Want to Get Online and Start Livestreaming?
Here’s What You Need to Know.
If you need to communicate online with real-time video—whether it’s a presentation to a private group or a broadcast to the entire world—Roland provides a range of streaming products to help you connect. Simply choose the Roland switcher that fits your application and budget, and then add cameras and microphones and select the right online broadcast platform. After that, you'll be ready to engage your audience wherever they are—from wherever you are.
To get started with livestreaming, there’s some basic info you need to know. Our guide puts it all together for you, taking the guesswork out of choosing the right solution for your needs.
Essential Hardware—These are the basic hardware components that you’ll need to deliver video and audio to your streaming audience:
• One or more cameras
• One or more microphones
• A computer or smartphone
• A game console (if streaming gaming content)
A/V Switching and Encoding Devices—An A/V switcher provides a single hub that allows you to connect multiple devices together and easily control your streaming presentations in real time:
• Roland VR-series A/V switchers
Streaming Platform—This is a computer-based service that allows you to connect and livestream. The type of platform you choose will be based on your streaming needs:
• Secure
• Public
• Monetized
Step One: Where and How Should I Stream?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right channel for your livestream:
• Are you presenting to a small, private group or performing for the world?
• Do you need to use a free service, or can you afford to pay a monthly fee?
• Do you need to use enterprise tools determined by your company?
All the suggested platforms below are compatible with Roland VR-Series A/V switchers.
Private or Secure Audience
To livestream one-on-one training, online classes, or business seminars to private groups, you’ll need a platform that lets you invite participants, limit viewers, and engage in two-way communication:
Enterprise Solutions
• Microsoft Teams
• Slack
• Google Hangouts
Public Platforms
• Zoom
• GoToMeeting
• Skype
Public or Wide Audience
If you’re a performer or gamer, or you have a message you want to present to a wide social media audience, consider some of these platforms:
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• WeChat
• Twitch
• Vimeo
Monetized Content
If your content has value and you’d like to generate revenue or receive donations, these platforms have e-commerce capabilities that track income:
• Patreon
• YouTube donation sites
• Vimeo
• BoxCast
• Twitch
Step Two: What Equipment Do I Need?
For bare-bones livestreaming, you can use your computer's webcam and built-in microphone. But if you want to achieve higher-quality results that compete with other livestreamers, you’ll want to add an A/V switcher.
A Roland VR-series A/V switcher lets you connect and combine a number of video and audio sources to a single hub, and then professionally switch between them while livestreaming from your computer. Hook up multiple mics, show content from multiple cameras, and incorporate audio from numerous presenters, musical instruments, and other sources.
What Does Your Audience Need to Hear?
Audiences will forgive bad video quality before they forgive bad audio. Make sure you have a dedicated microphone for each presenter, and connect external sources like musical instruments to line inputs on the switcher. VR-series switchers also support the audio embedded in HDMI connections, so you can use the audio feed from your video camera or computer as well.
What kind of mics do you need? Normal handheld mics work great, and can be mounted on stands for hands-free operation. For maximum mobility, consider a clip-on lapel mic or headworn mic. Whatever type you choose, you’ll want to get professional-grade mics with XLR connections for best results.
What Does Your Audience Need to See?
You don't need an ultra-expensive Hollywood cinema camera to create an amazing live stream. Common HDMI camcorders and action cameras like GoPros are an affordable way to have a dedicated camera for each presenter, plus extra angles for product demonstrations and performances. Simply connect them to the HDMI inputs on the VR-series switcher. You might also be able to use a smartphone or tablet as a camera via an HDMI adapter; check with the manufacturer for compatibility.
With the Roland VR series, it’s also possible to connect computers for presentations and gaming consoles for e-sports. And with built-in composition and switching effects, it’s simple to manage camera and computer sources to best display them to your audience.
Lighten Your Workload with Automation
If you’re streaming alone or working along with multiple live presenters, performing switching tasks at the same time can be a little challenging. The powerful automation features in Roland VR-series models can operate switching for you, letting you fully focus on presenting, performing, or gaming.
Step Three: What's the Best Roland Switcher for Me?
| My Application |
Ideal Solution |
Video Inputs |
Mic Inputs |
Line Inputs |
Extras |
| A small meeting with two cameras and a computer. I want the switcher to automate what I do. |
VR-1HD |
3 HDMI |
2 XLR/TRS |
1 stereo RCA |
USB 3.0 webcam output and built-in automation features. |
| I need to connect to my church audience with a camera and a computer for lyrics. |
VR-6HD |
6 HDMI |
6 XLR/TRS combo |
1 stereo RCA |
USB 3.0 webcam output and built-in direct streaming.
|
| I have pro SDI cameras and pro audio needs. |
VR-120HD |
6 HDMI, 6 SDI |
6 XLR/TRS combo |
2 stereo RCA |
USB 3.0 webcam output and built-in direct streaming. |
| I use my USB microphone and want to show three cameras and a computer screen. |
V-1HD |
4 HDMI |
n/a |
1 stereo RCA |
Use an external USB encoder like Roland's UVC-01. |
| I operate portable meetings with 3 cameras, 2 mics, and a presentation laptop, but sometimes I use an audio console. |
V-1HD+ |
4 HDMI |
2 XLR/TRS combo |
1 stereo XLR + 1 stereo RCA |
Use an external USB encoder like Roland's UVC-01. |
| I want to teach piano lessons with two cameras and mix with a footswitch. |
V-02HD MK II |
2 HDMI |
n/a |
1 stereo mini |
n/a |
| I want to have picture-in-picture showing two camera views at the same time. |
V-8HD |
8 HDMI |
n/a |
1 stereo RCA |
Use an external USB encoder like Roland's UVC-01. |
Step Four: Bringing It All Together
Need More Help? We’re Here for You
• Technical Questions—ProAVHelp@Roland.com
• Engage with Us on Social Media
More Information
Essential Accessories
You’ll also need to put together a collection of accessories to support your livestream productions. Some basics include:
• USB cables
• Tripods and camera mounts
• Microphone and HDMI cables
• Microphone stands
• Lighting gear to make your livestreams look better and subjects easier to see
Cloud Academy – Online Learning
To get started livestreaming, let us show you the basics to take the guesswork out of choosing the right solution for your needs. Register now.
Case Studies
Visit our User Stories page to explore inspiring articles about customers who work with Roland streaming switchers in a variety of everyday applications.