Roland has announced the V-160HD Streaming Video Switcher. It is a professional hybrid event switcher with eight HDMI and eight SDI inputs, USB-C Streaming, 40-Channel Audio Mixing, and powerful new automation features.
Key features
- Portable hybrid event switcher with comprehensive features and connectivity
- Eight 3G SDI inputs with frame rate converters
- Eight 1080p HDMI inputs with frame rate converters, including four with real-time scalers
- Seven total outputs across SDI, HDMI, and USB-C streaming
- Seven selectable output modes: Program, Sub-Program, Aux, Preview, and three Multi-View options
- 40-channel digital audio mixer with effects and processing
- Eight-layer video effects engine
- 16-slot still store function supports screen capture or uploaded BMP, JPEG, and PNG images via alpha channel in the internal non-volatile memory
- Powerful live production automation with sequencing, macros, and preset memories
- PTZ control with support for multiple brands and mixed protocols running at once
- Extensive device control with Bluetooth, USB, RS-232, and LAN
- Remote control software available for iPad, macOS, and Windows
- Wireless and wired camera tally support
The V-160HD is the latest addition to the company’s V-series lineup of multichannel HD video switching products and the first with built-in streaming capabilities. The V-160HD allows users to live stream in Full HD to any popular web platform via USB-C.
The Eight HDMI sources and eight SDI sources can be mixed in Full HD, even with mismatched frame rates and color spaces. Built-in scalers are provided on four of the HDMI inputs for when you are interfacing with computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and legacy 4:3 devices. Seven total outputs, three HDMI, three SDI, and one USB-C, are available to feed program displays, auxiliary monitors, multi-view producer displays, streaming software, and recorders.
By utilizing the same plug-and-play connection technology as webcams, the V-160HD allows users to stream events at 30/60 FPS in Full HD and reach a worldwide audience. You can simply just connect the USB-C output to a computer and start streaming with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube, Facebook Live, or any platform that can use a webcam as its source.
On-demand signal processing means you never have to worry about issues like computer CPU overhead, latency, and output delay on live audience screens.
The V-160HD is able to handle both the in-person and web streaming components of a live hybrid event, complete with the ability to tailor the content for each audience. Being able to stream and distribute content at an actual event simultaneously is a big deal.
The V-160HD also features an eight-layer video effects engine, a 40-channel digital audio mixer, and integrated PTZ camera control, plus next-generation cue management and live show automation tools.
The V-160HD was designed to allow a single operator to execute multiple functions with the single press of a button. There are 30 preset memories and by using a powerful effects engine they can work together for seamless scene changes, including synchronizing the transition of all composition layers at the program output. The 100 macros go even deeper, providing one-touch control of complex action lists that can include switching, DSK on/off, audio mixing adjustments, and PTZ camera movements.
Up to 1000 steps can be recorded in the sequencer, and each step can include both presets and macros. Once cues are set up in the sequence list, they can be triggered in order during an event using the Next button on the panel.
The V-160HD’s effects engine includes eight composition layers that can be assigned to the Program and Sub-Program outs. Four picture-in-picture windows, downstream key layers, and 16 still store slots with transparent PNG image support.
Offering studio-grade sound and processing, the V-160HD’s 40-channel digital audio mixer lets users blend signals from the 16 video inputs and USB-C along with microphones and line-level devices connected to the two balanced XLR combo and stereo RCA inputs. It’s also possible to wirelessly stream music and other sound sources from a phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
The V-160HD features extensive PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera integration with onboard support for select Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sony, PTZOptics, Avonic, and VISCA-compatible PTZ LAN cameras. Different brands can be mixed and matched, and up to 16 PTZ cameras can be operated simultaneously.
The V-160HD also includes useful production tools such as tally light support, remote record triggering of Atomos recorders, RS-232 and GPIO ports, and more. And with free remote control software for macOS, Windows, and iPad, users can enhance their workflow via a large graphical interface on a computer or iPad.
Price & Availability
The Roland V-160HD Streaming Video Switcher will be available for $4,995 USD and it will start shipping in August 2021.
