Roland Video Switcher Mixer

[Software] Ever since I owned a Roland VR-3 standard definition video mixer, I have dreamed about having a high quality, affordable, high-definition video switcher to use on multi-camera shoots and webcasts. Problem is, they were all super-expensive. Well now, Roland has delivered an amazing HD video switcher at an unbelievable price point! I purchased the V-1HD right after Christmas and received it the first week in January. This switcher is amazing! I plugged in several sources: A JVC GY-HM600 Pro HD camera, a small Canon Vixia, and a MacBook Pro. Everything worked perfectly and the quality is amazing! I also purchased an HDMI media player that uses SD cards and USB sticks. This serves as my still-store and video playback appliance. It works great. I use the V-1HD for multi-camera video shoots, webcasting, and also for Periscope live streaming when I have guests on my shows via Skype. I simply point the smartphone camera at a big HD monitor and frame it up properly, then use the V-1HD to switch all my sources for a clean, multi-camera stream on Periscope. I especially love the ability to do side-by-side split screen images of my camera shot plus and guest via Skype on the laptop. The V-1HD offers a ton of flexibility and great quality at an incredibly low price for the features and effects you get. And you can toss the switcher in your messenger bag and head off to a gig! Thanks, Roland, and thanks B&H for an easy ordering process and prompt delivery!

[0.85 lb] We use this to add audio from a mixer to SDI video from a video switcher. Works great with minimal set up.

We use this to add audio from a mixer to SDI video from a video switcher. Works great with minimal set up.

[2.6 lb / 1.2 kg] So far very happy with this little HD switcher. I used the Roland V-8 for a number of years and this take that to the HD world and adds a lot. Inputs from cameras, computers, iPads, GoPros etc. I am outputting to my Atomos getting gorgeous videos. Great bang for the buck. Great if you are looking for a portable setup.

[Nickel] Work great with my Roland V-1SDI switcher. I have three 200ft of these cables on Hannay cable reels and so far so good.

[Software] This is an update to a previous review; Roland proactively contacted me based on my previous feedback (quoted as originally written below) and has done a great job of making things right and standing behind their product. Roland Technical Support was prompt and professional in exchanging the defective unit we had received initially for a replacement unit; in addition to the manufacturer's own burn-in and testing period, we've used the replacement switcher on some fairly hot days outside and the it has been stable. The surface of the switcher still gets noticeably warm, but no further crashes or instability have been reported from the field, and it does a great job of being a simple yet powerful little switcher. It's not without a few quirks and default settings that should always be checked - most notably, the sleep timer that isn't disabled by default - but it's a great value and for simple jobs, nice and easy to just setup and go compared to anything else in this price range. ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM 4/10/17, which this review replaced: Except for the fact that it has repeatedly overheated, in the middle of a show, dropping all inputs and outputs until it is manually power-cycled, it's a *fantastic* piece of gear. Until Roland comes up with a solution / better thermal design in hardware, it's probably best to stick with the older, more stable V-1HD and spend the money you'll save on a few SDI/HDMI converters....

[16:9] Works well as a monitor for the multi view HDMI out on my Roland 60HD switcher. No complaints here!

This is an update to a previous review; Roland proactively contacted me based on my previous feedback (quoted as originally written below) and has done a great job of making things right and standing behind their product. Roland Technical Support was prompt and professional in exchanging the defective unit we had received initially for a replacement unit; in addition to the manufacturer's own burn-in and testing period, we've used the replacement switcher on some fairly hot days outside and the it has been stable. The surface of the switcher still gets noticeably warm, but no further crashes or instability have been reported from the field, and it does a great job of being a simple yet powerful little switcher. It's not without a few quirks and default settings that should always be checked - most notably, the sleep timer that isn't disabled by default - but it's a great value and for simple jobs, nice and easy to just setup and go compared to anything else in this price range. ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM 4/10/17, which this review replaced: Except for the fact that it has repeatedly overheated, in the middle of a show, dropping all inputs and outputs until it is manually power-cycled, it's a *fantastic* piece of gear. Until Roland comes up with a solution / better thermal design in hardware, it's probably best to stick with the older, more stable V-1HD and spend the money you'll save on a few SDI/HDMI converters....

[Stereo Main Mix] I actually bought this for the tape out. My Roland V-8HD switcher only has RCA as an analog in, which can result in impedance problems from balanced stereo feed. Mackie 402-VLZ4 solves the problem. Board mix to Ch. 3 stereo bal/unbal in, RCA tape out to switcher. Impedance problem solved. The 2 mic preamps are a bonus. Very clean sound.

[Black] I use this with a Roland M200i digital mixer to provide an audio feed to a livestream PC. Using the LAN saves adding an analog adapter to that PC.