The NUVJ didn’t work out – enter the WIDE world of VJ software. I don’t run Windows anything anymore. Personal choice, yours may be different, more power to ya – it’s a tool for a job end of story. So, I’ve got Macs and a few Linux machines as well. However, there isn’t much Linux VJ software out there (though some are in dev). So, Mac VJ software requirements were: clip triggering, multiple layers, midi assignable, and works with some sort of audio application (for possible sound cue triggering) plus all the usual goodies that come with video mixers, effects, speed controls, etc. After some research I found many choices. Popular choices include:
ArKos Grand VJ (Makers of NUVJ’s software) 
Venerable ArKos Grand VJ has been around for a while, and it shows. The GUI could use some updating. It’s organized well and is based around a giant clip triggering grid. It really shines with midi keyboards, triggering clips. Since my show was more theatrical I needed less ADHD speed – sensory overload – clip triggering, I passed after using the demo for a day or two. I’m not a fan of keyboards for triggering – Keyboards are freaking huge – I’m not into lugging them around but if you are, perhaps this is your thing. I prefer to travel light. Get in get out.
Modul8 
Pretty. Good looking GUI. Worked out of the box with a few tutorials. I decided to put it on the “maybe list” as it was not as intuitive as the others were for me. This is used by many a pro VJ out in the world of 6 hour sets and is loved by many however for me it just didn’t flow like the other software I tried out. Definitely worth checking out, although it did crash on me once while using the demo.
VDMX5 
VDMX5 is in a class by itself. Complex, yet intuitive. You could really get crazy designing pretty much what ever functions you wanted with this software. It differs from most of the others in it’s customizable GUI. You can use stock arrangements or build your own as complex as you want. Amazing array of effects. Quartz integration. Pretty much the kitchen sink. Amazing – everything you’d want to do with video. Even though it seems to be in perpetual BETA it’s a totally functioning version that seems to run with ease. Assignable midi was a snap for effects, and the keyboard labelled clip triggers in the main view of the demo had me jumping right in. I barley scratched the surface and VDMX5 at this point was the short list…until I saw Resolume’s demo video.
Resolume 3
The site demo video starts: “Resolume 3 plays both video and audio.” BOTH video and audio!?!? I don’t have to use Abelton to trigger audio effects for the show? I don’t have to worry about triggering both effects at just the same time with 2 different controllers running 2 different pieces of software? ONE piece of software to trigger video and audio? In a theatre environment this is EXACTLY what I’m looking for. I was sold. I was thrilled. I was ready to download. But hold on…it’s not available yet…hmmm. But will be soon. How soon? Two weeks before the show. Well I’ve used beta software before and it’s been a mixed bag. Seeing how as I’m a fly by the seat of my pants kinda guy I thought I’d give it a whirl. Bugs? Crashing randomly? Complete computer freeze requiring restart? It would probably happen. BUT IT PLAYS VIDEO AND AUDIO!?!? Downloaded it when if finally came out. Took both VDMX5 and Resolume to the tech test a week and a half before the show and interestingly Resolume was the only one that would work with the projector out of the box on auto config. It’s a sign from the Gods of VJ, I told myself…Resolume it is.
UPDATE: As Jaymis correctly pointed out in the comments: “VDMX also plays audio, if your video files have it. Resolume’s ability to combine an audio loop with a video clip is quite cool though.” I did not mean to say that VDMX5 can’t play audio, but rather as Jaymis says, it will play audio if your video clips have it. Thanks Jaymis.
In the next installment How to VJ: Software: Mac: Part Two; a detailed account of Resolume in a working environment, and the dangers of relying solely on BETA software…
VDMX also plays audio, if your video files have it. Resolume’s ability to combine an audio loop with a video clip is quite cool though.