Pre-purchase questions.

[mikekay]

I have a decision to make, which media control software to purchase. Arena is at the top of the list, but before putting my $$ down I am hoping to get some feedback from users. First, here is a description of what I am trying to accomplish:
Multiple outputs to projectors where 1 image can be sent to three projectors or 3 separate images can be sent.
DMX control of lights
MIDI input and control of video, images, and lights
Support of Blackmagic Quad 2 for live camera inputs
Projector mapping to separate projectors

Questions - is it possible to record full output and independent camera inputs at the same time?
How detailed is DMX control?
When you add in the cost of the training video's, the software, the currency conversion rate to Canadian $$ - this is an expensive investment. How would you rate the learning curve, and are the video's worth investing in?

Yes, I have the demo version, but cannot afford the time to learn multiple programs to assess. Basically, I am going to JUMP into a package and make it work.

The main competition I am looking at is Arkos Grand VJ XT. Any comments on the pro's and con's of either would be REALLY appreciated.

Thank you.

[Zoltán]

Multiple outputs to projectors where 1 image can be sent to three projectors or 3 separate images can be sent.

You can do this.

DMX control of lights

DMX is available in Arena only,
Color output via fixtures: https://resolume.com/support/en/dmx
custom parameters with a fixed value via the same fixtures or some workarounds:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15789&hilit=dmx

MIDI input and control of video, images, and lights

yes, see above

Support of Blackmagic Quad 2 for live camera inputs

yes

Projector mapping to separate projectors

yes, Arena only

is it possible to record full output and independent camera inputs at the same time?

no, you can't record inputs, only the composition output.

How detailed is DMX control?

8 bits, no support yet for 16 bits.

How would you rate the learning curve, and are the video's worth investing in?

Have a look at the free content, and decide yourself. Definitely faster than reading.
We have a great written documentation too at our support page and the Resolume manual.

I hope this answers your questions.
If you got more, let them come

[mikekay]

Thanks for a great reply. The FREE training is not free. I watched the first free version and it was too basic....I would have liked a tour of the interface with explanations before learning how to input content.

8 bit DMX is an issue due to the lighting I am using.....but not necessarily a show stopper. One thing that I forgot to mention, is that the Resolume licence, to the best of my knowledge, only works on one computer. Fair. But it sure would be nice to be able to run a backup copy on a second computer when live. Been working with computers live for a long time and they have a tendency to go down right before show time.

Research continues.....

[Empyfree]

Thanks for a great reply. The FREE training is not free. I watched the first free version and it was too basic....I would have liked a tour of the interface with explanations before learning how to input content.

8 bit DMX is an issue due to the lighting I am using.....but not necessarily a show stopper. One thing that I forgot to mention, is that the Resolume licence, to the best of my knowledge, only works on one computer. Fair. But it sure would be nice to be able to run a backup copy on a second computer when live. Been working with computers live for a long time and they have a tendency to go down right before show time.

Research continues.....

Seriously!? Have you downloaded it? You can try absolutely everything you ask about above without restriction, just a little discreet(ish) watermark on the output.

And the licenscing system is very fair, Check out this page: https://resolume.com/support/en/registering

[mikekay]

You are VERY correct. The licencing is more than fair......getting closer to making my decision. Thanks for correcting me.