The compact video mixer that's full of features

The V-4 is a 4-channel Video Mixer made for portable or fixed installation use. It is ideal for use in nightclubs, places of worship, theatres, and other live performances. The compact design of the V-4 gives you the freedom to make your video sources come alive. The V-4 is a part of the Roland SD video mixer line.

For cutting-edge Multimedia artists, the V-4 offers V-LINK, an exciting new feature from Roland that provides for realtime performance control over digital video, for the ultimate in creative expression. V-LINK allows the user to trigger clips, perform video effects and transitions in real-time when connected with the PR-80 (sold separately). The V-4 video mixer also has MIDI in/out/through, for real-time or sequenced control of video sources with effects and transitions. See the SD Mixer Comparison.

Main Features

  • Video Mixer / Switcher with 4ch input
  • Independent 2-channel TBC / Frame Synchronizer
  • Independent 2-channel Digital Effects
  • Professional quality T-Bar Video Fader
  • Easy Operation
  • Beat Synchronization between Audio and Video
  • Over 200 Transition Effects

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Best Video Product for 2004
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2004 Review

The compact video mixer that's full of features

Video Mixer / Switcher with 4-ch input
V-4 is equipped with four composite (RCA Pin) inputs plus two S-video (Y/C) inputs. V-4 offers scene transition of the four video sources with Dissolve, Wipes (with a total of about 200 variations), and Switching. The V-4 outputs the same video source to all the three jacks (Composite x 2, S-video x 1), for simultaneous monitoring and displaying, without resorting to external distribution boxes.

Over 200 Transition EffectsSee Listings Here
v4_transition_icon

Hard Edge Types

Luminance Types
Multi Border Types
Sliding Types
Soft Edge Types

Professional Video Quality
The input video sources are processed completely in the digital domain, and give professional video quality (13.5MHz, 8-bit, 4:2:2, DV quality). Ideal for use on large screens, and because the V-4 internal processing is digital there is no quality loss.

Independent 2-channel TBC / Frame Synchronizer
The input sources go through independent 2-channel TBC (Time Base Correction) circuits to correct the time code, independent 2-channel Frame Synchronizers are also applied to the two sources at this stage. These processes enable smooth transitions and Dissolves, and ensuring stable images all the time.

Independent 2-channel Digital Effects
V-4 features independent 2-channel Video effects that include a rich selection of digital effects (refer to spec sheet). The V-4 also features composition effects such as Picture-in-Picture, Chroma-key, and Luminance-key. The effects are recallable by a single button press.

Professional-use T-Bar Video Fader
Professional-use T-Bar cross fades for quick and intuitive operation. A V-4 innovation is that you chose to attach the fade however you like, either, vertically as standard for video mixer, or horizontally as a DJ mixer fader. The fader resolution has over 100 steps and offers extremely smooth transitions. Its metal body as well as its fader is strong and durable to be used in your active performance.

Easy Operation
V-4 is designed for its functions and operations to be clear from the front panel. Because it is simple to use its easy-to-use operation will enhance your realtime performance. Most of the V-4 functions can be selected and controlled without resorting to the manual.


v4-screen
On Screen Menu

Preview Function and On-Screen Menu
The preview function is controlled by the source selection button, and enables the user to monitor each of the input sources 1-4 or the output source before transition, to a single preview monitor, no more multiple preview monitors! You can control V-4´s major functions (Ex. Effect selection, MIDI input setting, etc.) from the dedicated preview screen using the convenient On-Screen Menu. This is separate from the output to the main outs, so you can view it anytime you want.

Convenient User Memory Function
V-4´s User memory function allows you to memorize and conveniently recall the panel settings, such as effect assignment to each button. The memory is saved even while the power is off, so you can store the frequently-used setting. Maximum eight configurations.

v4_rear
Back Panel

Synchronization between Audio and Video/Connection with MIDI Equipment
The V-4 features video transition/effects that can be synchronized with MIDI. The BPM (beat per minute) of transition/effects can be made to follow the beat of a music track by hitting the tap button (TAP function). The functions of V-4 can also be controlled via MIDI equipment such as a MIDI keyboard controller. If you have the optional PR-80, various visual performances become even more creative by mixing the DV-7PR´s numerous video clips with the V-4´s visual effects, all with realtime transitions and composition.


V-4
Video Format NTSC or PAL (ITU601)
Video Sampling Rate 13.5MHz, 4:2:2(Y:B-Y:R-Y), 8-bit, Flame synchronizer x 2
Video Input S-Video: 4-pin mini DIN type
Video (composite): RCA pin type x 4 (inputs 1-4; however if S-Video is simultaneously input to 1/2, S-Video takes priority)
Video Output S-Video: 4-pin mini DIN type x 1
Video (composite): RCA pin type x 2
Output level and Impedance S-Video: 1Vp-p, 75ohm
Video (composite): 1Vp-p, 75ohm
Chrominance signal: 0.286Vp-p, 75ohm
Transition Effects Mix, Wipe (4 types), Picture-in-Picture (4 types)
Compositing Effects Superimpose (remove black)
Control MIDI (in, out), V-LINK
Power Supply Dedicated AC Adaptor
Current Consumption 1500mA
Size and Weight
Width 209 mm 8-1/4 inches
Depth 282 mm 11-1/8 inches
Height 77 mm 3-1/16 inches
Weight 1.8 kg 4 lbs.
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.

The compact video mixer that's full of features

Live Production/Church
Here we have 4 inputs - 2 live cameras, text, still or video input coming from a laptop and all high quality video playback coming from the PR-80. By using a luminance key with the text input (e.g., PowerPoint, MediaShout, etc.) from the computer, you can overlay song lyrics,notes or messages over any of your other 3 inputs. Of the three outputs, 2 are being sent to the house projectors and the third one is recording the event to a VCR. At all times you can independently monitor your inputs and effects via the preview monitor. Note: S-video output or RGB-to-video scan converter is required to connect a computer to the V-4.

v4_diagram1

 

Multi-Camera Live Event
In this example we have 4 live cameras being mixed to 2 house projectors, bringing image magnification (IMAG) to the room. We are also recording the event to a VCR as well. In a non-IMAG setting (i.e., school, courtroom, community TV) you would not send the output to projectors and simply record the event. At all times you can independently monitor your inputs and effects via the preview monitor.

v4_diagram2

 

Corporate Event
Often at corporate or church events, the playback material is on different media (VHS, DVD, miniDV, Betacam, etc.). In this example we have 4 inputs - 1 live camera and 3 different playback devices. The V-4 makes it easy to mix between material coming from a variety of sources. Of the three outputs, only two are being used - 1 is being sent to a lobby plasma and 1 is being sent to the house projector.
At all times you can independently monitor your inputs and effects via the preview monitor.
This setup can be greatly simplified by using a PR-80 to playback all video material as shown in Example 1 above.

v4_diagram3

 

VJ/Club Setup
Having instant access to video material along with transitions and effects is the key to any visually stimulating display. In this example the VJ has material playing on the 2 DVDs, the VCR as well as their PC. The V-4 allows the real-time manipulation and transitioning between all of these inputs. The outputs are doing to the LCDs or plasma around the room or in the private boxes as well as to projectors throughout the house. At all times you can independently monitor your inputs and effects via the preview monitor.
As in the previous example, this setup can be greatly simplified by using a PR-80 to playback all video material as shown in Example 1 above. Note: S-video output or RGB-to-video scan converter is required to connect a computer to the V-4.

v4_diagram4

 

Independent Multi-Camera Shoot with IMAG
This example combines Example #1 and #2 above. It allows you to use and be recording a 4 camera shoot via the first V-4 but also overlay text or playback other video material via the second V-4 for room image magnification (IMAG). This configuration allows you to keep shooting the event (via your 4 cameras) independently of what is happening on the house screens. For example, your house screens could go to black or perhaps playback a clip (via the PR-80) - but your cameras could still be capturing audience or stage reaction. Conversely you can decide to use your multi-camera feed from the first V-4 for IMAG. At the same time, you can record the IMAG output via the 2nd V-4. At all times you can independently monitor all inputs and effects via the preview monitors.

v4_diagram5_sm
questions about products
- The field of view of video images output from the OUTPUT terminal differs from those output from PREVIEW OUT?terminal.
"Images are output from the OUT PUT terminal after internally converting the input analog signals into digital signals and the field of view information is not added to them. The field of view can vary depending on the display connected and/or its setting and you need to adjust the aspect ration of the I/O signals of the device connected to V-4."
Did this help? Yes No
- When a channel to which the video signal is not input is output, a blue screen is displayed. Can I change this screen?
"Yes. You can change it to black. Follow the procedure below. 1. Select ""No Signal Blueback"" from ""Utility"" on the preview screen. 2. When ""Blueback?Off?On"" is displayed, select ""On"" or ""Off."" Selecting ""On"" chooses the blue screen. Selecting ""Off"" chooses the black screen."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I hide the menu screen from the preview monitor of V-4?
"Yes. From [Utility] to configure various settings, change [Preview Display Mode] to [No Display] in the procedure below. 1. Press the [Menu] button. 2. Use the (­¯) cursor buttons to select [Utility], and press the [Enter] button. 3. Use the (­¯) cursor buttons to select [Preview Display Mode], and press the [Enter] button. 4. Use the (­¯) cursor buttons to select [No Display]. 5. Press the [Menu] button three times to return to the original screen. Check that the menu screen on the preview monitor disappears. "
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I use Color Insertion in transition?
No.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I scan and convert PC screenshots?
No. In order to input screenshots from a PC with no video output terminal to V-4, you must convert the VGA output from the PC into video signals using a scan converter.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I use V-4 with DV-7R or DV-7PR?
"Yes. You can import video mixed by V-4 into DV-7R/DV-7PR and mix video output from DV-7R/DV-7PR with another video in V-4. You can also control V-4 from DV-7PR via MIDI."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I merge four screens with V-4?
"No. * You can merge two screen using the Picture-in-Picture function."
Did this help? Yes No
- I´m planning to use V-4 in a dark place. Do the buttons light?
The buttons of V-4 light to allow you to use the device in a dark place such as a VJ booth in a club.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I switch video seamlessly when a device with no TBC (Time Base Corrector) such as VHS or Hi-8 deck is connected?
Yes. V-4 is equipped with separated TBCs on the channels A and B to allow seamless switching when mixing VHS or Hi-8 video with a DV or S-Video source.
Did this help? Yes No
- What is the V-Link function?
V-Link gives effects to video synchronously with music. Usually, various settings are required to control V-4 operation from a MIDI device such as sequencer or MIDI keyboard. When a V-Link-enabled Roland or EDIROL device is connected to V-4, powering this device on automatically performs necessary MIDI settings.
Did this help? Yes No
- Does V-4 support NTSC? How can I switch V-4 to support NTSC from PAL?
"Yes. To switch from PAL to NTSC, follow the procedure below. While pressing and holding the preview select button #1 and ""OUTPUT"" together, press the POWER button. When you start V-4 next time by pressing the POWER button, V-4 will start in the NTSC mode. To return to the PAL mode, press the POWER button again while pressing and holding the preview select button #1 and ""OUTPUT"" together."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I use V-4 as the video switcher in presentation at a meeting or exhibition?
Yes. V-4 provides the normal and presentation modes. Using V-4 in the presentation mode allows you to easily switch inputs 1 to 4 and merge video using the Picture-in-Picture function.
Did this help? Yes No
- How is input video processed internally?
Video is sampled at 13.5MHz, 4: 2: 2(Y: b-Y: R-Y)/8 bits to achieve video quality equivalent to DV.
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I mount V-4 in a rack?
No.
Did this help? Yes No
- How can I keep video intact when I leave my finger from the TRANSFORMER button?
"At the factory setting, while the memory dial is set to #1, video is switched immediately after you leave your finger from the TRANSFORMER button. To prevent this action, change the memory settings from #2 to #8. Follow the procedure below. (See Page 55 of V-4 User´s Manual.) 1. Set the memory dial to one of #2 to #8. 2. Press the [Menu] button. The menu for changing settings appears on the screen for preview output. 3. Use the cursor buttons to select ""Transformer."" 4. Press the Enter button. 5. Select a pattern. If you select a pattern other than 01 or 02, The video switching pattern changes as follows: * 02: Outputs video from the channel corresponding the button only while the button is pressed. * 03?12: Video from channels A and B toggles each time you press the button. * 13?22: Switches to video from the channel corresponding the button. * 23?32: Switches to video from the channel opposite to the channel corresponding the button. 6. After you made selection, press the menu button to return to the previous screen."
Did this help? Yes No
- How can I change the size and position of the child screen of the Picture-in-Picture function?
"Follow the procedure below. 1. Press the effect button to which the Picture-in-Picture function is assigned to show the child screen. 2. Press the [Output] button of the preview select button to show the menu screen on the monitor. 3. Press the [Menu] button. 4. Press the cursor buttons to select any of ""PinP1 Setup"" to ""PinP8 Setup"" and press the [Enter] button. Select the figure same as the figure of the memory dial currently selected. 5. The Picture-in-Picture parameters are displayed. Select a parameter to set and press the [Enter] button. Set the size by ""4: 3HVsize"", vertical position by ""VPosi"", and horizontal position by ""HPosi"". 6. Press the cursor buttons to adjust the parameter value. 7. After you made setting, press the [Menu] button to return to the previous screen."
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- Can I replace the T-bar type video fader of V-4 with a cross fader?
"Yes. We offer optional V-4CF cross fader. You can install and adjust the fader by yourself."
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- How can I change video from the channel A to the child screen of the Picture-in-Picture function?
"To change video from the channel A to the child screen of the Picture-in-Picture function, assign the Picture-in-Picture function to the effect of the channel A. Follow the procedure below. 1. Press the [Output] button of the preview select button to show the menu screen on the monitor. 2. Turn the memory dial and set it to a position other than #1. 3. Press the [Menu] button. 4. Press the cursor buttons to select ""Effect-A"" and press the [Enter] button. 5. Press the cursor buttons to select any of ""A-Efx1"" to ""A-Efx4"" and press the [Enter] button. 6. Press the cursor buttons to select any of ""PinP-1"" to ""PinP-8"". 7. After you made setting, press the [Menu] button to return to the previous screen. After completing the above setting, pressing the effect button to which the Picture-in-Picture function is assigned changes video from the channel A to the child screen."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I check videos from channels 1 to 4 simultaneously on the preview output terminal on V-4?
"No. You can use the Picture-in-Picture function to check two screen simultaneously. "
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I move the child screen of the Picture-in-Picture function in real time?
No. You cannot the child screen of the Picture-in-Picture function in real time.
Did this help? Yes No
- How can I cut and switch videos from the channels A and B?
"At the factory setting, while the memory dial is set to #1, videos from channels A and B are cut and switched immediately after you leave your finger from the TRANSFORMER button. To cut and switch videos when other memory settings are selected, set the switching time of the TRANSFORMER button to 0. Set the TRANSFORMER button in the procedure below. (See Page 55 of V-4 User´s Manual.) 1. Set the memory dial to one of #2 to #8. 2. Press the [Menu] button. The menu for changing settings appears on the screen for preview output. 3. Use the cursor buttons to select ""Transformer."" 4. Press the Enter button. 5. Select a pattern. Selecting 02, 12, 22, or 32 pattern allows you to cut and switch videos. The video switching pattern changes as follows: * 02: Outputs video from the channel corresponding the button only while the button is pressed. * 12: Video from channels A and B toggles each time you press the button. * 22: Switches to video from the channel corresponding the button. * 32: Switches to video from the channel opposite to the channel corresponding the button. 6. After you made selection, press the menu button to return to the previous screen."
Did this help? Yes No
- The top part of video is truncated when it is output to the monitor via V-4.
"Adjust the vertical and horizontal display sized on the panel. Follow the procedure below to adjust the display size. 1. Press the [Menu] button. The menu appears on the preview monitor. 2. Press the cursor buttons to select ""Utility"". Press the [Enter] button to move to the next screen. 3. To adjust the vertical display size, select, ""Video Display Range V"". To adjust the horizontal display size, select, ""Video Display Range H"". After selecting an option, press the [Enter] button to move to the next screen. 4. Press the cursor buttons to adjust the display size in the selected direction. Decreasing the value enlarges the display size. 5. After you made setting, press the [Menu] button to return to the previous screen. Press the [Menu] button three times to return to the previous screen. "
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- Which buttons and dials can I control from an external MIDI device?
"You can control the following buttons and dials from an external MIDI device: * Channel A/B switch button * Effect buttons 1 to 4 for channel A * Effect buttons 1 to 4 for channel B * TRANSITION button * TRANSFORMER buttons A and B * video fader * BPM/SYNC button * Transition time * Output fader Assign these buttons and dials to control changes 1 to 95 on the menu screen. When V-4 receives a control change, it executes the corresponding button or dial function just as the button or dial itself has been operated. * By connecting a V-Link-enabled Roland device and enabling the V-Link function, these settings are automatically done. "
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I switch videos from the channels A and B synchronously with music?
"Yes. V-4 can automatically switch videos without operating the video and fader or pressing the switch buttons synchronously with music. Switching videos using BPM Sync: Use BPM (Beat Per Minute) to switch videos on every beat.
Did this help? Yes No
- 2. Turn the BPM control to adjust BPM. A lower value switches videos slowly while a higher value switches videos quickly.
3. Press the [BPM Sync] button. Check that videos switch according to the BPM setting. You can also turn the BPM dial to adjust the switching timing at this time. Using the TAP function: Instead of numeric control by BPM, you can set the switch timing manually. Use the [Tap] button to define the timing.
Did this help? Yes No
- 2. Press the [BPM Sync] button. Video switching starts at the timing shown on the BPM indicator.
3. Play back music used as the BGM and press the [Tap] button synchronously with its beat. The BPM display changes according to the pressing timing. This BPM switches videos. Reference: Setting the transition pattern to Wipe allows you to check the switching motion easily. Setting the transition pattern to Wipe allows you to check the switching motion easily."
Did this help? Yes No
- How can I merge video from the channel A with video from Channel B using the Chroma key or Luminance key?
"You can apply the Chroma key or Luminance key to video from the channel A by assigning these functions to effects of the channel A. Follow the procedure below. 1. Press the [Output] button of the preview select button to show the menu screen on the monitor. 2. Turn the memory dial and set it to a position other than #1. 3. Press the [Menu] button. 4. Press the cursor buttons to select ""Effect-A"" and press the [Enter] button. 5. Press the cursor buttons to select any of ""A-Efx1"" to ""A-Efx4"" and press the [Enter] button. 6. Press the cursor buttons to select any of ""53:W-LUMIKEY"" to ""58:CHROMAKEY"". 7. After you made setting, press the [Menu] button to return to the previous screen. After completing the above setting, pressing the effect button to which the Chroma key or Luminance key is assigned applies these effects to video from the channel A to the child screen."
Did this help? Yes No
- Can I change the T-bar video fader to horizontal orientation?
"Yes. The T-bar video fader of V-4 can be used horizontally or vertically. To change the direction: Remove the four screws fixing the T-bar video fader to V-4, rotate the orientation of the video fader by 90°, and fix the video fader with the four screws. "
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- We have two chrome backdrops, one blue and the other green. Is there a way that we can use both or do we need to have the same color?
You can assign different Chroma Key colors to different memory settings. Use the Memory knob to select a new memory number (such as Memory 2 - any number except 1). Then browse the Menu System Menu > Effects B > Chroma Key > Chroma Key Color. In there, you can select a chroma key color (such as Green-Cyan) to assign to Memory 2. Then, back out of the Menu, set the Memory knob to 3 and re-enter the Menu to change your Chroma Key Color to Blue-Magenta (or whatever color works best for your application). You have now set Memory 2 for Green and Memory 3 for Blue. During your event, a simple adjustment of the Memory knob will now change your Chroma Key color.
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