Expanding the feature set of the Roland VR-3, the VR-3EX boasts 4 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs, built-in scaling with resolutions up to 1080p and WUXGA, HDCP support, a full 18-channel digital audio mixer with effects and over 200 video transitions and effects. The compact design of the VR-3EX makes it ideal for use in a variety of portable or permanently installed applications including house of worship, education, corporate A/V and live production.
The VR-3EX features audio embedding from the HDMI inputs whilst the built in audio mixer has delay settings on each input allowing 'lip sync' adjustments to be made to match the video source. Supporting HDCP allows the user to mix copyright protected material such as game consoles and Blu-ray content into a live production. Composition effects such as Chroma key, Luminance key, and picture-in-picture enable title/logo overlay or lower thirds on background video.
HDMI inputs one to three on the VR-3EX accept video resolutions up to 480p/576p and input four accepts HDMI resolutions up to 1080p and RGB up to WUXGA (1920x1200). Although internal processing is SD-based, the output can be scaled up to 1080p or 1920x1200. Video inputs one to three feature composite (RCA) or HDMI (SD only) while input four accepts HDMI, RGB/Component or composite video. The video outputs have the ability to scale resolutions up to 1080p via HDMI or component, 1920x1200 (WUXGA) via RGB, or SD (NTSC or PAL) via the composite video output. An additional HDMI output is included to add an external preview monitor if required.
The 18-channel audio mixer is made up of 4 XLR/TRS with phantom power, stereo RCA, mini-stereo and built-in stereo mics as well as stereo audio from the 4 HDMI inputs. An impressive variety of dynamics such as delay, EQ, Gate, and Compressor can be applied to each balanced audio channel enhancing the audio and live production quality. The built-in stereo microphone on the top of the VR-3EX enables the operator to narrate or add ambient audio from the audience into the broadcast mix. The VR-3EX also has a main and AUX buss output so that the audio for the broadcast and the in-house PA system can be mixed separately.
As a USB Video/Audio class device, web streaming is effortless by simply connecting to a computer running a live streaming service. The output can also be recorded easily using the free VR Capture software from Roland for Windows or Mac or by using native OS applications such as QuickTime on a Mac.
(Jim Evans)
