(Part 2) Top products from r/vjing

Here's what I would do (and have done) to get started:

Visuals

• Get a laptop with a decent graphics card
  
• Download Resolume Arena 6 (free, with watermark on output)
  
• Download free visuals from Beeple to play with
  
• Optional: Buy a MIDI controller to make control easier, especially for future performances. This is my personal favorite, but you could use something like this too.
  
• Optional: connect to a projector and point it at something weird in your room and try to projection map it
  
  Lighting
  
  
• Download GrandMA2 and MA3D
  
• Watch a LOT of tutorials (Console Training to start, Christian Jackson for more advanced things)
  
• Start making small rigs and visualize them using MA3D, controlling them with MA2
  
• Optional: Learn how to connect a MIDI controller using remote inputs
  
• NOTE: to actually output from MA you need MA hardware. This is expensive, but you are also learning the most used lighting software in the entertainment industry and it will be invaluable information. If you want to get outputting lights using professional software for a relatively affordable price, consider the Elation M-Touch.
  
  
  Lasers
  
  
• Download the QuickShow demo
  
• Learn how to use it
  
• Learn and understand rules around using lasers at events and what is required (I.E. variances!)
  
• Take proper training as you could literally blind someone if you do this wrong
  
  Pyro
  
  
• Ask a professional for real training
  
• Absolutely do not do this yourself
  
• ...That is, unless you are interested in fire spinning on stage AKA flowarts, in which case, I can help you with that too. But I am assuming you are talking about controlled pyrotechnics here.
  
  Atmospheric
  
  
• Learn the difference between a fogger, hazer, and Co2
  
• Learn the difference between an oil based hazer and a water based one

I painted right onto the console, but it was a light grey to begin with. Just guessing, I think a white base polish would work better because that's what a top layer nail polish is made for.

Glow in the dark polish definitely looks cooler, but a USB gooseneck lamp is also worth considering.

https://www.amazon.com/Optoma-EH500-Lumens-Network-Projector/dp/B00FU4X81Y/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1518408744&sr=8-11&keywords=optoma+projector

I have been using this one for a year and I like native 1080p to make all my videos in 1080p. For the price its the best I found. My stage is about 30 feet by 20 feet has still has tons of room. To get a better would would run 5k+. I can send you a video of my mappings if you like.

I don't have personal experience with it, but the AVerMedia Game Capture HD2 looks like a good option. Works as a stand alone box with HDMI in and through, records to an internal HDD without needing USB for data or power. one drawback is that it can't be used as capture into a PC, unlike other AVerMedia products.

Like the one you linked it's under $150 but it's not clear if it includes a HDD, so might be worth a look.

I always loved my DM2. It was the cheapest and most fun gear I ever used.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002GCFDFM

Something as simple and inexpensive as a Micca Speck might do the job for you. They are relatively versatile, and Amazon sells them in the $40 range - https://smile.amazon.com/Micca-Full-HD-Portable-Digital-Player/dp/B008NO9RRM/

With inexpensive devices like these, though, I recommend getting backup units in case of issues.

Oh your using mac? I cant hate cause I love modul8 but macs are a pile of shit hardware wise.

In that case I would say a distribution amp to split your signal into another machine that can record from OBS. https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Powered-Splitter-1080P-Model/dp/B004F9LVXC?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2 you can get an hdmi splitter for low end 20-30 bucks. Of course you would need an additional PC for the recording so the other guys SD option may be better.

This is what I'm using right now:
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Ast422y-monitor-Foldable-Tripod/dp/B00ADC5SPW/ref=pd_cp_MI_0

EDIT: changed link to the correct model

totally. imo you wont be doing any mapping on a $200 projector.

i have a couple of these, theyre great

hm ok - here is the benq - http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-Short-Throw-MX812ST-Projector/dp/B0043VS5RW if you look at its specs its a 0.6 throw ratio - i know there is a 0.5 out there too, but i'm not going to google for too long: http://www.benq.us/product/projector/MX812ST/specifications/

I think the NEC short throw might be cheaper. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist.jsp&sku=1110105&is=REG&gclid=Cj0KEQiArJe1BRDe_uz1uu-QjvYBEiQACUj6otrE1xJYQP4onX_asm7SNyPKe0wvcRkOqCfURyD-UQQaAlnZ8P8HAQ&Q=add&ap=y&m=Y&q=1&A=cart I would be careful of the ones with mirrors - if that mirror gets scratched, you're fucked - they have to be handled a little more delicately than a normal projector.

And finding something 500-600 bucks...well...you'll get what you pay for - which is probably 2000lumens, low resolution - but there might be ultra shorts for that price point. I would invest in one of these guys.