Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 HD - SDI Chromakeyer

The new Ultimatte 12 models from Blackmagic Design are not simply digital chromakeyers, but state-of-the-art processors designed for next-generation graphics, allowing for real-time image compositing. The innovative algorithms and colourimetry of these devices allow for truly realistic-looking compositions. In addition, they offer exceptional edge processing, improved colour separation with amazing fidelity, and outstanding edge suppression, even in shadowed areas or through transparent objects such as windows. Imagine presenting weather reports, sports programmes, news bulletins and entertainment industry news with cinema-quality overlays in real time.

One keyer per camera

When working live with multiple cameras, shooting from different angles, it is common for green backgrounds to vary somewhat. The compositing tools offered by the mixers use the same parameters for all inputs, which compromises the quality of the compositions, as there is a slight difference in the way each camera captures the green colour. The new Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 HD eliminates these problems, because it offers unrivalled technology at an affordable price, so that each camera can be combined with a keyer, and each camera's signal displayed on a separate screen. This in turn facilitates the creation of more professional compositions, which are not limited by set design, in order to create completely new environments.

Virtual environment generation for live broadcasts

Whether working on news bulletins, sporting events, film productions or entertainment programmes, the Ultimatte 12 models offer ideal quality to generate incredibly authentic composite images and place the presenter in any environment. They also offer the ability to save content to internal memory, so live sources are not required for all inputs. They also allow augmented reality elements to be added to any scene, with such extraordinary transparency that you can even see a person through them. These models are ideal for film productions, giving actors and directors the advantage of being able to watch the scene being shot in the studio.

Realistic virtual studios with fixed cameras

It is now possible to create a studio of considerable dimensions, even in small flats or in a basement, as the internal memory of this line of equipment offers the opportunity to pre-load still images rendered from a modelled 3D virtual studio. This is truly revolutionary in the field of live production, as virtual sets can be used even without the physical space to set up a studio and without the need for external equipment. Simply combine each of the cameras with a Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 HD unit and load background images. Because they are already rendered, this method can be more realistic than a conventional virtual set, particularly if the cameras remain static. At the same time, thanks to the low price of the device, more cameras can be used.

Ultimatte 12 HD

This model includes SDI connections, making it the most economical keyer, compatible with Broadcast application cameras. It also offers exceptional processing quality and internal memory for creating virtual sets.

New algorithms and wider colour space

All devices in the Ultimatte line, including the Ultimatte 12 HD, offer the same state-of-the-art image processing algorithms and a vast colour space. As a result, the quality of compositions will not vary from unit to unit. They automatically generate internal masks to process different parts of the image individually, depending on the colours present in each of the areas, which is equivalent to using several compositors simultaneously on a single overlay. At the same time, it is possible to adjust subtle edge details in the areas where it is most needed, for example around the hair, as well as to soften the transition from one colour to another in the objects present in the scene. Mathematical processing of each sub-pixel allows for unparalleled quality and clarity.

Automatic scene analysis for instant overlays

Live productions require agility. Ultimatte 12 technology offers the ability to analyse a scene and automatically set more than 100 parameters to achieve extraordinary compositions in an instant. The first step is to check that the environment is well lit and that the cameras white balance is correct. Then simply activate the automatic composition function and the device does all the work. In addition, all models have a correction function to compensate for unevenly lit green or blue backgrounds. This allows overlays to be made quickly with minimal effort, giving cameramen the opportunity to pay more attention to the programme.

Transparent layers and professional graphics

With a traditional digital keyer, it is virtually impossible to add computer graphics or other translucent colour objects, as it is very difficult to remove the green or blue background from a semi-transparent element without affecting its original chromaticity. However, the technology of the Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 models offers a revolutionary layered compositing mode, which allows objects to be superimposed on the background image. This allows objects such as translucent windows to be incorporated with a realistic appearance. So, when looking through the object or walking behind it, the colours are preserved and the scene looks much more authentic.

Accurate reproduction and registration of complex colours

The Ultimatte 12 HD model offer advanced processing of highlights, edges and transitions between different shades, so that the background can be removed without affecting the colours to be retained. This allows them to maintain and reproduce shades with a fidelity that other keyers are unable to achieve, for example, a bright yellow against a green background. This technology makes it possible to isolate colours and treat different areas of the image separately, while achieving subtle colour transitions for a realistic look. Unlike other compositors, the Ultimatte 12 delivers vivid colours, true-to-life images and unprecedented sharpness.

Compositions and overlays with shadows and transparencies

The optimized algorithms of the Ultimatte 12 HD allow for the removal of the rim and shades of green from any element, allowing you to create incredibly realistic virtual environments. There is no need to worry about shadows or transparent objects with reflections, as the device automatically samples colours, generates perfect masks for walls, floors and other parts of the image, and applies corrections as required. As a result, any colour overshoot is suppressed, and shadows appear correctly on the new background. In addition, the processing of transparent objects is carried out without any problems.

Multiple Ultimattes on a single monitor

All Blackmagic Ultimatte 12s have a feature that allows you to view the signals from up to eight units on a single SDI monitor. Simply link the devices in series via the monitor inputs and outputs and connect the last one to an SDI monitor. Then, by selecting different units via Ultimatte Software Control or the Smart Remote 4 panel, a clean signal is instantly transmitted through the daisy-chained units, with the image displayed on the monitor. This greatly simplifies the monitoring task, even when multiple cameras are equipped with Ultimatte devices.

Free control software

All the Ultimatte 12s include the Ultimatte Software Control for Mac and Windows. Its main window presents different sections, with menus for different functions. Although the interface can be overwhelming at first, given the large number of buttons and settings, you can learn to switch between them quickly as you create your composition. The programme also allows you to upload content to the device's internal memory from computers. All settings and still images will be available even after the unit is switched off.