Technologies

Identify the software, technologies you "think" would be right for your project. Explain how you made your choices.

I set out the "unit 3" project as a group of different installations on the same subject: relationship between people and belief.

Different installations > different technical solutions.

SOFTWARE

S.1 -Which?

MAX / msp / jitter > control sound and video

Besides Max is a standard for audio and video installations, personal testing and knowledge leads me to know that is a solid and versatile solution for my needs.

Max works easily with arduino and as it is not writing code base provide me some independence both on prototyping and resolution.

S.2 -Which?

Arduino software

Necessary to send/receive data from the inputs/output between an arduino board and MAX.

S.3 -Which? I will use some different editing softwares for video, audio and image to create content base.

At the moment, I believe my needs are cover with these choices but I could consider use Flash, Processing or a database application to "save" user behaviors.

HARDWARE

H.1 -Which?

Arduino is a base for me as I feel comfortable using it to connect virtual and real.

Depending on the final resolution I will need to choose between different peripheral solutions.

For example, to control light I am considering to use DMX (leds and sequencing) or use a Velleman K8064 dimmer that allows me to use incandescent bulbs drive by arduino.

H.2 -Which?

As I my idea is to create a series of installations, my technical goal is to be the more independent possible from using different macs.

A stand alone arduino with a sound shield could be an easy and cheap solution.

A second option to drive this sound base installations is to use an audio interface (usb or firewire) with multiple outputs and drive all the sounds from an unique mac. In this case I will consider to use an unique arduino mega (more inputs and outputs than the 2009 model).

I believe I will need to adapt myself to these two possibilities.

H.3 -Which?

Mac mini as it is enough powerful to use the software needed, reduce size and relative good price.

H.4 -Which?

I am considering to use Sound directional speakers as a base of one of the installations to create a "voice of god" sensation.

H.5 -Which?

I will need to find a solution to displays several video signal (outputs) or use more than one computer as I want to use video image in two installations.