OUT NOW -- The new VM-1 is here, released August 2026
Trigger clips, mix live feeds and control visuals instantly.
No laptop. No complicated setup.
The VM-1 is a live-video tool for VJs, artists and live performers. Combine clips, live sources and visual effects in one direct, hands-on workflow - ready to experiment with, adapt and make your own.
01 Source
Bring in video sources and get ready for the mix.
02 Control
Shape parameters and timing with intuitive control.
03 FX
Apply effects for bold results.
04 OUT
Map the projection and fill the room with your visuals.
A compact interface that keeps
you close to the image instead of
behind a complex setup.
Everything you need to build your own VM-1 basic.
Raspberry Pi 5, display, HDMI input dongle, USB drive, power supply and a keyboard -- plus a 3d-printed case.
The VM-1 Basic is the open DIY version you can build and use today. Download the software and build instructions for free, get the required components and put together your own VM-1.
Control it with a standard computer keyboard. Download the 3D files and print your own case.
Trigger prepared clips, switch between visuals and bring live camera feeds into a set while it's happening.
React to performances on stage instead of locking video into a fixed timeline.
Mix live and pre-recorded material and adapt the visual output while an installation is running.
Combine live camera images of puppets or miniature scenes with prepared footage and projections.
Send visuals to two HDMI outputs for different screens, projections or spatial setups. The VM-1 currently suppoerts tow Full-HD HDMI outputs.
If you are using the VM-1 in a way we haven't mentioned yet, tell us about it -- we'd love to se what you're making: info@vm-1.com
Organize and trigger your video material across eight banks.
8 x 16 media slots
Bring a camera signal directly into your visual workflow.
1 x HDMI Input, 1080p, 30 fps
Use two separate HDMI outputs for screens, projectors or other display setups.
2 x HDMI Out, 1080p, 60 fps
Move smoothly between pre-recorded clips and live-video.
4 mixers, 8 video busses
Send videos from a computer or smartphone without constantly moving storage devices around.
Tiny File Manager via WiFi
The VM-1 is optimized around the Raspberry Pi 5's H.265/HEVC playback capabilities.
H.265 / HEVC, 8-bit per channel
Spice-up your videos with color correction, chroma keying and custom effects.
GLSL Shader Pipeline
Choose your canvas -- move, rotate and fit your show to the physical world.
4 planes, vertex transformations, blend effects
Nils Zweiling & Julian Jungel:
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 where technology and creativity meet. Along the way, we've built games, produced a podcast about tinkering, and spent countless hours experimenting with code, electronics and playful ideas.
VM-1 is our first open hardware project - bringing together everything we've learned so far and sharing it with the community.
The idea was born at the Digital Lab at the Ernst Busch University of Theatre Arts in Berlin, run by Julian. Many students wanted to work with video on stage, but in a more direct and performative way than clicking through software on a computer. The first Raspberry Pi-based Full HD video sampler prototype was built in 2023. With the arrival of the Raspberry Pi 5, the hardware finally became powerful enough to turn the idea into the system we had imagined.
With support from the Aventis Foundation, we were able to develop and release free versions of the VM-1 in 2025 & 2026.
VM-1 IMAGE
Install the VM-1 on a Raspberry Pi 5 using Raspberry Pi Imager.
The VM-1 Pro is the same system with a dedicated physical interface. It uses the same core workflow and software, but replaces keyboard control with illuminated buttons and rotary controls for a more direct, hands-on way to work with live video. The current Pro version is developed with the professional user in mind.
The VM-1 Pro is not available as a regular product yet. If you're interested in a custom build or want to explore what might be possible for your project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Share your ideas, report a bug or get involved in the development of the VM-1. Whether you want to follow the project or contribute directly, you're welcome to join in.
