The key here will absolutely be price point – and to be honest, the lack of any HD video input options (the product page even specifically notes that HDMI input is down converted to SD quality) is a pretty major drawback.
That being said, if you’re streaming performers, looking for a simple switcher to make a multi-camera webstream happen, and aren’t super concerned about HD broadcast, this Vestax tool could easily turn a beginner broadcasting setup into something quite a bit more pro.
No word yet on price or availability, but here’s the full I/O feature list from Vestax:
AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT
x3 LINE IN Stereo RCA
x2 Neutrik Combo Jack (Mono)
x1 HDMI IN
x1 USB IN (Loop Back)OUTPUT
x1 Master Output Stereo RCA (Control Room)
x1 1/4″ Headphone Jack
VIDEO SPECIFICATIONSINPUT
x4 VIDEO IN ?Composite RCA?
x1 VGA IN?D-SUB15 pin?
x1 HDMI INOUTPUT
x2 MASTER OUT ?Composite / USB?
x1 PREVIEW OUT?Composite?VIDEO RESOLUTION
Composite: NTSC / PAL
NTSC: VGA IN: 1024×768?60Hz?
HDMI IN: 720×480?60Hz?
PAL: VGA IN: 1024×768?50Hz?
HDMI IN: 720×576?50Hz?
*The above refresh rates are maximum value of each resolutionSAMPLING RATE
4:2:2 (Y:R-Y:B-Y), 8-bit, 13.5 MHz (ITU-R BT.656)
We will be streaming a concert in April. I have one question, we will be running the sound off the Main board into this unit, will we get any latency issues?
I’m getting a corduroy pattern on the streamed out put when I use the HDMI input on the PBS-4. Has anyone else had this problem?
I have tried for 4 hours to make this unit work as advertised, and cannot do so. The VGA only accepts 1024X768, but even with this resolution it does not properly rebroadcast the signal. The video is severely pixelated and fuzzy, and the UStream Producer software that the manual recommends will not even display the VGA stream. Once you set up a couple of cameras and a VGA stream, the USB bus is overloaded and shuts down. I used 2 different relatively high-end laptops, hoping perhaps the first one I tried might have a USB problem. If Vestax cannot provide me with some solution — something I’m doing wrong and don’t understand — I will have to send this back for a refund.
I run one of these… http://www.roland.com/products/en/V-1600HD/ …
I think the Vestax won’t costs 17.000 euro.
saw dubspot folks using one of these and yep price is everything with this.
The cost differential to have the components to run this is in HD would make it way outside a practical price point. As far as the situation of “I’ve got a couple cheap old cameras, how do I put them online?” – This is the most practical solution I’ve ever seen for consumer switching. Especially if it doesn’t do any cross conversion before streaming, 480p will look 480p.
Broadcast switchers are insanely expensive. The okay ones start around $30,000. The SD ones can still run $15,000. So if this is less than $500, it’s a hell of a good deal, especially if it handles your output on the hardware side.
Well. No more comments needed. Guy below me said all needs to be said. +1 here
People have been doing this exact thing with computers for years and while it can be done, many people question “why should it?” Going to a club or event is a totally different experience than watching one online. If there is a desire to stream stuff on the internet, it can be done a lot better with a dedicated run-of-the-mill 2 or 3 year-old computer (it just has a lot more control options via the software). All you need is a good Audio Card and Video Card and some software. Traktor Pro already has “live streaming” as part of the broadcast options (not recommended over wireless, but tapping directly into the establishment’s internet connection is another kind of hassle) and most computers can re-broadcast whatever signal is coming into it (with shoutcast, winamp or any number of other programs including video). I’m not sure why we need a portable device for this purpose noting that the real issue isn’t processing ability, it’s the cost of repeating the audio and/or video stream.
This is designed to work with your computer anyway.
The benefit of this thing is the multiple (4) video channels. You can do multiple camera angles easily and switch on the fly like in a broadcast studio. It even has multiple mic inputs and can be set aside from the dj setup. You could easily stage a little talk show or use it to make fun video projects. Too bad this thing doesn’t at least work at 720p.
Xsplit, multiple camera angles, no external mixer needed at all. As standalone or on same laptop/tower/whatever you’re using – there’s really nothing better short of an actual studio. tested live with zero hiccups in club environment – simultaneous with resolume and traktor/ssl 🙂 good times!