Roland makes incredible video switchers! The V-1HD is their affordable model at $995. It is a great control surface, with easy to use transition tools for a professional looking stream. We love its compact design, and how it sits flat in a booth. It is affordable, and simple to use. However, we would recommend going with Blackmagic Design's ATEM Television Studio HD over Roland's V-1HD due to it offering more pro features.

Quick Look Comparison

Why the ATEM

Coming in at the same price and resolution, ATEM is still the clear winner. It offers double the video sources, and the ability to connect to SDI sources. So you can switch between 8 options instead of 4 at the same price! SDI lets you use a greater range of pro cameras, and make long cable runs without needing converters. Likewise, we prefer the ATEMS' software control panel, transitions, and audio mixer interface. 

An important thing to consider is that both the V-1HD and ATEM don't have built in scalers. So the video resolution of your cameras will have to be set to match the resolution you are using on the ATEM. 

Integrations

The ATEM Television Studio HD works great with the Blackmagic Web Presenter. The Web Presenter allows your feed to appear on your computer as a USB webcam, so you can livestream directly to services like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, and Periscope! It does convert your resolution down to 720p, but that is an ideal resolution for live-streaming, and the max supported by facebook live! The Blackmagic Web Presenter is an additional $495, but, for an additional $85, you can add the Teranex Mini Smart Panel to its front which allows it to become a two input live production switcher with a small built-in reference monitor! You wouldn't need to add the Teranex Mini Smart Panel if using the Web Presenter with an ATEM switcher, but it could be a great alternative! Churches, businesses, or schools just starting to live-stream with 1 or 2 cameras could use the Blackmagic Web Presenter + Teranex Mini Smart Pane as their two-source switcher, for a total of $580.00. It is a great and simple option, giving you the ability to expand to an ATEM in the future!

Written by Brandon Vaque- Who grew up around AV, being dragged to help at rental events for his parents AV company. Before the age of 18, he had been in over a hundred church installs as his dad attempted to instill in him a good work ethic. Then after college, he did what he swore he would never do and joined the family business. His passion has been to simplify the lighting process, to take the stress out of navigating between thousands of similar products and control options.