Along with video signals the modern VJ also typically has to connect hard drives, webcams, sensors, MIDI instruments and other devices to computers or other media players. USB, Firewire and Thunderbolt are fairly common on current systems. Older gear may require the use of serial (rs232) or MIDI cables. When working with lighting control systems individual DMX cables may be needed for each fixture.

For many video performers it is also necessary to integrate with the audio world. Whether you are receiving feeds for analysis and capture, or playing back soundtracks in movie files, it can help to be familiar with the different types of cables that will be encountered when talking with audio engineers: 1/8" (headphone jack), 1/4" (big headphone jack, can be mono or stereo), RCA, XLR and optical are the most common. Though many computers have built in ports for sound you may need to get additional hardware that connects over a digital connection such as USB or Firewire.

Though some things are powered by battery or as part of the connection type (such as USB or Firewire), another important note is to keep track of the proper power cables for each device. Even if the port is the same size be sure to check the amperage and wattage if you aren't sure it is the original adapter. When traveling to another country you may need to use additional special converters to plug into wall sockets to work with different electrical standards.

Hardware – Analog Synthesizers and Other Weird Stuff

Long before computers became the tool of choice for live visualists, other amazing tools were used to generate video signals or project images with light.