Looking for links for OTS and Virtual DJ demos

[Jumpin' Jeff]

Here is a youtube channel with several Ots videos you can check out.
http://www.youtube.com/user/OtsPeerSupport
Check out the videos in the favorites section.

The Ots Demo can be found here...http://www.otsav.com/download-otsav-free-trial/

As for Proformances post, I'd ignore him. As a former user, he's out to discredit everyone with Ots, and make a bad name for them. Sad thing is, he wouldn't take anyones recommendation s for hardware, and whines because his system isn't up to snuff. You'd be better off trying the product yourself, than to listen to either of us, then You can make the determination on who to listen to.

We've clashed multiple times to date, and no doubt he'll take over this conversation to continue his attempt to discredit me. I'm not going to respond to his attempts, so if you have questions for me, I'll be happy to answer, but I'd suggest you direct message them to me.

 

[Abbey Lane]

Maybe I can't do the BPM folders because I'm using the home demo version on a MAC?

What are the restrictions on the "home" version as compared to buying a version?

 

[drzinc]

Abbey,
For multiple BPM's, right click the folder in the Browser and select "Scan For BPMs".
As far as loops, I am pretty sure you have to load them new each time. If you find a way to store them, let me know.

And no, this won't work with ANY controller, and I am pretty sure it won't work with PCDJ, because I think those are set up to use their own software.

VDJ works with the most controllers out there and the BOTH the PCDJ controllers are supported plug and play.

 

[Proformance]

Here is a youtube channel with several Ots videos you can check out.
http://www.youtube.com/user/OtsPeerSupport
Check out the videos in the favorites section.

The Ots Demo can be found here...http://www.otsav.com/download-otsav-free-trial/

As for Proformances post, I'd ignore him. As a former user, he's out to discredit everyone with Ots, and make a bad name for them. Sad thing is, he wouldn't take anyones recommendation s for hardware, and whines because his system isn't up to snuff. You'd be better off trying the product yourself, than to listen to either of us, then You can make the determination on who to listen to.

We've clashed multiple times to date, and no doubt he'll take over this conversation to continue his attempt to discredit me. I'm not going to respond to his attempts, so if you have questions for me, I'll be happy to answer, but I'd suggest you direct message them to me.

LOL. Me thinks you protest too much. Just remind him you're not actually a career DJ and you don't know how to mix, then let the experience speak for itself:

Do exactly what Jeff suggests:
Download the program and try to run video mixes on whatver "up to snuff" laptop you'd like - then watch what happens.
Connect a controller and try to drop in a mix on the beat - hear what happens.
Look at the software features and note all that's missing.
Listen to the auto-segue and notice that it's not even as tight as the free version of iTunes.
Take note that not a single credible DJ manufacturer recommends or pairs their products with Ots.
Compare the numbers of DJs using and recommending the two programs.

Ots uses a proprietary file format. You will need two different versions of your library if you move between clubs or software systems.

Jeff - I don't remember mentioning you at all in that post - just passing along personal experience in an actual mix enviroment. Is there something you can offer to discredit the actual experience?

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Geez, people arguing over software again...


Many of my customers own many applications for DJ use -- they use them for different tasks. They are simply tools, and your toolbox should have more than one tool in it

Some tools are a much better fit for a certain task -- for example, you probably wouldn't use a straight screwdriver, to drive a phillips head screw. You probably wouldn't use your Bose L1's for an outdoor homecoming party with 3,000 people.


What cracks me up the most, is that the source (software), is one of the least expensive investments a DJ can make, yet they want one program to do it all. Then, they'll buy 3 different sets of speakers totaling $15,000, and use them for different gigs. There is no logic in that...


If you are well versed in the business, you should also be well versed in all the software available, and use each to do the job it fits well -- just like your speakers or amps or processing gear...

 

[Proformance]

Geez, people arguing over software again...


Many of my customers own many applications for DJ use -- they use them for different tasks. They are simply tools, and your toolbox should have more than one tool in it

Go that part.
The OP was aksed what he wanted to do - and the answer had two key words: Mix and Video.

I've used both products side by side and recommend VDJ over Ots for either of; or the combination of both, those key words

 

[DJ SVO]

Use the tool that works for you I use VDJ because I like it. I also tested the other software available but VDJ is what I feel comfortable with.

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Go that part.
The Op was aksed what he wanted to do - and the answer had two key words: Mix and Video.

I've used both products side by side and recommend VDJ over Ots for either of; or the combination of both, those key words

I have both Bob.

My software does not compete in the video mixing arena (although it does play basic videos), so I think I can be fairly unbiased in my assessment.

Honestly, I would prefer OTS. It does take a bit of technical savvy to get used to, and use it properly -- and the user interface certainly could use some work IMHO. Other than that, I find it technically superior to VDJ (that's from both a DJ and programmers point of view). The thing is, it's a tool, and you need to learn to know how to use that tool.

 

[DJ Jynxx]

Abbey,
The HOME version has a lot of features missing that PRO has. Here is a comparison chart:
http://www.virtualdj.com/products/comparison.html

I have heard things about HOME that sound like there is a totally different build to it. It doesn't play video as well as PRO, from what I have heard... the song browser is slow.... you cant record your mix... etc etc
And I think (THINK) that on a Mac you would hold down the button as opposed to a right click on the things I mentioned, but you should still be able to CTRL+click and CTRL+A for selecting one song and selecting all songs, respectively.
I thought you folded and bought the pro version? I used HOME one time, just so I got a feel for it, and it just seemed sluggish and unpolished compared to pro. I don't know the exact words to describe it, but pro just... "feels better" somehow.
And this is coming from a guy who used Serato Scratch Live pretty much exclusively for the past 5 years (with some beta work on VDJ thrown in from time to time). As it is now, I would take VDJ Pro over any other software, including SSL. I also own Traktor Pro 2 now, and to me it was a waste of money, and I am pissed. The scratching is a little better, but it's far more complicated to get it to do what I want it to, and ease of use is something I look for.

WARNING.... long rambling ahead, skip if you'd like
As a disclaimer, I don't DJ anymore. BUT... I DJ'd for 21 years, professionally for 15 years. I have DJ'd more clubs and events than I could list here, and opened for / DJ'd parties for artists like Jay Z, Outkast, and Nas (and more), so it's not like I don't have the experience and I am just talking out of my a**, or someone who just sits at home playing DJ. So just so it's clear, I know what I am talking about when it comes to mixing.
And I am telling you straight out, I love VDJ Pro 7. I wasn't thrilled with 4, 5, or 6 to be completely honest. I started testing for them with version 4, and I just didn't like it compared to Serato. It crashed, sounded bad, and had bad timecodes. With 7, everything changed. It doesn't crash for me at all, never has, and while I don't DJ professionally anymore, I still use it almost daily for practicing and so that I know it in and out. I used it with turntables, and now with my Denon MC6000 controller, and I absolutely love it. I try to at least try every other software, just so I have options, and to see if I like certain things more than others between programs. So far I like VDJ for everything, especially with MIDI. I am using 3 controls... my Korg NANOKontrol, my MC6000, and my PC's Keyboard. It has so many options that it is taking me a lot of practice to be able to get them down right, but I wouldn't trade the system I have going on now for anything. It really REALLY makes me wish I was well enough to get my club gigs back.
So, there is where I am coming from when I talk about what software I am using. I just wanted to throw that whole rambling mind warp out there so you know that I am not just some guy sitting around with no real-world experience. I am not saying that to down anyone else, this is just me explaining where I am coming from when I say "I like VDJ because...", or "I don't like RPM because....".
Sorry for the mindless thoughts, and my total rambling

 

[Proformance]

I have both Bob.

My software does not compete in the video mixing arena (although it does play basic videos), so I think I can be fairly unbiased in my assessment.

Honestly, I would prefer OTS. It does take a bit of technical savvy to get used to, and use it properly -- and the user interface certainly could use some work IMHO. Other than that, I find it technically superior to VDJ (that's from both a DJ and programmers point of view). The thing is, it's a tool, and you need to learn to know how to use that tool.

Rick, if I remember from a previous thread you don't mix live. So without technically superior DJ skills your evaluation of the Ots technical superiority is without credibility. That's Jeff's problem as well.

What goes under the hood means nothing if the software can't do what a DJ needs or wants it to do. It's that simple - and programmers like you and Jeff just don't seem to grasp that. DJing for people like Jeff is a novelty not a career. The fact that a programmer doesn't understand the need for a given feature or tool doesn't make it dispensable.

The reason you don't like the user interface for Ots is simple - because it's not DJ software. Ots was designed to be automation software. It was not intended for DJs who want to mix. Another example of the programmer not seeing the forest for the trees. The features aren't there because automatic unattended playback doesn't require them.

 

[ahoustondj]

This is interesting........I am glad that I am not the one wearing the Bulls eye this time.:tribiggrin:

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Rick, if I remember from a previous thread you don't mix live.

That's not a true statement Bob -- someone misquoted me on that (he shall remain nameless, but he resides in Houston, and keeps perpetuating the myth)...

I do prefer to do certain set mixes in the studio, but I'm certainly not shy about mixing live.

What I've found over the decades though, is that I prefer to take a more entertainer like approach. Standing behind a console mixing, became boring after the first 20 years. I just prefer a more theatrical role now -- just growing to a different level. Hence the need for software that does the work for me (or pre-done studio mixes).


My point was simple in this debate, in that OTS is better technically, than VDJ for the video mixing purpose. But, some people like to show their Mad Mixing Skillz in front of an audience (or mostly their bedroom mirror), so maybe VDJ works better for that purpose...


I see them as two different things -- OTS is a pro designed piece of software, designed for those who are willing to learn how to use it. VDJ is for the bedroom DJ/VJ, who just wants to press a button to get an awful mix in many cases, when they are playing live.

YMMV...

 

[Proformance]

That's not a true statement Bob -- someone misquoted me on that (he shall remain nameless, but he resides in Houston, and keeps perpetuating the myth)...

I do prefer to do certain set mixes in the studio, but I'm certainly not shy about mixing live.

What I've found over the decades though, is that I prefer to take a more entertainer like approach. Standing behind a console mixing, became boring after the first 20 years. I just prefer a more theatrical role now -- just growing to a different level. Hence the need for software that does the work for me (or pre-done studio mixes).


My point was simple in this debate, in that OTS is better technically, than VDJ for the video mixing purpose. But, some people like to show their Mad Mixing Skillz in front of an audience (or mostly their bedroom mirror), so maybe VDJ works better for that purpose...


I see them as two different things -- OTS is a pro designed piece of software, designed for those who are willing to learn how to use it. VDJ is for the bedroom DJ/VJ, who just wants to press a button to get an awful mix in many cases, when they are playing live.

YMMV...

Interesting revival of the old "Pro gear versus Radio Shack" analogy. But any DJ worth his salt knows the word "professional" does not apply to any DJ product that does not have instant start. That one simple entry level feature alone is enough to disqualify Ots from the DJ booth.

You also can't call it's development "professional" where they've failed to deliver on the product promsied buyers almost a decade ago. They would never have survived FTC scrutiny if they were a U.S. company and would long since have evaporated in a class action law suit.

Jeff can say what he wants about my motives but, just look around - OtsAV is no longer relevent in the DJ marketplace, its a dinosaur and it ain't coming back anytime soon. It also (admittedly) accesses the video overlay in a manner NOT recommended and soon to be abandoned by MS. It has video issues with a broad range of popular hardware that other programs run flawlessly on.

 

[Proformance]

That's not a true statement Bob -- someone misquoted me on that (he shall remain nameless, but he resides in Houston, and keeps perpetuating the myth)...

I do prefer to do certain set mixes in the studio, but I'm certainly not shy about mixing live.

What I've found over the decades though, is that I prefer to take a more entertainer like approach. Standing behind a console mixing, became boring after the first 20 years. I just prefer a more theatrical role now -- just growing to a different level. Hence the need for software that does the work for me (or pre-done studio mixes).


My point was simple in this debate, in that OTS is better technically, than VDJ for the video mixing purpose. But, some people like to show their Mad Mixing Skillz in front of an audience (or mostly their bedroom mirror), so maybe VDJ works better for that purpose...


I see them as two different things -- OTS is a pro designed piece of software, designed for those who are willing to learn how to use it. VDJ is for the bedroom DJ/VJ, who just wants to press a button to get an awful mix in many cases, when they are playing live.

YMMV...

Ots requires no special "learning" to use, it's as intuitive as any other program; it just happens to be missing a host of sigificant features. The title of "professional" goes with the software that has instant start - which would be anything other than Ots.

Ots also (admitedly) accesses the video overlay using a method NOT recommended and soon to be discontinued by MS. It has video issues with a broad range of popular hardware. ""Pro designed" is also grossly misapplied here since the finished version promised buyers almost a deacde ago still doesn't exist. There's nothing professional about not following through on your commitments.

It's proprietary file format, perhaps once a good idea - now means that when you need features the program doesn't have you not only need a second software option - you also need a different version of your music library. What's the point of buying something and ripping you rnusic into it if you also have to buy the other brand anyway and convert for that too?

Why put up with all that duplication and waste when you can have it all-in-one with another brand? Ots is a dinosaur; no longer relevent in the DJ market and it ain't coming back anytime soon. Ots is a name I NEVER hear anymore. If it were the Santa Maria we'd still think the world is flat since the product appears to have sailed of the edge of the earth.

 

[DJ Jynxx]

Wait wait wait.... so, Rick.... is Serato Scratch Live an inferior piece of software for the "bedroom DJ"? Or Traktor? Because I (and obviously a host of equipment companies) consider it on the same level. And as I said, I am no bedroom DJ. I may not be doing it for clubs/events/parties anymore, but with my experience I would think you can hardly call me a bedroom DJ, or a hobbyist. That being said, I would like to know why OTS is more "pro" than VDJ, in your opinion, and why it is better for video mixing, specifically.

I have to agree with Proformance on the fact that it can't be "pro" DJ software if it doesnt have instant start. We DJ's who have mixed live to thousands of people HAVE to have that, otherwise you may as well just be playing CD's from a home system, or tracks from an iPod. One of the main things about being a DJ is mixing. That is what separates us from the guys who just sit there and push play. We have talents and skills that not everyone can have, and do things other people can't do. Otherwise, if you are just a guy who has something automixing, or you just fade from one track to another, and you mostly talk on the mic, then IMO that would mean you are more of an Emcee, and not so much a DJ. The software is actually DJing for you, which by definition means you are not DJing, hence you are not a DJ.
There is NOTHING wrong with this at all, don't get me wrong. I am just throwing my pennies into this to defend what I do, and have done for two decades. It took me a LONG time and a TON of practice and real-world experience to get to the skill level I am at, so forgive me if I come off like people who mix are in a higher class or something, I don't think that at all... what I think is, that there is a difference. There has always been a difference between club DJs and mobile DJs, but this is a difference between DJs who mix and people who let the software do all the mixing for them. If you let the software do everything a DJ is supposed to do, then how are you the DJ? That's what is bothering me. Where do you draw the line? Can anyone be a DJ then? Because as a test, I showed my 11 year old how to use the Automix feature, and she put together a playlist and made a mix within 20 minutes.... but she didn't actually do any of the actual mixing. She let the software do all the mixing, cutting, effects, fading, whatever... Does that mean she is a DJ now?

 

[Jumpin' Jeff]

Why does everyone think Ots doesn't have instant start?

Perhaps I don't understand the "Professionals" interpretation of instant start, but when I hit the play button, there is absolutely no delay in responce. The music is there, and playing instantly.

Furthermore, MIDI controls can be configured to provide fader start.

Ots has always had very responsive controls.

And let me remind everyone what the definition of a DJ is....

Definition
DJ DJs Plural

NOUN
1. somebody playing recorded music: somebody who plays records or other recorded music, e.g. at a live dance or on the radio.
Full form disc jockey
2. rap or techno composer: somebody who composes rap or techno music using samples of recorded music

Technically, if you provide music from media for an audience to listen to, you are a DJ. The only dividing factor is how skilled you are, and what level of professionalism you provide compared to the other guys. There is no requirement for a skill, or any level of it to be considered a DJ by this definition.

 

[Scott Hanna]

Interesting revival of the old "Pro gear versus Radio Shack" analogy. But any DJ worth his salt knows the word "professional" does not apply to any DJ product that does not have instant start. That one simple entry level feature alone is enough to disqualify Ots from the DJ booth. Yes it does


OtsAV is no longer relevent in the DJ marketplace,

If it is, in fact, no longer relevant in the DJ market place, that would imply that it was once relevant in the DJ market place. That would make this previous statement of yours false:

because it's not DJ software

You'll get more credibility if you are going to bash something by sticking to one story. Bashing from all ends and contradicting yourself wont' help your cause.

 

[DJ Jynxx]

Just for the record (I know those weren't directed my way, but this is a disclaimer lol), I didn't say anything did or did not have instant start, I simply agreed that as a DJ who beatmixes and scratches, it's essential, and that those of us that use any DJ gear/software to mix live for a lot of people can't do what we do without it.
I can't speak for OTS, or for Rockit, I just agreed that if something doesnt have it, I can't use it.

 

[ahoustondj]

Wait wait wait.... so, Rick.... is Serato Scratch Live an inferior piece of software for the "bedroom DJ"? Or Traktor? Because I (and obviously a host of equipment companies) consider it on the same level. And as I said, I am no bedroom DJ. I may not be doing it for clubs/events/parties anymore, but with my experience I would think you can hardly call me a bedroom DJ, or a hobbyist. That being said, I would like to know why OTS is more "pro" than VDJ, in your opinion, and why it is better for video mixing, specifically.

I have to agree with Proformance on the fact that it can't be "pro" DJ software if it doesnt have instant start. We DJ's who have mixed live to thousands of people HAVE to have that, otherwise you may as well just be playing CD's from a home system, or tracks from an iPod. One of the main things about being a DJ is mixing. That is what separates us from the guys who just sit there and push play. We have talents and skills that not everyone can have, and do things other people can't do. Otherwise, if you are just a guy who has something automixing, or you just fade from one track to another, and you mostly talk on the mic, then IMO that would mean you are more of an Emcee, and not so much a DJ. The software is actually DJing for you, which by definition means you are not DJing, hence you are not a DJ.
There is NOTHING wrong with this at all, don't get me wrong. I am just throwing my pennies into this to defend what I do, and have done for two decades. It took me a LONG time and a TON of practice and real-world experience to get to the skill level I am at, so forgive me if I come off like people who mix are in a higher class or something, I don't think that at all... what I think is, that there is a difference. There has always been a difference between club DJs and mobile DJs, but this is a difference between DJs who mix and people who let the software do all the mixing for them. If you let the software do everything a DJ is supposed to do, then how are you the DJ? That's what is bothering me. Where do you draw the line? Can anyone be a DJ then? Because as a test, I showed my 11 year old how to use the Automix feature, and she put together a playlist and made a mix within 20 minutes.... but she didn't actually do any of the actual mixing. She let the software do all the mixing, cutting, effects, fading, whatever... Does that mean she is a DJ now?

Excellent post! I wish this was in another section as I am not in the argument between OTS and VDJ as I use something entirely different to those two. The points you brought out towards the end are very true. This is why a lot of people think that a laptop, two speakers and some music equals being a DJ. No wonder the Wedding Market is being flooded. There is not much pressure there to be creative, no wonder many are handed canned playlists by their Clients.

 

[Scott Hanna]

There has always been a difference between club DJs and mobile DJs, but this is a difference between DJs who mix and people who let the software do all the mixing for them. If you let the software do everything a DJ is supposed to do, then how are you the DJ? That's what is bothering me. Where do you draw the line? Can anyone be a DJ then? Because as a test, I showed my 11 year old how to use the Automix feature, and she put together a playlist and made a mix within 20 minutes.... but she didn't actually do any of the actual mixing. She let the software do all the mixing, cutting, effects, fading, whatever... Does that mean she is a DJ now?

If she does just as good of a job as you do with the software to mix, reading the crowd, trouble shooting, changing things up, and mc the event, then, yes, she's a DJ

The reality is that no, she cannot. She can use a software program to automate some things, but that should not replace a fully skilled DJ, don't ya think? If it can, it should. I would not be willing to pay a DJ if software could do everything for me. I don't think anyone else should either.

The reality is, the mixing of some songs is pretty easy, and today's technology can manage some of those repetitive tasks. The software is a great tool FOR DJS to use. It does not MAKE someone a DJ. And if a DJ's greatest asset is basic beat mixing, they have a long way to go.

I remember when I started using computers at events. Other DJs told me that I was crazy because no one was going to hire me once they saw that they could just play the music on their computers. That never made any sense to me. Seeing my cd players didn't make people realize that they could just play the music on their cd players.

To me, DJing is much more that being able to hit a button or beat mixing.