There are many tools out there for programmatically working with media. A sampling follows (google any of these to get to the website):
Additional patching tools beyond Max/MSP/Jitter:
- PureData (PD) GEM : Open source, all platforms
- Apple Quartz Composer : free, Mac only
- Field by OpenEndedGroup : free, many platforms
- VVVV : free, Windows
- Isadora by Mark Coniglio of Troika Ranch : paid, Mac / Windows
Creative Programming languages:
- Processing : based on Java
- OpenFrameworks : based on C++
- Cinder Lib for C++
- OpenCV Lib for C++
Audio-Visual software (VJ software) :
- Ableton Live: newer versions of this audio performance software can play back videos, and use embedded Max and Jitter patches!
- VDMX : Mac
- Module8 : Mac
- Resolume : Multi platform
- CoGe : free, Quartz Composer based VJ software, Mac only
Other tools:
- FreeFrame : open source x-platform video plugins
- Unity3D : 3D game development (installed in ATS linux lab)
- Ogre3D : Open source 3d gaming engine
- SnapdragonAR from FutureCinemaLab : Drag&drop Augmented Reality authoring