Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 HD Keyer
Blackmagic Design announces four new models of Ultimatte 12 real time compositing processors that are all designed for creating the next generation of broadcast graphics. The company also announced a new Ultimatte Software Control app for Mac and Windows that’s available for download free of charge. This software lets users control all Ultimatte 12 models without the additional cost of a hardware control panel.
The announcement states, "The new Ultimatte 12 models are designed at lower cost while retaining the same high-quality processing for edge handling, greater color separation, color fidelity and better spill suppression." There are four new models, Ultimatte 12 HD, Ultimatte 12 4K and a massive Ultimatte 12 8K model. This allows customers to get an Ultimatte 12 for the television standard they are using.
Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 4K Keyer
In addition to these three models, there is a lower cost Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model with HDMI connections priced at US $495. Ultimatte 12 HD Mini was specifically designed to let ATEM Mini customers get the benefits of broadcast quality keying to build innovative fixed camera virtual sets. All models of Ultimatte 12 include built in frame stores, so users can key using stills for backgrounds, eliminating the cost of external equipment. All the compositing can be done in the Ultimatte itself.
All Ultimatte 12 models, including the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini, have the same advanced image processing algorithms and a large internal color space. All models produce identical quality compositions. “The processing automatically generates internal mattes so different parts of the image are processed separately based on the colors in each area. This means customers get fine edge detail where it’s needed the most, like on hair, and smoother transitions between colors or other objects in the scene. Everything is handled by new math and sub pixel processing that’s designed for incredible quality and clarity,” the announcement states.
Ultimatte 12 features one touch keying technology that analyzes a scene and automatically sets over 100 parameters. One touch keying is designed to be faster and help customers accurately pull a key with minimum effort. The improved flare algorithms in Ultimatte 12 are designed to remove green tinting and spill to create true, realistic looking virtual environments. It is also designed to reduce shadows and transparent objects with reflections. Ultimatte 12 automatically samples the colors, creates seamless mattes for walls, floors and other parts of the image, and then applies the necessary corrections.
The Ultimatte 12 4K and Ultimatte 12 8K models feature advanced 12G-SDI connections so customers can operate with current HD video formats as well as future Ultra HD and 8K video formats. 12G-SDI gives customers high frame rate Ultra HD via a single BNC connection that also plugs into all of their regular HD equipment.
Blackmagic Ultimatte 12 HD Mini Keyer
The unique Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model has a special feature that allows conversion of SDI camera control to HDMI. This means an ATEM SDI switcher can control a HDMI connected Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. All ATEM switchers send camera control over SDI, and this Ultimatte model can translate it to HDMI for the camera. Now users can add a camera number in the Ultimatte utility to get control of the camera color corrector, tally and even remote record trigger.
All Ultimatte 12 models now include the free Ultimatte Software Control for Mac and Windows. The main window has menus arranged in sections that perform different functions. “Although the interface can look intimidating at first glance as it has so many different buttons and settings, it won’t take long to master, so customers will quickly learn to move between settings instinctively as customers build their composition,” the release states.
"Ultimatte has been the world’s most powerful broadcast keyer for over 40 years," says Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. "We’re excited to be able to bring the power of this incredible technology to more customers in HD, Ultra HD and up to 8K with the Ultimatte 12 Generation 2 models. From the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model up to Ultimatte 12 8K, all models feature the same advanced processing and algorithms for amazing broadcast composites and even cinematic virtual sets. I can’t wait to see what our customers, especially those who are new to keying, can do with the new Ultimatte!"
Availability and Price
All new Ultimatte 12 models are available now. The Ultimatte 12 HD Mini will be priced at $495 Ultimatte 12 HD is $895, Ultimatte 12 4K is $2,495 and the Ultimatte 12 8K is $6,995. Prices exclude local duties and taxes.
