programming video manipulation

[Olivia Robinson]

Hi,
I am an artist who creates interactive video installations that are 
controlled using a set of sensors, a microcontroller, computer and 
video projector.  Currently I am using MAX/MSP and Jitter to program 
how information collected from the sensors then is used to manipulate 
pre-recorded video footage.

I have been investigating Python as an alternative to using 
MAX/MSP/Jitter to program the collection of information from the 
sensors and the resulting video manipulation.  I have not been able to 
find information about manipulating video with Python, or collecting 
information from a microcontroller.  I have heard that I may need a 
library of commands already written in C or C++.  Does anyone have any 
information about using Python with microcontrollers or manipulating 
video?  Ideas?

My current programming experience is limited to using MAX/MSP/Jitter 
and Macromedia Director.

Thank you much for your time,
Olivia