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Roland has recently introduced an interesting new tool: the Roland VC-1-DMX video lighting converter. This real-time HDMI to DMX converter allows you to synchronize your video input signal with one/multiple lights to create complex dynamic lighting effects. Let’s take a closer look at this little device that can save you hours of MIDI/DMX programming time!
Along with the AeroCaster, UVC-02, and CGM-30 easy-to-use live streaming products, Roland also introduced a box with exciting features: the Roland VC-1-DMX. The idea behind this product is to automate and synchronize video, sound, and lighting in real-time.
Furthermore, I think that the VC-1-DMX is a one-of-its-kind device. Usually, to synchronize video and lighting, you have to do all the programming on your own using a MIDI/DMX control software like Resolume, for example. While this kind of VJing software gives you many possibilities, synchronizing lighting and video is complex and long to do.
Roland VC-1-DMX input and output ports
The Roland VC-1-DMX is a small metal box that measures 180 x 115 x 41mm for 570g.
It features an HDMI input and HDMI pass-through connector that can take resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz, or 1080P at 59.94 frames per second.
As you can see, there is also a USB port to connect the VC-1-DMX to your computer. Once the video lighting converter is connected to your computer, you can change assignments across 512 DMX channels.
Furthermore, the VC-1-DMX supports USB MIDI to control your DMX setup from lighting or music production software on your computers, such as Apple Logic Pro X or ProTools.
Last but not least, the dip switches allow you to select preset maps for various DMX lighting fixtures.
On the other side, you’ll find a DC input, RCA audio input/output ports, a MIDI input port, as well as 5-pin DMX and 3-pin DMX output ports.
How does it work?
Once you connect a video and/or audio signal to the Roland VC-1-DMX inputs, the lightning controller will do most of the job for you. The processing engine analyzes the input content and extracts color, brightness, and other information from the video, along with the beat, tempo, volume, and more from the sound.
Then, the VC-1-DMX automates your lighting instruments following the input signals. This allows you to generate dynamic lighting effects that are perfectly in sync with the playing sound or video.
In a nutshell, the VC-1-DMX does the same as the Philips Ambilight television but aims more towards professional use cases. I think this is a handy tool for theaters, live show lighting technicians, and so on.
Also, if you think out of the box, it can be helpful for music video shoots. For example, you can send the artist’s song to the VC-1-DMX audio input and let it control your lights in real-time, in perfect sync with the music.
Price and availability
The Roland VC-1-DMX will be retail for around $500 and it should be available around May 2022.
For more information, please visit Roland’s website here.
What do you think about this new video lighting converter? Do you think it could be a helpful tool as part of your workflow? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
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