Roland V-02HD Multi-Format Video Mixer
There’s a big difference between elegant and basic, a point Roland seems ready to drive home with the introduction of its new V-02HD Multi-Format Video Mixer. On the surface, the V-02HD is a simple two channel video switcher. Under the hood, however, there’s a whole lot more going on, including scaling, video effects, audio effects and even the ability to switch sources completely hands-free. While we haven’t had the chance to put it through its paces in person yet, we do want to provide this first look at the ministry potential of the device.
Feature attractions
It’s instantly clear that the primary design imperative behind the Roland V-02HD Mixer was to provide professional-level power in an extremely portable form factor. The device is extremely small (at 6.3 inches wide by 4.3. inches in diameter by 2 inches high) and lightweight, coming in at only 1 pound 6 ounces. It’s compact enough to fit in a camera bag or laptop case, and can easily sit next to a computer or existing switcher, even in very tight setup spaces.
In an intriguing twist, the V-02HD can also be mounted directly onto a tripod or articulating video arm using a 1/4-inch screw tap built into the bottom of the unit. This allows a single videographer to mix two sources directly from the camera position. In fact, Roland is so convinced of this as a solution that the company has incorporated a port for a dedicated foot switch, which would allow an operator to change sources without ever taking their hands off the camera controls.
... the V-02HD can also be mounted directly onto a tripod or articulating video arm using a 1/4-inch screw tap built into the bottom of the unit. This allows a single videographer to mix two sources directly from the camera position.
Beyond simply mixing two video sources, the Roland V-02HD also functions as a high-end scaler, capable of processing both input and output sources seamlessly to match a single resolution. This functionality should make mixing and matching inputs from varied HDMI sources such as cameras, computers, streaming devices, and video game systems a whole lot easier.
The signals are processed at an incredibly high 4:4:4,10-bit sampling rate to protect signal integrity from beginning to end. The mixer outputs to individual preview and program HDMI ports, and features a dedicated T-bar for manual control of crossfading.
The signals are processed at an incredibly high 4:4:4,10-bit sampling rate to protect signal integrity from beginning to end.
Visual effects for pros
Even a cursory rundown of the feature set makes it clear that working video professionals were involved with the V-02HD design. The device includes an impressive number of built-in video effects, most of which would actually be like branding bugs and picture-in-picture abilities essential for live-streaming classes, demos, and tutorials.
Other video effects include mosaic for blurring a subject’s face and preserving their anonymity, greenscreen improvement tools, and the ability to store a still image to use as a seamless transition element in live event settings.
Hearing the difference
Another area where the Roland V-02HD can boast an unexpected level of professional utility is in its range of audio features, which are surprisingly deep for such a diminutive device. It’s capable of embedding or de-embedding audio received through the HDMI inputs, as well as through an 1/8-inch audio input jack designed for external audio sources, such as mixers or shotgun mics. The switcher also features a second dedicated 1/8-inch headphone jack complete with a manual volume dial, something that should prove to be a life-saver in the high-stress world of live event production.
Individual built-in audio effects include an equalizer, multi-band compressor, noise gate, and high pass filter.
In addition, the unit includes built-in presets for controlling and sweetening audio in various scenarios such as meetings, interviews, or outdoor environments.
Individual built-in audio effects include an equalizer, multi-band compressor, noise gate, and high pass filter.
Ministry utility
It’s not much of a stretch to envision a number of different ways the Roland V-02HD Multi-Format Video Mixer could be used in the context of ministry. A device like this could prove to be a simple and powerful way for beginning tech teams to start launching two-camera or two-source IMAG and live stream ministries.
A device like this could prove to be a simple and powerful way for beginning tech teams to start launching two-camera or two-source IMAG and live stream ministries.
The V-02HD also seems like it could be an intuitive way to solve a number of start up problems like scaling and basic video effects processing, which would be a big plus for volunteer-driven ministries. The fact that a single operator could switch between a wide locked-down video shot and tight tracking shot being controlled by that single operator could well prove to be the difference between success and failure on a weekend.
Portable live streaming ministry applications such as outreach and mission events could immediately benefit from the portability of the V-02HD, although these kinds of applications would need to secure a portable solution for powering the device in the field. Broadcast teams needing to add an extra input channel to a maxed out video switcher would also be well-served by a device like this.
Small church film teams needing to quickly turn around a two-camera interview would be able to run the program out from the V-02HD to an external recorder for almost immediate delivery, if needed. In cases like this, the ability to live-monitor and sweeten the audio feed through the switcher itself would be extremely valuable.
In conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, this article is simply a first look. We haven’t had a chance to test out the Roland V-02HD Multi-Format Video Mixer for ourselves yet. On paper, though, the unit packs a whole lot of features under a very small hood. It will be interesting to see how easy these features are to utilize in real-world scenarios. It very well could be that special, future-leaning kind of tool that comes in handy in a number of different and unexpected ways.
The Roland V-02HD lists for $650. Visit proav.roland.com to find our more.
