ROLAND VR-50HD - Multi-Format AV Mixer

Until now, achieving a high-definition AV studio with live streaming required a large amount of equipment: video switchers, audio mixers, converters for adjusting the input signals of devices with different resolutions, LCD monitors, and so on.

The VR-50HD is an all-in-one device − a complete high-definition production center in a single unit.

You can connect cameras, computers, Blu-ray players, DVD players, microphones, iPads, and more for use as input devices, without having to worry about whether the equipment is analog or digital or what formats they output. In addition to HD-SDI and HDMI output for HD recording equipment, the unit also provides USB 3.0 and 2.0 output. This enables the ability to connect a computer and perform live streaming and recording. All digital video output connectors include embedded audio as well.

Application example: Presentations and Live Events

You never know what kind of material on what devices/media will be brought to a presentation or live event. The notebook computers that presenters bring can have a variety of connectors from VGA to DVI, HDMI, and others. Resolutions are also diverse, and quick accommodation is not always possible. Use of commercially available Blu-ray discs and DVDs can also run into the problem of playback being restricted by HDCP.

The VR-50HD resolves such issues without the need for any additional equipment.

Even when input devices use different resolutions, internal scalers perform automatic conversion to the optimal resolution. The built-in scalers also let you expand and reduce video and still images however you like for perfect framing. The VR-50HD features an HDCP mode that lets you input and switch commercial digital video from sources such as Blu-ray discs or game consoles encoded using HDCP digital copyright management technology. This is a multi-format AV mixer that you can count on to handle whatever material turns up on-site.

*In HDCP mode, only HDMI output can be used. Use of SDI, RGB/Component, Composite, analog audio output is not possible. *Commercial use of content requires the permission of the copyright-holder.

12 input, 4-Channel Multi-format Video Switcher

At total of 12 HDMI, 3G/HD/SD-SDI/SDI, RGB/COMPONENT, and composite inputs are provided. In addition to professional HD cameras, you can connect equipment that ranges from computers and Blu-ray and DVD players to video cameras using composite output. The unit features multi-format specifications that allows you to never have to worry about differences in resolution among input devices. *6 channel switching is possible when not using compositing features such as PinP and Key.

Built-In Preview Touch Monitor

The VR-50HD is equipped with a large 7-inch touch-panel LCD screen that enables truly intuitive operation. Using the seven-way multi-viewer to display four input pictures, composited material, and program out simultaneously eliminates the need for external monitors. You can also switch to quad multi-view. Advanced settings for picture and sound can also be made using the touch panel, so you can get started right away without having to read the manual.

Four Layer Composition

The composition feature supports a total of four layers. This lets you place keyed video on picture-in-picture, then also superimpose a still picture imported into the unit's internal memory over that. PinP and key compositing use independent scalers, so you can adjust the positions and sizes however you like. You can switch the effects on and off at any time using the dedicated composition buttons. You can set the order of succession for PinP, PinP/KEY, and STILL to your preference. *The VR-50HD can store up to 4 still images in the internal memory. *STILL position and size compositing can not be adjusted.

12-Channel Digital Audio Mixer

The VR-50HD features a 12-channel digital audio mixer that mixes audio from cameras in addition to sound from four microphones, computers, and DVD players. Capturing and mixing 3G/HD/SD-SDI/HDMI audio in the audio mixer is also possible. Using the "Audio Follow" feature, you can even make the audio switch automatically from one source to another as the video source changes. Built-in delay and equalizer features make possible a broad range of use, from seminars to musical events.

USB3.0 Video/Audio Output

The USB 2.0/3.0 output enables web streaming with ease by simply connecting to a computer running a live streaming service. Recording is equally simple by using QuickTime or the dedicated Windows/Mac capture software, the Video Capture for VR. The video format is up to 1080/59.94p through USB3.0 and up to 720/29.97p through USB2.0. The resolution and frame rate of video format and audio level and delay can be changed thanks to the dedicated scaler and the dedicated volume and delay for the USB output. 

* Note: Certified USB3.0 cables are required when output is set to 720p or higher.

Video Capture for VR

Video Capture for VR is application software that captures video and audio signals output from the VR-50HD USB port and saves them to video files on your connected Windows/Mac. Click on the Download tab to find the VR Capture software.

VIDEOProcessing4:4:4 (RGB), 10-bit
4:2:2 (Y/Pb/Pr), 10-bitInput Connectors3G/HD/SD-SDI: BNC type x 4 (INPUT 1--4)
* Conforms to SMPTE 424M (SMPTE 425M-AB), 292M, 259M-C. HDMI(DVI-D): Type A(19pin) x 4 (INPUT 1--4
* HDCP Supported.
Analog RGB/HD-Component: Mini D-sub 15-pin type x 2 (INPUT 1--2)
Analog Video (SD): Composite (BNC type) x 2 (INPUT 1--2)
* INPUT 1-2: Select SDI, HDMI or Analog RGB, Composite using menu.
* INPUT 3-4: Select SDI, HDMI using menu.Output Connectors3G/HD/SD-SDI: BNC type x 2 (PGM OUT, AUX OUT
* Conforms to SMPTE 424M (SMPTE 425M-AB), 292M, 259M-C HDMI(DVI-D): Type A(19pin) x 3 (PGM OUT, AUX OUT, MULTI VIEW
* HDCP Supported Analog RGB/HD-Component: Mini D-sub 15-pin type x 2 (PGM OUT, AUX OUT)Input/Output Level and ImpedanceComposite: 1.0 Vp-p 75 ohms
Analog RGB: 0.7 Vp-p 75 ohms (H, V: 5 VTTL)
Analog HD: 1.0 Vp-p 75 ohms (Sync-Signal: Bi-Level/Tri-Level)SUPPORTED VIDEO FORMATSSDI480/59.94i, 576/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p
* Conforms to SMPTE 274M, SMPTE 296M, ITU-R BT.601-5.HDMI:(*2)480/59.94i, 576/50i, 480/59.94p, 576/50p, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p 1024×768/60Hz(*1), 1280×720/60Hz(*1), 1280×800/60Hz(*1), 1280×1024/60Hz(*1), 1400×1050/60Hz, 1920x1080/60HzHDMI(MULTI-VIEW Output):(*2)1080/59.94pComponent480/59.94i, 576/50i, 480/59.94p, 576/50p, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50pRGB:(*2)1024×768/60Hz(*1), 1280×720/60Hz(*1), 1280×800/60Hz(*1), 1280×1024/60Hz(*1), 1400×1050/60Hz, 1920x1080/60HzCompositeNTSC, PAL*Note*1 Output refresh rate is 75 Hz when frame rate is set to 50 Hz.
*2 Conforms to CEA-861-E or VESA DMT Version 1.0 Revision 11.
* The video signal frame rate must match the unit's frame rate setting.
* The output format of HDMI and RGB/Component is always the same.
When a Video format is selected, component signal is output from the RGB/COMPONENT connector.
When a RGB format is selected, RGB signal is output from the RGB/COMPONENT connector.USB-VIDEO480/29.97p, 576/25p, 480/59.94p, 576/50p, 720/29.97p, 720/25p, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 1080/29.97p, 1080/25p, 1080/59.94p, 1080/50pStill ImageWindows(R) Bitmap File (.bmp)
* Maximum 1920 x 1080 pixels, 24-bit per pixel, uncompressed.EffectsTransition: Mix, Cut, Wipe (9 patterns)
Composition: PinP, Chrominance Key, Luminance Key
Others: Output Fade, Output Freeze, User LogoAUDIOAudio ProcessingSampling Rate: 24-bit/48 kHzInput ConnectorsAUDIO IN (1 to 4) jacks (XLR/TRS combo type)
* XLR type: 1 GND, 2 HOT, 3 COLD
* Phantom Power: DC 48 V (unloaded maximum), 5 mA (maximum load) (Current value per channel).
AUDIO IN (5 to 8) jacks (RCA phono type)
AUDIO IN (9 to 12) jacks (TRS type)Output ConnectorsAUDIO OUT L,R jacks (XLR-3-32 type)
* XLR type: 1 GND, 2 HOT, 3 COLD
AUDIO OUT L,R jacks (RCA phono type)
PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4-inch phone type) (headphones)
PHONES jack (Stereo miniature type) (headphones)Input Level and ImpedanceXLR/TRS: -68 to +4 dBu (Maximum: +22 dBu, 4 k ohms)
RCA phono: -10 dBu (Maximum: +8 dBu, 11 k ohms)
TRS: +4 dBu (Maximum: +22 dBu, 98 k ohms)Output Level and ImpedanceXLR: +22 dBu (Maximum: +22 dBu, 600 ohms)
RCA phono: -10 dBu (Maximum: +8 dBu, 1 k ohms)
Headphones: 25 mW + 25 mW, 20 ohmsAudio FormatsSDI: Linear PCM, 24bit, 48kHz, 2ch
* SMPTE 299M, SMPTE 272M-C
HDMI: Linear PCM, 24bit, 48kHz, 2ch
USB-AUDIO: Linear PCM, 16bit, 48kHz, 2chAudio EffectsChannel Effects: Compressor, Noise Gate, 3-Band EQ, Delay
Master Effects: Mastering, 3-Band EQ, ReverbOTHERSRemoteRemote MIDI: 5 pin DIN type (IN, OUT/THRU)
RS-232C: D-sub 9 pin type x 1USB InterfaceUSB2.0 port(host): Hi-Speed USB: Type A (for USB memory)
USB3.0 port(device): Type B for USB-VIDEO (Super-Speed/Hi-Speed), USB-AUDIO (Full-Speed)
- Uncompressed Video   4:2:2 (Y/Pb/Pr), 8-bit
- Bit-rate: max 2Gbit/s (1080/59.94p only active pixels)
- UVC (USB Video Class) supported uncompressed Video
- Certified USB3.0 cable is required when running at super-speed (anything at 720p or higher)Display7 inch Graphic color LCD 800 x 480 dots (touch screen)Power SupplyAC Adaptor DC 24V Secondary AC Adaptor DC 9 V to 16 V (XLR-4-32 type)Current Draw2.5 A (DC 24V)Operation Temperature+0 to +40 degrees Celsius +32 to +104 degrees FahrenheitAccessoriesAC Adaptor, Power Cord, Owner's ManualSYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECORDING (VR CAPTURE) OR STREAMING HD MATERIALWindows8.0 or higherMacOS X 10.7 and higherCommonIvy Bridge Core i7 and higher
8GB Memory or more
USB 3.0 (supported USB3.0 Intel Chipset e.g. 7Series)
Note: USB Controller Chip by Renesas (formerly NEC) is not suitable
Current VR-50HD  list.SIZE AND WEIGHTWidth434 mm
17-1/8 inchesDepth306 mm
12-1/16 inchesHeight149 mm
5-7/8 inchesWeight5.3 kg
11 lbs. 11 oz.Notes* 0dBu=0.775 Vrms
* This product is a Class A digital device under FCC part 15.
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
* This product is intended for use in the following Electromagnetic environments: E1:residential, E2:commercial and light industrial, E3:urban outdoors, E4:controlled EMC environment, ex. recording studio (broadcasting studio) which are specified in EN55103-1 and EN55103-2.