Video feedback occurs when a video camera captures its own output displayed on a screen, creating a loop of continuously feeding output back into itself. This generates repeating images, patterns, and distortions — often resulting in visually complex and dynamic effects.

Camera-Based Feedback

The most basic setup involves pointing a camera at a display screen, connecting the camera’s output to the monitor, and adjusting position or zoom. As the camera captures the screen, each iteration introduces a layer of feedback, leading to intricate evolving visual patterns.

Mixer-Based Feedback

You can also create feedback using a video mixer — routing the mixer’s output back into one of its own inputs. This creates an internal feedback loop without external screens or cameras. The mixer processes and manipulates the signal in real-time, creating dynamic and often unpredictable visual effects.

Internal feedback on a mixer is one of the most powerful techniques in video glitch art, especially when combined with the mixer’s built-in effects, wipes, and keying.