Review on Roland V 1HD HD Video Switcher by Roy Reeves

For a long time I wanted a Full HD mixer but all of them were too expensive. Finally Roland put this gem together at a great price and it does everything I need. I get crystal clear video and it has a very good range of features and effects. I used to have a V-4EX which was good but it wasn't internal full HD (480p only) and before that it had an SD mixer. It's a huge improvement over those mixers and I would definitely recommend it over the V-4EX or something SD. I mainly use it for weekly podcasts but also do some live shows. The mixer has four full 1080 (HDMI) inputs, allowing you to mix four video channels. There are two HDMI outputs, one for the output stream and one for preview, although you can program the preview channel as a second output if you wish. It also has a separate RCA stereo audio input for the mixer, although you can get (and even follow) audio from the HDMI inputs if you wish. Each audio channel has its own programmable audio delay, which is important for proper video and audio synchronization in many configurations. It also has an RCA audio output for mixed audio. I hooked this unit up to a Ninja Blade recorder, which records 4:2:2 video at high speed, and didn't notice any artifacts in either the video or the audio - both are just as sharp and clear. like output coming straight from the camera. I ran the GH4 on it with a fast lens to make sure it was sharp and the image was great. Connected my laptop as input - no problem. Video transitions were clean too - no frame sync issues. A switch on the back lets you choose between 720p, 1080i, and 1080p output resolutions, depending on your recording device. I like the layout of the mixer as well as its compact dimensions (approx. 12" x 4"). It's certainly small enough to take with you to a remote event or video shoot, but the buttons are big enough that you don't have to fiddle around to switch inputs. I do think it could save me a lot of post-processing time compared to editing interviews manually. You can use something like an Atomos HD recorder, two cameras and this device and you have a complete live switching interview rig that fits in a backpack. -Image, split screen, fading transitions and normal shortcuts. It has a standard AB bus layout and one fader with a T-knob fader. There are additional effects including a "bpm" function to switch views with music if you like it. You can also save settings in memory. The entire device can be controlled remotely from a PC via a USB cable and settings can be changed (download the software from Roland's website), which can be useful in situations where you need this capability. from the control room or with the help of a separate operator. Pros: - Price - Right now this is a great price for Full HD - Portable - this thing is compact (only 12" x 4") - Remote recording is easy to set up - Also supports four full 1080i and 1080p inputs as separate output and preview - Clear video and audio output - no extra noise/artefacts noticed - Good feature set - Transitions, picture-in-picture, split screen - Easy to use if you have basic video mixing experience - Good audio support, including audio output, mix, audio delay, audio effects (gate, compressor, levels, etc.), audio accompaniment - Additional audio input and audio output - if you have a separate audio mixer or need a separate audio output for mixing - remote setup / c control of the switcher from a PC via USB cable if desired. Cons: - You can't record directly from this unit - You'll need a separate VCR if you want to record rather than just watch the output live - It has a small fan that runs while it's on - while noise is minimal, it will someone will surely step in and say that it lacks some kind of "high" attribute, but also a "high price". That's almost half of what I paid for my V-4EX two years ago. This thing is also amazingly portable, meaning I can take it to a live event. This is the HD switcher I've always wanted!