Initial Release: August 2025
your toolkit for live video performances
Introduction to the VM-1
Explore the VM-1:
Features
We created two versions of the
Both share the same software and video playback system:
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Video Playback
Core of VM-1 is simultaneous playback of 1080p videos on both HDMI channels.
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6 x 16 mediaslots
VM-1 has 96 mediaslots throughout 6 banks to trigger video files
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two HDMI outputs
1080p. 60fps.
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one HDMI input
1080p. 30fps. Second HDMI coming soon.
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LocalSend
VM-1 supports LocalSend app to upload videos
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fading
between videos or live video input
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H.265 / HEVC
optimized playback for the High Efficient Video Codec
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audio output
on the first HDMI channel
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128x128 OLED
with RGB colors to control the VM-1
video playback
core of VM-1 is simultanous playback of 1080p videos on both HDMI channels
6 x 16 mediaslots
VM-1 has 96 mediaslots throughout 6 banks to trigger video files
two HDMI outputs
1080p. 60fps.
one HDMI input
1080p. 30fps.
Second HDMI t.b.a.
LocalSend
VM-1 supports LocalSend app to upload videos
fading
between videos or live video input
H.265 / HEVC
optimized playback for the High Efficient Video Codec
audio output
on the first HDMI channel
128x128 OLED
with RGB colors to control the VM-1.
Comparison between VM-1 Basic and
VM-1 Pro
Choose between the beginner friendly, easy-to-build and low cost
VM-1 Basic
- use a standard computer keyboard to control the VM-1.
- available now!
- the hacker's dream
- Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB Ram)
- SD-Card or USB-Stick
VM-1 Pro
- intuitive interface with backlit switches and rotary encoders for live interaction
- coming soon.
- feels more like a real device
- Raspberry Pi 5 Compute Module Lite (4GB Ram) and IO-Board
- NVME SSD Storage
Video Formats and Codecs
VM-1 supports video files in the HEVC format with 8bit color depth. See our FAQ for detailed overview of supported video codecs.
We chose the Raspberry Pi 5 because of it's excellent playback capabilities of the H265 / HEVC video codec. It's possible to play four or even more full-hd videos at the same time.
(spoiler: We are sure this will come in handy in the future of the VM-1, when videos aren't bound to the standard fullscreen anymore and we have shaders to mix them...)
Camera/HDMI input formats
VM-1 uses the Waveshare HDMI to CSI Adapter and supports Full-HD (1080p) video with 30fps.
You need to set your camera's record settings to 30fps (and maybe set it to NTSC instead of PAL).
We tested Blackmagic Cinema Pocket 4K and Panasonic Lumix DC GH-5 and on both cameras, the record settings altered the framerate on the HDMI output.
PAL with 25fps or even 50fps works, but with tearing artifacts.
We are preparing a video-tutorial on this topic, so please stay tuned.
Roadmap
As usual we have more ideas than time. If you are also keen to contribute to the VM-1, we would love to hear from you!
Here is a list of things we would like to implement in the future:
preview the video on the OLED | video sequencer with fixed or random sequence | video effects and shaders(*) | synchronize multiple VM-1 | fade-to-black | play audio-only files | record/sample video input | video-looper | support of usb webcams and usb hdmi capture sticks | control VM-1 via OSC, MQTT, MIDI etc. | set in- and out-point on looping videos | reverse video playback | projection mapping | stream smartphone camera to VM-1 | support of NDI-streams in and out | VM-1 app for easier media organization | support of more video codecs | second hdmi input | file manager
With shaders the VM-1 will be able to do color corrections | greenscreen | video filters and effects | video generation and video synthesizing. We think a community driven shader library would also be amazing!
Story
We are Julian and Nils.
We’re passionate about designing and building our own hardware and software solutions. With a shared background in computer science and media arts (and years of experience developing interactive installations) we love bringing ideas to life at the intersection of technology and creativity. Along the way, we’ve created games, produced a podcast on tinkering, and spent countless hours experimenting with code, electronics, and playful innovation. Now, with the VM-1, we’re introducing our first open‑source hardware project — channeling everything we’ve learned so far into something we can share with the community.
The idea for the VM-1 was born at the digital lab (which is run by Julian) at "Ernst Busch" university of theatre arts in Berlin, Germany. Many of the students want to play with video on stage, but also want to have a more performative experience than clicking on a computer.
The first prototype of a full-hd video sampler based on a Raspberry Pi was created in 2023 and with the fifth iteration of the Pi, it became capable enough for our vision to become true.
Thanks to a funding from the Aventis Foundation, we could work on the initial release for the VM-1.
Build your own!
Depending on your needs and budget, you may either want to build the Basic or the Pro version of the VM-1:
VM-1 Basic
VM-1 Pro
Soon!
FAQ
How do I copy video files to the VM-1?
After enabling VM-1's WiFi Access Point, you can use the LocalSend Application to send H.265/HEVC videos from your Smartphone or Computer to the VM-1
Where can I buy the VM-1?
At the moment the VM-1 is "only" available as an Open Source DIY project, but we plan to release a consumer version for the VM-1 Pro in the future.
My video looks heavily distored! Help!
We're doing our best to check for compatibility when playing the videos. It seems like you found a video format that's not yet supported - would you mind to drop us a line?
Why can't it play H.264 videos? It's a standard!
We are aware that H.264 is a quiet boardly compatible codec. However, the Raspberry Pi 5 supports H.265/HEVC way better than any other video format and we also believe that this will become the standard in the near future.
What about the second HDMI input?
It's on our roadmap! Thanks for being patient.
Can I record the video input?
It's on our roadmap! Thanks for being patient ♥︎
Follow us or Contribute
We are always happy to hear from you and get your input!
If you want to share your ideas with us, if you have found a bug or if you even want to contribute to the development off the VM-1 together with us, feel free to drop us a line!
the VM-1 is a project from the digital lab at "ernst busch" university of theatre arts berlin in cooperation with nils zweiling.
it is made with ♥︎ in berlin and hamburg by julian & nils.
the VM-1 was funded by aventis foundation in 2025.
the digital lab was funded by stiftung innovation in der hochschullehre from 2021-2025
copyright by julian jungel & nils zweiling | imprint | data privacy