The next-gen live visual performance tool

Z Vector: Art out of motion

Power of Two

Depth cameras and the three dimensional video that they are able to capture exponentially increases possibilities and re-use value for anything you record. The first of its kind, Z Vector's ability to view, record, playback and warp 3D camera footage in real-time makes it a unique tool for video productions as well as performances.

Scan and record anything that inspires you: shapes, objects, animals, dancers, actors, circus performers, environments and so on. Mix and remix your recorded material inside Z Vector's unique 3D mixer and visualise your existing recordings differently every single time.

Designed for Live

Designed to be a live performance tool, Z Vector's fun and user friendly interface takes minutes to learn yet years to master. Nearly every variable in the software can be animated with the integrated sound analysis algorithms, synthetic rhythms or via externally triggered MIDI and OSC signals.

In development for 1.5 years prior to its release in 2014, at launch Z Vector had already been used for live visual backdrops at major events such as the 55th Venice Biennale, Mobile World Congress 2013, South by Southwest 2013, Live Performers Meeting 2013, Eurosonic 2013, MLOVE 2013 and Flow Festival 2012.

Wicked Visuals Made Fun

Z Vector was designed to be fun to use and its basic functionality can be learned by anyone. While the key to creating interesting visuals often lies in inventive use of input, Z Vector's rendering modes and full GLSL shader support (with integrated code editor) offer virtually limitless visualisation output possibilities – including stereoscopic 3D!

Furthermore, all variables and custom GLSL shader code can be shared between users via outputted, special metadata containing, PNG files that remain perfectly viewable in any normal image viewer software.

Download Z Vector

Feature list

System Requirements

  • Minimum: Mac (Intel) OS X 10.9+ or Windows 7+, Intel I5 or equivalent. On Macs, at least Intel Iris Pro or NVidia/AMD GPU.
  • Recommended: A supported depth camera device (see below), High-end NVIDIA or AMD Graphics Card, 4+ GB of RAM, Intel i7 or equivalent

Supported Input Devices

  • OpenNI compliant sensors: PrimeSense Carmine, Asus Xtion Pro Live, Microsoft Kinect for XBOX 360, Microsoft Kinect for Windows (generation one)
  • Intel RealSense sensors: F200, R200, SR300, Razer Stargazer
  • Kinect for XBox One and Kinect for Windows v2

Supported Media and Protocols

  • MIDI (incl. MIDI clock) and OSC
  • Syphon In/Out (MacOS)
  • Spout In/Out (Windows)
  • Most video and image formats (via Delicode Vidiöt)

UI, Connectivity and Automation

  • Automate controls by integrated three-way audio analysis (low/high/noise), synthetic beat or external data sources
  • Connect to any standard MIDI and OSC enabled controller
  • Full MIDI protocol support with MIDI learn capability
  • Synthetic beat driver with MIDI clock synchronisation capability
  • UI parts can be separated in to separate, always on-top, windows
  • Programmable interface with eight programmable meta control sliders
  • Lockable variables in all parts of the UI

Visual Effects

  • Multiple geometry draw modes (textures, lines, polygons, vectors) with variable count, size and opacity
  • Multiple gradient modes (depth, intensity, horizontal, vertical, radial, distortion field)
  • Particle trails with variable bleed, spread, gravity and colouring
  • Distortion mode with variable source, direction, wave shape, scale and width
  • Full support for GLSL shaders with integrated editor
  • Effects chains for shaders (up to three simultaneous effects)
  • Output standard filters: soften, feedback, feedback zoom, freeze, hue, vignette
  • Programmatic visual transitions between variables and profiles (with variable speed) Multiple randomisation modes for unlocked variables

3D Mixing and Camera Control

  • Two mixed live/playback inputs
  • A two channel 3D mixer with depth placement and horizontal shift
  • Real-time depth camera based 3D scanning, recording and playback
  • Playback speed, stop, cue and cut functionalities (for recorded material)
  • Looping and strobe light modes synched to the synthetic beat or MIDI clock
  • Virtual green screen: automatic human form recognition
  • Virtual camera man: pick one or more people and automatically have the camera centered on them
  • Free and animated camera movements: yaw, roll, pitch
  • Cross-profile camera presets and multiple blend modes (with variable speed)
  • Support for various picture and video formats for background mixing
  • Syphon/Spout input for background mixing and Rutt-Etra style effects

Rendering and Output

  • Resolution independent rendering, fully scalable output up to 8K resolution
  • Native 3D rendering support: anaglyphic and side-by-side
  • Output master adjustments: brightness, contrast, saturation
  • Software keystone and border fade