Roland V-800HD MK II Multi-Format Video Switcher

Commonly referred to as a vision switcher, this device is basically used to choose between multiple video sources and/ or mix them together. The Roland V-800HD MK II Multi-Format Video Switcher is such a device with multiple inputs, supports different modes and video formats and incorporates high processing power. It is the perfect video switcher for live events, lectures and presentations, big halls and live streaming.

Roland is recognized for their high quality AV devices including electric keyboards, audio mixing consoles, electric guitars and the Roland V-800HD MK II multi-format video switcher is not an exception. Let?s explore the numerous features that this video switcher brings to the table.

Features of the Roland V-800HD MK II Video Switcher

With the Roland V-800HD MK II video switcher, the days of converting the input source to be in line with the output format are over. It is equipped with 8 mixing channels and an impressive 16 inputs (4 Composite, 4 SDI, 4 RGB/Component and another 4 DVI-I/HDMI) meaning it supports SDI (HD, SD and 3GP), RGB, DVI-D and HDMI signals. There are six outputs including 2 SDI, 2 DVI, 1 RGB and 1 Composite output that can be used simultaneously.

Additionally, the Mini D-Sub 15 pin connector can support the SD/HD component and RGB input. The AUX Bus Switch is a new addition that gives the capability to send a source to a second display or output.?Roland V-800HD MK II video switcher Built-in scalers can convert upwards or downwards to produce the best format for any resolution. The DVI-I inputs allow DVI-D, DVI-A and HDMI using an adapter while the built-in Scaler and Frame Sync work on all inputs and outputs.

Scaling is helpful since input sources from different devices like cameras, smart phones etc are automatically detected and scaled to the best resolution. This video switcher is also capable of processing high quality 4:4:4/10 bits that is important for screens larger than 300 inches. Another useful feature is the built-in PnP feature that makes it a favorite among webcast producers.

Graphics, resolution and image quality

As we?ve already pointed out, the 4:4:4/10 bits processing ensures that pixels are shown in crisp, original color on huge outdoor screens. Roland V-800HD MK II Video Switcher can simultaneously support 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480i, and 480p and computer resolutions equal to WUXGA, common with webcam broadcasting. Multi-viewer support is an added feature that you can use to simultaneously monitor input sources, previews and program outputs.

This is accentuated by the HDMI connector that allows you to use any cheap 60p HDMI monitor. One can also assign two still images to a selection of sixteen internally stored images. Although RGB/ Component and DVI-I inputs are shown in a lower frame rate, composite and SDI inputs are not affected. 3G-SDI input sources with 1080p resolution are processed at up to 3Gbps which is double the HD bit rate.

HDCP Mode and Key Compositing

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a type of encoding used on digital media for copyright protection e.g. blu-ray disc. A switcher or display monitor without HDCP support cannot pass-through and display encoded content respectively. The Roland V-800HD MK II Video Switcher has HDCP mode, complete with a panel indicator to show the operating status while in this mode. Make sure the projector or monitor displaying the content also supports HDCP. SDI and analog connectors do not output signals in HDCP mode.

As for key compositing, Roland have gone a step further with the Chroma Key that allows you to change the chroma levels, phase range etc. based on the HSV color range that is strikingly similar to the way humans sense chromatic colors. Tight chroma key compositing can be achieved together with high resolution even in 1080p formats.

The External Key feature is used for vibrant CG text, transparency and gradation effects for more profound visual effects. Although it seems like a complex device to use, the new straight-forward interface is designed to advance your workflow, coupled with a one-touch memory recall feature to recall difficult settings.

Roland V-800HD MK II Viable real life applications

A video switcher like the Roland V-800HD MK II Multi-Format Video Switcher is a must-have for any live event to control the display and show what is needed at the right time. A multi-format switcher is particularly important because the input sources have different formats e.g. from DSLR, computer format and HDCP content. You can also set up each input in real time using the joystick positioned to choose the sequence or arrangement that the multi-viewer will display video.

Roland V-800HD MK II is also suitable for large displays as evidenced by its high processing power and 10 bit capability. The versatility availed by the ability of this video switcher to accommodate multiple inputs and outputs simultaneously cannot be downplayed. For instance, you can use it for an office presentation and use static images from a USB device while showing slides from a computer using HDMI.