Hybrid Events

The world is different, and so are audience expectations.

Over the last few years, the way we participate in events has changed permanently. Hybrid events provide the opportunity to serve more people than ever before—no matter what your industry focus. From live music and pro sports to seminars and theatre, the need for hybrid events crosses all fields.

What are Hybrid Events?
Hybrid events allow audience members to attend a conference, performance, service, or other events—both in-person and remote—from wherever they are. In essence, a hybrid event is one event with two audiences: one in-person and one online. Offering engaging dual experiences will increase attendance and expand reach beyond local limits. Roland has a range of products to help create engaging experiences for each audience member. Applications range from intimate weddings to large-scale conferences or music festivals.

Upping the Game—In-Person and Streaming
Sure, adding a live streaming component to your live events—or vice versa—may seem daunting. However, you can easily integrate this hybrid technology into an existing setup as budgets and needs evolve. A variety of Roland products allow you to mix and match video cameras, scale legacy video sources, and control an array of PTZ cameras. Streamlined workflows and user-friendly interfaces empower single operators to produce complex events. Roland Pro A/V products offer robust, feature-rich tools for any size team.

Single Operator or Team Effort
Designed with both teams and single operators in mind, Roland’s range of video switchers and A/V mixers will set you up for production success. Quality audio is the cornerstone of an enjoyable event—both in-person and streamed. All Roland A/V products feature the brand's legendary sonic character. Plus, along with generous HDMI inputs and outputs, there are options to enhance your production. Video effects, layers, and graphics will keep audiences engaged with visually stimulating content.

New Power and Processes
Along with new opportunities for audience connection, hybrid events require flexibility. To engage with modern viewers, A/V teams must reimagine their approach to content capture and visual storytelling. Innovative collaborative tools exist to make the attendee experience more immersive than ever, regardless of their vantage point. Roland Pro/AV can help elevate your process, production, and delivery—from initial concept to final product.

Suggested Solutions

V-160HD Streaming Video Switcher

Roland V-160HD

In recent years, the emergence of hybrid events has shifted the production focus of event organisers. There is now a need for quality onsite production for physical attendees, as well as a compelling online stream for an ever-expanding virtual audience.

The V-160HD has been custom built to handle the unique demands of hybrid events.

Connect with live audiences in Full HD with comprehensive SDI and HDMI I/O and simultaneously stream to any popular web platform via USB-C. There are seven selectable outputs, an eight-layer video effects engine, a 40-channel digital audio mixer, and integrated PTZ camera control, plus next-generation cue management and live show automation features that make tough production tasks simple.

Importantly, the V-160HD can also be operated with remote control software (RCS) available for iPad, macOS and Windows.

VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer

Roland VR-120HD

The VR-120HD is an all-in-one, High Definition, multi-format AV mixer. Quite the mouthful!
The user-friendly all-in-one VR-120HD is an ideal solution for creating hybrid content. Video switching, digital audio mixing, multi-viewer touchscreen control, USB video capture and direct streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch are all combined in a single unit.

The supported Graphics Presenter software for Windows allows you to create stunning titles and graphics without the need for expensive third-party graphic presentation solutions.

The unit also comes with remote control software for your iPad, PC or Mac.

VC-100UHD 4K Video Scaler

Roland VC-100UHD

Scale, Convert, and Stream
The Roland VC-100UHD is a next-generation A/V signal management solution for live events, fixed installations, and live streaming. This powerhouse processor combines multiple single-task technologies in a compact and flexible half-rack design that fits nicely in a rack or on a tabletop.

Roland’s proprietary Ultra Scaler technology supports simultaneous scaling and conversion to multiple destinations, including pixel-hungry LED walls, tech operator displays and recorders, and USB webcam streams for online viewing. With an ultra-high-definition source signal connected to the 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0 video inputs, the VC-100UHD will automatically process and convert it to different resolutions, ready for distribution at 12G-SDI, HDMI, and USB 3.0 rear-panel outputs.

Reach a worldwide audience and broadcast uncompressed 1080p video at 59.94/50 Hz on popular streaming platforms. The USB 3.0 webcam output offers plug-and-play operation with the latest USB audio/video protocols, so there’s no software to download or drivers to maintain. And with Roland’s free VR Capture software, you can record your HD live streams in ProRes 422 (Mac) or MP4 (Windows) formats for fast editing and content distribution.

As modern LED walls advance, High Dynamic Range and Frame Rates beyond 60 fps will become standard, the VC-100UHD is ready today. Thanks to Ultra Scaler technology, system designers can simultaneously deliver 1080p video at rates up to 240 Hz for these future LED walls, 59.94/50 Hz for the HD video displays, and 59.94/50 Hz for an HD Livestream broadcast at the same time.

V-8HD HD Video Switcher

Roland V-8HD

Unlock New Creative Possibilities
Versatile, portable, and reliable, the Roland V-8HD brings a world of creative options to live event switching. Its all-in-one hardware design eliminates computer setup hassles and software-based crashes, while the HDMI workflow and loaded professional toolset streamline production and reduce stress on the gig.

With eight HDMI inputs, separate assignable AUX and Main outputs, a touch screen for menu selections and the 18-channel audio mixer, the V-8HD is ready to perform. Added to this impressive feature set, the V-8HD boasts five composition layers including a mixable live video background, two picture-in-picture and a ‘key’ layer for titles and logos to keep your audience engaged.

Impressively, the V-8HD has a modest footprint and can operated via dedicated remote-control software (RCS) from an iPad.

VR-6HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer

Roland VR-6HD

The VR-6HD is a complete HD studio in a compact and portable package that replaces several different pieces of complex A/V equipment. It beautifully integrates a digital audio mixer, video switcher, multi-viewer touch screen, USB video/audio streaming interface and direct streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch into a stand-alone device.

The supported Graphics Presenter software for Windows allows you to create stunning titles and graphics without the need for expensive third-party graphic presentation solutions.

The unit also comes with remote control software for your iPad, PC or Mac.

VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer

Roland VR-1HD

Real engagement in real time
If you’re a content creator seeking maximum engagement, livestreaming outperforms uploaded video by a significant margin; audiences are larger, watch for longer and post more comments. Roland’s VR-1HD lets you broadcast dynamic multi-camera livestreams, complete with amazing picture and sound that easily outshines ‘standard’ livestreams from a mobile phone or static webcam. Whether you’re a creator, gamer, commentator or presenter, it’s the easy way to livestream with high production standards. And since you’re going to get more comments, ensure they’re good ones with the VR-1HD.

Your ‘plug and play’ broadcast studio
The VR-1HD has three “worry-free” HDMI inputs, and each one accepts a variety of HD and computer-based video resolutions. This lets you connect, switch and stream different sources including cameras, presentations, gameplay and even smartphones and tablets without having to think about it.

The audio from these sources can be blended with the two studio-quality XLR microphone inputs and dedicated line input. Best of all, as the VR-1HD is designed for live broadcasting, its dedicated controls and top-mounted mic input (with gooseneck mic) let you go hands-free and headset-free while live streaming.