Scivi

Scivi is an impressive visualization plugin that is specifically designed for use with the X Multimedia System. It utilizes 3D accelerated hardware to provide you with realistic, high-quality graphics. While the plugin isn't actually in 3D, it still offers a range of impressive features that make it well worth considering.

One of the key benefits of using Scivi is that it has a low CPU usage thanks to its use of 3D accelerated hardware. This means that even potentially expensive, complex image transformations won't cause your CPU to struggle. If you have a fast video card, your CPU will likely remain mostly idle!

In addition to its powerful hardware, Scivi also offers a C-style scripting language that can help you to program your own presets. This gives you complete control over your visualizations and allows you to tailor the experience to your own requirements.

Another great feature of Scivi is its root-window rendering. While this feature is window-manager dependent and may not work with KDE and GNOME, you can put a range of stunning video effects on your desktop with ease by pressing 'V' to switch to root-window mode.

While full-screen rendering is currently in development, Scivi still requires that users have a fast 3D T&L accelerated video card with OpenGL support, as well as GLX version 1.3 (though 1.2 should work with some restrictions). Finally, you'll also need XMMS to use this plugin.

Overall, Scivi is an impressive visualization plugin that provides you with the power and flexibility you need to create stunning visualizations. Recent updates have added a Scivi control window for root window mode and improved sleep-driven fps control for use with 2.6 Linux kernels, as well as several minor bugfixes. So, if you're looking for a powerful visualization plugin that won't overtax your CPU, be sure to check out Scivi!