About the workshop
In this workshop, participants will learn about analog video and construct a Vidiffektor, a device designed by computer programmer and electronics aficionado James Schidlowsky in 2011. The Vidiffektor generates imagery by slicing up a composite video signal that has been fed into the box and adding several divisions of the signal back into it. To see additional examples of the Vidiffektor, please visit: https://vimeo.com/tag:vidiffektor. While some video sources and displays will be available, participants are encouraged to bring their own, i.e., VCRs, DVD/media players, and security/video cameras with composite outputs, and small TVs/displays with composite inputs.
Please note that the Vidiffektor is not a “hi-fi” video synthesizer – this is a decidedly lo-fi, “glitchy” video mangler, intended as an introduction to analog video. It does not support HDMI or other modern digital video connections. It will probably work best with an older analog television – newer displays and projectors will work to some extent, but may lose sync more often than an analog television.
No prior experience with video, electronics, or soldering is required.
About the instructor
bbob drake is an improvising musician and electro-acoustic luthier from Cleveland. He designs, builds, and plays electronic instruments in the tradition of Don Buchla and David Tudor, performing on these electroniums plus electro-acoustic and extended-technique traditional instruments. His performances span free and structured improvisation, new music composition, noise, and minimalist “lowercase” musics. He teaches sound art, media installation, and electronics at Cleveland Institute of Music.