Design strategies for a hybrid video synthesizer

INTRODUCTION: Technological advances have led to newer instruments and forms of audiovisual performance. Simultaneously, there has been a resurgence of analogue equipment in sound synthesis. However, such instruments for video synthesis are yet to be well established.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this research is to propose design guidelines for designing hybrid video synthesizers and develop a working prototype.

METHODS: Through a study of historical and contemporary practises, design guidelines for a hybrid video synthesizer are proposed. A prototype instrument is then developed and used in live performances to justify the guidelines.

RESULTS: The hybrid approach towards audiovisual performance has some merit, however, it may only be relevant to a certain group of people already familiar with modular workflows.

CONCLUSION: The merits and demerits of our design proposal using the prototype instrument has been noted in this research. Future plans have also been discussed.