Great review and dive into the roland, our company just got one yesterday and built it into a small rack, will use it first time tomorrow and this gave me a good understanding of it . Really helpful, hope your channel grow more, will keep a close eye on it :D
Thanks for the encouragement, it took much more time, study & money to get the studio fit for purpose. Nearly there. I hope your creative adventures are going well.
I own it and it's not so great. The video leaves out the bad stuff. Like, you can only record the stream at the resolution of the stream, NOT the resolution of the camera. And more of stupid stuff like this. I regret buying it.
@@ignacedhont9816sorry to hear you where disappointed in it. It does say on the device and in its name that it is a HD model. (Roland VR-120HD) it’s the Roland VR-400UHD is Roland’s 4K Mixer with region of interest features. But it also has limitations and things the HD models has it doesn’t. Track pads 42channel audio etc. I suspect Roland will bring out a VR-120(4K) type model in the near future. As the Fibre Broadband providers with larger uploads speeds becomes more readily available. HD is still the more common standard for streaming currently in a live streaming setup at this price point. It’s a lot more expensive for 4K mixers & 4K Streaming services with all this type of I/O features built in. The 4K versions like BlackMagic Designs are more modular to help people step up gradually. It’s a Hard lesson when we payout for something and our thoughts and expectations are another. I have done this over the years; Forcing me to do more thorough homework to better manage my own expectations and not miss key details & assumptions I may make. Now a days when I buy equipment I would create a checklist with One colum asking the questions I’m forgetting to not ask myself about hopes I have for this device, like: 1. What does it not do? This one question alone is such a. Helpful manager of realistic expectations. So I force myself to research more comprehensively its limitations and remind myself in my excitement for new gear with new features what it doesn’t offering at the same time to avoid me assume it does. This has been a big money saver at times also. It was like the transition from SD to HD back in the day. Most people were in a learning curve on this also. HD could mean 720HD or 1080 Full HD Now with 4K hopes & expectations, people can miscalculate the different 4K type labelling. The Journey from HD - Actual 4K full resolution. TVs for example. Quad HD (2K) - 2560 x 1440 Ultra HD - 3840 x 2160 UHD - 3840 x 2160 4K - 4096 x 2160 (Full 4K Resolution) Wording is tricky like this: Another word that caught me out was: Compatible or Compliant, this doesn’t mean a TV is actually Full 4K, it can mean it can take 4K input signals but down scales it to a lower resolution to fit the screen actual resolution. It has a scaler built of sorts. Making it compliant in that it can take 4K or compatible with 4K. UHD can be confusing as it has ‘HD’ in its titling this is an issue for many brands. As they help the consumer grasp the different technologies & progress as moves on. Mel Gibson the movie Star ‘ use to call this ‘School Fees’ to his business partner. As they watch production companies run away with a sizeable amount of the film’s profits. Hence they created their own production company ‘icon’ The point being for us ‘School Fees’ / Learning Curves we grow & learn. I hope this experience helps you with better discernment in the future. Thanks for sharing your experience and your learning curve it helps us all grow.
Hi @guysofly4315, I'm not sure I can get round to that. I had the VR-400UHD(4K) for a few weeks, along with the VR-6HD & VR-120HD, but time & other commiments caught up on me before I got to complete reviews on the other two mixers. The demo version they lowned me was needed back for a trade-show. Hopefully someone will get a more comprehensive review up on it soon. If I do manage to get my hands on it again. I will keep your request in mind. hope you have a great day. (Niall)
We've been using a V-160HD for some time now but in most cases it is more than we need, This VR-120HD is nice because of the Audio Mixer capability. Question: 1. Are you familiar with the V160HD switcher? If so - How does this compare? 2. Can you send 3 different outputs AND Easily Switch the sources for those outputs? Example: Output 1 = Send Once Source to Output 1 (Live Stream Feed 1), Output 2 = Second Source to Output 2 (Going to a different Live Stream #2) Output 3 = Third Source to Output 3 (Local Presentation going to a Auditorium Projector) In addition - I would be sending a PGM output to a recorder and also need a Multiviewer Output (Normally HDMI Output 3) The V-160HD had all these capabilities and even recently added 2 Additional AUX Outputs (3 Total) but the Audio Inputs are limited. The Inclusion of the Audio Mixer Faders on this make it a really nice feature. Basically, I want all the capability of the V160HD Switcher but with the Audio Faders of this switcher. 6 SDI and 6 HDMI Inputs are more than sufficient. I haven't been able to determine which switcher was produced first but this one seems to have all that I am looking for EXCEPT it does not have both PGM and PVW Buses. That is why I am curious as to how hard it would be to SWITCH Sources for each of the 3 Outputs. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thank You for your review.
This is exactly what I want to know. The faders on this makes it favourable over the 160, but I really could do with 3 aux outputs, that I can send 3 different inputs to (not a multi-view). I don't believe you can do that with the 120? Very frustrating 😕
@@ColinAsh-qi8yc i know the V-160HD got a software update with 3 independent aux outputs, and for live gigs have been really useful . Just got the VR-120HD yesterday and tomorrow is the first gig we will be using it, in the small time I had to mess with it only saw 1 AUX output, but we only using it for 1 tech medium to small hybrid events. But I was able to find a way around it before with the V-160HD, using 1 output as aux, 1 output as sub program (using DSK isolated to it) and 1 output as preview, and using as instant cut instead of prw/prg mode. And it worked, so I think it will work for the VR-120HD too. Not the best solution but a good way around the AUX limitations.
Hi CanesFan65. I haven't managed to get my hands on the V-160HD, to be able to compare well. I have seen some videos online and it is impressive, piece of kit. The VR-120HD has 3 x Outputs either HDMI or SDI(3G) which are set to Programme, Preview & Mult-iview. I don't think you can choose multiple sources to go out to multiple Outputs. I can't remember if you can in the settings change the Outputs to all be Programme out say. I have e-mail my Roland contact and forward your questions to see if I can get a more clarity to your specific questions. He may reply to this feed specifically or send me the answers to your specific questions. What I can tell you is, The VR-120HD doesn't have a Matrix Switcher built in, which I believe, is the feature your asking about. Matrix switchers would let you choose Multiple sources x Output to Multiple Outputs. You would need something like the Roland XS Series. I own the XS-84H Model, which lets you choose multiple sources and send it out to 4 x different Outputs. This is a great piece of kit. That also lets you span sources across 2-4 x screens, in one of the different modes selections. Roland has a 2, 3 & 4 Matrix option in the XS Series. check out this video seminar on it. ruclips.net/video/IJ5egBIRYWo/видео.html Hope this is helpful feedback.
Hi, This is Kees from Roland Pro AV. Please find my answers to your questions below. In general, the VR-120HD is based on the V-160HD. The most important additional features and functions of the VR-120HD are the built-in touchscreen monitor, Direct Streaming Output & SD Card recording (up to 1080p), the audio control surface, more audio I/Os and the video-follows-audio audio feature, for automated switching between inputs, scene memories and macros, based on microphone inputs (input thresholds, audio mix target, audio silent target, audio redetection time and transition time can also be set.) The VR-120HD has three HDMI outputs, three SDI outputs, one USB ‘Webcam Output’ that outputs an uncompressed signal and one Stream/Record output for RTMP streaming and SD card recording. Available buses are PGM, PVW, SUB-PGM, AUX, Multi-View, Input-View, Still-View. The upcoming firmware update will add one SRT input, one SRT output, support for Roland Graphics Presenter software (proav.roland.com/global/products/graphics_presenter/), plus two additional AUX buses, just like the V-160HD. The SUB-PGM output is based on the same background as the PGM output but with independent layer assignment, i.e. PiP 1, 3 and DSK2 to PGM, Pip 2 and DSK 1 to SUB-PGM). These layers can also be independently assigned to any AUX bus. The assignment of any bus to any physical output is completely flexible. With the [INPUT SELECT] button lit up, press the MODE [SETUP] button for a complete overview of inputs, outputs and input, bus and layer assignments. Switching sources can be done in various ways. To switch the source for the AUX bus, push the AUX button and select the preferred video channel. Via the menu, it is also possible to choose a source which is not assigned to one of the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]-[8] crosspoint buttons. To switch the source for the PVW bus, first make sure the operation mode is set to PGM/PST mode (factory default mode is DISSOLVE in which no PVW bus is available). Press the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]-[8] buttons to select the PVW source (the buttons light up green). Further, all settings, including source assignment can easily be stored as a scene memory and instantly recalled. There are 32 scene memories available, and since switching between scenes is completely seamless, it is perfect for live use. It is also possible to exclude the loading of certain parameters when recalling a scene. On top of the scene memories, the 100 macros go even deeper, allowing you to build and execute complex action lists that include switching, DSK on/off, audio mixing adjustments, PTZ camera movements, and much more. I recommend downloading the free PC/MAC/iPad app to explore all the features. Further, this 42-minute video manual is also very useful: ruclips.net/video/-9MiusGMpK8/видео.html. I hope this answers your questions. If you need additional information or would like to get your hands on a demo unit, please let me know.
@@ColinAsh-qi8yc Hi Colin, this is Kees from Roland Pro AV. Not sure if you automatically received a notification about my post in this conversation, but just in case, please see my post above. Hope this answers your questions as well.
Mine just arrived. First impressions: audio mixer is great. Biggest disappointment: can't record the stream at full hd.... I can't believe that is the case for a machine this price.
You can at least record the program in FHD right? I know it lacks the ISO recording from the mini extreme... for this price it should've been there... BMC does it for a third of the price.
@@ignacedhont9816 that is strange indeed. If you stream at 720p you get a 720p video? There's no way to have a 1080p high res copy for the client!? That's a big oversight from engineering if true
Have you reach out to Roland Support for an answer to this. I‘m off the impression you can record 1080p & stream 1080p. You sure it’s not the video format settings needed dialled in?
Great review and dive into the roland, our company just got one yesterday and built it into a small rack, will use it first time tomorrow and this gave me a good understanding of it . Really helpful, hope your channel grow more, will keep a close eye on it :D
Glad to hear it was helpful Nelson, Hope you have a fun creative experience with it. (Niall)
Great to see you posting again sir! Cheers! ❤️
Thanks for the encouragement, it took much more time, study & money to get the studio fit for purpose. Nearly there. I hope your creative adventures are going well.
Outstanding overview ... very helpful!
Thank you @turnmaker7685 for the encouragement. Glad you like it. (Niall)
Really nice video ! Thanks.
Thank You 😉
Great piece of kit, great video 👍🏻
Thanks Mica, clad to see the experience & skills your attaining. Taking risks & achieving. These are the Things that will get you to your Thing.
I own it and it's not so great. The video leaves out the bad stuff. Like, you can only record the stream at the resolution of the stream, NOT the resolution of the camera. And more of stupid stuff like this. I regret buying it.
@@ignacedhont9816sorry to hear you where disappointed in it.
It does say on the device and in its name that it is a HD model. (Roland VR-120HD) it’s the Roland VR-400UHD is Roland’s 4K Mixer with region of interest features. But it also has limitations and things the HD models has it doesn’t. Track pads 42channel audio etc.
I suspect Roland will bring out a VR-120(4K) type model in the near future. As the Fibre Broadband providers with larger uploads speeds becomes more readily available.
HD is still the more common standard for streaming currently in a live streaming setup at this price point.
It’s a lot more expensive for 4K mixers & 4K Streaming services with all this type of I/O features built in. The 4K versions like BlackMagic Designs are more modular to help people step up gradually.
It’s a Hard lesson when we payout for something and our thoughts and expectations are another. I have done this over the years; Forcing me to do more thorough homework to better manage my own expectations and not miss key details & assumptions I may make.
Now a days when I buy equipment I would create a checklist with
One colum asking the questions I’m forgetting to not ask myself about hopes I have for this device, like:
1. What does it not do?
This one question alone is such a. Helpful manager of realistic expectations.
So I force myself to research more comprehensively its limitations and remind myself in my excitement for new gear with new features what it doesn’t offering at the same time to avoid me assume it does. This has been a big money saver at times also.
It was like the transition from SD to HD back in the day. Most people were in a learning curve on this also.
HD could mean 720HD or 1080 Full HD
Now with 4K hopes & expectations, people can miscalculate the different 4K type labelling. The Journey from HD - Actual 4K full resolution. TVs for example.
Quad HD (2K) - 2560 x 1440
Ultra HD - 3840 x 2160
UHD - 3840 x 2160
4K - 4096 x 2160 (Full 4K Resolution)
Wording is tricky like this:
Another word that caught me out was:
Compatible or Compliant, this doesn’t mean a TV is actually Full 4K, it can mean it can take 4K input signals but down scales it to a lower resolution to fit the screen actual resolution. It has a scaler built of sorts. Making it compliant in that it can take 4K or compatible with 4K.
UHD can be confusing as it has ‘HD’ in its titling this is an issue for many brands. As they help the consumer grasp the different technologies & progress as moves on.
Mel Gibson the movie Star ‘ use to call this ‘School Fees’ to his business partner. As they watch production companies run away with a sizeable amount of the film’s profits. Hence they created their own production company ‘icon’
The point being for us ‘School Fees’ / Learning Curves we grow & learn.
I hope this experience helps you with better discernment in the future.
Thanks for sharing your experience and your learning curve it helps us all grow.
Thanks so much for this video. Are you able to paint the cameras with this model?
Glad yu liked the video. May I ask what Paint the cameras mean. I'm not aware of what that means?. Maybe I use a different expression for this term.
Paint the cameras is color correction of the cameras for matching etc.
Hi please do a review on the vr400 uhd . There currently isn't one on RUclips
Hi @guysofly4315, I'm not sure I can get round to that. I had the VR-400UHD(4K) for a few weeks, along with the VR-6HD & VR-120HD, but time & other commiments caught up on me before I got to complete reviews on the other two mixers. The demo version they lowned me was needed back for a trade-show.
Hopefully someone will get a more comprehensive review up on it soon. If I do manage to get my hands on it again. I will keep your request in mind. hope you have a great day. (Niall)
We've been using a V-160HD for some time now but in most cases it is more than we need, This VR-120HD is nice because of the Audio Mixer capability.
Question:
1. Are you familiar with the V160HD switcher? If so - How does this compare?
2. Can you send 3 different outputs AND Easily Switch the sources for those outputs?
Example:
Output 1 = Send Once Source to Output 1 (Live Stream Feed 1),
Output 2 = Second Source to Output 2 (Going to a different Live Stream #2)
Output 3 = Third Source to Output 3 (Local Presentation going to a Auditorium Projector)
In addition - I would be sending a PGM output to a recorder and also need a Multiviewer Output (Normally HDMI Output 3)
The V-160HD had all these capabilities and even recently added 2 Additional AUX Outputs (3 Total) but the Audio Inputs are limited. The Inclusion of the Audio Mixer Faders on this make it
a really nice feature. Basically, I want all the capability of the V160HD Switcher but with the Audio Faders of this switcher. 6 SDI and 6 HDMI Inputs are more than sufficient.
I haven't been able to determine which switcher was produced first but this one seems to have all that I am looking for EXCEPT it does not have both PGM and PVW Buses. That is why I am curious as to how hard it would be to SWITCH Sources for each of the 3 Outputs.
Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You for your review.
This is exactly what I want to know. The faders on this makes it favourable over the 160, but I really could do with 3 aux outputs, that I can send 3 different inputs to (not a multi-view). I don't believe you can do that with the 120? Very frustrating 😕
@@ColinAsh-qi8yc i know the V-160HD got a software update with 3 independent aux outputs, and for live gigs have been really useful . Just got the VR-120HD yesterday and tomorrow is the first gig we will be using it, in the small time I had to mess with it only saw 1 AUX output, but we only using it for 1 tech medium to small hybrid events. But I was able to find a way around it before with the V-160HD, using 1 output as aux, 1 output as sub program (using DSK isolated to it) and 1 output as preview, and using as instant cut instead of prw/prg mode. And it worked, so I think it will work for the VR-120HD too. Not the best solution but a good way around the AUX limitations.
Hi CanesFan65. I haven't managed to get my hands on the V-160HD, to be able to compare well. I have seen some videos online and it is impressive, piece of kit. The VR-120HD has 3 x Outputs either HDMI or SDI(3G) which are set to Programme, Preview & Mult-iview. I don't think you can choose multiple sources to go out to multiple Outputs. I can't remember if you can in the settings change the Outputs to all be Programme out say.
I have e-mail my Roland contact and forward your questions to see if I can get a more clarity to your specific questions. He may reply to this feed specifically or send me the answers to your specific questions.
What I can tell you is, The VR-120HD doesn't have a Matrix Switcher built in, which I believe, is the feature your asking about. Matrix switchers would let you choose Multiple sources x Output to Multiple Outputs. You would need something like the Roland XS Series. I own the XS-84H Model, which lets you choose multiple sources and send it out to 4 x different Outputs. This is a great piece of kit. That also lets you span sources across 2-4 x screens, in one of the different modes selections. Roland has a 2, 3 & 4 Matrix option in the XS Series. check out this video seminar on it. ruclips.net/video/IJ5egBIRYWo/видео.html Hope this is helpful feedback.
Hi,
This is Kees from Roland Pro AV. Please find my answers to your questions below.
In general, the VR-120HD is based on the V-160HD. The most important additional features and functions of the VR-120HD are the built-in touchscreen monitor, Direct Streaming Output & SD Card recording (up to 1080p), the audio control surface, more audio I/Os and the video-follows-audio audio feature, for automated switching between inputs, scene memories and macros, based on microphone inputs (input thresholds, audio mix target, audio silent target, audio redetection time and transition time can also be set.)
The VR-120HD has three HDMI outputs, three SDI outputs, one USB ‘Webcam Output’ that outputs an uncompressed signal and one Stream/Record output for RTMP streaming and SD card recording. Available buses are PGM, PVW, SUB-PGM, AUX, Multi-View, Input-View, Still-View.
The upcoming firmware update will add one SRT input, one SRT output, support for Roland Graphics Presenter software (proav.roland.com/global/products/graphics_presenter/), plus two additional AUX buses, just like the V-160HD.
The SUB-PGM output is based on the same background as the PGM output but with independent layer assignment, i.e. PiP 1, 3 and DSK2 to PGM, Pip 2 and DSK 1 to SUB-PGM). These layers can also be independently assigned to any AUX bus.
The assignment of any bus to any physical output is completely flexible. With the [INPUT SELECT] button lit up, press the MODE [SETUP] button for a complete overview of inputs, outputs and input, bus and layer assignments.
Switching sources can be done in various ways. To switch the source for the AUX bus, push the AUX button and select the preferred video channel. Via the menu, it is also possible to choose a source which is not assigned to one of the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]-[8] crosspoint buttons.
To switch the source for the PVW bus, first make sure the operation mode is set to PGM/PST mode (factory default mode is DISSOLVE in which no PVW bus is available). Press the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]-[8] buttons to select the PVW source (the buttons light up green).
Further, all settings, including source assignment can easily be stored as a scene memory and instantly recalled. There are 32 scene memories available, and since switching between scenes is completely seamless, it is perfect for live use. It is also possible to exclude the loading of certain parameters when recalling a scene.
On top of the scene memories, the 100 macros go even deeper, allowing you to build and execute complex action lists that include switching, DSK on/off, audio mixing adjustments, PTZ camera movements, and much more.
I recommend downloading the free PC/MAC/iPad app to explore all the features. Further, this 42-minute video manual is also very useful: ruclips.net/video/-9MiusGMpK8/видео.html.
I hope this answers your questions. If you need additional information or would like to get your hands on a demo unit, please let me know.
@@ColinAsh-qi8yc Hi Colin, this is Kees from Roland Pro AV. Not sure if you automatically received a notification about my post in this conversation, but just in case, please see my post above. Hope this answers your questions as well.
Mine just arrived. First impressions: audio mixer is great. Biggest disappointment: can't record the stream at full hd.... I can't believe that is the case for a machine this price.
You can at least record the program in FHD right? I know it lacks the ISO recording from the mini extreme... for this price it should've been there... BMC does it for a third of the price.
YOU CANNOT RECORD AT THE CAMERA RESOLUTION.. just the resolution of your stream.. SO STUPID and unexpected for this price range@@ntchi
@@ignacedhont9816 that is strange indeed. If you stream at 720p you get a 720p video?
There's no way to have a 1080p high res copy for the client!? That's a big oversight from engineering if true
That's right. Isn't that just mind boggling? A 800 dollar Atem does that job 8x better..
@@ntchi
Have you reach out to Roland Support for an answer to this. I‘m off the impression you can record 1080p & stream 1080p. You sure it’s not the video format settings needed dialled in?