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Topic: serato mp4 user looking into using virtual...

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what's up guys? i currently use serato vsl. after converting over 9000+ videos into mp4 format i'm thinking about using virtual dj as well. how is the quality on virtual dj using mp4's? where are you guys getting videos from? thanks

Lou.
 
Inviato Tue 07 Oct 08 @ 7:43 pm
 
I also own serato vsl.the quality is no comparison to vdj (it was a waste of 199us dollars! IMHO.u will love vdj video.
 
I've never tried serato for video, but there's plenty of us using vdj for video all the time. I really like it- once you've got it set up properly and found a skin that you like you're good to go! (Check out the v-mix skins once you've bought the program, there's probably some screen shots in the skins section of the forum).
 
thanks for the replies. believe it or not, i actually like serato video. but i have to admit that virual has some cool features that i would love to have on serato(recording). and i'm real tired of converting videos also. don't know how much longer i can go. at the point the that i look for sources that offer mp4's.
 
While both do video, its clear that VDJ gives better video output, and offers better video file support, such as direct VOB (dvd) support, and more.

Just test the demo and see for yourself if you like it ;)

Btw, you can use your Serato soundcard and vinyls with VDJ
 
dj-in-norway wrote :
While both do video, its clear that VDJ gives better video output, and offers better video file support, such as direct VOB (dvd) support, and more.


I agree with that with my testing.


dj-in-norway wrote :

Btw, you can use your Serato soundcard and vinyls with VDJ


only on a PC

You can't use the SL-1 on a MAC with VDJ.

But you can still use the timecode records.



Here is some other comparisons between the two application regarding video:

Cons for Serato Video:

- You can only use ONE mixer to do it. And you HAVE to buy it & the plug-in to do video. (roughly about $1,400 just to do it)

- With only being able to only use one mixer means lugging it around & talking venues into letting you set it up. Why should you carry and expensive mixer to a CLUB? What if it breaks? You are S.O.L.

- Quality of of video output lacks compared to VDJ using the EXACT SAME FILES!

- Can't customize controls over the software on the mixer for video effects, trans, etc.

- Updates are taking forever and didn't even resolve some of the important issues surrounding PC users. (I own both MAC & PC)

- Serato is NEW to video and it will take some time get it as solid as other companies who have been doing it for 4 years already (Virtual DJ)

- Can only use limited video file types. Mainly H.264 (mp4) videos. If you have an existing library it will take a while to get the right quality settings and let alone time to encode your library over to this very restrictive format for video.

- video preview screens can be REALLY small of different resolutions for you computer. Would be nice to be able to resize it accordingly.

- nothing is open source for plug-ins or skins.

- no text plug-in for on screen scrolling text or logo watermark effect.


Pros for Serato Video:

- Serato Scratch Live is more commonly used in the USA and a better chance that a venue already has a ttm57sl in the club for you to use for video. But most clubs have the Pioneer DJM-800 too. It is the more flexible professional club mixer.

- Video effects & transitions are nice and high quality.

- Supports tags for video like mp3 tagging. (BIG PLUS)

- Being used to using the audio version of Serato Scratch Live and switching to video won't be much of a learning curve for software use.

- Only one USB cable connected to your mixer and you're set up.



Pros for VDJ:

- MIDI... supports ANY MIDI mixer on the market to control the software. I can plug in my MIDI out of my NI Audio DJ soundcard into a Pioneer DJM-800 and control video crossfading and whatever using the mixer. Any MIDI device!

- Open source for plug-ins, skins, etc. There are brilliant talented people out there who have improved skins, effects, transitions, etc for VDJ that makes it that much better to use. If your smart enough and know someone who is.. you can get some custom things accomplished with it.

- Open to MANY video formats including VOB/MPEG-2 video files that usually come directly from a DVD. In other words... it takes minutes to rip and entire DVD from like Promo Only, name the files and have them READY TO PLAY! Downside of course is the size difference... but that is a different topic.

- You can completely CUSTOMIZE your shortcuts on your keyboard, midi device for EVERY feature of the software, including calling to specific transitions, effects, etc. (very useful)

- Recently improved timecode makes it very comparable to Serato's timecode! Believe me this was a con for this software at one time and it is really TIGHT now!

- Can use Serato's TIMECODE vinyls & other timecode records on the market like Tracktor, Miss Pinky, etc.

- Ability to walk into ANY venue or situation and do video! You can have custom shortcuts to control video on your laptop if you have NO mixer that is MIDI available.

- Supports iTunes, Serato's crates, and even explorers style browser for your files.

- Feature called "filter folder" allows custom folders to find specific files. For example "most played tracks", "Least played songs", "Songs in certain BPM ranges" ... whatever your heart desires. Endless possibilities.

- has plug-ins that are made for TEXT on the screen for scolling, flashing, etc. And has a plug-in for putting your logo on the screen and change the opacity of it on the screen.



Cons for VDJ:

- With open to many soundcards, controllers, devices, etc. It has been prone to crash under certain situations if not tested fully before doing a gig. Mainly with controllers and not timecode.

- with its partnership with Numark it has made it difficult for improvement with the numark soundcard from the Virtual Vinyl package. Thus causing bad experiences with customers who then get turned off by it. Buy direct from Virtual DJ. (I regret buying the Virtual Vinyl package)

- Some of their betas and testing are focused much on new controllers, etc. and leaving other minor improvements for serious club dj's a not so high priority. Can be very annoying & frustrating for the timecode using club dj.

- No tag support for MP4 video files. files have to be named like "artist - title" for VDJ to put it in the correct fields in the software.

- Because no tag support if you have SCAN every file in and hope that the BPM is correct. It 95% of the time is... but is a pain in the ass if it isn't. In serato you can import and all info (because of the tag support) including BPM are in place ready to use.

- Works better on a PC thus making the polar opposite of Serato which actually works better on a MAC.



I hope that helps clear some of this up.


I use what works best for me for whatever situation I am in.
If I walk into a club with a ttm57sl I will most likely pull out my Mac and play with Serato. If it isn't then I will pull out my PC laptop and use VDJ.

I like both but as you can see they both have their pros and cons.

But I have personally been pulling away from VDJ and switching over to Serato for several reasons.

1) It actually works pretty much right out of the box with no tedious testing and configuring.

2) being able to support tag info was a huge leap into being more like audio DJ-ing with all the info in place upon new files added instantly.

3) getting used the mixer (ttm57sl) was pretty easy and knowing all the shortcuts make it more flexible for mixing video.

4) improvement with the timecode/video tagging/numark soundcard, etc... were not being looked at much the past year so it is a major disappoint for me being a professional serious timecode using nightclub video dj.

5) I can fit my very compact macbook pro laptop, ttm57sl mixer, timecode records, cables, etc. all in my backpack and be very mobile to walk into any venue and set up. And I don't have to configure ANYTHING when I set up... just plug it in and GO !!
 
thanks al. i saw your post on serato too. i have the ttm57 so i can't use vinyl. but i'll give it a try anyways.
 


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