The new Roland AeroCaster solution is an innovative, easy-to-use A/V switching system that allows anyone to create a wireless multi-camera streaming setup using mobile devices over Wi-Fi. The system consists of the AeroCaster VRC-01 hardware control surface and audio interface, the AeroCaster Live app for iPad, and the AeroCaster Camera app for iOS and Android mobile devices. Leveraging the convenience and mobility of wireless connectivity, Roland opened up a new world of creative possibilities for livestreaming applications, allowing online talk shows and music performances, live commerce presentations, remote education, and more from an affordable setup.
The AeroCaster system lets users switch wireless camera feeds from smartphones and tablets, plus screen shares from computers and mobile devices. It supports up to four wireless devices at once, along with the camera on the host iPad. The AeroCaster Camera app running on iOS and Android mobile devices turns any smartphone into a live camera, received as inputs on the AeroCaster Live app - which manages the quality of the video signals according to the Wi-Fi network conditions. The system also provides a simple option for screen sharing from computers and mobile devices using an extension for the Google Chrome browser that allows sharing screens over Wi-Fi.
Using the Aerocaster VRC-01 control surface, Roland’s advanced video technology becomes available for adding graphics, titles, video clips, photos, and more. Users can take video from the mentioned five sources, create up to 30 scene presets with text overlays, import graphics (including transparent PNG files), picture-in-picture windows, or split-screen views, and use cuts, cross-dissolves, and wipes for real-time transitions like any video presentation switcher. It's also possible to access media content, such as logos, titles and play video clips, photos, and graphics from the iPad’s image library.
Once mobile devices running the Aerocaster Camera app are connected to the AeroCaster Live app on the iPad, users have remote access to all the advanced camera settings from within the app. It's possible to balance and match the image between different phone cameras and control settings like focus, zoom, exposure, white balance, and more. The AeroCaster VRC-01 console handles all the audio needs, with direct inputs and simple mixing controls for one person operation. Two combo XLR/jack inputs allow connecting up to two microphones or line/instrument sources and there are built-in audio effects for different source signals. It's possible to monitor the audio mix through headphones or connected monitor speakers (RCA output). The headphones jack also supports a feed from a headset microphone for a third vocal source, and there is also a 3.5 mm stereo input for an external source.
Roland also promises quick and intuitive operation, with a direct streaming connection to YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, and custom RTMP channels over Wi-Fi or 4G/5G cellular networks. This new solution is promised to be available March 2022, depending on the availability of the AeroCaster Live app for iPad, which builds upon the possibilities developed for the existing Roland AeroCaster Switcher app for iPad. Roland says that these AeroCaster apps are a growing platform with a future development roadmap that includes audio mixing, Android support, and other possibilities.
UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock
Using web conferencing platforms to conduct business has become a regular part of life, but the quality of built-in computer webcams and microphones leaves a lot to be desired. For simpler conferencing and presentation needs, Roland also launched the new UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock, which helps users bridge that gap, providing a simple and affordable solution to level up virtual presentations with better quality audio/visual gear and more control.
The compact Roland UVC-02 is a desktop control hub that allows the user to connect a high-quality HDMI camera, microphone, and other audio sources and send them directly to computer-based meeting and streaming platforms via a single USB cable. It also includes a panel full of hands-on knobs and switches, providing quick hardware control of levels, audio and video muting, sound effects, and more.
To complement the control surface and create a ready to use desktop solution, Roland also announced the CGM-30 Gooseneck Microphone that plugs directly into the XLR input on the UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock. This eliminates the need for an external mic and stand. The CGM-30 microphone is a high-sensitivity condenser microphone with a narrow polar cardioid pattern, fitted on a 300 mm adjustable gooseneck and comes with a detachable foam screen to reduce pops and wind noise. It also works with the Roland VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer and any other product with a phantom-powered XLR microphone input (9V to 52V DC) on the top panel.
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