Roland's V-1HD 4 x HDMI Input Switcher is a portable solution for HD video production that accommodates up to four HD inputs. The inputs each have a frame buffer/TBC so you don't need to genlock your input sources together. You can control the switcher manually by using the built-in controls, or connect it to a computer or iPad running optional software for electronic control. Select your working resolution and switch between your four input sources. Built into the switcher is a 12-channel audio mixer that can de-embed and embed audio signals from HDMI.

The integrated T-fader allows you to manually control the speed of transitions, or you can use the take button to actuate your selected transition. The unit features a program and multiview preview output, as well as an analog audio input and output. Though small in size, it allows you to perform picture-in-picture, green screen, and other keying effects, while a transform control enables advanced video effects on your footage.

4 x HDMI Inputs with Frame Buffers    Hardware or PC Control    12-Channel Digital Audio Mixer    Manual T-Bar    Program Output and Multiview Preview    Picture-in-Picture, Green Screen Keying    Advanced Video Effects

This portable HD switcher supports four inputs of HD video, allowing you to select 1080i, 1080p, or 720p as your input source. Each input incorporates a frame buffer/TBC that allows you to use non-genlocked cameras, as well as play-out devices as video sources. You select the broadcast system (59.94/50 Hz) within the menu. The format selector switch is a global switch that affects the input and output format. However, with the switch in either of the 1080 options, the V-1HD enables input of both 1080i and 1080p signals.

The built-in 12-channel audio mixer allows you to de-embed audio from the HDMI stream, mix, and re-embed the audio into your output stream. The audio mixer is accessed by a connected PC running the available software.

The V-1HD features two HDMI outputs—one output always shows your switched program output, while the other (preview) can be switched between program output and multiview of your four sources.

The soft rubber backlit buttons allow you to easily see the condition of your switcher, even in dim lighting conditions.

• Red: Indicates the current source being output
• Green: Indicates the video source that will be output on the next transition

There are three buttons for applying transition effects: Cut, Mix (4 types), and Wipe (30 types).

By using the T-fader bar and the BP-Sync button, you can deliver visuals synced to a music performance.

The Memory button allows you to save or recall up to eight presets, and the Freeze button can temporarily pause the incoming video.

These buttons can be used to switch your video instantly or to apply effects.

The T-bar lets you control the speed of your selected transitions.

The keying functionality permits picture-in-picture as well as green screen keying and graphics keying.

You can select to fade your output video to either black or white.

• Picture-in-picture and split-screen functions
• Supports chroma and luminance key
• Two separate bus effects knobs allow you to apply effects independently to each bus
• Nine types of filter effects are available, including silhouette, colorpass, negative, and findedge

• EQ
• Delay
• Compressor
• HPF
• Gate
• Reverb
• Mastering effect

Remote control is possible with the V-1HD RCS dedicated computer software for Mac OS X and Windows, or the V-1HD Remote iPad app connected via a USB cable. The application offers a detailed view of the connected V-1HD and can be used to switch video, mix audio, or change settings. You can control the unit from a music instrument or a sequencer via the MIDI input connector via MIDI. The V-1HD also transmits MIDI over USB and its controls can be mapped to popular visual performance software applications. Please use the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to connect an iPad to the V-1HD.

HDCP compliance can be enabled within the menu.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can a VGA to HDMI converter be used to connect a non HDMI computer to the Roland V-1HD?

A: Yup, input 4 have upscale compatibility.

Q: 2. I'm using a Canon XA10 (HDMI 1080P59.94) and two GoPros (1080P59.94) and a Ninja 2 as my recorder which needs to see 1080i59.94 ... will this switcher do that without extra scan converters in the mix?

A: Yes, the product will scale your footage and there is a switch that allows you to select the output, including 1080i.

Q: 3. Does it scale hdmi inputs?

A: Yes it does.

Q: 4. Two questions about the V1HD switcher...1) When would you ever use the freeze button on this thing? I'm trying to figure out what it does and why it has it's own button? And also, can it be changed to do something else?2) Can the PREVIEW output be changed somehow to just show the Preview clip? In other words, I know it is used to show the multi view, but can that be switched somehow to show something else like the Preview clip (for instance if I wanted to check focus on one particular camera before I cut to it), while the Program/OUTPUT has the main live feed output like normal?Thanks!

A: The freeze button is a common thing found on a production switcher. You may want to freeze on a moment and from there switch to a live feed, even the same camera now rolling live again. It is an effect that you may find useful. The button cannot be programmed to something else I'm afraid. The preview HDMI output can be set to either the Multi-viewer or a 2nd output for the program. It cannot be set as an ISO on a specific camera. The V1HD is designed to be a more basic, yet affordable option. You could look in to a more advanced switcher like the Datavideo SE-2200 that has multiple, assignable outputs. The SE-2200 will allow you to have a preview out.

Q: 5. What does it mean when the HDMI input keeps blinking white when I feed from my computer? It does not show anything.

A: The most common reason for blinking input lights are a disconnected or bad cable, as noted in the previous answer. However, you will also get this if your computer is outputting the wrong resolution or frame rate. Unlike many monitors, the V-1HD unit cannot scale resolutions. Instead, it only accepts 720p (if the FORMAT switch on the back is 720p) or 1080i/1080p (interchangeably, if the format switch on the back is 1080i/1080p), which are the common HDTV resolutions. Similarly, your computer output must match the frame rate selected in SETUP (50 or 59.94 Hz, although 60Hz is close enough to 59.94). Unlike most TV sources, computers can output video at a lot of different resolutions and frame rates, and so if you get either of them wrong (check your computer's video settings!) the V-1HD won't be able to use the signal and will give you a blinky button. I use my V-1HDs with computer sources all of the time, but am very careful to keep the computer's video output at 1080p/60 at all times.

Q: 6. how to disable the audio from the HDMI cable?

A: Hold down the audio button in the settings area. Look for inputs. Turn down the volume on all inputs one through four to disable audio on HDMI inputs

Q: 7. I am looking at purchasing for use during a live sporting event (with the output being sent to a big screen). In terms of replay capabilities, does anyone have any experience here? Can you simply use the freeze button and then continue rolling from the point or can you only switch back to the live source? Cheers

A: NO. the freeze button freezes the source as a frame (snapshot) and goes back to live source. It cant be used for replay...

Q: 8. The MIX function can be set to "FAM" (accidentally) instead of "MIX". What does FAM stand for and what is its benefit?

A: Hi, FAM stands for "full additive mix" and means that there is no change in luminance when transitioning between video sources, meaning as you transition between video sources, each video source appears at its full intensity with no fading.

Q: 9. Can this production switcher handle 2-2.5k footage?

A: The max resolution that this switcher can handle is 1080p, it does not work with a 2k or 2.5k signal I'm afraid. We do have the ATEM Production Studio 4k, which can handle a UHD 3840 x 2160 signal. However even that model does not offer support for 2k or 2.5k, those are not resolutions supported by production switchers in general at this time.

Q: 10. Does it 110 V or 220V ??

A: The AC power adapter is universal so it works on 120 or 220. The plug itself, however, must be adapted to your local standard. You can find these at B&H under Travel Adapters & Transformers.