INTRODUCING THE NEW
The all new Ultimatte 12 is more than the world’s best keyer, it’s an advanced real time compositing processor designed for the next generation of broadcast graphics. Ultimatte 12 features entirely new algorithms and color science that deliver true photorealistic composites. You get incredible edge handling, greater color separation, amazing color fidelity and better spill suppression than ever before, even in dark shadow areas or through transparent objects such as windows! Ultimatte 12 is available in 4 amazing models, with HD, Ultra HD and even native 8K support! Imagine presenting the weather, sports, news and entertainment in a cinematic quality environment, all composited in real time.
Add an Ultimatte 12 to Each Camera!
When you’re working live with multiple cameras shooting from different angles, it’s common for the green screens to suffer from variations. Plus the keyers built into live production switchers often have to be shared between cameras, which complicates keying because each camera sees the green screen a little differently. The new Ultimatte 12 eliminates these problems because you get incredible technology at an affordable price, allowing each camera to have a separate Ultimatte. That means each Ultimatte can be tuned to a specific camera’s view! With a dedicated Ultimatte on each camera, your compositions can go well beyond what's possible with set design, so you can create whole new worlds!
Generate Live Virtual Environments for Broadcast!
Whether you’re working in broadcast news, sports, film production, or magazine style entertainment programming, Ultimatte 12 has the quality for incredibly life like composites that place your talent into any scene! Plus the new Ultimatte 12 models include built in frame stores so you don't need live video sources for all inputs. You can also use Ultimatte 12 to layer computer generated augmented reality foreground objects into a scene, complete with realistic transparency that your talent can walk behind! Ultimatte 12 is also perfect for on set pre visualization in film production because it lets actors and directors watch the scene while they’re shooting.
Camera 1
Camera 2
Camera 3
Camera 4
Create Realistic Fixed Camera Virtual Sets
Now you can create a massive broadcast set, even in small apartments or a basement! That's because all Ultimatte 12 models have frame stores so you can load pre rendered still frames from a 3D modeled broadcast set. This is a revolution in live production because you can now use a virtual set even if you don't have the space for a physical broadcast set! Plus without any external equipment! Just use multiple cameras, each with an Ultimatte 12 and a background frame loaded. As the backgrounds are pre rendered, they can be more photorealistic than a traditional virtual set. If the cameras don't move, the backgrounds will look perfect! Plus Ultimatte 12 is low cost, so you can use more cameras!
Four Powerful Ultimatte 12 Models
Ultimatte 12 HD Mini
Unique Ultimatte 12 with HDMI connections so you get the world's most advanced keyer with consumer cameras! Get full Ultimatte 12 processing and frame stores to create virtual sets at no extra cost!
Ultimatte 12 HD
The world's most advanced chroma keyer in an affordable HD model. Full Ultimatte 12 quality processing gives you next generation edge handling, amazing color separation and better spill suppression.
Ultimatte 12 4K
The world's most advanced chroma keyer with 12G-SDI connections for HD and Ultra HD work. Ultimatte 12 includes next generation edge handling, amazing color separation and better spill suppression.
Ultimatte 12 8K
The world's most advanced chroma keyer with Quad Link 12G-SDI for HD, Ultra HD and 8K! The future proof design has full Ultimatte 12 processing in 8K for next generation broadcast and film production.
New Algorithms and Expanded Color Space!
All Ultimatte 12 models, even Ultimatte 12 HD Mini, have the same incredibly advanced image processing algorithms and a huge internal color space! This means 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. It’s like having the power of multiple Ultimatte keyers all working together on the same image! You 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.
Click the File Clear button to see how Ultimatte 12 auto adjusts.
Automatic Scene Analysis for One Touch Keying
When it comes to live production, you need to work fast. Ultimatte 12 features one touch keying technology that analyzes a scene and automatically sets over a 100 parameters so you get great keys without having to do a lot of extra work! The first step is to ensure your scene is well lit and that the cameras are properly white balanced, then you simply activate the auto key and Ultimatte will do all the work for you! Plus all models include Screen Correction to compensate for unevenly lit green/blue screens. One touch keying is dramatically faster and helps you accurately pull a key with minimum effort. That leaves you free to focus on the program, while Ultimatte 12 takes care of the rest!
Add Translucent Layers and Broadcast Graphics
Adding additional translucent objects, such as colored or tinted glass and computer graphics, is virtually impossible with a traditional keyer. That’s because you can’t subtract a blue or green screen out of a semi-transparent colored object without changing the object’s original color. Now, with Ultimatte 12, you get a revolutionary new layer compositing mode that lets you add tinted objects on top of the foreground image. That allows a whole new generation of realistic translucent glass looks in broadcast graphics! This means that when you look through the object, or your talent walks behind it, the tinted colors are accurately preserved, making the shot look completely realistic!
Faithfully Reproduce and Retain Difficult Colors
With Ultimatte 12, you get new advanced flare, edge and transition processing so you can remove the background, without affecting the colors you want to keep! What this means is you’ll be able to retain and faithfully reproduce colors that are impossible on other keyers, such as a bright yellow dress in front of a green screen! Ultimatte 12 is smart enough to isolate and treat different parts of the image separately, while also keeping the color transitions between areas smooth. You get the highest quality compositing, so the final output looks photorealistic. Unlike other keyers, Ultimatte 12 delivers crisp clear images with vibrant colors that pop!
Key and Composite Images with Shadows and Transparency!
The improved flare algorithms in Ultimatte 12 can remove green tinting and spill from anything, which is one of the reasons why Ultimatte 12 creates true, realistic looking virtual environments! That also means you don’t have to worry about shadows or 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. Shadows are properly mapped and composited onto the new background, spill is removed, and transparent objects are handled with perfection!
Wide Range of Video Connections
Ultimatte 12 features up to 7 different input connections, depending on the model, that are used for compositing different source elements together. These include foreground and background, along with holdout and garbage mattes, as well as additional layer inputs for superimposing additional images over the composited image. Ultimatte 12 even lets you use sources that are not synchronized when working with static shots! With the new Ultimatte 12 models, you can even operate without video sources because the internal frame stores let you load backgrounds and other elements internally! That dramatically lowers the cost of building Ultimatte based broadcast systems!
1. Redundant Power
Dual redundant 100‑240V power supplies ensure reliability in critical on‑air broadcast use.
2. USB-C
USB allows you to update the firmware and connect to the Ultimatte administration utility software.
3. Fill Output
If you want to layer composition in an external switcher, then you can use the fill and key output.
4. Talent Reference
Connect a talent monitor so actors can see their composite.
5. Ethernet
Connect to Ultimatte Software Control that’s included for Mac and Windows, or a Smart Remote 4.
6. GPI Triggers
The GPI inputs can be used to load and run a preset, or a sequence of macro style presets.
7. Matte Output
This output is used with the fill output when building the composition in an external switcher.
8. Preview Monitor
Monitoring loop lets an operator preview different internal sources across multiple Ultimatte units.
Background Input
Source input containing the new background such as a virtual set video source or a matte painting.
Background Matte Input
Used to displace opaque areas in the background so foreground elements can appear behind them.
Garbage Matte Input
Removes areas of the foreground source that you don’t want to be included in the composite.
Foreground Input
The foreground input is the source from your camera. This is the talent shot with the green screen.
Holdout Matte Input
Keeps foreground objects from being keyed out such as items with similar colors to the screen color.
Layer Input
Downstream keyer input that allows you to superimpose sources over the foreground, such as titles.
Layer Matte Input
This is the key for the layer source and is used when creating a composition with the layer input.
Program Output
The main output for broadcast with background, foreground and layers all composited together.
Future Proof Models with Advanced 12G‑SDI
The Ultimatte 12 4K and Ultimatte 12 8K models feature advanced 12G-SDI connections so you can operate with current HD video formats as well as future Ultra HD and 8K video formats. 12G-SDI gives you high frame rate Ultra HD via a single BNC connection that also plugs into all of your regular HD equipment! That means Ultimatte 12 4K is compatible with virtually all SD, HD, 3G, 6G and 12G-SDI equipment, and supports all HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60! While the Ultimatte 12 8K model features Quad Link 12G-SDI for all video formats up to 4320p60 8K. All this means you can use Ultimatte 12 with your HD cameras now, but then instantly switch to Ultra HD or 8K when you’re ready!
Use Multiple Ultimatte Units on a Single Monitor!
All Ultimatte 12 models feature a monitor cascade feature that lets you view the monitor output from up to eight Ultimatte units on a single SDI display. Simply connect up to eight Ultimatte units via an SDI daisy chain using the monitor input and monitor output connections, with the last Ultimatte unit then plugged into an SDI monitor. Then when you switch to monitor any specific Ultimatte unit using the Ultimatte Software Control or the Smart Remote 4, the monitor output will then clean switch, with almost zero latency, and be passed down the chain for display on the monitor. This greatly simplifies monitoring, even when working with lots of Ultimatte equipped cameras.
Control HDMI Cameras from SDI Switchers
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. Just connect SDI from the Ultimatte out to the switcher input, the switcher program out to the Ultimatte SDI input, and then the HDMI connects to the camera. Now add a camera number in the Ultimatte utility to get control of the camera color corrector, tally and even remote record trigger! Plus you also get camera control with HDMI when used with switchers such as ATEM Mini!
Includes Free Ultimatte Software Control
All Ultimatte 12 models 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 you will quickly learn to move between settings instinctively as you build your composition. Because Ultimatte Software Control runs on a computer, you can upload the Ultimatte 12 frame stores! All settings and still frames are saved in flash memory so are preserved when the power is turned off. Plus the Ultimatte 12 4K and 8K models include 10G Ethernet for even faster file upload!
Main Menu Buttons
Tap the menu buttons along the top of the window to select the different input sources you want to adjust. You can also select the matte for making adjustments to the primary matte, and configure your Ultimatte 12.
Functions
The functions section provides specific Ultimatte settings that can be selected, enabled or disabled. For example, one of the most common controls is reset, which is located in this section if you need to restore a particular setting to its default state.
Groups
This section of the interface contains the majority of the settings menus. For example, if you want to adjust the foreground flare controls, then simply click the foreground button, then click the Flare 1 button. The flare controls will now be visible on the main window side controls for adjustment.
Information and File Control
This section lets you save preset files and configure some of the settings on your Ultimatte. Simply click the folder icon to save a preset! Plus settings can be copied between different models of Ultimatte 12. You can also view status and configuration by clicking on the small information icon.
Status Bar
You can see all the Ultimatte units being controlled by the Ultimatte Software Control by looking at the status bar on the bottom of the main window. The status of each unit icon will illuminate green when identified on your network. When a unit is selected for control the icon will illuminate blue.
Monitor Out
This is one of the most important controls and will set what images are displayed on a video monitor connected to your Ultimatte’s monitor output. You can change the monitor display between program out, foreground input, background input, combined matte view, internal matte view and fill out.
Add an Optional Ultimatte Smart Remote 4
The Ultimatte Smart Remote 4 is a touchscreen remote that connects via Ethernet to control up to eight Ultimatte 12 units. Combined with the monitor cascade, this means you can view up to eight Ultimatte 12 units without adding a video router. Smart Remote 4 also features physical buttons and knobs for finer control of the Ultimatte 12 parameters. There are also buttons for quickly loading and saving presets, and a touchscreen that gives you full control over every Ultimatte parameter. Plus the front panel of the Ultimatte rack unit also has buttons to allow recall of custom presets! You can also create custom control solutions with the easy to use text based Ultimatte control protocol.
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SpecificationsDescription
Ultimatte 12 HD is an advanced real time compositing processor designed for keying live action video with next generation broadcast graphics, virtual sets and more. Ultimatte 12 HD features new algorithms and color science, incredible edge handling and color separation, amazing color fidelity, and better spill suppression than ever before. The high performance 3G-SDI design gives you the power to work in HD with sub pixel processing for an amazing image.
Connections
SDI Video Inputs
5
SDI Video Outputs
4
SDI Video Loop Outputs
1
reclocked SD or HD Camera FG.
SDI Rates
270Mb, 1.5G, 3G.
Video Input Re-Sync
On all inputs.
Reference Connections
1 x BNC In, 1 x BNC Out.
Tri-Sync or Black Burst.
GPIO
DE15
Ethernet
Up to 1Gb/s for device control and loading stills into Media Pool.
Computer Interface
1 x USB-C 3.0 for device configuration and software updates.
Standards
SD Video Standards
525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL
HD Video Standards
720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60
1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60
1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60
1080PsF23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25, 1080PsF29.97, 1080PsF30
SDI Compliance
SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 424M, SMPTE 425M level A and B.
Video Sampling
4:2:2
Color Precision
10-bit
Color Space
REC 601, REC 709, REC 2020.
Multiple Rate Support
Auto detection of SD and HD.
Composite Sources
Foreground
1 x 3G-SDI In with Loop Out
Background
1 x 3G-SDI In
Still from Media Pool
Background Matte
Internal Window
Still from Media Pool
Garbage Matte
1 x 3G-SDI In
Internal Window
Still from Media Pool
Holdout Matte
1 x 3G-SDI In
Internal Window
Still from Media Pool
Layer
Still from Media Pool
Layer Matte
Internal Window
Still from Media Pool
Composite Outputs
Fill
1 x 3G-SDI
Matte
1 x 3G-SDI
Program
1 x 3G-SDI
Monitor
Monitor In
1 x 3G-SDI
for monitor cascade
Monitor Out
1 x 3G-SDI
For monitoring Program, Foreground Input, Background Input, Combined Matte, Internal Matte, Fill Out, Layer Input, Background Matte Input, Garbage Matte Input, Holdout Matte Input, Layer Matte Input, Processed Layer Matte, Processed Holdout Matte, Processed Garbage Matte, Processed Background Matte, Screen Correction.
Media Pool
Background Still Image Formats
TGA, TIFF, BMP, PNG, JPG.
Background with Alpha Still Image Formats
TGA, TIFF, BMP.
Layer Image Still Image Formats
TGA, TIFF, BMP, PNG, JPG.
Layer with Alpha Still Image Formats
TGA, TIFF, BMP.
Garbage Matte Still Image Formats
TIFF, BMP, PNG, JPG.
Holdout Matte Still Image Formats
TIFF, BMP, PNG, JPG.
Media Pool Memory
6GB non-volatile internal storage.
Displays
Built in 2.2 inch color display for device name, video preview, video standard audio meters, status and menus.
Control
Front Panel
2.2 inch color display, 3 preset buttons, 3 menu buttons and spin knob.
Control Connection
Network or direct Ethernet connection to a computer running Ultimatte Software Control or Ultimatte Smart Remote 4.
Software Control
Ultimatte Software Control
supported on Mac™ or Windows™ computers.
Hardware Control Panel
Ultimatte Smart Remote 4
Custom Control
Ethernet protocol and GPIO pin out included in the Ultimatte instruction manual.
Software
Software Updates
Using USB‑C or Ethernet connection to Mac™ or Windows™ computers.
Configuration
Ultimatte IP address is set via the front panel or Ultimatte setup utility connected via USB.
Operating Systems
Mac 12.0 Monterey,
Mac 13.0 Ventura or later.
Windows 10, 64-bit.
Windows 11.
Power Requirements
Power Supply
1 x Internal 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Power Usage
15W
Accessories
Optional Accessories
Ultimatte Smart Remote 4
Physical Installation
Half rack unit width, 1 rack unit height.
Physical Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature
0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Storage Temperature
-20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)
Relative Humidity
0% to 90% non-condensing.
What's Included
Ultimatte 12 HD
Welcome wallet with QR code for software download
Warranty
1 Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Blackmagic
Blackmagic BMD-SWATEMSCN2/1ME4/HD
ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD