The RØDECaster Video: Why It Might Flop

[@MichaelKinney]

A lot of people are hung up on the 4K issue. I'm not talking about 4K streaming, I'm talking about recording. Creators like to record their content in 4K so they have the option in editing to punch in and reframe in a 1080p project without losing quality. 4K is also beneficial for repurposing landscape video to vertical. For streaming, the RCV is fine, as the majority of streams are 1080p.

[@literallykevin]

Criminally underappreciated content here. Great job sir!

[@tombuck]

I've never been called a "Top" anything before and now it's going on the 'ole resume 😁

[@empiricemotion]

the Master

[@MichaelKinney]

Top of my list... and it's a short list. 👍🏽

[@UKRenna]

@@tombuck top for quality puns! 😁

[@aaronkaiser]

It’s not just processor that limits 4K. It’s also thermal heating, plus 4K HDMI port parts cost more. No ATEM minis support 4K. If you want a 4K switcher, it’s 3x the price. This is the same cost as a RODECaster Pro II and an ATEM Mini Pro ISO and does the same. This is excellent value at this price point.

[@TheEuroLegionsPodcast]

Finally someone talking sense.

[@aaronkaiser]

@@TheEuroLegionsPodcast there’s also storage configurations. Can you imagine how quickly you’d fill up an external SSD with 5 4K streams? (Program + 4 ISO). Or add the 2 USB cameras, that would be 7 streams, plus high quality audio. Even the ATEM 4K switcher does not do ISO. If you want ISO, you have to connect it to separate hyperdrives for each feed you want. So really, 4K ISO recording is closer to 10x the price point. Also, the auto switch feature is a game changer. Right now, you have to use AI post tools like Autopod or Descript to accomplish that. Now you can do it in device. Yeah, this product is staying around for quite a while.

[@TheEuroLegionsPodcast]

@@aaronkaiser agreed. Dark Corner Studios had a great video on the no 4k thing.

[@DavidHunte]

I agree. NONE of the ATEM Mini (Orig, Pro, ISO, Extreme, Extreme ISO) have 4K

[@LiftedNoise]

By the quality of this video, i assumed you had 169k subs atleast!

[@hassaanmiantalks]

An amazing insight and peak into a different perspective, much needed to see the complete picture from all angles.

[@mevlad]

5:30 and you think the 150 buttons of am ATEM are intuitively learned in 10min? Not to mention, you can't even control all the things the ATEM can do with buttons. The integrated scene control of the RCV is what makes it usable by anyone, at any time and during live streams. You're getting this all wrong, imho.

[@Teacher_Tangents]

In defense of MK, perhaps he is quite used to the ATEMs. I saw another review of someone using the RodeCaster Video and becoming very frustrated since he had been using an ATEM Extreme for years. Me, I find the RodeCaster Video deceptively intuitive. A nice to have would be the LCD buttons like on a Stream Deck. Now that would make things beyond easy to use!

[@MichaelKinney]

As I said in the piece, having integrated source control makes scene building a standout feature on the RCV. Though you can get the same functionality (and 4K) with the Elgato CamLink Pro card in a PC and OBS for $400. Few people I know use the ATEM buttons, they just want 4-source switching for $400, and use OBS or Ecamm for scene building, etc.

[@Teacher_Tangents]

@@MichaelKinney I simply might be unreasonably biased. Before upgrading my computer I was using OBS doing a demo in a staff meeting my computer locked up. Since then I started using an ATEM Mini Pro. Even after upgrading to a Studio Mac, I am still gun shy about using OBS. I am sure it is an unfounded fear. I don't come from an AV background so I use stuff willy nilly. Perhaps not quite willy nilly but I find my own way, which is not always the standard path. And I do use the buttons on my ATEM. Yes I could get far far better graphics and scene control with OBS and a Stream Deck (no extra cost at this point) but I like keeping and processing off my main computer. So with the RVC I got an upgrade in the scene building and ISO. And my other bias is I just hate paying for subscriptions if they don't make me money or I don't use them regularly enough to justify the price. Although $40 a month for Ecamm is a significantly cheaper out of pocket expense than the RCV. I also figure after I am dead the subscriptions will keep on racking up on my poor widow for 6 months before she knows it. LOL! And I don't need 4K but it would have been nice for future proofing.

[@forumuberzone]

@@MichaelKinneythat’s it ! The PiP in the Atem mini Pro is very limited too.

[@mthelisi]

They did proper research on 4k. I will tell you that it is not consumable for professional streamers. HD has more years remaining in the market. This mixer will survive all storms. I am sure they will be introducing a Streamdeck plus plugin for the audio part

[@UKRenna]

Exactly. In corporate environments 720p is still widely used for load balancing. The majority of users would not be able to distinguish between 1080p and 4K. I have been in the AV industry for over 30 years and the vast majority do not care. They just want ease of use and reliability above everything else.

[@AndreAmirLive]

Rare. A Great Honest Review.

[@forumuberzone]

Thank you. Finally, an objective video on this new product, all those who were able to make reviews on this product received it in preview to sell it to their followers. I will not fall into this trap, even if I love Rode brand products. The OBS software and the Rodecaster Pro 2 with assignment of Smart pads in midi for changing camera angles do the job perfectly for Multistream and multicam lives.

[@DavidHunte]

@@forumuberzone - I woukd agree with you as well. I have the Atem Mini Extreme and it is awesome. I can change camera angles with my stream deck and the companion software as well. I also have the Rodecaster Pro II. But what I do like is if youA don't have either of those devices above and starting new, it combines a lot of that functionality right out of the box. Rodecaster Video is a game changer for a NEW studio build

[@gamified-life]

100% agree with this assessment. Thank you for saying so clearly what so many of us have been thinking.

[@samueldickes]

You nailed it! I however hope that they will go on and enhance the capabilities of their device through firmware updates, in order to make it more competitive. But for less than $500, you get an Atem Mini Pro ISO. And if you already have an Rodecaster Pro 2, then this combo will nearly offer the same plus the faders. And if you don’t need the ISO recording, you can get an Osee GoStream for $300. And if you want 4K, you can get the Yolobox Ultra for $1500. So they’re sitting in a tight spot. I think that if they can add more features like multi-destination streaming, animated lower thirds, stinger animations and so on, and at the same time, lower the price below the magic barrier of $1000, then they will have an interesting proposition.

[@MichaelKinney]

Great analysis!

[@Teacher_Tangents]

As a teacher and someone who makes online tutorials, this is perfect for me. Been waiting for 3 years for something like this. But I do wish, they had just made it twice the size and kept the faders. I also would have minded the buttons being smaller and more crammed in more so you don't have to dig into the menus. That being said, considering that little control panel is the size of 2 postage stamps, it is surprisingly intuitive. I found the same thing with the Duo. I thought that screen was small but intuitive. On the good side for consumers, if it does fail, I would expect the price to drop significantly and these these things to sell like hotcakes!

[@MichaelKinney]

I think the RCV is perfect for certain situations, just not sure there's a broad enough market to sustain it. I hope I'm wrong.

[@Teacher_Tangents]

@@MichaelKinney Well, the good thing is there will be other's copying and improving on the design. So I am looking forward to seeing what comes of that. I did ponder quite a bit on whether to replace my ATEM Mini Pro with an ATEM Mini Pro ISO instead of the RodeCaster Video.

[@forumuberzone]

@@Teacher_Tangentsthe problem in the ATEM mini pro is the PiP. Too weak. Not enough customization on the software for example. That why OBS with midi pads kills everything believe me.

[@djplayerproductions]

Well said. This is why I brought the Yolo Box Ultra. Having to go through the menu to get to the audio not a good look. Also for me no screen is the reason I didn't"t buy it. Thanks for your review.

[@byoflive]

I’ll help you

[@crosswhite17]

I would like to know how many they have sold. So far, I have not seen a review from someone who has actually purchased the RCV.

[@MINGOLOVE]

Apparently, it's not yet out there for sale

[@JJSCTech]

It would cost more than a few hundred dollars for 4k capability, plus it would have been bigger. The Blackmagic ATEM is the cheaper pro switcher in the industry and their 4k versions are doubled or more than the HD counterparts. Plus you’ll have to add an even beefier processor for audio processing if the rode had 4k. Not having 4k isn’t a con of this switcher, there are other issues that would prevent users from keeping it. Overall, it’s a pretty good product, just not for everyone.

[@lawnporn]

I needed this video. Thank you!

[@myshowpodcast]

What's your opinion on the Feelworld L4? The reason I asked this is because I am just now diving into this rabbit hole of livestreaming/podcasting etc. I recently purchased a Rodecaster Duo only to see the Rodecaster Video just released recently which was a bummer to me. I wondered if I should save and invest in the Video because really, for me, the whole debate about 4k not being added is not that important. I've been a photographer for all of my adult life and I never got caught up in the MEGA PIXEL SCAM (that's what I refer to it as) because the average client really and truly only wants a decent photo and don't get into what brand of camera I shoot with or the technical specs of what I shoot with. I think the same applies when it comes to video as well. Whilst the numbers might be growing in how many people watch KZbin on their 4k tv, I don't think it's a major factor or will be the cause for RCV flopping...but we can agree to disagree on that. But back to my original question...seeing that I already have the DUO would the FeelWorld switcher be a good device to pair with it? The ATEM Mini Pro ISO is basically almost similar in price range but doesn't have that screen which I think is a great feature.

[@myshowpodcast]

I like your last sentence...they should have put a switcher into a duo and given it 4k!

[@MichaelKinney]

Thanks for the comment! I'm not intimately familiar with the FeelWorld switcher, but at a quick glance, it seems to have a lot. SDI is pro-level i/o. But there's no ISO recording, and it's not obvious how you would record your show (USB 3.0 output, SDI, computer?) And of course, I can't speak to its quality. The advantage of 4K for me is less about final delivery and more about post production flexibility - being able to reframe without losing quality for 1080p projects, more pixel information for compositing and color work. I don't think the RCV will flop just because it doesn't have 4K (though that is a sore spot for many). I think the complexity of its workflow is an obstacle, and the fact that you need extra gear (computer, mixer) for a smooth, fast-paced production experience. A little disappointing at that price point.

[@afganrasulov]

And yet you are using the legend microphone ShureSM7B 😊❤

[@CRE8VALU]

Gotta look the part ✅

[@garyclement2888]

I'm waiting to get it and start working with it. I'm curious what do you work currently? Is Atem still your board of choice? ANd I believe too that they didn't make this board with 4K because they wanted to give us sonething to show they dealing with video, but keep the price down. I considered going with a Roland SR20HD, but it does not have ISO. I think they did a great thing with this, but again, I've yet to get it.

[@MichaelKinney]

Currently have no need for four HDMI inputs. Most I use is two, sometimes three cameras in my studio. On those occasions, I use two Elgato CamLink 4K HDMI capture cards on separate USB-3 buses on my Mac Studio. iPhone via Continuity Camera for overhead shots if need be. I use OBS and Ecamm Live with Elgato Stream Deck for switching (Multi Actions are awesome!) and RODECaster Duo for streaming multi-track audio (physical and virtual channels). Ecamm (Pro) has ISO recording built in, OBS through plugins. I've used the ATEM Mini on other people's projects. Nothing too fancy, just going into OBS/Ecamm as a video capture source. If you're looking for a dedicated/all-in-one solution, don't want/need 4K and have the determination to master its workflow, the RCV is a worthwhile option. I'm so used to just mixing and matching gear/software from different brands for various projects over the years.

[@CRE8VALU]

Camlink Pro card + Mackie DLZ Creator for me ✅

[@RefreshCinema]

Of course, the very first ad after your video ends, was for the RODEcaster Video haha. Anyway, nice video.

[@alzyerpal-TV]

Fully agree with the 'it falls short' notion expressed here. Yes, less menu driven options and more physical buttons and faders please. I don't really need 4K personally but yes, as you say, its 2024, nearly 2025. I've been shooting in 4K for ten years. It would certainly be useful in large screen/cinema presentations. 30 years of television broadcast experience for me, I work for the BBC in the UK. I'm broadcasting a show weekly via ATEM Mini Extreme equipment. Something like that with Røde pro audio options would be ideal.

[@pjmverbruggen]

I get your points. I believe the rodecaster is meant for “stable” productions, typically to teams/zoom and social. I like the small footprint “after” I have customized my look and feel. Agree it’s not great for live multicam productions where you need split second changes.

[@MichaelKinney]

Thanks for that feedback!

[@hikkapikka]

I think this blows atem mixers out of the water. XLR inputs vs 3.5mm, Scene buttons are greate to have!, and all of those USB-C inputs are very handy. The hdmi ports are 1.4b so they support 4k30hz, so maby with a firmware update we get 4k recording ;) i think this device will get better and better with future updates.

[@byoflive]

My good man I totally agree. It’s too difficult for the average newbie streamer to figure out. They should’ve stayed with the streamer and made that beefier this without 4K is ridiculous for that price when I have a yolo box ultra and a yolo box pro, im selling!!!! Both with 4k capabilities and streaming. so yes, I agree. Pricing is way too high to not have 4K and the capability to DJ you have to match everything up together. It’s just a cluster and so difficult for us so I agree with you 1000%. Ecamm and Riverside Fm is destroying this!!

[@california_ray]

Do I hear a RØDECaster Video Pro coming in 2025? Great video!

[@MichaelKinney]

🤞🏽

[@augiearvizo]

I wonder how soon they would release another product in this sector without hurting sales of their current product. Since the Rodecaster Video launched I presumed we would not be seeing a Streamer X II or Streamer X Pro so I am confident we woudn't see a Rodecaster Video Pro until the first gen has at least 2 years on the market. I've seen other videos on KZbin saying they are passing on this product because of the lack of 4K and just utilizing multiple 4K capture devices on ECAMM and sticking with their current workflow.

[@laligagging]

It’s $1200… and there’s no 4k? What?!? 😅

[@MichaelKinney]

🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MACBoricua]

That is why I refuse this device from the beginning, $500, $600, maybe…it’s a switcher for God’s sake, but $1200 with no 4K ?! Nope! Sorry, rather get the streamer X

[@UKRenna]

@@MACBoricuaif you think $1200 is expensive given everything this does, you obviously are quite new to this industry. I picked this up in the UK for £949 including 20% tax. Very good value. To make this 4K would push the price point much higher. The truth is for 95% of applications and users 1080p is more than good enough. I would also suggest that on screen sizes that most consume content, you would not be able to distinguish between 1080p and 4K.

[@petefrasersoft]

If this supported 4k, the cost would be much higher. The ability to move 4k video around a switcher with multisource (picture in picture etc.) is not possible at this price point, especially when you include the multiview output. Compare the cost of BMDs 4k products with their HD products - there's a 4x price diferential. The electronics to do this are *much* more expensive.

[@MichaelKinney]

Thanks for the comment. As I said in the piece, I would expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for 4K. YoloBox Ultra (4K + more) retails for about $1500 USD.

[@petefrasersoft]

@@MichaelKinneycompared to the toolbox ultra, the RCV can do a lot more and if it had to do 4K as well it would cost several thousand $ more. I worked on 4K products in tv industry and this is an unfortunate fact. The chips required to process the data at 4K cost hundreds of pounds and this affects the final product cost. I wish it weren’t true….

[@MichaelKinney]

@@petefrasersoft I hear you. I just don't think the RCV is as compelling a choice as it could be, with the other solutions out there on the market.

[@UKRenna]

As an AV specialist, for most use cases 4K is just an overused phrase. 1080p is more than enough for most applications. People confuse 4K with contrast ratio, as often they see a vibrant image with deep blacks, and think it must be 4k when it is likely 1080p or even 720p. 4K and 8k has its place in live events where pixel density matters on a large format display at a concert but not for 95% of users. Those that truly need 4K wont be using prosumer kit like this. For the price point, this is an excellent offering from Rode.

[@petefrasersoft]

@@UKRenna An important fact is that if you are watching 4k from an arm chair at normal viewing distance, unless the TV is larger than 83 inches, you can't see the difference between HD and 4k. There's a reason why Apple called their LCDs retina as the resolution of our eyes doesn't allow us to see 4k unless very close to the display. The difference between HDR and SDR is something else though as the colour range for HDR streams (REC2100) is *much* larger than SDR (REC709)

Yeah, and no NDI support

[@JerryLass]

This channel deserves an immediate subscribe!

[@livestreamsuk6004]

Wait for the pro version. You are speaking about a money doesn't matter my dream switcher scenario. Its extremely easy to use far more intuitive than any Atem

[@thenailauthority]

The price and a non 4k video capture capability makes this a no for me. They mixed the mark with the price and the non 4k issue. This will need to be $399. I know it's amazing, but the aforementioned makes it A hard stop for me .

[@killervacuum]

i don't think anyone is really passionate about watching video podcasts in 4k so it seems like a sensible cost cutting measure. the cumbersome menu-diving is a real problem though

[@UKRenna]

Using the Rode software is very easy.

[@stevemorrison5227]

I am a huge supporter of Rode and what they are doing, but I can achieve all of this with my Rodecaster Pro 2, Stream Deck and Ecamm. It IS impressive, but I just cannot see the benefit right now.

[@MichaelKinney]

Exactly the point I was trying to make! It's almost like the RCV is about 5 or 6 years too late.

[@trendyboymx]

How do you achieve the multicam? 4 elgato camlink plus the stream deck plus den RP2 costs more and likely, one also needs to buy a premium usb hub to plug all those camlinks. With the RCV you get that and more for the same price. Not everyone wants to have so many moving pieces and wants instead one dedicated device.

[@MichaelKinney]

@@trendyboymx Elgato makes a PC card called CamLink Pro, has four HDMI inputs. If you're starting from nothing, the RCV is a good choice.

[@trendyboymx]

@@MichaelKinney Thanks for the info. The CamLink Pro's Windows, NVIDIA GPU, and PCI requirements limit its use for those with laptops, Apple devices, or no dedicated GPU. It's also not suitable for on-the-go event use. While I wish the RCV supported 4K, I understand the challenges of offering that in a user-friendly, self-contained device at this price point. Comparable products with 4K support typically cost around $8k.

[@abramsfamily8608]

ISO recording max is 30fps. I use 60fps for all my work. Disqualifier for me.

[@MichaelKinney]

Oof! I didn't catch that one. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@evrytvplus]

there is no 4k iso switchboard. plus the average creator doesnt have the internet speed to stream at 4k.. the 4k argument is pointless

[@reliabletv758]

You mentioned a few points that's very important, animation of graphics, multi streaming, stream alerts, audience comments on screen I hope it comes in a future update. Also for this price tag and no 4K.

[@martinkaiser5263]

In my opinion way to expensive

[@nachogrijalbo]

None of the actual video mixers manages 4K …. Nor Blackmagic …

[@nachogrijalbo]

You also have Rode Central to manage all detailed features …

[@Ahazzard39]

Honestly the whole "it must be 4K" argument is getting old, most can't tell the difference. In audio we had the same "it must 96Khz" blah blah blah.....lol