Video
Synthesis
Ecosphere
Video Synthesis Software & Hardware
by Andrei Jay
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FAQ
Oh my, do I get Frequently Asked Questions often! This might end up being the largest page on here.
GENERAL
VSEDSK
What does this stand for?
Video Synthesis Ecosphere DeSKtop. I guess for desktop computers? It’ll still run on laptops too. And most nanocomputers if the right operating system is installed.
Do you support Spout or Syphon?
No, there is no immediate plan to integrate either as both have someone inconsistent system support. NDI would be what I’d start with for frame sharing programs. As of 10-18-25 I’m working on built in media players for both WP and GWDSK.
VSERPI
What Does VSERPI stand for?
Video Synthesis Ecosphere Raspberry PI.
How do I hook my VSERPI up to my computer?
There is literally no need for a computer at all to use a VSERPI you purchased from my store*. If you want to, you can plug an hdmi output into the hdmi capture dongle of your VSERPI.
I don’t understand the difference between Bare Bones, Capture Bundle, Master System!
Well, this isn’t a question, but it is, at the very least, a frequently asked exclamation. A very concise difference: you have to source and configure your own video and midi controllers for a Bare Bones unit whereas a Capture Bundle provides everything you’d need to start right away. Both Bare Bones and Capture Bundles come with only 1 single VSERPI image installed, i.e Waaave Pool, Artificial Life, etc. A Master System has all the accessories of the Capture Bundle PLUS a full set of SD cards that you can swap out to play all of the different VSERPI synths PLUS audio reactive capabilities.
What is all of this Image stuff?
Just think of Image as the firmware that gets flashed onto the SD card.
What are compatible video inputs?
Just about anything that delivers video via usb, with some exceptions. Look for words like “Class Compliant”, or “UVC”, or “Works with OBS” and you are probably good. On the other hand something that requires proprietary software (i.e blackmagic intensity shuttle, other heavier weight capture devices) might not work so hot.
What are compatible midi inputs?
Any class compliant usb midi input can work. However to be honest these are all designed around the korg nanokontrol2, and it would be kind of incredibly difficult to totally replace it with anything else without losing some features. And configuring an NK2 takes about 3 minutes and 4 clicks to do so, so I’d say just go for that.
Do you guarantee that every Analog and Digital HDMI signal works with the dongles included with Capture Bundles and
Pretty much every garden variety signal (vcr, dvd player, blu ray, gaming system, camcorders, direct hdmi output from computers) will work like a charm. If you have some kind of wacky dongle that converts something else into hdmi from your laptop, there can be issues with the stability of the signal (as you’ve probably already noticed if you ever plugged it into a projector). If you have an analog video signal running through any kind of circuit bent or glitched gear, there can also be issues, most of which can be resolved with using a Time Base Corrector or running through an analog video mixer first.
*if you are looking to DIY one then yeah you probably would want a computer around for a couple of steps. and I guess a computer could potentially help you configure a midi controller if you bought the bare bones.