A few years back I semi-jokingly predicted the that the Roland VIMA would be the next line of arrangers. Now the G and E series are down to the GW8 and the Prelude. The VIMA series continues and now even has a JM-8 module to go with it. http://www.rolandus.com/go/vima/ http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=10059

"Experience a new world of audio/visual entertainment with the VIMA RK-100, a unique and exciting instrument. The RK-100, a more compact and affordable VIMA, is packed with great sounds for you to play, and comes loaded with a library of timeless songs to listen to and play along with. You can also add as many songs to your collection as you wish. The RK-100 can also play back CDs, and it lets you connect two microphones for karaoke fun. Your parties and special gatherings will never be the same with the RK-100 as the recreational centerpiece."

My NH customers are pretty savy and all have HDTV all over the facility. Can you imagine hooking intoo one or more of their TVs and videoing yourself or displaying the lyrics as you sing. I just had some residents say to me the other day that they would like to have the lyrics so they could sing along.

So who's gonna be the first to use this HOME & recreational keyboard to play out? I would like to know if any of our European members have seen or heard of the VIMA in action. Do you think Fran or Donny could sell us on this Roland?

I dont know, to me personally completely useless but it is not a Pro instrument anyways,
probably for kids to have fun at home i guess.

Cass,
I just don't see much potential in this unit. Sounds to me like another mistake by Roland. Displaying Lyrics and all that can be done from a simple $200 Netbook with an HDMI connection.

By the way, your European friends would like to see an Arranger option for the Fantom G.

A $2,500 toy for kids to play with..

I could not find in the specs..a harmonizer..but I heard a demo using backing harmony with a midi track (Elvis tune)..
I for one will check it out..I am a kid at heart..

Here is a demo..the guys are having fun..but suck..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfpoPUYT4ss


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2LnCOF1Z8s&feature=related

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 08-13-2010).]

I agree with nedim totaly useless for any pro.

I got to disagree....You guys are not considering the "track performers"..as we know many ladies doing a single with laptops...

This unit is all self contained including effects with mic inputs,,,video outs if you are Karaoke...and the make up tools and markers, with a large enough hard drive...USB midi to use with a keyboard controller...Mixer is also built in..
Sure it lacks style play that all "Pros" rely on..

You guys are not looking at the whole picture...just because it doesn't meet your needs...it can meet the needs of other folks working in the "trenches"..

Whoever designed this thing at a price of 2,000 Euros, must be on some heavy duty meds. By the way, its competition is the Korg MP10pro, with a built in TC harmonizer and about 300 Euros cheaper.

Fran,
2000 Euros, or a little over $2500 can satisfy many different needs that a single person has. Seriously, this is just criminal to ask that much money for a glorified Mp3 player.

Good luck to all that go that way!

enjoy

As I've said from the start, this VIMA concept is not for me. But I think we are losing sight of those who may follow in our "tracks." What we find silly, cheap, unacceptable or whatever may be what the next generation of solo keyboardists finds exciting or necessary. I predict someone will post about doing a job on this type keyboard or module within the next three years. Maaybe it won't be a VIMA but a Korg or ???

...and what most of us are playing are DEFINITELY pro boards, not home keyboards. HA ha ha...