Roland VR-120HD User guide

Reference Manual
Details on operations and menu lists are provided in
“Reference Manual”.
1. Enter the following URL in your computer.
https://proav.roland.com/manuals/
2. Choose “VR-120HD” as the product name.
Checking the Included Items
Check that all of the included items are present. If any of the
included items are missing, contact your dealer.
ÂVR-120HD unit
ÂAC adaptor
ÂPower cord
ÂRack-mount angle (2)
ÂRack-mount angle mounting screws (6)
ÂStartup Guide (this document)
ÂLeaet“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
© 2022 Roland Corporation
Before using the unit, ensure that its system program is at the most recent version. For information on available upgrades for the system program,
see the Roland website (https://proav.roland.com/).
You can check the system program version by Pressing the [MENU] button Ó“System” Ó“Version”.
Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and“IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaet“USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and the Startup Guide
(p. 8)). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.
Startup Guide

2
Top Panel
Panel Descriptions
1 AUDIO PLAYER
This section lets you assign sound sources such as background
music, sound eects and so on to the pads and then play them
back.
* You can use an audio le (WAV format) stored on a USB ash drive or
an SD card as the source.
[LEVEL] knob
Adjusts the playback volume of the sound source.
SIG/PEAK indicator
These indicators light up when audio output is detected.
Lit red Excessive volume (0 dB and above)
Lit yellow Appropriate volume (-20 to -1 dB)
Lit green Insucient volume (–50 to -21 dB)
[SETUP] button
Shows the setup screen in the display.
Pads [1]–[8]
Press a pad to play back the assigned sound source.
2 AUDIO EFFECT
[1]–[4] buttons
Press to turn the audio eects on/o. You can also assign dierent
functions to each button.
[SETUP] button
Shows the setup screen in the display.
3 [AUX 1], [AUX 2] knobs
Adjusts the volume of the AUX bus output.
[USB OUT] knob
Adjusts the volume of the USB output.
[STREAM/RECORD] knob
Adjusts the volume of streaming/recording.
SIG/PEAK indicators
These indicators light up when audio output is detected.
Lit red Excessive volume (0 dB and above)
Lit yellow Appropriate volume (-20 to -1 dB)
Lit green Insucient volume (–50 to -21 dB)
4 [GAIN] knobs
Adjust the gain (sensitivity) of the audio that is being input from
the AUDIO IN 1–10 jacks.
SIG/PEAK indicators
These indicators light up when audio input is detected.
Lit red Excessive volume (0 dB and above)
Lit yellow Appropriate volume (-20 to -1 dB)
Lit green Insucient volume (-50 to -21 dB)
5 [SETUP] buttons
Shows the setup screen in the display.
6 [SOLO] buttons
Press these buttons to allow only the audio of the selected input
channels to be output. When this is turned on (the button lights
up) for a channel, you can monitor the pre-fader audio for that
channel through headphones.
7 [MUTE] buttons
Press these buttons to mute (silence) the audio of the selected
input channels.
8 Level meters
Shows the main output level.
9 [SETUP] button, [SOLO] button, [MUTE] button
These buttons are for the main output.
10
2
11
15
3
13
8
9 16
18
5
6
7
1
4
12 14
17
19
20 21 22
23
24 25
26
27

3
Panel Descriptions
Top Panel
10 [1]–[9/10] faders
These adjust the input volume for each channel.
11 [MAIN] fader
Adjusts the output volume.
12 Display (Touch Panel)
Shows the status of the input/output video and of streaming/
recording, as well as the parameters and menus.
13 [MENU] button
Switches the menu screen between visible and hidden.
14 [EXIT] button
Exits a menu level or cancels an operation.
15 [VALUE/CURSOR] knob
Turn
Selects the menu parameters, switches between
parameters shown at the bottom of the display, and edits
their values.
Press Conrms the menu item you selected or the value that
you edited.
16 [OUTPUT FADE] button
The nal output video and audio fade in/out.
Lit Fade-out completed
Blink Fading-in/out
Unlit Normal output
* The settings described above are the factory defaults. You can assign
dierent functions to the [OUTPUT FADE] button.
17 USER
[1]–[4] buttons
These buttons execute pre-assigned functions.
With the factory settings, the buttons are assigned as follows.
Button Explanation
USER [1] FREEZE
Turns the freeze function (freeze the input video) on/o.
USER [2]
AUTO SWITCHING
Turns the auto switching function (used to automatically switch
between videos) on/o.
USER [3] STREAM/RECORD
Shows the STREAM/RECORD setup screen in the display.
USER [4] SEQUENCER
Shows the sequencer setup screen in the display.
[SETUP] button
Shows the setup screen in the display.
18 MONITOR
[1]–[4] buttons
Switches between video signals to monitor on the built-in display
(monitor).
Button Explanation
MONITOR [1]
MULTI-VIEW
The nal output video, preview output video and the
videos allocated to the cross-point [1]–[8] buttons are
shown in sections of the display.
MONITOR [2]
INPUT-VIEW
The input video from the HDMI IN and SDI IN connectors
and other sources are shown as 16 separate sections on
the screen.
MONITOR [3]
STILL-VIEW
Shows the loaded still images in 16 separate sections on
the screen.
Button Explanation
MONITOR [4] PROGRAM
Shows the nal output video.
* The settings described above are the factory defaults. You can also
assign dierent functions to each button.
[SETUP] button
Shows the setup screen in the display.
19 [AUDIO LEVEL] button
Shows the audio level screen in the display.
20 PinP & KEY 1–4
This uses PinP and KEY 1–4 layers to composite video using PinP,
or picture-in-picture.
[SETUP] buttons
Shows the setup screen in the display.
[PVW] buttons
Turns the inset screen preview output on/o.
[PGM] buttons
Turns PinP composition on/o.
21 DSK 1, 2
This uses DSK layer 1 or 2 to composite video using a downstream
keyer.
[SETUP] buttons
Shows the setup screen in the display.
[PVW] buttons
Turns the preview output of the DSK compositing result on/o.
[PGM] buttons
Turns DSK composition on/o.
22 [CAPTURE IMAGE] button
Turns the still image capture mode on/o.
23 (Bluetooth®) indicator
Shows the Bluetooth connection status.
Lit Connected
Unlit Bluetooth o
Blinking rapidly Pairing is in progress
Blinking Waiting for connection
You can input audio from an audio device that uses Bluetooth,
or use dedicated software on your computer or iPad to remotely
control the VR-120HD.

4
Panel Descriptions
2
4
1
3
24 MODE
The functions of the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons change
according to the mode you select when pressing the buttons.
[SETUP] button
Shows the setup screen in the display.
[INPUT SELECT] button
Use the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons to select the video
source to send to the PGM bus or the PVW bus.
[AUX] button
Use the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons to select the video signal
to send to the AUX bus.
[SCENE MEMORY] button
Use the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons to recall the scene
memories (which contains the registered settings for video, audio
and so on). Long-press the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons to
register the current settings in a scene memory.
[MACRO] button
This switches the function of the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons
to execute macros (a series of recorded operations).
25 TRANSITION
Selects the video transition eects.
[SETUP] button
Shows the setup screen in the display.
[MIX] button
The two videos are mixed as the transition occurs.
[WIPE] button
The next video moves across to replace the original video.
[SPLIT 1] button, [SPLIT 2] button
Here’s how to composite two videos in dividing the screen into
left/right or upper/lower.
26 VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons
The buttons change functions depending on the mode that’s
selected.
27 PANEL OPERATION
[CUT] button, [AUTO] button
These buttons determine what happens when switching between
videos or else they switch between videos, depending on the
operation mode.
There are two operation modes for switching between videos:
“Dissolve” and “PGM/PST”.
Operation
mode Explanation
Dissolve
(factory
setting)
This mode selects the video to output and immediately
outputs it to the PGM bus.
Press the [CUT] or [AUTO] button to select what happens
when you switch between videos (the buttons light up green
when pressed).
Button to operate Action taken when pressed
VIDEO SWITCHER
[1]–[8] buttons
When [CUT] button is lit up green
The video switches instantly.
When [AUTO] button is lit up green
A switch (transition) eect is
applied, and the video switches
automatically.
* The PGM source and PST source buttons blink red during
the transition eect.
PGM/PST
In this mode, the PST video is displayed in the PVW bus, and
you can check the video before outputting it to the PGM bus.
Press the VIDEO SWITCHER [1]–[8] buttons to select a PST
video (the buttons light up green). The content is shown in
the PVW bus.
Button to operate Action taken when pressed
[CUT] button
(lights up red) The video switches instantly.
[AUTO] button
(lights up red)
A switch (transition) eect is
applied, and the video switches
automatically.
* During the transition eect, the selected VIDEO SWITCHER
button blinks red, and then remains lit up red when the
transition eect nishes.
Front Panel
1 PHONES jack
Connect your headphones here.
2 [PHONES] knob
Adjusts the headphone volume.
3 USB HOST connector
Connect USB storage such as a USB ash drive or an external SSD
here, for backing up this unit’s settings or importing materials
from the storage device into this unit.
4 SDXC card slot
Insert an SD card here.

5
Panel Descriptions
1 DC IN jack
Connect the included AC adaptor to this jack.
* Use the cord hook to secure the cord of the AC adaptor
as shown in the illustration.
2 [POWER] switch
Turns the power on/o.
3 USB STREAM connector (USB Type-C®)
¹Outputs the audio and video to your computer. This is also used to
input audio played on your computer to the VR-120HD.
¹Use the dedicated software to remotely control the VR-120HD from a
computer or iPad that is connected.
* If you are outputting HD video via USB, connect this to a USB 3.0 port
of your computer.
* If you connect via an extension cable or a USB hub, the computer
might not recognize the VR-120HD.
4 DIRECT STREAM port
¹Connect this port to a network device for livestreaming.
¹Lets you remotely control the VR-120HD by using terminal software,
etc.
¹Use the dedicated software to remotely control the VR-120HD from a
computer or iPad that is connected.
¹Use the VR-120HD to remotely control a camera that is connected.
¹Displays a tally on your iOS or Android device (this is the “smart tally”
function).
NOTE
As this port supports GbE, use a LAN cable with a CAT5e
specication or better.
5 REFERENCE THRU jack
Sends the synchronization signal that is inputted to the VR-120HD
to an external device that is connected to this unit.
6 REFERENCE IN jack
Connect an external source device for synchronization in order to
input a sync signal.
7 HDMI OUT 1–3 and SDI OUT 1–3 connectors
These connectors are for video output. Use the connectors that
are appropriate for the connected devices.
You can change the video bus assignment for each connector.
With the factory settings, the bus assignments are as follows.
Connector Bus
SDI/HDMI OUT 1 PROGRAM (nal output video)
SDI/HDMI OUT 2 PREVIEW (preview output video)
SDI/HDMI OUT 3 MULTI-VIEW (multi-view)
8 HDMI IN 1–6 connectors, SDI IN 1–6 connectors
These connectors are for video input. Use the connectors that are
appropriate for the connected devices.
The input format is detected automatically.
9 Ground terminal
Connect this to an external earth or ground, if necessary.
10 RS-232 connector
You can connect this to a computer equipped with an RS-232
connector to remotely control the VR-120HD.
11 CTL/EXP 1, 2 jacks
You can connect a footswitch (such as a BOSS FS-6, sold
separately) or expression pedal (such as the EV-5, sold separately)
to this jack. Use this when you want to switch between video
using your foot.
* Use only the specied expression pedal (Roland EV-5, EV-30, BOSS FV-
500L/FV-500H; sold separately). Connecting expression pedals made
by third-party manufacturers may cause this unit to malfunction.
12 TALLY/GPIO connector
Use this to connect to devices that have a tally indicator feature,
or to connect to devices that have a control signal input/output
function.
13 AUDIO OUT (XLR, RCA) jacks
These jacks output audio. Use the jacks that are appropriate for
the connected devices.
For each jack, you can change the audio bus (MAIN, AUX 1, AUX 2,
MONITOR) that is assigned for output from that jack.
14 AUDIO IN 1–6 (XLR/TRS) jacks
Use these jacks for audio input. Connect mic or line-level analog
audio equipment here.
* About phantom power
You can supply phantom power (+48 V) from the AUDIO IN 1–6 jacks
(XLR). This should be switched on for condenser mics that require
phantom power.
[MENU] button Ó“Audio Input” Ó“AUDIO IN 1”– “AUDIO IN 6”, and set
“PHANTOM +48V” to “On”.
AUDIO IN 7/L, 8/R (LINE IN) jacks
AUDIO IN 9/L, 10/R (LINE IN) jacks
Use this connector for audio input. Connect analog audio
equipment such as an audio mixer here.
Cord hook
2: HOT
1: GND
3: COLD
1: GND
2: HOT
3: COLD
TIP: HOT
RING: COLD
SLEEVE: GND
Pin assignment of AUDIO IN 1–6 (XLR/TRS) Pin assignment of
AUDIO OUT jack (XLR)
Rear Panel
* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the units before making any connections.
3 841 2 5 6 7
9
10
11
12 13 14

6
Turning the Power On/O
* Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume
down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some
sound when switching the unit on/o. However, this is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction.
* Never turn o the power or remove the USB ash drive or SD card
while the USB ash drive or SD card is being accessed.
* This unit is not designed for continuous operation over long
periods of time (one month or longer). If you want to use this unit
over long periods of time, cycle the power periodically.
Turning the power on
1. Make sure that all devices are powered o.
2. Turn on the [POWER] switch of the VR-120HD.
3. Turn on the power of the source devices.
Turn on the power of the source devices that are connected to the
VR-120HD’s input connectors, such as video cameras.
4. Turn on the power of the output devices.
Turn on the power of the devices that are connected to the
VR-120HD’s output connectors, such as projectors.
Turning the power o
1. Turn o the power of the output devices rst, and
then the source devices.
2. Turn o the [POWER] switch of the VR-120HD.
The following message appears.
Shut Down?
Cancel : Press the power switch again.
3. Press the [VALUE/CURSOR] knob to nish shutting
down.
If you wish to cancel, press the [POWER] switch again.
About SD Card
An SD card is required for recording audio/video or for using still
images on the VR-120HD.
SD cards that can be used on the VR-120HD
SDXC card can be used on the VR-120HD.
Some SD card types or SD cards from some manufacturers may not
properly record audio/video with the VR-120HD.
Refer to the support page on the Roland website for the latest
information on compatibility.
https://roland.cm/vr-120hd
NOTE
Before you can use a commercially available SD card with the
VR-120HD, you must format it as described in“Formatting an SD
Card”.
Inserting the SD Card
1. Push the SD card all the way
into the SDXC card slot until
you hear a click.
NOTE
Ensure that the SD card is oriented
correctly, and insert it all the way into
the port. Do not forcibly push the card
into place.
Formatting an SD Card
1. Press the [MENU] button Ó“SD Card/USB
Memory”Óselect “Format” and press the [VALUE/
CURSOR] knob.
A conrmation message appears.
2. Select “OK” and press the [VALUE/CURSOR] knob.
The SD card is now formatted.
NOTE
Formatting the SD card erases all data on the media (video and
audio data).
Removing an SD Card
1. Press the [MENU] button Ó“SD Card/USB Memory”
Óselect “Eject” and press the [VALUE/CURSOR]
knob.
2. Select “OK” and press the [VALUE/CURSOR] knob.
Once the message “The SD Card is safe to remove” is displayed on
the screen, you can safely remove the card.
3. Push the SD card further into the slot.
4. Hold the SD card and pull it out towards you.
Basic Operation

7
Rack-Mounting This Unit
You can attach the included rack-mount angles to mount this unit into a 19-inch rack.
Attaching the Rack-Mount Angles
1. Turn o the power of the VR-120HD, unplug the
power cord and disconnect all cables.
2. Use the included mounting screws (three per side)
to attach the rack-mount angles.
* Both rack-mount angles are of the same shape, with no dierence
between left and right.
NOTE
Removing the rack-mount angles
Before you remove the rack-mount angles, turn o the power of the
VR-120HD, unplug the power cord and disconnect all cables.
Points of CautionWhen Rack-Mounting
¹Before mounting this unit onto a rack, turn o the power of the
VR-120HD, unplug the power cord and disconnect all cables.
¹When mounting, be careful not to get your ngers or other
extremities pinched.
¹Be careful not expose the parts of this unit that protrude from the
rack to strong impact, as this may result in malfunctions and faulty
operation.
¹Leave at least 2U of space above the unit when mounted in the
rack, to make room for the connectors and cables.
¹All of the screw holes (two on each side for a total of four holes)
should be fastened to the rack with screws. Screws for mounting
this unit to the rack are not included.
¹Do not move the rack while this unit is mounted to the rack. The
rack-mount angles may deform due to vibrational impact.
¹To eectively cool this unit, use caution regarding the following.
– Place the unit in a well-ventilated location.
– Do not block the cooling fan intake and exhaust ports on the
side panels of the VR-120HD.
– Do not mount this unit onto a closed-type rack. The warm air
that builds up inside the rack cannot be released, which makes
ecient cooling impossible.
– If you can’t open up the rear side when using such a rack, install
an exhaust port or mount an exhaust fan onto the upper rear
side of the closed-type rack.
¹Also read the“Placement” (p. 8 and the leaet “USING THE UNIT
SAFELY”) under “IMPORTANT NOTES”.

8
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply
¹Place the AC adaptor so the side with the indicator faces
upwards. The indicator will light when you plug the AC
adaptor into an AC outlet.
Placement
¹Depending on the material and temperature of the surface
on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or
mar the surface.
Repairs and Data
¹Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to make
a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to
write down the needed information. Although we will do
our utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when we
carry out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory
section is physically damaged, restoration of the stored
content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability
concerning the restoration of any stored content that has
been lost.
About the Internal Battery
¹The time is stored and maintained in this unit even when the
power is turned o. If the internal battery loses power, the
following message is shown on the display.
BATTERY ERROR!
If you see the message “Battery Error!”, contact a Roland
service center or an ocial Roland dealer for service.
For a list of Roland service centers and ocial Roland dealers,
refer to the Roland website.
Additional Precautions
¹Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result
of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc. To protect
yourself against the irretrievable loss of data, be sure to make
a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to
write down the needed information.
¹Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any
stored content that has been lost.
¹Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
¹This unit allows you to switch images at high speed. For some
people, viewing such images can cause headache, nausea,
or other discomfort. Do not use this unit to create video
that might cause these types of health problems. Roland
Corporation will accept no responsibility for any such health
problems that may occur in yourself or in viewers.
¹Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.
Using External Memories
¹Please observe the following precautions when handling
external memory devices. Also, make sure to carefully
observe all the precautions that were supplied with the
external memory device.
– Do not remove the device while reading/writing is in
progress.
– To prevent damage from static electricity, discharge all
static electricity from your person before handling the
device.
Caution Regarding Radio Frequency Emissions
¹The following actions may subject you to penalty of law.
– Disassembling or modifying this device.
– Removing the certication label axed to the back of
this device.
– Using this device in a country other than where it was
purchased
¹This unit cannot be used to directly connect to a network
operated by a telecommunications provider (such as a mobile
or landline-based telecommunications company, an Internet
provider or the likes), including a public wireless LAN. You
must use a router or similar equipment when connecting this
unit to the Internet.
Intellectual Property Right
¹It is forbidden by law to make an audio recording, video
recording, copy or revision of a third party’s copyrighted work
(musical work, video work, broadcast, live performance, or
other work), whether in whole or in part, and distribute, sell,
lease, perform or broadcast it without the permission of the
copyright owner.
¹Do not use this product for purposes that could infringe on a
copyright held by a third party. We assume no responsibility
whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party
copyrights arising through your use of this product.
¹This product can be used to record or duplicate audio or
visual material without being limited by certain technological
copy-protection measures. This is due to the fact that this
product is intended to be used for the purpose of producing
original music or video material, and is therefore designed
so that material that does not infringe copyrights belonging
to others (for example, your own original works) can be
recorded or duplicated freely.
¹The SD logo , SDHC logo and SDXC logo
are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
¹This product is using the open source license (GPL/LGPL)
software. You have the right to acquire, modify and distribute
the source code for this open source license software. You
can obtain the open source license source code used in this
product by downloading it from the following website:
https://proav.roland.com/global/support/
¹This product contains eParts integrated software platform of
eSOL Co.,Ltd. eParts is a trademark of eSOL Co., Ltd. in Japan.
¹The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered
trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such
marks by Roland is under license.
¹Roland is an either registered trademark or trademark
of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
¹Company names and product names appearing in this
document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective owners.
WARNING
Secure a sucient amount of space at the setup location
Since this unit normally emits a slight amount of heat,
make sure to secure sucient space around it, as
shown below.
Rear Side
20 cm (8 in.) or greater
30 cm (12 in.)
or greater
20 cm (8 in.) or greater
5 cm (2 in.) or
greater
15 cm (6 in.) or
greater
Use only the supplied AC adaptor and the correct voltage
Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the
unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation
matches the input voltage specied on the AC
adaptor’s body. Other AC adaptors may use a dierent
polarity, or be designed for a dierent voltage, so their use
could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
Use only the supplied power cord
Use only the attached power cord. Also, the supplied
power cord must not be used with any other device.
WARNING
Handle lithium batteries carefully
¹Lithium batteries must never be recharged, heated,
taken apart, or thrown into a re or water.
¹Keep lithium batteries out of reach of small children.
If a child has accidentally swallowed a battery, see a
doctor immediately.
¹Never expose lithium batteries to excessive heat
such as sunshine, re or the like.
CAUTION
Keep small items out of the reach of children
To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed
below, always keep them out of the reach of small
children.
¹Included Parts
Screws (p. 1)
Handle the ground terminal carefully
If you remove the screw from the ground terminal, be
sure to replace it; don’t leave it lying around where
it could accidentally be swallowed by small children.
When refastening the screw, make that it is rmly
fastened, so it won’t come loose.
Precautions concerning use of phantom power supply
Always turn the phantom power o when connecting
any device other than condenser microphones that
require phantom power. You risk causing damage if
you mistakenly supply phantom power to dynamic
microphones, audio playback devices, or other devices that
don’t require such power. Be sure to check the specications of
any microphone you intend to use by referring to the manual
that came with it.
(This instrument’s phantom power: 48 V DC, 14 mA Max)