In Center Stage

 

VP-42H Video Processor

Roland Professional A/V recently announced the introduction of its VP-42H Video Processor, a simple-to-set-up and easy-to-use compact device that allows sophisticated multi-source layering and switching with dynamic transitions for effective and engaging single-screen display of presentations, digital signage content and meeting visuals. The VP-42H supports simultaneous output of up to four layered source signals even when resolutions vary between its four HDMI inputs. The processor features Motion Scene Switching for fluid transitions between complex screen setups, remote switching via browser-based network control, audio management including de-embedding and embedding and a keyer function for overlays and advanced composition.

In venues where it’s not practical or affordable to support multiple displays that simultaneously show varying IMAG or presentation images, the VP-42H allows a single large display to serve a range of functions with multiple inset windows and eye-catching displays. Traditionally, layering and switching multiple sources within a single display is complicated and expensive, requiring highly skilled operators to manage the complexity. Offering far more capability than a typical switcher, the Roland VP-42H Video Processor lets end users instantly switch between “scenes” containing pre-set arrangements of layered sources in customizable inset windows. The VP-42H smoothly transitions between current and next scenes by automatically moving and resizing the windows to their new positions with motion-based scene switching for a stunning visual impact; highly impressive scene changes that used to take hours to program now happen at the touch of a button.

By accessing a networked VP-42H’s fast and convenient web browser interface, each input layer can be scaled, cropped, zoomed and positioned by simply clicking and dragging on a connected computer, wireless tablet or smart phone. Scene selection and core switching functions can also be implemented in a familiar fashion by way of configurable front-panel switches that illuminate to indicate available and selected sources. The front panel can also be locked to prevent tampering. A rear-panel port allows RS-232 control, network control and a USB port are available for loading still images and software updates.

The VP-42H can accommodate a wide variety of applications. Where LED walls and projection are used for large-scale presentations at corporate events, the VP-42H can output a customized and visually dynamic display of various presentation data sources with high clarity and accurate color (due to its 10bit 4:4:4 color space video processing engine). Engaging digital signage displays can be created with multiple content layers, overlays and motion-based transitions; the VP-42H can also be configured for automatic, front-panel-configurable interval scene switching. In the modern meeting room, the VP-42H can improve communication and the delivery of information during video conferencing and meeting presentations through effective and sophisticated windowing of key information and participant images.

In video production, the VP-42H can serve as a highly flexible multi-view source, offering not just a quad display but also custom sizing of each source window. The processor’s scene capability can be used to preconfigure a variety of instantly accessible multi-view configurations. When used in simple scenarios, the VP-42H can function as a true cross-dissolve seamless switcher, with a keyer to create overlays and the ability to display still images via USB drive – perfect for logos and safety slides.

The VP-42H’s internal audio mixer allows de-embedding of HDMI audio and the input of external audio sources via a pair of RCA phono jacks. Level balanced audio can be embedded in the HDMI output stream and also can be output to external mixers or speakers via a second pair of RCA jacks. Front panel controls with associated level indications allow adjustment of external line input, line output and master audio levels, as well as headphone output level.

The compact VP-42H weighs just 2 lbs 11 oz (1.2 kg) and measures 9 9/16 inches (W) x 1 3/4 inches (H) x 4 15/16 inches (D) (242 mm x 125 mm x 44 mm). It can be used freestanding or can be rack-mounted by way of included adaptor hardware. The Roland Professional A/V VP-42H Video Processor will be available in Q4 of 2018 at a price of $1,595.00.

 

 

XS-42H Matrix Switcher

Roland Professional A/V today announces the introduction of the XS-42H Matrix Switcher – a compact, simple-to-install and easy-to-operate switcher for huddle space and small meeting room video and audio. The Roland XS-42H allows fast, seamless connection of up to four computers and tablets over HDMI with automatic optimization and display of newly connected sources; automatic audio-follows-video switching; web browser-based control from a networked computer, tablet or phone; and simple selection of one of ten user-configurable meeting setup scenes. Source content can be switched to feed one or two video displays via HDMI. With the XS-42H, meetings are about sharing ideas and collaboration, not about fiddling with connections, remotes and interface settings.

Input selection confusion is a thing of the past with the XS-42H’s auto input detection, which automatically switches to a newly connected device. The XS-42H uses the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) protocol to communicate with a connected device to specify the correct output resolution for the PC or tablet. Input scaling further facilitates switching and display optimization when combining sources of varying resolutions.

When sources are disconnected, the XS-42H can automatically return to a specified input instead of the typical black screen, letting users display a still image stored on connected USB drive such as a logo, meeting room identifier, meeting welcome greetings or a connected device’s screen saver.

Instead of relying solely on a monitor’s built-in speakers, the Roland XS-42H includes stereo RCA outputs for connection to external speakers or soundbars for dramatically improved audio quality. The internal audio mixer of the XS-42H will switch the audio to match the video input, using the audio embedded in the computer’s HDMI signal. Input of auxiliary external audio sources is facilitated by a second pair of RCA phono jacks. Front panel controls with associated level indications allow adjustment of external line input, line output and master audio levels, as well as headphone output level.

The XS-42H saves the expense of programmable touchscreen A/V controllers by letting any inexpensive tablet serve as a convenient touch controller, via the browser application. Scene selection and core switching functions can also be intuitively implemented by way of front-panel switches that illuminate to indicate available and selected sources. The front panel can also be locked to prevent accidental switching. A rear-panel port allows RS-232 control, network control and a USB port is available for loading still images and software updates.

The XS-42H weighs just 2 lbs 11 oz (1.2 kg) and measures 9 9/16 inches (W) x 1 3/4 inches (H) x 4 15/16 inches (D) (242 mm x 125 mm x 44 mm). It can be used freestanding, or can be rack-mounted by way of included adaptor hardware. The Roland Professional A/V XS-42H Matrix Switcher will be available in Q4 of 2018 at a price of $1,395.00. Click here to learn more.