Roland V-02HD – World’s Smallest Video Mixer

by Jakub HanNovember 20^th, 2018

At Inter BEE 2018 in Tokyo, Roland introduced their new video mixer – the Roland V-02HD – which happens to be the world’s smallest device of its kind. It can mix two HDMI video inputs up to 1080p and embed analog audio to the resulting HDMI output.

Roland V-02HD is new compact video mixer (also called “micro switcher”) primarily designed for smaller events or productions where size plays an important role. It is capable of various tasks and combines more standalone units in one. It can function as:

• simple switcher
• scaler
• input expander
• audio solution
• inline video effects compositor

Mixing Two Video Inputs

With this product, Roland is allowing also smaller productions to record or stream output from two cameras. Using a live switcher onsite lets users have an immediate deliverable. The Roland V-02HD takes HDMI output up to 1080p from two cameras and seamlessly switches to a connected recorder or live streaming encoder. The operator can switch between cameras using the dedicated controls on the device. There is also FS-6 foot controler with pedals included, so the person switching the signal can operate one camera at the same time.

Roland V-02HD. Source: Roland

The Roland V-02HD further ensures a professional cross-dissolve switchover between computers and screens, maintaining hi-res pixel-accurate display resolution with 10-bit 4:4:4 color space. That makes switching sources in a small presentation easier and helps to handle problems with unexpected input signals.

Roland V-02HD mixing different sources. Source: Roland

Thanks to the built-in input and output scalers, the V-02HD can take SD, HD, and computer resolutions, before resizing them to fit the display and then outputting in a new resolution that’s compatible with the receiving device.

Audio Solution

The Roland V-02HD lets users embed analog audio into an HDMI signal for recording or live streaming. It can however also extract the audio from an HDMI signal and send it over to a larger dedicated audio mixer. It offers therefore both embedding or de-embedding of the audio. Audio can also be monitored through dedicated headphone output.

The V-02HD micro switcher has three-band EQ and dynamics onboard, so the audio signal can be immediately optimized in the device. A built-in effects library offers presets for common production scenarios including interviews, ambient sound recording, and can eliminate wind noise when filming outdoors. These tools also work with inline HDMI signals, so the audio can be fixed without leaving the digital domain.

Real Time Video Effects

Roland V-02HD micro switcher has 14 adjustable visual effects that can be applied in real-time. Various parameters can be adjusted to fine-tune the results. There are also 5 additional composition effects so you can add titles, use a green screen with the key effect, or create a separate inset window with the PinP capability.

Roland V-02HD Effects Examples. Source: Roland

Another nice feature of the V-02HD is the still image capability, which can serve as a kind of emergency plan. In case of an input source failing during a presentation or a new speaker arrives but isn’t yet ready to present, a still image loaded into the V-02HD can be displayed.

Roland V-02HD micro switcher has a 1/4 inch mount at the bottom for standard video accessory mounting, which makes it easily attachable to tripods or articulating arms. The lightweight design and third-party battery packs support adds even more flexibility.

It is now available for pre-order and it should start shipping worldwide in the early December 2018. Price is around $650 USD.

What do you think of the Roland V-02HD micro switcher? Can you imagine using it in your production? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.