Turn NDI and Syphon Video into Laser Output

Modulaser can receive real-time video and trace it into laser-compatible paths. Use this when you want to feed Modulaser from a camera, Resolume, TouchDesigner, Notch, OBS, or another video source.

This guide covers video input into Modulaser. The incoming video is vectorized in real time, then sent through the rest of your clip like any other laser frame.

Choose a Protocol

Use Syphon or Spout when the source app runs on the same computer as Modulaser. Use NDI for network cameras, capture systems, or video sources running on another machine.

Add Video Input

Use the Video Input node in the node graph to receive video. The node's dropdown lists discovered NDI, Syphon, and Spout sources.

1. Add a Video Input node to your clip.
2. Choose an NDI, Syphon, or Spout source from the dropdown.
3. Tune the vectorization settings until the traced paths scan cleanly.
4. Route the node into your clip's Output node.

If a source disconnects, Modulaser reconnects automatically when it reappears. Multiple clips or layers can share the same source without extra overhead.

What Works Well

The raster-to-vector conversion traces edges in the video. High-contrast source material with clear outlines works best.

Good sources include:

• a live camera for silhouette tracing
• TouchDesigner or Notch patches with clean outlines
• Resolume clips with bold contrast
• pre-rendered loops with simple shapes
• NDI cameras or capture cards

Busy footage creates dense paths, which can scan poorly on a real laser. If the output looks noisy, simplify the source, increase the threshold, or add smoothing. If the output flickers, the traced paths may be spending too much point budget for the current laser profile. See Improve Laser Output.

NDI Discovery

NDI sources on the same subnet are found automatically. To pull from a machine on a different subnet, add its IP under the NDI discovery settings.

For live shows, use a wired network when possible. NDI can work over WiFi, but wired connections are more predictable.

Tips for Laser Output

Threshold controls which parts of the video become paths. Raise it to ignore softer details and keep the trace cleaner.

Smoothing reduces jitter and rough edges in the traced paths.

Color override lets you map the incoming video to your show palette instead of using the source colors directly.

Simple source material usually scans better than detailed camera footage. Clear shapes, silhouettes, masks, and high-contrast graphics give the galvos less to fight.

Troubleshooting

The source does not appear: make sure the source app is actually sending NDI, Syphon, or Spout. For Syphon and Spout, the source must be on the same computer. For NDI, make sure both machines are on the same network.

The source appears but the laser output is messy: simplify the video source, raise the threshold, or add smoothing.

The source drops out: check the network connection for NDI sources. If the source app restarts, Modulaser should reconnect when it appears again.