Roland VR

Roland has introduced VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer. This is the new flagship model in Roland's VR streaming switcher lineup.

It offers an extensive array of audio and video I/O, a large touchscreen, and hands-on controls. All the tools are available so that a single operator can manage any mid-level hybrid production. The Roland AV features simplified customizable workflows, deep automation functions, remote PTZ camera control, one-touch macro sequencing, and streaming over LAN and USB.

The operator can assign sources to eight cross-points on the fly, including live video inputs, still images, and video clips. You can also prioritize cameras and computer sources with scene recall. Independent feeds can be created by assigning composition layers to multiple busses as needed.

The VR-120HD features six HDMI and six SDI video inputs in Full HD, supporting a range of broadcast frame rates and color spaces. The HDMI inputs feature scalers with EDID and HDCP support, to help eliminate hassles with client sources like computers, tablets, gaming consoles, and legacy 4:3 devices.

The effects engine in the VR-120HD features eight composition layers that can be assigned to the Program, Sub-Program, and Aux outs. With up to four picture-in-picture windows and two downstream key layers with transparent PNG and external key support.

There are multiple assignable outputs, including three SDI and three HDMI outputs, a USB-C streaming output, and ethernet streaming. Numerous output frame rates are supported, and routing tools provide the flexibility to feed program displays, monitors, multi-view producer displays, and online audiences at once.

The VR-120HD offers support for direct streaming over ethernet and USB computer streaming up to 60 FPS. There is also simultaneous SDXC recording, so events can be captured for later distribution.

The VR-120HD is claimed to boast the most powerful audio capabilities of any video switcher in its class, with 42-channel mixing and a host of processing tools, I/O routing options, and automation features. Six XLR/1/4-inch combo inputs feature high-quality mic preamps, and four RCA inputs are on hand for standard line-level devices. Users can mix embedded digital audio from the HDMI, SDI, and USB inputs, and Bluetooth is also available for streaming audio from a mobile device.

The unique Audio Player section lets users enhance events with custom sounds. Eight assignable pads on the VR-120HD panel can be used to trigger sound effects, event announcements, countdowns for e-sports, or theme songs for presenters.

Advanced workflow tools in the V-120HD allow the operator to execute multiple functions with a single press. The 32 scene memories and powerful effects engine work together for seamless scene changes, while 100 macros provide one-touch control of complex action lists. A sequencer function makes presets and macros even more powerful, with the ability to program up to 1000 steps and trigger them in order during events.

The VR-120HD features extensive PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera integration with onboard support for select Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sony, PTZOptics, Avonic, and VISCA-compatible PTZ LAN cameras. Different brands can be mixed and matched, and up to 12 PTZ cameras can be operated simultaneously.

The VR-120HD also includes tally light support, remote record triggering of Atomos recorders, RS-232 and GPIO ports, and more. Free remote-control software coming in Q2 2023 will allow users to enhance production workflows via an iPad or Mac/Windows computer.

The VR-120HD will be available in the U.S. in March for $6,495 USD

Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 30 years' of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.Matthew has won 48 ACS Awards, including five prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.