Roland Introduces VR-4HD High-Definition AV

Roland announced the introduction of its VR-4HD High-Definition AV Mixer. It is an easy-to-use, compact and portable AV Mixer that integrates a digital audio mixer, video switcher, multi-viewer touch screen and USB video/audio streaming interface into a standalone device.

Christian Delfino, Vice President of Product Management, Roland Professional A/V Division said, “The VR-4HD is a portable live HD production solution ideal for schools, churches, council meetings, corporate events, sports, training or any other live event. Whether being used to produce an online broadcast, support a presentation or even as the hub for a multi-input teleconference system that uses standard online chat software, the VR-4HD’s all-in-one hardware design and audio digital signal processing capabilities including Auto-Mixing function, make it easy for a single operator to achieve professional results.”

The VR-4HD has three dedicated HDMI input connectors compatible with a variety of equipments and offering support for 1080p/1080i/720p video resolutions. A fourth input includes a scaler to support both video and computer resolutions and also supports analog RGB and component input as well as HDMI, so the older devices can be used as sources without the need for external conversion equipment. HDCP is supported for input of copy-protected content from devices such as Blu-ray disc players.

The VR-4HD’s 18-channel audio mixer features Roland’s digital signal processing offering that is the three-band parametric EQ, reverb, a compressor/gate on the mic inputs and level/multiband EQ on the master mix. The VR-4HD supports advanced features including auto-mixing, echo cancel, audio follow and up to 500ms of delay for perfect lip-sync between audio and video. The VR-4HD’s audio mixer can mix the four XLR microphone inputs, unbalanced stereo inputs on RCA and 1/8 mini connectors along with the audio embedded in the four HDMI inputs. The final mix can be outputted via XLR or RCA and also embedded into the HDMI output while a headphone output facilitates audio monitoring.

A unique loop-back audio capability via the USB 3.0 port can bring in audio from a connected PC using conferencing software such as Skype and return audio to the PC without any audio feedback as a result of the Echo Cancellation feature. This makes the VR-4HD an ideal web conferencing tool that allows for multiple video and audio sources to be used with online web conference software. Its Auto-Mixing function manages audio levels across audio sources even when an operator is not present.

The VR-4HD includes Downstream Keying, Picture-in-Picture, Split and Quad composting effects ideal for creating news-style broadcasts and corporate presentation content. The DSK supports both Luminance Keying (Black / White) and Chroma Keying (Blue / Green). Compositing two videos in one screen using Picture-in-Picture or the split function is ideal for seminars and presentations.

The VR-4HD features a clean, intuitive control layout with broadcast switcher cross-point switches for key and transition operations and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. User-assignable buttons allow customization for quick access to functions needed for a particular application. The audio mixer features short-throw faders and knobs for dedicated hardware control of each individual audio source. The VR-4HD’s rugged construction ensures long-term reliability even under the most demanding conditions of portable and professional use. The Roland VR-4HD High-Definition AV Mixer will be available in December 2016.