside this folder and the next time you start the visualizer it will be scanned and the kos files will be included in the visual menu.
I want to create my own visuals, what do I do ?
The current products that can create those cool visual files is ArKaos VJ or VMP 2.1 (this product was known as X<>Pose)
ArKaos 2.1 Visual MP3 level (VMP)
With this one you can use static images (jpeg, bmp, pict), assign real-time effects and record sequencer informations over an mp3 file to be replayed by the visualizer.
ArKaos 2.1 VJ level
In addition to the feature of the VMP level you can use QuickTime video loops and use a MIDI keyboard to drive the visuals. Thanks to the MIDI you can also link ArKaos to any MIDI sequencer like Cubase.
You can buy those products on our web site, you can also download a complete version with documentation to try them.
Visit www.arkaos.net to have more informations about this product.
Can I record a visual remix to be played by the visualizer ?
Yes, this a very cool feature of the visualizer, you can use ArKaos to record a sequence of actions while playing over an mp3 file. If you name your kos file like the mp3 file and place it in the same folder then the visualizer will detect it automatically and play your visual remix ! If you want to create a visual remix for the CoolSong.mp3 just name the visual file CoolSong.kos and place it in the same folder.
Why do I need QuickTime ?
Because the ArKaos engine uses QuickTime to play back video loops. You should also install the latest 4.x version of QuickTime, it's free from the apple web site (www.apple.com).
The ArKaos engine does'nt need the pro version of QuickTime.
If you don't have QuickTime installed the engine will run without problems but the video loops will not be played.
What should be the speed of the engine ?
First of all the engine is optimized to play in 16 bits colors (Thousands of colors, 65535). Be sure to select this resolution to enjoy smooth visuals.
An option in the configuration dialog lets you display the frame rate on top of the visuals, use this to check the speed of your machine.
The speed is different for each real-time effect because some are more sophisticated.
Under windows already for a 300 MHZ machine you should enjoy 50 fps in 320*240 and 15 fps in 640*480.
On a PowerPC mac you should already have 60 fps in 320*240 on a 266 MHZ G3.
Can I code my own effects to be played by the ArKaos engine ?
Yes, we have a developer section on our web and you can subscribe to receive an SDK.
With what version of SoundJam / iTunes / Audion is the visualizer compatible ?
The visualizer is compatible with iTunes 1.1 and later.
The visualizer is compatible with both free and commercial versions of SoundJam 2.5 and later.
The visualizer is compatible with audion 2.5 and later
In the future we intent to port the engine to other mp3 players.
Hey you did'nt reply to my question !
We have a FAQ on our web and if you are really lost you can email to contact@arkaos.net
We hope you will enjoy this product as much as we did enjoy creating it !
