I think there should be a place here to talk about hardware and personnal workspace. VDMX is one of the best softwares around and it can do great in a great setup!
For myself, i am not using any midi controller yet, but i love the Boss-Parametric EQ to filter audio in, so that i can control sound frequencies ahead of the machine.
I am about to invest some money in the evolution UC-33 controller (stimulator told me to check it and indeed it seems pretty powerful and ergonomic).
I use a composite video-out signal and have an old Expelec VHS processor (can change contrast/luminosity/color/signal gain). This device is totally random, but i haven't found a better friend yet.
After what, i send it to a panasonic video mixer (an old one i borrow, just because a hardware-black is better than the video-blue of the "no-signal" when software gives up), then the video splitters (but then, it's not so relevant anymore, the signal is already far gone and out of control).
Sometimes i like to put an Alesis Nanoverb between the mac and the splitter. You should try this with different effects. Video signals come out pretty distorted but it's powerful and controlable! Especially with noise-music.
And you all, what is your favourite personnal setup at night?
:)
ps. mister admin, i think this hardware issue shouldn't be a topic, but a whole forum in itself!