Enhanced Assessment: Larger Size Offers Advantages
Let's dive into the world of video switchers, focusing on the Roland V-80HD - the latest addition to our university's arsenal. After being happily versed with the trusty Roland V-60HD for years, I was thrilled to put the V-80HD through its paces.
Gear Up!\n\nThis bad boy might be slightly larger (around 16 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and about 4 inches high), but boy does it come packed with features!
Input/Output Galore
A switcher's performance largely depends on its I/O. The V-80HD delivers with eight HDMI, 3G-SDI, and SRT-enabled inputs, perfect for a mix of studio cameras, ENGs, and even PTZs. As for outputs, it's loads of fun with USB 3.0, LAN, and more. Bonus points for handling up to 28 channels of audio and offering built-in streaming (SRT, RTMP, and RTMPS protocols). In a pinch, you can even pre-program audio and video actions for smooth sailing.
Mix It Up
The V-80HD supports a variety of formats and frame rates, including 4K60. If you're blending HD with 4K sources, it'll downscale two HDMI inputs to HD, while frame rate converters simphonize your productions by ensuring sources match.
Output options are plentiful-HDMI, LAN, SDI, and USB-C. Drool-worthy, right? The USB output sends video and audio to your phone, computer, or UVC platform. Use the LAN output for RTMP. And if effects are your thing, you can utilize the downstream keyer (DSK), along with two picture-in-picture windows and split screen. Working with a Windows-based system? Generate graphics and titles using free templates with the Graphics Presenter software and share them with the switcher via an HDMI cable.
Control Central
The top of the Roland V-80HD houses four audio input level pots, two auxes, and a main with peak and left and right level LEDs. Four assignable pads, a downstream keyer (DSK) with level, gain, source, preview, and program, and picture-in-picture and key control with both keys offering positioning knobs for horizontal and vertical alignment, source, preview, and program, are positioned directly below. The subsequent bank is selectable between Aux 1, Aux 2, memory, and macro. The Program Bank offers eight inputs and preview bank with A-center and B-center adjustments for the split screen.
On the top right side of the switcher lies the 4.3-inch LCD monitor, accompanied by buttons to choose between multiview, two input views, and program. You'll also find controls for menu adjustments, output fade, and more. The fader bar lets you select between mix and wipe, with cut and auto transition buttons at your disposal. At the front panel's base, you'll find the headphone input and volume, a USB host input, and an SDXC card input for storing info.
The V-80HD Grand Tour
On the V-80HD's back, you'll find the 24-volt DC input, power button, left and right XLR audio outputs, left and right RCA for channels 3 and 4, USB-C (for computer or cell phone), LAN (direct) streaming outputs, three HDMI outputs, four HDMI input scalers (two are 4K scalers with thru ports), RS-232, tally/GPIO outputs, two CTL/EXP ports, four SDI inputs, and two SDI outputs.
Plug and Play!
The Roland V-80HD is so user-friendly that even the technophobes can set it up in no time. Our experience was even smoother since we had a slightly older Roland switcher on hand. We connected three Hitachi 1080p cameras via SDI and a UHD 4K PTZ camera through a downscaling HDMI. Each of our four usable inputs were attached to a 20-inch LED monitor, while the preview and program had their own 55-inch LED monitors. The V-80HD could display all monitor information on one screen, but we opted to stick with our control room's old setup.
From Familiar to Fantastic
The V-80HD goes way beyond our V-60HD ever did. The moment we attached all the SDI and HDMI cables, we powered up the system. The fabulous lightshow lasted a few moments before settling into standby mode. A senior TV/Film major instinctively set up a preset, seamlessly positioning several live camera images. When asked how he could pull off this mildly complicated maneuver, he replied, "I spent the summer live streaming using a switcher." It wasn't a Roland, but with minimal trial and error, he had it all set up.
After witnessing his ease with the Roland V-80HD and feeling like I needed a refresher course in Switchers 101, I took control and set up a DSK. I must admit, it felt fantastic showing my student how to do something he had no clue about.
Switchers have come a long way in terms of ease of setup and operation. The Roland V-80HD takes the lead; it's just incredibly easy to learn and operate. The V-80HD also does so much that it opens the door for greater creativity in a studio environment. The built-in monitor is a winner; displaying the program image-or all your sources-right on the switcher makes for easier operations compared to always staring at a myriad of monitors scattered around the studio.
All Systems Go!
Initially, I thought a larger switcher wouldn't be an improvement. I was mistaken. The Roland V-80HD stands proud as a powerful yet affordable switcher for a TV studio. It offers a bounty of features and inputs without that steep learning curve found in other more expensive models. The best quote from a student, "You can teach a course on how this switcher will make live productions less complicated and how this switcher will make our TV shows more exciting."
Displaying Innovation
The Roland V-80HD, with its remarkable features, seamlessly integrates high-end technology into the realm of video switchers. Its vast array of I/O options, such as HDMI, SDI, and SRT-enabled inputs, not only complements the latest gadgets but also allows for versatile connectivity with various devices in the studio.
Unpacking Creativity
The V-80HD's dynamic blend of features and formats, including 4K60 compatibility and multiple output options, empowers users to inventively mix and match diverse gadgets and technology, creating captivating video productions that illuminate the university's state-of-the-art technology landscape.
