Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

VPT VS SelfControl

Compare VPT VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

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VPT logo VPT

VPT 8 by HC Gilje, released may 2018. Video Projection Tool (VPT) is a free multipurpose realtime projection software tool for Mac and Windows. VPT 7 was downloaded over 100000 times, so in spite oโ€ฆ

SelfControl logo SelfControl

V2 updates! - Custom time interval for distraction free mode - Ability to turn off ' always on' mode - Improved UI -- Self Control -- A simple app to keep you focused online by blocking sites that you spend way too much time on.
  • VPT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-15
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

VPT features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    VPT (Video Projection Tool) offers an intuitive and straightforward interface that allows artists and designers to easily create and manipulate projection mapping projects without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
  • Versatility
    VPT supports a wide range of media formats and allows for multiple projections, making it a versatile tool for a variety of artistic and design applications, from simple installations to complex multimedia projects.
  • Cost-Effective
    As a free and open-source tool, VPT is accessible to creatives with limited budgets, enabling them to explore projection mapping without financial constraints.

Possible disadvantages of VPT

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While suitable for basic projection mapping tasks, VPT may lack some of the advanced features and capabilities found in more commercial solutions, potentially limiting its use for higher-end or complex projects.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While VPT is relatively easy for basic tasks, customizing and optimizing projects for specific needs might require a deeper understanding of the tool's functionalities, leading to a steeper learning curve for some users.
  • Platform Limitations
    VPT is primarily developed for specific platforms and may not have the same level of support or compatibility across all operating systems, potentially restricting its usability for some users.

SelfControl features and specs

  • Effective Website Blocking
    SelfControl blocks access to distracting websites based on a customizable blocklist, helping users stay focused.
  • Timer Functionality
    Users can set a timer for how long they want websites to remain blocked, ensuring focused work periods without distraction.
  • Free to Use
    SelfControl is open-source and free to download and use, making it accessible to anyone without financial barriers.
  • Easy to Use
    The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly set their preferences and get started.

Possible disadvantages of SelfControl

  • Mac-Only
    SelfControl is only available for macOS, excluding Windows and Linux users from using the application.
  • No Undo Option
    Once the block period is set and started, it cannot be undone even by restarting the computer, which could be an issue if access to blocked sites is needed unexpectedly.
  • Limited Feature Set
    The app primarily focuses on website blocking, lacking additional productivity tools or features like app blocking or usage analytics.
  • No Scheduled Blocking
    SelfControl does not offer the ability to schedule block sessions in advance, meaning users must manually start each session.

Analysis of VPT

Overall verdict

  • Yes, VPT is widely regarded as a good platform.

Why this product is good

  • VPT (Video Projection Tool) by HC Gilje is appreciated for its innovative approach to real-time video projection. It offers powerful tools for artists and designers, enabling creative and dynamic visual presentations in various environments. Users have praised it for its versatility, ease of use, and the ability to handle complex projection setups effectively.

Recommended for

  • Artists seeking a dynamic tool for video projection
  • Designers working on live performances or installations
  • Educators looking to incorporate engaging visuals into their lessons
  • Technicians handling stage and event productions

Analysis of SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SelfControl is a highly recommended tool for individuals looking to enhance their productivity by minimizing digital distractions. Its open-source nature and no-nonsense approach make it a popular choice among students, freelancers, and professionals alike.

Why this product is good

  • SelfControl is considered a good application because it effectively blocks distracting websites, helping users focus on their tasks without getting sidetracked by online distractions. It's simple to use, efficient, and highly customizable, allowing users to specify which sites to block and for how long, ensuring a tailored productivity experience.

Recommended for

    SelfControl is ideal for students who need to concentrate on studying, remote workers who want to avoid procrastination, freelancers who require discipline in managing their time, and anyone who needs a simple solution to reduce digital distractions during focused work periods.

VPT videos

VPT 7 quickstart

SelfControl videos

How to block websites that distract you ? Selfcontrol [Mac App review and tutorial]

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to VPT and SelfControl)
3D
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100
Audio & Music
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare VPT and SelfControl

VPT Reviews

7 Best Projection Mapping Software 2024 (#1 Video Mapper)
Other options include Resolume Arena, which excels in live performances and offers an ultra-fast video player for real-time video mixing. Resolume Avenue, a sister program to Arena, also provides a reliable visual programming environment with an audio processing engine. HeavyM, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners and small-scale events, offering an online library of...
Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
VPT, also known as Video Projection Tool, is an open-source software that has gained popularity for its simplicity and accessibility. With its drag-and-drop interface, users can easily map video content onto surfaces in real-time. VPT offers a range of customizable effects and transitions, making it suitable for both small-scale projects and large-scale installations.

SelfControl Reviews

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than VPT. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 2 mentions of VPT. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

VPT mentions (2)

  • Looking for simple VJ software
    Video projection tool can do that for free. https://hcgilje.wordpress.com/vpt/. Source: almost 5 years ago
  • Lightweight projector mapping software for windows?
    VPT8 might be what you're looking for. Source: about 5 years ago

SelfControl mentions (79)

  • Oregon School Cell Phone Ban: 'Engaged Students, Joyful Teachers'
    A combination of https://selfcontrolapp.com/ and Hammerspoon automation and you can lock yourself out of pretty much everything. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Kiki โ€“ The accountability monster for people who are easily distracted
    Happy to see it still exists, and free https://selfcontrolapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • How do you fight YouTube addiction and procrastination? I'm struggling with it
    I have found that a useful method for getting distractions off my work laptop has been https://selfcontrolapp.com/ (if you're on mac). - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • Using an $8 smart outlet to avoid brainrot
    Pro tip for macos/ios folks: - Macos: Install https://selfcontrolapp.com/, add every website and their alternatives you know, set it to 24 hours. Really hard to bypass this even if you know networking stuff - iOS: Enable downtime 24/7 ask someone else to set the password. I'm down to about 35 minutes a day of mobile usage, and laptop usage is only work related things. You really need two or three days to clear... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • My 30-Year Quitting Addiction
    There is a free and open source app called SelfControl for macOS. It allows one to block access to any site one adds to the list in the app for the amount of time the user chooses. Attempt to use multiple browsers, restarting one's machine, deleting the app, etc. won't get around the block either. It's been super helpful for me, so I thought I'd just throw it out there. https://selfcontrolapp.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing VPT and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

MadMapper - The Mapping Software

Cold Turkey - Cold Turkey is a free productivity program that you can use to temporarily block distractions so that you can get your work done!

QLab - QLab, Live show control for Mac OS X.

Freedom.to - Freedom is a productivity hack that lets you block apps, websites or the entire Internet on iPhones, iPads, Windows and Mac computers.

Resolume - Resolume is an application for live video performances.

Focus App - New Tab page that gives you a moment of calm and inspires you to be more productive.