Analog to Digital Video Synthesis for artistic Performance
This project was inspired by the principles of analog electronic audio synthesis, as well as a passion for analog video and exploration into an "outdated" medium.
The physical aspect project is an interface that can take allows a user to manipulate analog VGA video in multiple ways. The circuit uses potentiometers, oscillators, and control voltage inputs to affect the color and sync signals of VGA video. The direct control voltage inputs for each signal that the device can be patched to other inputs and devices, such as synthesizers or audio signals.
This project would ideally be used to create original visuals for live performance, or as a tool for musicians to visualize their music while playing. In addition to the physical interface, I will be creating my own original video content to be edited on a CRT with Vibrance. This technique to manipulate video isn't 100% original (see sources), so I want to really push the creative boundaries as much as I can.
Top interface layout as a graphic
front of a PCB without mounted components
Final schematic for the PCB
sketch showing the overall signal flow of the project
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
CHA/V (Cheap, Hacky A/V Synth) project by Jonas Bers
Most of my analog circuit info came from here. I was drowning in a sea of clueless experimentation before I found this post.
Bers uses a VGA signal generator along with some kind of pre-built experimentation board and audio jacks/signals. I will be creating my own board based on this information and skills.
I basically used Bers' idea of manipulating individual VGA signals with the 40106 oscillator (I had been messing around with thme and potentiometers, but I did not know anything about the oscillators before finding these posts). I ended up ditching the VGA signal generator in favor of just manipulating live signals from my laptop.
Original CHA/V
Youtube Demo
Github with more resources
Most of my analog circuit info came from here. I was drowning in a sea of clueless experimentation before I found this post.
Bers uses a VGA signal generator along with some kind of pre-built experimentation board and audio jacks/signals. I will be creating my own board based on this information and skills.
I basically used Bers' idea of manipulating individual VGA signals with the 40106 oscillator (I had been messing around with thme and potentiometers, but I did not know anything about the oscillators before finding these posts). I ended up ditching the VGA signal generator in favor of just manipulating live signals from my laptop.
Original CHA/V
Youtube Demo
Github with more resources
r/VideoBending and r/VideoSynthesis (specifically these posts)
This beginner link collection is where I found the CHA/V
Hackaday by Elliot Williams
A blog post I specifically referenced for more about using 40106 oscillators
A blog post I specifically referenced for more about using 40106 oscillators
Some generous souls who gave their time to help me with this project:
Kevin Hoth - photographer, video artist and instructor in ATLAS, as well as my main advisor for this project. (site)
Wayne Seltzer - teaches electronics at the BTU lab and helped me with early electronics work (site)
Mary West - PhD student at CU and electronics genius who helped with PCB design in eagle
Arielle Hein - Capstone projects instructor and the one who helped me connect with these wonderful people
Richard Manning - my uncle who supplied me with the CRT TVs for free
post-edited frame from a recording of the CRT TV while editing.
