Dubstep Vortex

Authors:
52919718 CHANG Weifan
51847192 LAU Chun Man

(EDIT: Cannot imbed Vimeo Link. Replaced with Youtube link.)

Vimeo link can still be found here.

Dubstep Vortex is an audiovisual feedback installation. 

However, unlike most other video installations of its kind (in which a video signal simply records itself in an "infinite" loop), Dubstep Vortex’s augmented feedback system—allows not just a greater deal of customization and flexibility for the artist, but also offers an unprecedented degree of interactivity with the audience. 

Instead of just having a camera record its own display, by first rerouting the captured information through a computer (CPU), we are now able to effectively alter the data stream before it is redisplayed.  Prior to this, the only way to alter the stream was to physically interfere with the light signal between the camera and display; with the inclusion of the CPU, more complex maneuvers, such as audiovisual presentations, are now possible. 

Dubstep Vortex takes advantage of Windows Media Player’s in-built visualization engine.  The entire visualization window is made semitransparent, and is layered atop the camera view.  The result is that the audio visualizations become part of the feedback loop, with spectacular results.  Due to the fact that everything is semi-transparent, the screen becomes a pulsating mosaic of various opacities, dancing in tune to the music.

Using a computer also means that the audience is able to easily make adjustments to the setup that can drastically change the style and look of the feedback loop.  Not only can audiences choose what song to play out of the playlist (or even adding their own), but they can also choose (at any time) what kind of visualization they wish to use—they can even easily adjust the camera’s shutter speed and color temperature (via camera real-time display program). 

To make the setup even more unique, the camera is physically tilted at an angle—not only does this make each subsequent loop more and more “off-kilter”, but it also creates unique patterns of overlap unlike any other.   

Lau Chun Man stands next to the camera in our revolutionary new feedback loop setup, in the video art installation "Dubstep Loop"


The new "augmented" loop comprises of: Camera, Computer, and Projector/Screen


The loop warps in real-time, in accordance to the musical cues provided by WMP's visualization engine.