The HOTZ is BACK!

[tconrardy]

Just got this from Jimmy Hotz. He has now got the rights back to the Translator technology and has some great videos he has put together. The XP version is now available as well at his new "hotz store"

http://www.hotzstore.com/

The Atari version however is free and available on my Hotz translator page on TAMW

http://tamw.atari-users.net/hotz.htm

(this runs on XP as well via Steem, the Atari emulator, however it is very different from the XP version which has more features)

However, take a look at this technology. Of interest to Atari fans is the vintage clips from NAMM when Atari was still in full force, as well as Jimmy Hotz's studio with a fully loaded atari stuff. I especially liked the video in which some handicapped people were able to play and enjoy this technology, so I think Jimmy has something here!

Enjoy!

Tim

=============

Hi Tim,

First of all thank you for your help in the past.

Here are the updated links to some Videos showing the prototype for a Hotz guitar-like Super-Instrument as well as others showing the power of the Hotz Box and Hotz Translator software.

Main Page with various videos.


Direct link to - Several people playing a Hotz Super Instrument after only a few minutes of practice.


Direct link to - Mick Fleetwood talking about and showing Music Creation using the Hotz Technology


Direct link to - History of the Hotz Box,, this includes show performances by Mick Fleetwood, Jon Anderson, Paul Haslinger and other friends on the Atari Hotz Box at NAMM shows.


There are quite a few other videos on the page and new ones will be added often.

Also here is a link to my main web page http://www.jimmyhotz.com/ .

Please feel free to share these links with anyone you choose.

I now have the chance to re-launch this technology and waken the world to a true musical instrument that anyone can play,
any help would be greatly appreciated.

All the best to you,

Jimmy Hotz

[gnu23]

Wish there was a demo version of the software available - time-limited or somesuch. I get the idea, but I'd like a test drive first.

[tconrardy]

Wish there was a demo version of the software available - time-limited or somesuch. I get the idea, but I'd like a test drive first.

yeah..I told Jimmy about that, and I think he is gonna work on it, but basically took the time to make an XP version first. Before it was Win98, so when he finally got the rights back, first thing he did was make an XP version.

Tim

[tconrardy]

Here is my studio when I got to actually borrow a Hotz Box for a month



Sure wish I still had it! It was great to play on. I think I did a whole albums worth of material on it.

However it looks like Jimmy Hotz is creating a new controller which is more guitar like and can be used with the XP version.

Right now, I use the Atari version ( under Steem) as a super MIDI mapper and you can choose between 128+ scales which maps your keyboard. Using it with the Trigger Finger( or controllers like that) you just program a C scale on the Trigger Finger, and then let the translator map scales for you at the touch of a mouse. Very cool indeed!

However, the main concept is to play in chords using the translator technology, into your sequencer or in the HOTZ software itself and while the sequencer is playing it back, you just play your solos', bass lines, whatever, and it will all change with the chords while you are doing your lines. Quite something to play! On the XP version, you can use your Computer keyboard as the controller, as the video demo's.

While I am not part of the company, I just think it's a great idea. Its amazing this was brought up in the 80's, and finally being redeveloped today.

Tim

[gnu23]

Here is my studio when I got to actually borrow a Hotz Box for a month

Sure wish I still had it! It was great to play on. I think I did a whole albums worth of material on it.

However it looks like Jimmy Hotz is creating a new controller which is more guitar like and can be used with the XP version.

Right now, I use the Atari version ( under Steem) as a super MIDI mapper and you can choose between 128+ scales which maps your keyboard. Using it with the Trigger Finger( or controllers like that) you just program a C scale on the Trigger Finger, and then let the translator map scales for you at the touch of a mouse. Very cool indeed!

However, the main concept is to play in chords using the translator technology, into your sequencer or in the HOTZ software itself and while the sequencer is playing it back, you just play your solos', bass lines, whatever, and it will all change with the chords while you are doing your lines. Quite something to play! On the XP version, you can use your Computer keyboard as the controller, as the video demo's.

While I am not part of the company, I just think it's a great idea. Its amazing this was brought up in the 80's, and finally being redeveloped today.

Tim

I agree - I watched the videos and was impressed.

[siriusbliss]

I've known Jimmy for years and even wrote over 60 songs using the Hotz I and II Windows-based software for the LightDancer Freespace Interactive Media system:


Jimmy is light-years ahead of his time (or at least about 25 years ahead).

Amazing potential.

Godspeed Jimmy!!!

Greg

[Sascha Franck]

So, this is about dumbing down an instrument to a thing which is only playing scales (or whatever notes) defined by whatever software?
If so, then thanks, but no. The music in the videos sounds utterly stupid to me and I couldn't care less whether it takes people only 2 seconds to learn playing brainless stuff like that.
I rather define the notes I'm going to play by myself. Oh yes, shit, I forgot, that requires some efforts of actually learning an instrument.

[tconrardy]

So, this is about dumbing down an instrument to a thing which is only playing scales (or whatever notes) defined by whatever software?
If so, then thanks, but no. The music in the videos sounds utterly stupid to me and I couldn't care less whether it takes people only 2 seconds to learn playing brainless stuff like that.
I rather define the notes I'm going to play by myself. Oh yes, shit, I forgot, that requires some efforts of actually learning an instrument.

well..theres a little more to it then that. The way I use it ( and probably not to it's full potential) is as a super midi mapper. I select a unique scale, and then I need to learn how to play in that scale on the keyboard. Using conventional keyboard techniques, such as triads, playing in patterns, arpegio's ect, you learn what sounds best in that scale. It allows you to learn a new language, and also using scales that normally you would not play, and so you can explore that world. You can compare it to using alternate tunings on guitar. Once you retune the guitar, you try what techniques, scales and chords you know already, and then find out new ways that go beyond the what you had previously learned. Same with using microtonal scales. It is a new language, and we should not be afraid to go there.so my point is..in the hands of a musician, you can really go other places you would not have explored before.

However, the other point is..it can help non musicians get into music which can give a certain satisfaction in creating something worthwhile.

Tim

[siriusbliss]

So, this is about dumbing down an instrument to a thing which is only playing scales (or whatever notes) defined by whatever software?
If so, then thanks, but no. The music in the videos sounds utterly stupid to me and I couldn't care less whether it takes people only 2 seconds to learn playing brainless stuff like that.
I rather define the notes I'm going to play by myself. Oh yes, shit, I forgot, that requires some efforts of actually learning an instrument.

Working with the Hotz paradigm actually greatly expanded my musical approach, and my depth of knowledge of music theory. It greatly enhanced COMPOSITION so that I could challenge myself and sweeten my already 40 years of playing guitar - a real instrument.

Judging the instrument by the 'stupid' music you don't like doesn't make any difference, sorry.


Greg

[Gymnopedies]

Can you say; O M N I C H O R D

[siriusbliss]

Hotz definitely AIN'T NO freakin' Omnichord.

Greg