It's rare that the scientific community gets to actually witness firsthand the genetic mutation that gives rise to a new species. And yet here we are, taking a good look at the new Livid Instruments Cell DNA VJ Software, the next biological step in the genus known as videojockithus.

Cell DNA is the progeny of both Cell standard and Livid's VJ controller Ohm. Cell DNA sports the same basic interface as Cell (now called Cell Standard) but seamlessly integrates the tactile functions of the Ohm controller, yielding a generation better equipped to weather the cut-throat, VJ-dominated world we live in. Seriously, I can't go through a workday without the local VeeJistrate calling my phone, reminding me that my VeeTithing for the month is past due.

Designed for live performance, Cell DNA makes it easy to play, mix and manipulate video, sound and still images in real-time. You can even send a live video feed into Cell DNA for manipulation, and all the effects are made even easier through it's integration with the Ohm controller. Available effects include warps, keying, captions, tint adjust and more, and the effects library can be easily expanded with Open Source FreeFrame effects.

Cell DNA supports multiple computer operation over LAN for seriously hardware-taxing presentations, and can easily dictate distinct output signals to multiple screens from one video interface, like the Matrox TripleHead2Go, thanks to it's multi-screen interface.

Full features include:

• Assignable effects to knobs or sliders
• 64 slots per clip bank
• Up to 32 clip bank, and effect bank presets
• Crossfader for mixing multiple videos
• 3D effects
• FreeFrame support
• Captions
• Easy MIDI learn
• Control speed, direction, and loop modes
• Use Quicktime movies, images, audio, and flash files
• Open GL accelerated
• Networking for multiple computer control
• Mutli-screen controls

Cell DNA is priced at $149 US.