Blackmagic has introduced four new models of Ultimatte 12 real-time compositing processors, designed for creating next-generation broadcast graphics, and a new Ultimatte Software Control app for Mac and Windows that lets users control all Ultimatte 12 models without an additional hardware control panel.
The new models — Ultimatte 12 HD, Ultimatte 12 4K, Ultimatte 12 8K and Ultimatte 12 HD Mini — allow users to take advantage of a processor designed for their current television standard. Specifically, the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini lets ATEM Mini owners use broadcast-quality keying to build fixed camera virtual sets. Each new model is designed at a lower cost while retaining the same processing for edge handling, color separation, color fidelity and spill suppression.
All Ultimatte 12 models include built-in frame stores, allowing users to key using stills for backgrounds and eliminating the cost of external equipment, which means all compositing can be done in the Ultimatte itself. Each model also produces identical quality compositions by having the same image processing algorithms and internal color space. The processing automatically generates internal mattes so different parts of the image are processed separately based on the colors in each area. This means users get fine edge detail where it’s most needed, like on hair, and smoother transitions between colors or other objects in the scene.
Ultimatte 12 HD
Ultimatte 12 features one-touch keying technology that analyzes a scene and automatically sets over 100 parameters so users get keys without extra work. One-touch keying works faster and helps customers accurately pull a key with low effort.
The improved flare algorithms in Ultimatte 12 can remove green tinting and spill so users can fix shadows or transparent objects with reflections. Ultimatte 12 automatically samples the colors, creates 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 12G-SDI connections so users can operate with current HD video formats as well as future Ultra HD and 8K video formats. 12G-SDI gives users high frame-rate Ultra HD via a single BNC connection that also plugs into all their regular HD equipment.
Ultimatte 12 4K
The Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model allows conversion of SDI camera control to HDMI, meaning an ATEM SDI switcher can control an HDMI-connected Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. All ATEM switchers send camera control over SDI, then the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini can translate it to HDMI for the camera. 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 include the Ultimatte Software Control for Mac and Windows. The main window has menus arranged in sections that perform different functions.
According to Blackmagic CEO Grant Petty, “From the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model up to Ultimatte 12 8K, all models feature the same advanced processing and algorithms for broadcast composites and even cinematic virtual sets.”
Ultimatte 12 8K
The Ultimatte Software Control app is available to download for free. 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 Ultimatte 12 8K is $6,995.
