ultimatte 9 User manual
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
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SAFETY AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
1. CAUTION: Earth connection is essential before connecting power
supply.
ATTENTION: Une raccordement à la terre est indispensable avant le
raccordement au réseau.
2. CAUTION: There are no customer serviceable parts within this unit.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
ATTENTION: Cet appareil ne contiens pas des pieces qui peuvent être
reparés le client. À ne pas ouvrir que par un technicien
qualifié.
3. CAUTION: Disconnect power before opening the chassis.
ATTENTION: Coupez le courant avant d’ouvrir le châssis.
4. CAUTION: Grounding circuit continuity is vital for the safe operation of
this equipment. Never operate this equipment with the
grounding conductor disconnected.
ATTENTION: Un circuit de terre continu est essentiel en vue du
fonctionnement sécuritaire de l’appareil. Ne metre jamais
d’appareil en marche lorsque le conducteur de mise à la
terre est débranché.
5. CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
ATTENTION: IL y a danger d'explosion s'il y a remplacement incorrect de
la batterie. Remplacer uniquement avec une batterie du
même type Ou d’un type équivalent recommandé par le
constructeur. Mettre au rebut les batteries usagées
Conformément aux instructions du fabricant.
WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Ultimatte Corporation could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
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I. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................1
1. Natural Edges and AdvantEdge......................................................................................................1
2. Perspective, Background Defocus.................................................................................................1
3. Lighting and Ambiance ...................................................................................................................2
4. Colorimetry .......................................................................................................................................2
5. Image Stability..................................................................................................................................2
6. FG/BG Interaction ............................................................................................................................3
II. ULTIMATTE-9 MAIN UNIT CHARACTERISTICS....................................................................................4
1. Overall Dimensions..........................................................................................................................4
2. Physical Installation.........................................................................................................................4
3. Power Requirements .......................................................................................................................4
4. Video Interface..................................................................................................................................4
5. Communications..............................................................................................................................5
6. Configuration....................................................................................................................................5
7. Status Display LEDs ........................................................................................................................7
8. Fuse Replacement ...........................................................................................................................7
III. SMART REMOTE CHARACTERISTICS.................................................................................................9
1. Overall Dimensions..........................................................................................................................9
2. Physical Installation.........................................................................................................................9
3. Power Requirements .......................................................................................................................9
4. Communications............................................................................................................................10
IV. SMART REMOTE HARDWARE OVERVIEW.......................................................................................12
1. Hard and Soft Buttons...................................................................................................................13
2. Display.............................................................................................................................................13
3. Primary Menus................................................................................................................................13
4. Switches..........................................................................................................................................15
5. Control Knobs ................................................................................................................................15
6. View Menu.......................................................................................................................................16
7. Files Menu.......................................................................................................................................16
8. Function Menu................................................................................................................................17
9. System Timing................................................................................................................................17
10. Communications..........................................................................................................................17
11. Keyboard and Mouse...................................................................................................................17
V. ULTIMATTE-9 QUICK START...............................................................................................................18
Step 1: Configure the System..........................................................................................................18
Step 2: Sample the Backing Color...................................................................................................18
Step 3: Set the Matte Controls.........................................................................................................18
Step 4: Set the Flare Controls..........................................................................................................20
Step 5: Set the AdvantEdge Controls .............................................................................................20
Step 6: Set the BG Defocus Controls..............................................................................................21
VI. UNDERSTANDING BASIC CONTROLS..............................................................................................22
1. Matte Density..................................................................................................................................22
2. Black Gloss.....................................................................................................................................22
3. Green Density / Red Density (for blue backing)..........................................................................23
4. Clean Up..........................................................................................................................................23
5. Shadow Noise.................................................................................................................................23
6. BG Level Balance...........................................................................................................................23
7. Windows..........................................................................................................................................24
8. FG Processing................................................................................................................................24
9. BG Veil Levels ................................................................................................................................25
10. Flare Suppression........................................................................................................................25
11. Screen Color Selection................................................................................................................26
12. Automatic Screen Color Selection.............................................................................................26
13. Manual Screen Color Selection ..................................................................................................26
VII. MATTE MENU......................................................................................................................................27
1. Matte Density..................................................................................................................................27
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2. Black Gloss.....................................................................................................................................27
3. Green Density: (Blue Backing) .....................................................................................................28
4. Red Density: (Blue Backing).........................................................................................................28
5. Shadow Noise.................................................................................................................................28
6. BG Level Balance...........................................................................................................................28
7. Clean Up Level................................................................................................................................29
8. Clean Up Threshold .......................................................................................................................29
9. Matte Reset.....................................................................................................................................29
10. Matte View 75/100.........................................................................................................................29
11. Matte On/Off..................................................................................................................................29
12. Auto Screen Select ......................................................................................................................29
VIII. CLEAN UP / SHADOW MENU............................................................................................................30
1. Shadow Removal Level.................................................................................................................30
2. Shadow Removal Screen ..............................................................................................................30
3. Shadow Removal Threshold.........................................................................................................31
4. Clean Up Level................................................................................................................................31
5. Clean Up Threshold .......................................................................................................................31
6. Clean Up Balance...........................................................................................................................31
7. BG Level Balance..........................................................................................................................32
8. Matte Reset.....................................................................................................................................32
IX. MATTE SIZING MENU..........................................................................................................................33
1. Position Horizontal ........................................................................................................................33
2. Matte Size Horizontal.....................................................................................................................33
3. Matte Size Vertical..........................................................................................................................33
4. Holdout Matte LEVEL.....................................................................................................................34
5. Holdout Off/On................................................................................................................................34
6. Holdout All Flare.............................................................................................................................34
7. Holdout Invert.................................................................................................................................34
X. SCREEN COLOR MENU .......................................................................................................................35
1. Screen Color Red...........................................................................................................................35
2. Screen Color Green .......................................................................................................................36
3. Screen Color Blue..........................................................................................................................36
4. Cursor Position Horizontal............................................................................................................36
5. Cursor Position Vertical................................................................................................................36
6. Screen Color Enable......................................................................................................................36
7. Cursor Enable.................................................................................................................................36
8. Select Peak Value...........................................................................................................................36
9. Auto Screen Select ........................................................................................................................36
XI. VEIL / OVER EXPOSURE MENU.........................................................................................................37
1. Over Exposure Level .....................................................................................................................37
2. Over Exposure Threshold.............................................................................................................37
3. Red Veil ...........................................................................................................................................37
4. Green Veil........................................................................................................................................37
5. Blue Veil ..........................................................................................................................................38
6. Master Veil ......................................................................................................................................38
7. Exposure Off / On...........................................................................................................................38
XII. ADVANTEDGE MENU .........................................................................................................................39
1. Overlay Width.................................................................................................................................39
2. Correction Window ........................................................................................................................39
3. Overlay Position.............................................................................................................................39
4. Overlay View...................................................................................................................................40
5. Correction Enable ..........................................................................................................................40
6. Vertical Correction.........................................................................................................................40
7. Horizontal Smoothing....................................................................................................................40
XIII. FOREGROUND CONTROLS MENU..................................................................................................41
1. FG White Level MASTER...............................................................................................................41
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2. FG Master Black MASTER.............................................................................................................41
3. FG Contrast MASTER ....................................................................................................................42
4. FG Saturation MASTER .................................................................................................................42
5. Fade / Mix.......................................................................................................................................42
6. FG Color Reset...............................................................................................................................42
7. Ambiance Enable ...........................................................................................................................42
XIV. FOREGROUND BLACK / WHITE MENU...........................................................................................43
1. FG Black Level RED.......................................................................................................................43
2. FG Black Level GREEN..................................................................................................................43
3. FG Black Level BLUE.....................................................................................................................43
4. FG Black Level MASTER ...............................................................................................................43
5. FG White Level RED.......................................................................................................................44
6. FG White Level GREEN .................................................................................................................44
7. FG White Level BLUE ....................................................................................................................44
8. FG White Level MASTER...............................................................................................................44
9. FG Color Reset...............................................................................................................................44
10. Ambiance Enable .........................................................................................................................44
XV. FOREGROUND CONTRAST / SATURATION MENU........................................................................45
1. FG Contrast RED...........................................................................................................................45
2. FG Contrast GREEN.......................................................................................................................45
3. FG Contrast BLUE..........................................................................................................................45
4. FG Contrast MASTER ....................................................................................................................45
5. FG Saturation RED.........................................................................................................................45
6. FG Saturation GREEN....................................................................................................................46
7. FG Saturation BLUE.......................................................................................................................46
8. FG Saturation MASTER .................................................................................................................46
9. FG Color Reset...............................................................................................................................46
10. Ambiance Enable .........................................................................................................................46
XVI. FOREGROUND FLARE MENU..........................................................................................................47
1. Black Balance.................................................................................................................................51
2. White Balance.................................................................................................................................51
3. Gray Balance ..................................................................................................................................51
4. Advanced Flare Off/On ..................................................................................................................51
XVII. FOREGROUND AMBIANCE MENU..................................................................................................52
1. Influence Red..................................................................................................................................53
2. Influence Green..............................................................................................................................53
3. Influence Blue.................................................................................................................................53
4. BG Ambiance Level .......................................................................................................................53
5. Ambiance Level Reflection ...........................................................................................................53
6. Ambiance Level Lighting...............................................................................................................53
7. Ambiance Lighting Direction........................................................................................................53
8. Ambiance Reset .............................................................................................................................53
9. Ambiance Enable ...........................................................................................................................53
XVIII. BACKGROUND CONTROLS MENU ...............................................................................................54
1. BG White Level MASTER...............................................................................................................54
2. BG MASTER....................................................................................................................................54
3. BG Contrast Master .......................................................................................................................54
4. BG Saturation Master ....................................................................................................................55
5. Fade / Mix........................................................................................................................................55
6. BG Color Reset...............................................................................................................................55
7. Test Signal Enable .........................................................................................................................55
XIX. BACKGROUND BLACK / WHITE MENU ..........................................................................................56
1. BG Black Level RED ......................................................................................................................56
2. BG Black Level GREEN .................................................................................................................56
3. BG Black Level BLUE ....................................................................................................................56
4. BG Black Level MASTER...............................................................................................................56
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5. BG White Level RED ......................................................................................................................57
6. BG White Level GREEN.................................................................................................................57
7. BG White Level BLUE....................................................................................................................57
8. BG White Level MASTER...............................................................................................................57
9. BG Color Reset...............................................................................................................................57
XX. BACKGROUND CONTRAST / SATURATION MENU........................................................................58
1. BG Contrast RED ...........................................................................................................................58
2. BG Contrast GREEN ......................................................................................................................58
3. BG Contrast BLUE .........................................................................................................................58
4. BG Contrast MASTER...................................................................................................................58
5. BG Saturation RED ........................................................................................................................58
6. BG Saturation GREEN ..................................................................................................................58
7. BG Saturation BLUE .....................................................................................................................59
8. BG Saturation MASTER.................................................................................................................59
9. BG Color Reset...............................................................................................................................59
XXI. BACKGROUND SIGNAL TEST MENU..............................................................................................60
1. Signal Level RED............................................................................................................................60
2. Signal Level GREEN ......................................................................................................................60
3. Signal Level BLUE .........................................................................................................................60
4. Signal Level MASTER....................................................................................................................60
5. Test Signal Color Reset.................................................................................................................60
6. Test Signal Enable .........................................................................................................................60
XXII. BACKGROUND DEFOCUS MENU...................................................................................................61
1. Defocus Mask: (Level Slicing))....................................................................................................62
2. BG Defocus.....................................................................................................................................63
3. Defocus Transition Rate................................................................................................................63
4. BG Defocus Sensitivity..................................................................................................................63
5. Defocus Enable ..............................................................................................................................63
6. Mask Enable....................................................................................................................................63
7. SET MIN...........................................................................................................................................63
8. SET MAX .........................................................................................................................................63
9. Defocus (Mask) Invert....................................................................................................................63
XXIII. BACKGROUND DEFOCUS CONFIGURE MENU...........................................................................64
1. Window Mask..................................................................................................................................64
2. Matte In Mask..................................................................................................................................64
XXIV. WINDOWS MENU.............................................................................................................................65
1. Window Softness Top....................................................................................................................65
2. Window Softness Bottom..............................................................................................................65
3. Window Softness Left....................................................................................................................66
4. Window Softness Right.................................................................................................................66
5. Window Position Top.....................................................................................................................66
6. Window Position Bottom...............................................................................................................66
7. Window Position Left.....................................................................................................................66
8. Window Position Right..................................................................................................................66
9. Window Enable...............................................................................................................................66
10. Window Invert...............................................................................................................................66
11. Window Reset...............................................................................................................................66
12. Window Refresh...........................................................................................................................66
XXV. PAINT WINDOWS MENU..................................................................................................................67
1. Cursor Position Horizontal............................................................................................................67
2. Cursor Position Vertical................................................................................................................67
3. Window Air Brush..........................................................................................................................67
4. Window Density..............................................................................................................................67
5. Paint On / Off ..................................................................................................................................67
6. Window Brush................................................................................................................................67
XXVI. DRAW WINDOWS MENU ................................................................................................................68
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1. Window Softness ...........................................................................................................................68
2. Cursor Position Horizontal............................................................................................................68
3. Cursor Position Vertical................................................................................................................68
4. Windows X (Y) Softness................................................................................................................68
XXVII. WINDOWS SKEW MENU................................................................................................................69
1. Skew Window Top..........................................................................................................................69
2. Skew Window Bottom....................................................................................................................69
3. Skew Window Left..........................................................................................................................69
4. Skew Window Right.......................................................................................................................69
5. Window Position Top.....................................................................................................................69
6. Window Position Bottom...............................................................................................................69
7. Window Position Left.....................................................................................................................70
8. Window Position Right..................................................................................................................70
9. Window Enable...............................................................................................................................70
10. Window Invert...............................................................................................................................70
XXVIII. MATTE IN / OUT CONFIGURATION MENU .................................................................................71
1. Matte IN Offset................................................................................................................................72
2. Matte IN Gain ..................................................................................................................................72
3. Matte IN Level Balance ..................................................................................................................72
4. Matte OUT Offset............................................................................................................................72
5. Matte OUT Gain ..............................................................................................................................72
6. Matte IN Enable...............................................................................................................................72
7. Matte IN Invert.................................................................................................................................72
8. Bilevel Matte Off.............................................................................................................................72
9. Matte OUT Invert.............................................................................................................................72
XXIX. CONFIGURATION MENU................................................................................................................73
1. Foreground.....................................................................................................................................73
2. Background ....................................................................................................................................73
3. Matte In............................................................................................................................................73
4. Reference........................................................................................................................................73
5. Loop Through 1..............................................................................................................................73
6. Loop Through 2..............................................................................................................................73
7. System Reset..................................................................................................................................74
8. FG Bypass.......................................................................................................................................74
9. Red Backing....................................................................................................................................74
10. Green Backing..............................................................................................................................74
11. Blue Backing.................................................................................................................................74
XXX. GPI SETUP MENU.............................................................................................................................75
1. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................75
2. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................75
XXXI. GPI FILE NAME MENU....................................................................................................................76
1. Accept Name...................................................................................................................................76
2. Add Char To Name.........................................................................................................................76
3. Space Key.......................................................................................................................................76
4. Backspace Key...............................................................................................................................76
5. Underscore Key..............................................................................................................................76
XXXII. GPI I/O CONFIGURE MENU...........................................................................................................77
1. GPI OUT Select...............................................................................................................................77
2. GPI OUT Dwell Time.......................................................................................................................77
3. GPI INPUT Select............................................................................................................................77
4. GPI INPUT Dwell Time ...................................................................................................................77
5. GPI OUT HI/LOW.............................................................................................................................77
6. GPI OUT 1........................................................................................................................................77
7. GPI OUT 2........................................................................................................................................78
8. Set On Air........................................................................................................................................78
9. GPI Input ON/OFF...........................................................................................................................78
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10. GPI Input HIGH /LOW...................................................................................................................78
XXXIII. INPUT CONFIGURE MENU...........................................................................................................79
1. Editor Trim......................................................................................................................................79
2. FG 10/8 bit.......................................................................................................................................79
3. BG 10/8 bit.......................................................................................................................................79
4. Matte In 10/8 bit ..............................................................................................................................79
5. Active Loop Trim Bypass..............................................................................................................79
6. FG+BG 10/8 bit ...............................................................................................................................79
7. Matte Out 10/8 bit ...........................................................................................................................79
XXXIV. MISCELLANEOUS CONFIGURE MENU ......................................................................................80
1. GPI Out Save...................................................................................................................................80
2. Control Knob Detents....................................................................................................................80
3. Rehearse Mode...............................................................................................................................80
4. Font Percent ...................................................................................................................................80
5. Filter On...........................................................................................................................................80
6. Editor 115.2K ..................................................................................................................................80
XXXV. ON AIR LOCKOUT MENU..............................................................................................................81
1. On Air Lockout ...............................................................................................................................81
2. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................81
3. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................81
4. Select Page.....................................................................................................................................81
XXXVI. ON AIR LOCKOUT DIAL CATEGORY MENU..............................................................................82
1. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................82
2. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................82
3. Previous Page.................................................................................................................................82
4. Next Page........................................................................................................................................82
5. Select Page.....................................................................................................................................82
6. Toggle Lockout...............................................................................................................................82
XXXVII. ON AIR LOCKOUT PUSH BUTTON PAGE SELECT MENU......................................................83
1. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................83
2. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................83
3. Select Page.....................................................................................................................................83
XXXVIII. ON AIR LOCKOUT SELECT PUSH BUTTONS MENU..............................................................84
1. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................84
2. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................84
3. Previous Page.................................................................................................................................84
4. Next Page........................................................................................................................................84
5. Select Page.....................................................................................................................................84
6. Toggle Lockout...............................................................................................................................84
XXXIX. FILES MENU..................................................................................................................................85
1. Quick save ......................................................................................................................................85
2. Quick Load......................................................................................................................................85
3. Memory Clear..................................................................................................................................85
XL. EFFECTS MENU..................................................................................................................................86
1. Edit Effect........................................................................................................................................86
2. Effects Directory ............................................................................................................................86
3. Run Effect .......................................................................................................................................86
4. Create New Effect...........................................................................................................................86
XLI. CREATE NEW EFFECT MENU..........................................................................................................87
1. Clear Controls.................................................................................................................................87
2. Build Key Frames...........................................................................................................................87
XLVII. EFFECT FILE NAME MENU ...........................................................................................................88
1. Accept Name...................................................................................................................................88
2. Add Char To Name.........................................................................................................................88
3. Space Key.......................................................................................................................................88
4. Backspace Key...............................................................................................................................88
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5. Underscore Key..............................................................................................................................88
XLIII. BUILD EFFECT KEY FRAME MENU...............................................................................................89
1. Center/Right Controls Selected....................................................................................................89
2. Previous Key Frame.......................................................................................................................89
3. Next Key Frame..............................................................................................................................89
4. Delete Key Frame...........................................................................................................................89
5. Save Key Frame .............................................................................................................................89
XLIV. EFFECTS DIRECTORY....................................................................................................................90
1. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................90
2. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................90
3. Previous Page.................................................................................................................................90
4. Next Page........................................................................................................................................90
5. Load Effect......................................................................................................................................90
6. Create New Effect...........................................................................................................................90
7. Rename Effect ................................................................................................................................90
8. Edit Effect........................................................................................................................................90
9. Delete Effect....................................................................................................................................90
XLV. CUSTOM MENUS 1-4........................................................................................................................91
1. D1-D11.............................................................................................................................................91
2. B1-B12.............................................................................................................................................91
XLVI. SAVING AND LOADING FILES.......................................................................................................92
1. Up One Item ....................................................................................................................................92
2. Down One Item...............................................................................................................................92
3. Previous Page.................................................................................................................................92
4. Next Page........................................................................................................................................92
5. File Transfer....................................................................................................................................92
6. Rename Item...................................................................................................................................92
7. Delete Item ......................................................................................................................................92
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................................................93
1. Software Communications Protocol............................................................................................93
2. Software Protocol Timing Diagram............................................................................................106
3. Software/Firmware Update..........................................................................................................106
4. Battery Replacement ...................................................................................................................106
5. Menu Tree .....................................................................................................................................107
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Configuration Settings ...............................................................................................................5
Figure 2: Ultimatte-9 Rear Panel and Connector Pin Out........................................................................8
Figure 3: Mounting Options .......................................................................................................................9
Figure 4: Smart Remote Rear Panel and Connector Pin Out................................................................11
Figure 5: Smart Remote Front Panel.......................................................................................................12
Figure 6: ON AIR and Main Menu Select Buttons..................................................................................13
Figure 7: Sub-Menus, Function Selects and Controls...........................................................................14
Figure 8: Main to Sub-Menu Selections..................................................................................................15
Figure 9: View, File and Function Menu Switches.................................................................................16
Figure 10: Matte Menu...............................................................................................................................27
Figure 11: Clean Up / Shadow Menu .......................................................................................................30
Figure 12: Matte Sizing Menu...................................................................................................................33
Figure 13: Screen Color Menu .................................................................................................................35
Figure 14: Veil / Over Exposure Menu.....................................................................................................37
Figure 15: AdvantEdge Menu...................................................................................................................39
Figure 16: Foreground Controls Menu....................................................................................................41
Figure 17: Foreground Black / White Menu............................................................................................43
Figure 18: Foreground Contrast / Saturation Menu...............................................................................45
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Figure 19: Foreground Flare Menu..........................................................................................................47
Figure 20: Foreground Ambiance Menu .................................................................................................52
Figure 21: Background Controls Menu...................................................................................................54
Figure 22: Background Black / White Menu ..........................................................................................56
Figure 23: Background Contrast / Saturation Menu..............................................................................58
Figure 24: Test Signal Menu.....................................................................................................................60
Figure 25: Background Defocus Menu...................................................................................................61
Figure 26: Background Defocus Configure Menu ................................................................................64
Figure 27: Windows Menu........................................................................................................................65
Figure 28: Paint Windows Menu..............................................................................................................67
Figure 29: Draw Windows Menu..............................................................................................................68
Figure 30: Windows Skew Menu..............................................................................................................69
Figure 31: Matte In / Out Configuration Menu ........................................................................................71
Figure 32: Configuration Menu................................................................................................................73
Figure 33: GPI Setup Menu.......................................................................................................................75
Figure 34: GPI File Name Menu................................................................................................................76
Figure 35: GPI I/O Configure Menu..........................................................................................................77
Figure 36: Input Configure Menu.............................................................................................................79
Figure 37: Miscellaneous Configure Menu.............................................................................................80
Figure 38: Select Dial Category Menu.....................................................................................................81
Figure 39: Select Dial Controls Menu......................................................................................................82
Figure 40: Select Push Button Category Menu......................................................................................83
Figure 41: Select Push Buttons Menu.....................................................................................................84
Figure 42: Files Menu................................................................................................................................85
Figure 43: Effects Menu............................................................................................................................86
Figure 44: Create New Effect Menu.........................................................................................................87
Figure 45: Effect File Name Menu............................................................................................................88
Figure 46: Build Effect Key Frame Menu ................................................................................................89
Figure 47: Effects Directory .....................................................................................................................90
Figure 48: Custom Menus ........................................................................................................................91
Figure 49: Save/Load a File/User Configuration....................................................................................92
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Dip Switch Settings ......................................................................................................................6
Table 2: LED Status.....................................................................................................................................7
Table 3: Gate Functions (Blue Backing) .................................................................................................48
Table 4: Gate Functions (Green Backing)...............................................................................................49
Table 5: Gate Functions (Red Backing) ..................................................................................................50
Table 6: Matte In Levels For Bi-Level Signal ..........................................................................................62
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Ultimatte-9 is a "digital video image" compositing device that produces realistic composites of two
images. Its inputs and outputs comply with CCIR-601 and SMPTE-259M-C Serial Component Digital
standard. Ultimatte-9 can be interfaced with any video system that can provide or accept 8 or 10 bit
4:2:2:4 serial digital video, such as video cameras, video recorders, telecine, video switchers, paint and
graphic systems, etc. Ultimatte-9 is a real time digital device, which differs from all other keyers in the
degree of realism it can achieve in a composite under various non-ideal conditions.
There are a number of factors that can affect the realism of a composite image. Some of them depend on
the sophistication of the compositing device and others are determined by production techniques
including art direction and lighting. The following section describes some of the factors that affect the
natural and realistic look of a composite.
The Ultimatte-9 Main Unit needs to be connected to a Smart Remote via the RS-422 port in order to be
functional.
Note: Operating the Ultimatte-9 Main Unit with an Ultimatte GUI interface (future)
1. Natural Edges and AdvantEdge
The appearance of the outer edges of the foreground (FG) subject in the composite image is perhaps the
primary factor affecting the believability of the composite. Nothing will undermine the illusion faster than
colored fringing, dark lines or loss of detail on the edge of the foreground. A cut-and-paste look may be
desirable in certain styles of graphics, but it cannot be accepted in a composite, that is intended to be a
realistic image intercut with conventional images.
A large segment of this manual is devoted to explaining the controls and techniques used to preserve the
natural appearance of the FG subject. The Matte Density, Green Density, Red Density, Black Gloss, BG
Level Balance, Clean Up Level, Clean Up Balance and Clean Up Threshold controls can all affect the
appearance of the edges of the FG subjects. Edges can also be affected by two other important factors:
lighting and edge enhancement.
If there is no side lighting on the FG subject, the edges can appear inappropriately dark in the composite
image. It is important to remember that bounce light from the backing (screen) that is falling on the edges
of the FG subject will be suppressed by the Flare Suppression circuitry in the Ultimatte-9. To the eye, the
edges of the FG subject may appear to be illuminated because of the bounce from the backing, but this
light is contaminating the colors of the FG subject, and will be removed by the Flare Suppression circuitry.
A certain amount of side lighting is always recommended.
Detail edges generated in the video camera will be treated as part of the FG subject. If the background
(BG) scene is such that a detail edge around the FG will seem inappropriate, steps must be taken to
minimize or eliminate the detail edge. Depending on the camera, there are a variety of ways to reduce or
eliminate such a detail edge. The choice of the color used for the backing can also affect the detail edges
in the FG. These arguments are also true for images shot on film, then transferred to video through
telecine.
Detail Generators in cameras, chromatic lens aberration etc. can create distracting edge effects. Using
traditional methods tend to soften or feather the edges reduce fine detail, hair detail, motion blur and
shadows. A new Ultimatte-9 process called AdvantEdge produces a flawless edge without the detail loss
associated with typical choking and softening techniques.
2. Perspective, Background Defocus
Matching the perspective of the FG with BG is another critical factor in creating a realistic composite
image. The best way to achieve this is through pre-production art direction and by thoroughly
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
2
documenting and then matching each camera set up. Perspective is primarily a function of lens focal
length, camera height, camera tilt angle and camera-to-subject distance.
One of the new features introduced in the Ultimatte-9 is Background defocus. Normally as the FG camera
zooms in, the background should realistically and gradually go into a “soft” focus. When using pre-
rendered backgrounds, as the FG camera zooms in on the subject the background remains in focus
presenting an unrealistic composite image. With the Ultimatte-9, a gradual background defocus occurs
as the camera zooms in towards the subject and as it zooms out the background gradually returns to
focus.
With the Ultimatte-9, not only can the start and end points of defocus be specified but also the rate at
which defocus changes. There may be certain areas of the background that do not require defocusing.
Masking of the defocusing area can be done through the matte in signal.
3. Lighting and Ambiance
Matching the lighting of the FG and BG is equally important in creating a realistic composite image. Even
the most technically perfect blend of two images will look unreal if the lighting on the FG is totally at odds
with the lighting in the BG scene. The FG subject should be lit to match the look of the BG scene, but
without compromising the quality of the matte. FG Level, FG Black, and FG Contrast controls in the
Ultimatte-9 can help in blending the two images.
Another new feature added to the Ultimatte-9 is Ambiance. In the real world the colors of the background
will have some effect on the foreground. For example, if a person were to stand in front of a blue
background a certain amount of this background light would be "splashed" on the person creating a bluish
tint. When using pre-rendered backgrounds, this effect cannot be achieved using previously available
compositing techniques. The Ambiance feature in the Ultimatte-9 automatically analyzes the foreground
and the background to create a real image that "matches" the foreground with the background. In other
words, when this feature is enabled the foreground will automatically adjust to any background changes.
4. Colorimetry
A mismatch in colorimetry between the FG and BG can also undermine the realism of a composite image.
White balancing the camera or the telecine, for example, is an important step in shooting or transferring a
FG because of the effect it can have on the matte signal generation. The FG should not be further
colorized or painted with the camera or other color correction systems prior to compositing, as these
adjustments influence the integrity of the backing color and backing-to-subject transition edges. The FG
color controls of the Ultimatte-9 should be used instead. These controls do not interfere with the matte
generation process. With these FG color controls, it is possible to match the colorimetry of FG elements
to BG elements in the composite, even though these elements were shot under different conditions.
5. Image Stability
The relative stability of FG and BG images in a composite is also an important factor in achieving a
seamless blend of the two. Generally, image stability is a consideration when one or both elements are
originally photographed on film and transferred on a telecine. It is possible to create steady images on a
telecine transfer either by using a pin-registered gate in the telecine, or by using some form of electronic
registration.
Many forms of repeatable pan-tilt heads do not have the accuracy necessary to prevent any movement
discrepancies between FG and BG. Even if the start and stop positions are identical, slight differences in
the rate can cause the FG to appear to be sliding relative to the BG, and the illusion of the composite will
be destroyed.
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March 1, 2000
3
6. FG/BG Interaction
In addition to the planning and care required to produce a technically good composite, imagination plays
a role in creating an image that encourages the viewer to believe it is real. Having the FG subject appear
to interact with the BG scene in some way will increase the believability of the composite.
Allowing the FG subject cast a shadow on to the BG is one form of apparent interaction. A set piece in the
FG that matches the background color can be used to cast a shadow conforming to an object in the BG.
A combination of real props and set pieces in the FG can be magical, even to an experienced eye.
Letting the reflection of the FG object appear on a surface in the BG scene is another form of apparent
interaction that can convince a viewer that the image is real. Unlike other systems, an Ultimatte-9 will
composite a reflection just like any other FG object. It is only necessary to add a reflective surface to the
backing. Glossy paint or Plexiglas can be used to create reflections that will appear to be on marble
floors, shiny metal objects or windows in the final composite.
Finally, the External Matte input on the Ultimatte-9 provides a powerful tool for creating apparent
interaction with the BG, especially if the BG is a computer generated environment or a piece of art. An
External Matte signal conforming to the shape of an object in the BG will override the internally generated
matte signal and force that object to obscure the FG. The External Matte signal can be turned ON and
OFF allowing the FG subject to appear to go both in front of and behind an object in the BG.
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
4
II. ULTIMATTE-9 MAIN UNIT CHARACTERISTICS
1. Overall Dimensions
17”(43.18cm) W x 21”(53.34cm) D x 1.75"(4.45cm) H.
2. Physical Installation
The Ultimatte-9 Main Unit comes equipped with slides for mounting in a 19” rack. Do not attempt to
mount the unit without the slides. The mounting ears cannot support the weight of the unit. The Ultimatte-
9 requires one unit of rack space 53.34cm (21”) deep. It is equipped with redundant dual fans in the rear
and the ventilation is from front to rear. There is no need to leave space above or below the unit in the
rack. Ensure that there is no blockage of airflow prior to applying power.
NOTE: When installing equipment into a rack, distribute the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous
conditions may be created by an uneven weight distribution.
The Ultimatte-9 Main Unit is equipped with an internal temperature sensor. The status menu on the
Smart Remote panel will display the real-time internal temperature of the Main Unit. A warning will be
displayed on the Smart Remote panel if the temperature exceeds 50 degrees Celsius to inform the user
that the unit has exceeded recommended operating temperatures. The Ultimatte-9 Main Unit will perform
a low power sleep mode if temperatures exceed 52 degrees Celsius. The only way to reset the Ultimatte-
9 Main Unit is to cycle the power. Check to see if there is a blockage of airflow or whether the fans are
operating properly.
3. Power Requirements
Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz 45mA.
NOTE: Connect the unit only to a properly rated supply circuit.
The Blue LEDs in the front of the Ultimatte-9 Main Unit indicate that power is on. The Ultimatte-9 Main
Unit is equipped with a dual output Universal Switching Power Supply rated at 3.3vdc @ 10A and 5vdc @
10A. No voltage adjustments are required. The power switch of the Main Unit is part of an integrated AC
receptacle and line filter unit mounted on the Rear Panel. Overload protection is provided by fuses (2)
rated at 250 VAC @ 4A (slow blow).
To minimize the risk of shock, always use a grounded (earth) power cord.
It is recommended that the AC cord be disconnected from the unit when the unit is being serviced
4. Video Interface
All input and output video signals of the Ultimatte-9 are 8 / 10 bit serial digital component (single
link), using 75 ohm BNC connectors in accordance with CCIR-601 and SMPTE-259M-C
specifications.
These include:
•=Eight (8) video inputs, any one of which can be software configured for Foreground, Background,
Matte inputs and Reference In, providing significant versatility.
•=Two Active Loop Outputs through which any two inputs can be selected and routed.
•=The two outputs assigned to FG+BG provide identical digital composite images, one of which
could be used as a preview source.
•=Matte output.
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
5
The outputs are in 4:2:2:4 format though all internal processing is done in 4:4:4:4 format.
Scan line rate (525 / 625) selection is automatic, and there are no adjustments for H and V
blanking. Ancillary data present in the H and V Blanking interval of the Reference signal is passed
to the output, while the information present in the H and V Blanking interval of BG and External
Matte signals are blanked.
5. Communications
Communication between the Main Unit and the Smart Remote is through an RS-422 interface at
a data rate of 115 Kbps. A standard DB9 male-male RS-422 cable is needed, with a maximum
length not exceeding 1 Km (pins 3,8 and 7,2 are used). A maximum of four (4) Ultimatte-9 Main
Units can be connected to one Smart Remote.
The Smart Remote is software configured to be the Master with up to four (4) Ultimatte-9 Main
Units as slaves. Only the Master can initiate a message exchange. The Ultimatte-9 Main Unit is
shipped with a factory default ID of number 1. When more than one unit needs to be connected,
each should be assigned a different number. Each Main Unit will respond only when it is
addressed. The ID number is selected through the rotary switch (the selected number should be
aligned to the 9 o’clock position).
NOTE: It is necessary to re-cycle power for ID settings to take effect.
An RS-422 loop connector on the back of the Ultimatte-9 permits "daisy chaining" to the next unit.
It is important to terminate the last unit in the chain by setting switches 7 and 8 to the ON (down)
position on the main board. The front panel will need to be removed to access these switches.
See Figure 1.
An RS-232/RS422 port is also available (DB9 female connector), which allows the Ultimatte-9 to
be connected to a computer. This port can be used to access all of the controls on the Ultimatte-9
Main Unit through the computer and to upload software updates. See Figure 2.
6. Configuration
Figure 1: Configuration Settings
I.D. 1-4
#1 SELECTED
AS SHOWN
RS-422 TERMINATOR
EDITOR RS422 / 232
LOAD LCA MODULES
REPROGRAM UP FLASH MEMORY
SET FACTORY DEFAULTS
34 7
6
5
128
2
1
0
4
5
6
7
8
3
9
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6
NAME SWITCHES POSITION FUNCTION
RS-422 Terminator 7-8 Up Disconnects termination network to the RS-
422 receive lines
Down
(Normal/Default) Connects termination network to the RS-422
receive lines
Set Factory Defaults 6 Up
(Normal/Default) On power up sets the Ultimatte-9 to operate
with the last Automatic Backup file
Down On power up sets the Ultimatte-9 to operate
with factory defaults
Load LCA modules 5 Down
(Normal/Default) Initialize LCA files (Factory use only)
Reprogram P Flash 4 Up
(Normal/Default) Normal Operation
Down
Reprogram P Flash Memory
Editor RS422 / RS232 3 Up
(Normal/Default) RS-232 mode
Down RS-422 mode
Table 1: Dip Switch Settings
Note: When connecting multiple Ultimatte-9 Main Units to one Smart Remote, ensure that the last Main
Unit at the end of the chain has the only connected terminator.
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March 1, 2000
7
7. Status Display LEDs
There are 7 green LEDs and one red LED that provide status information.
•=On power up all LEDs blink on and then off followed by being turned on one at a time starting
with G1 and shifted left through G7 and R
•=On the successful completion of internal diagnostics the following information is displayed on
the LEDs as shown in the table below where:
•=‘1’ indicates the led ON condition.
•=‘0’ indicates the led OFF condition.
•=‘T’ indicates the led is toggling.
R G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1 COMMENTS
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Boot Mode
T 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Blinks when Unit ID select does not match ID (1-4)
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Programming Flash
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Programming LCA
0 /1** 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Loading LCA number 1 : IOFT
0 /1** 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Loading LCA number 2 : UIC
0 /1** 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 Loading LCA number 3 : COLORIZER
0 /1** 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Loading LCA number 4 : AMBIANCE
0 /1** 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Loading LCA number 5 : DEFOCUS
0 /1** 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Loading LCA number 6 : ADVANTEDGE
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Processing a command as a result of a serial transfer
from the Smart Remote
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Processing a command as a result of a serial transfer
from the Editor port
0 T 0 0 0 0 0 0 Blinks every 4 seconds = Reference Video present
Blinks every 6 seconds = No Reference video present
Table 2: LED Status
**An "ON" condition indicates a failure in loading the LCA.
8. Fuse Replacement
Two (2) 5mm X 20mm fuses must be installed on both the Main Unit and Smart Remote. Fuses
are positioned as shown below.
opposite side.
Second fuse on
FUSE POSITIONING
REMOTE MAIN UNIT
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
8
Figure 2: Ultimatte-9 Rear Panel and Connector Pin Out
DC FANS
AND FILTER
AC INPUT
M
O
D
U
LE
REMOTE
MATTEOUT
ACTIVELOOP
2
GPI
1
EDITOR
FG+BG
86
75
INPUTS
3
41
2
GPI
13
25
12
24
11
23
10
22
9
21
8
20
7
19
6
18
5
17
4
16
3
15
2
14
1
Ultimatte 9
GPIConnector
GPI INPUT 1
GPI INPUT 2
GPI INPUT 3
GPI INPUT 6
GPI INPUT 5
GPI INPUT 4
GPI INPUT 8
GPI INPUT 7
GPI INPUT 9
GPI OUTPUT 2
GPI INPUT10
GPI OUTPUT 1
NOT CONNECTED
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GROUND
GPI RETURN 1
GPI RETURN 2
DB9
5
9
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
Ultimatte 9
Remote Connector
nRECEIVE
nTRANSMIT
GROUND
TRANSMIT
RECEIVE
DB9
5
9
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
Ultimatte 9
Editor Connector
(RS-232 CTS) nRECEIVE
(RS-232 RTS) TRANSMIT
GROUND
(RS-232 RX) RECEIVE
(R S-232) GROUND
(RS-232 TX) nTRANSMIT
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9
III. SMART REMOTE CHARACTERISTICS
1. Overall Dimensions
17”(43.18cm) W x 7”(17.78cm) H x 1.75"(4.45cm) D.
2. Physical Installation
The Smart Remote can be used as a desktop unit with brackets or mounted in a 19" rack or
cutout. Cutout dimensions are 17" (43.18cm) W x 7” (17.78cm) D. Brackets for both
configurations are supplied with the unit. Remove two screws from each side of the unit and
mount the appropriate brackets with those screws.
Since no fans exist for the Smart Remote, there are no special provisions required for airflow.
The maximum recommended operating temperatures should not exceed 50 degrees Celsius.
Relocate the Smart Remote if this maximum operating temperature is reached.
NOTE: When installing equipment into a rack, distribute the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous
conditions may be created by an uneven weight distribution.
Figure 3: Mounting Options
3. Power Requirements
Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz 15mA.
DESKTOP RACK
MOUNT
Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual
March 1, 2000
10
The Smart Remote is equipped with a triple output Universal Switching Power Supply rated at
5vdc @ 4A, +12dc @ 2A, -12vdc @ 0.2A. The last output is not used. No voltage adjustments
are required. The power switch of the Main Unit is part of an integrated AC receptacle. A separate
line filter unit is mounted internally. Overload protection is provided by fuses (2) rated at 250 VAC
@ 500mA (slow blow).
NOTE: Connect the unit only to a properly rated supply circuit.
To minimize the risk of shock, always use a grounded (earth) power cord.
It is recommended that the AC cord be disconnected from the unit when the unit is being
serviced
4. Communications
Communications between the Main Unit and the Smart Remote is through an RS-422 interface at
a data rate of 115 Kbps. A standard DB9 male-male RS-422 cable is needed, with a maximum
length not exceeding 1 Km (pins 3,8 and 7,2 are used). A maximum of four (4) Ultimatte-9 and/or
Ultimatte-400 Main Units can be connected to one Smart Remote.
The Smart Remote is software configured to be the Master with up to four (4) Ultimatte-9/
Ultimatte-400 Main Unit combinations as slaves. Only the Master can initiate a message
exchange.
An RS-232 port is also available (DB9 female connector), which allows the Smart Remote to be
connected to a computer. When connected to a computer, this port is used for upgrading the
unit's operating software and saving and recalling setup parameters.
Upgrades can be downloaded from an external computer directly into Flash memory through the
RS-232 port.
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