The Roland Professional A/V Division has introduced the VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer, the new flagship model in the VR streaming switcher lineup that offers extensive audio and video I/O, a large touchscreen, and hands-on controls.
The portable unit provides a single operator with the tools to manage mid-level hybrid productions. It’s designed to simplify difficult tasks with customizable workflows, automation functions, remote PTZ camera control, one-touch macro sequencing, streaming over LAN and USB, and more.
The operator can assign sources to eight cross-points on the fly—including live video inputs, still images, and video clips—and prioritize cameras and computer sources with scene recall. Independent feeds can be created by assigning composition layers to multiple buses as needed.
The VR-120HD is equipped with six HDMI and six SDI video inputs in full HD, supporting a range of broadcast and cinematic frame rates and color spaces. The HDMI inputs have 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 offers eight composition layers that can be assigned to the Program, Sub-Program, and Aux outs. Additional capabilities include up to four picture-in-picture windows and two downstream key layers with transparent PNG and external key support.
Multiple assignable outputs include three SDI and three HDMI outputs, a USB-C streaming output, and ethernet streaming. Numerous output frame rates are supported, and routing tools are designed to provide the flexibility to feed program displays, monitors, multi-view producer displays, and online audiences at once. There’s also support for direct streaming over ethernet and USB computer streaming up to 60 FPS. With simultaneous SDXC recording, events can be captured for later distribution.
In terms of audio, the VR-120HD offers 42-channel mixing and a host of processing tools, I/O routing options, and automation features. Six XLR/1/4-inch combo inputs have 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.
Workflow tools 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 furthers this, with the ability to program up to 1000 steps and trigger them in order during events.
The VR-120HD also has 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.
Also included are 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.
