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ultimatte 9 Operating Manual

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CORP.
20554 PLUMMER STREET
CHATSWORTH, CA 91311, U.S.A.
TEL: 818.993.8007 FAX: 818.993.3762
www.ultimatte.com
ultimatte – 9
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OPERATING MANUAL
OPERATING MANUAL
OPERATING MANUAL
OPERATING MANUAL
Revised March 1, 2000

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  • Page 1 – 9 ultimatte ultimatte OPERATING MANUAL OPERATING MANUAL OPERATING MANUAL OPERATING MANUAL Revised March 1, 2000 ultimatte ultimatte ultimatte ultimatte CORP. 20554 PLUMMER STREET CHATSWORTH, CA 91311, U.S.A. TEL: 818.993.8007 FAX: 818.993.3762 www.ultimatte.com...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    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.
  • Page 4 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.
  • Page 5 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.
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7 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.
  • Page 8 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 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.
  • Page 9 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.
  • Page 10 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 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...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    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.

  • Page 12: Lighting And Ambiance

    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.

  • Page 13: Fg/Bg Interaction

    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.

  • Page 14: Ultimatte-9 Main Unit Characteristics

    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.

  • Page 15: Communications

    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.

  • Page 16: Table 1: Dip Switch Settings

    (Normal/Default) 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. March 1, 2000...

  • Page 17: Status Display Leds

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 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 •=...

  • Page 18: Figure 2: Ultimatte-9 Rear Panel And Connector Pin Out

    GROUND (RS-232 TX) nTRANSMIT DC FANS Ultimatte 9 (RS-232 RTS) TRANSMIT AND FILTER Editor Connector (RS-232 RX) RECEIVE (RS-232 CTS) nRECEIVE GROUND (RS-232) GROUND AC INPUT MODULE Figure 2: Ultimatte-9 Rear Panel and Connector Pin Out March 1, 2000...

  • Page 19: Smart Remote Characteristics

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 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.

  • Page 20: Communications

    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.

  • Page 21: Figure 4: Smart Remote Rear Panel And Connector Pin Out

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual AC MODULE nRECEIVE Smart Remote RECEIVE TRANSMIT Main Unit nTRANSMIT Connector TRANSMIT Smart Remote RECEIVE RS-232 Connector GROUND Figure 4: Smart Remote Rear Panel and Connector Pin Out March 1, 2000...

  • Page 22: Smart Remote Hardware Overview

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual IV. SMART REMOTE HARDWARE OVERVIEW The Ultimatte-9 System consists of a Main Unit, which is controlled by a Smart Remote. Fig. 5 shows the top view of the Smart Remote. Figure 5: Smart Remote Front Panel The Smart Remote includes •=...

  • Page 23: Hard And Soft Buttons

    (es) turned on at a low intensity level. When the unit is selected the corresponding led is turned on at a higher intensity level. Note that a failure to communicate with any of the Ultimatte-9 units will result in a "Failure to Communicate with unit xx." message on the display.

  • Page 24: Figure 7: Sub-Menus, Function Selects And Controls

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual layout of the display and the locations of auxiliary menus, controls, status (or error message), and functions. The following are the main menu names, selected by the switches shown above in figure 6. Please refer to the appropriate sections for a more detailed description and view of each menu.

  • Page 25: Switches

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 4. Switches The labels on the display define the function of the "soft" switches, i.e. the six above and the six below the display is defined by the. The switches above usually select sub-menus indicated on the display. The switches below usually perform a function.

  • Page 26: View Menu

    •= View unprocessed Background. •= Matte: View Matte (Key Signal) 7. Files Menu ALL FILES IN ULTIMATTE-9 ARE SAVED IN NON-VOLATILE MEMORY •= Files: Save or Load a file Number of files: 90 Number of Quick files: 5 Number of Effects Files: 16.

  • Page 27: Function Menu

    Ultimatte-9 can be stored on a computer, and reloaded when needed. 9. System Timing Any one of the input video signals Ultimatte-9 can be selected as the Reference input. If the reference source timing is changed, the output timing will change with it. There is no user adjustment for differences in input timing.

  • Page 28: Ultimatte-9 Quick Start

    The Ultimatte-9 contains a router that can accept up to 8 x CCIR 601 video inputs that can consist of any combination of foreground, background, matte-in, or reference signals. After connecting the unit, the following steps should be taken in order to produce an acceptable composited image.
  • Page 29 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual B) Press the MENUS “MATTE” hard button on the left side of the remote panel. Set the Matte controls to affect the black and gray areas of the matte using these guidelines: Matte Density: Use this control to stop print-thru in bright foreground objects.

  • Page 30: Step 4: Set The Flare Controls

    B) Press the “FLARE” soft button in the area above the display panel. The Ultimatte algorithms will automatically suppress flare caused from the backing onto foreground subject matter. The flare controls are used to suppress excessive spill using the following guidelines: Black Balance: Use this control to remove excessive spill on dark foreground objects.

  • Page 31: Step 6: Set The Bg Defocus Controls

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Most of the other adjustments that may be set at this time are to help create a more aesthetically pleasing composite by adding certain types of special effects, such as color balancing or matching, and background defocusing.

  • Page 32: Understanding Basic Controls

    To generate a composite image using the Ultimatte-9 requires some understanding of the way an Ultimatte-9 matte signal is generated and how it functions in compositing the FG and BG images. It is also important to have some understanding of FG processing methods, including Flare Suppression techniques.

  • Page 33: Green Density / Red Density (For Blue Backing)

    6. BG Level Balance In an Ultimatte-9 composite, the level of the BG scene depends on the level of the matte signal. In areas occupied by opaque FG objects, the matte level is zero; therefore, no BG scene exists. In bright and unobstructed backing areas, the matte level is high;...

  • Page 34: Windows

    The internally generated windows in the Ultimatte-9 can be inverted so that they mask off an area within the frame rather than a border of the frame.

  • Page 35: Bg Veil Levels

    FG. If the backing is a consistent color (R, G, B ratios track from bright to dark parts of the backing), the automated circuits of the Ultimatte-9 will remove all traces of the backing color in the processed FG.

  • Page 36: Screen Color Selection

    Additionally, it is necessary to set the level of matte signal in this area in order to obtain 100% BG level. In the Ultimatte-9, this task is accomplished by scanning and analyzing the FG image is scanned and analyzed. Then based on the determined values, the backing color is properly subtracted and the BG image is added with the correct level.

  • Page 37: Matte Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual CLEAN UP/ MATTE SCREEN VEIL/ ADVANTEDGE SHADOW SIZING COLOR EXPOSURE UM9- Matte Menu Shadow Matte Density SCREEN COLOR Noise SCREEN COLOR BG Level Black Gloss GREEN Balance SCREEN COLOR Clean Up Green Density BLUE Level MATTE Clean Up...

  • Page 38: Green Density: (Blue Backing)

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Using the Black Gloss control may permit the Matte Density control to be set to a lower level. Readjust Matte Density control after you adjust Black Gloss control to insure that both controls are set as low as possible, without permitting print-through in the FG subject.

  • Page 39: Clean Up Level

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Setting the BG Level Balance slightly below normal can, in certain instances, enhance the reproduction of extremely fine edge detail in the FG subject. Setting it slightly above normal can sometimes be used to eliminate noise in the BG area caused by imperfections in the backing. It provides, in certain cases, an alternative to the Clean Up control.

  • Page 40: Clean Up / Shadow Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN MATTE SCREEN VEIL/ ADVANTEDGE SIZING COLOR EXPOSURE UM9- Clean Up / Shadow Menu Shadow Removal Clean Up Level Level Shadow Removal Clean Up Screen Threshold Shadow Removal Clean Up Threshold Balance BG Level Balance (COLOR) BACKING...

  • Page 41: Shadow Removal Threshold

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual The Shadow Removal SCREEN control is adjusted while viewing the composited image. Usually it is best to adjust The Shadow Removal THRESHOLD control first, followed by the Shadow Removal SCREEN control. 3. Shadow Removal Threshold The Shadow Removal THRESHOLD control allows the user to separate shadow areas from non- shadow screen areas.

  • Page 42: Bg Level Balance

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Adjust the Clean Up Balance control while viewing the composite image on a video monitor. Take it off its default setting only if it appears to restore some of the softness or fine detail to edges on the FG subject.

  • Page 43: Matte Sizing Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual CLEAN UP / RETURN SCREEN VEIL/ ADVANTEDGE SHADOW COLOR EXPOSURE UM9- Matte Sizing Menu Holdout Matte Level Position Horizontal Matte Size Matte Size Horizontal Vertical (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 )

  • Page 44: Holdout Matte Level

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 4. Holdout Matte LEVEL When Holdout feature is enabled, the Matte In signal is used as a holdout matte to prevent portions of the foreground scene to be processed by the internally generated matte and / or by the flare functions.

  • Page 45: Screen Color Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN CLEAN UP / MATTE VEIL/ ADVANTEDGE SHADOW SIZING EXPOSURE UM9- Screen Color Menu Screen Color Screen Color GREEN Screen Color BLUE Matte Cursor Position Cursor Position Horizontal Vertical (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ]...

  • Page 46: Screen Color Green

    8. Select Peak Value Writes the manually selected Screen Color R, G, B values and cursor position into memory. 9. Auto Screen Select Auto Screen Select is the default method of scanning, analyzing, and determining reference backing color levels. In this method, the matte signal is analyzed to detect the highest level that will correspond to the brightest and purest area of the backing.

  • Page 47: Veil / Over Exposure Menu

    The only solution was to use Clean Up, which resulted in loss of fine FG detail and loss of shadows. The Over Exposure correction feature in the Ultimatte-9 is an alternate way of solving the above- described problem without losing fine FG detail or shadows. The Over Exposure correction feature work best when the white clip of the camera has a sharp knee.

  • Page 48: Blue Veil

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 5. Blue Veil This control is a manual override of the blue component of the automated circuit that suppresses the color of the backing in the BG area of the composite image. 6. Master Veil This control is a manual override of the entire automated circuit that suppresses the color of the backing in the BG area of the composite image and increases or decreases the Red, Green, and Blue Veil levels equally.

  • Page 49: Advantedge Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN CLEAN UP / MATTE SCREEN VEIL / SHADOW SIZING COLOR EXPOSURE UM9- AdvantEdge Menu Overlay Width Pixels Overlay Position Correction Window Pixels Horizontal Smoothing Pixels (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 )

  • Page 50: Overlay View

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 4. Overlay View When pressed, will enable AdvantEdge and produce a magenta colored overlay showing the Overlay Width and Position on the monitor. 5. Correction Enable Enables or disables the Correction features. When enabled without Vertical Correction only Horizontal Correction is employed.

  • Page 51: Foreground Controls Menu

    Altering the level at the FG source can adversely affect the generation of the matte signal. The default setting of FG White Level control is unity (100%). The range of the control is from 0% to 125%. Clips at the output of the Ultimatte-9 prevent these levels from exceeding standard limits.

  • Page 52: Fg Contrast Master

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 3. FG Contrast MASTER The FG Contrast Master control adjusts the overall contrast (mid-gain) of the FG subject in the composite without affecting the quality of the composite. If the lighting contrast in the FG scene does not match that of the BG scene, adjusting this control may produce a more convincing composite image.

  • Page 53: Foreground Black / White Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN CONTRAST / FLARE AMBIANCE SATURATION UM9- Foreground Black / White Menu FG Black Level FG White Level FG Black Level FG White Level GREEN GREEN FG Black Level FG White Level BLUE BLUE FG Black Level...

  • Page 54: Fg White Level Red

    The default setting of FG Level Master is unity (100%). The range of the control is from 0% to 125%. Clips at the output of the Ultimatte-9 prevent these levels from exceeding standard limits. Any offsets in the FG White Level Red, Green and Blue controls added from the FG Black / White menu will be preserved as the FG White Level Master is adjusted.

  • Page 55: Foreground Contrast / Saturation Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BLACK / WHITE AMBIANCE RETURN FLARE LEVEL UM9- Foreground Contrast / Saturation Menu FG Contrast FG Saturation FG Contrast FG Saturation GREEN GREEN FG Contrast FG Saturation BLUE BLUE FG Contrast FG Saturation MASTER MASTER (COLOR) BACKING...

  • Page 56: Fg Saturation Green

    Any offsets added in the FG Saturation Red, Green and Blue controls would be preserved as the FG Saturation Master is adjusted. 9. FG Color Reset This button will reset the FG color controls (white, black, contrast and saturation) to their default values without affecting the settings of other controls.

  • Page 57: Foreground Flare Menu

    The Ultimatte-9 logic removes the effects of spill and flare in which the backing discolors the foreground object. The trade off is that certain colors in the foreground cannot be accurately reproduced --- the logic assumes they are actually different colors that are being tinted by the backing and “corrects”...

  • Page 58: Table 3: Gate Functions (Blue Backing)

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BACKING COLOR: BLUE DEFAULTS: GATE 1/3 = 0%, GATE 2 = 0% GATE GATE BENEFITS TRADE-OFFS Removes Blue Spill while Unable to reproduce Magenta in permitting some shades of blue foreground (or any shade of pink in...

  • Page 59: Table 4: Gate Functions (Green Backing)

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BACKING COLOR: GREEN DEFAULTS: GATE 1/3 = 0%, GATE 2 = 50% GATE GATE BENEFITS TRADE-OFFS Removes Green Spill while Unable to reproduce Yellow in permitting some shades of foreground (or any shade of Brown in Green to be reproduced in the which the Green should exceed foreground.

  • Page 60: Table 5: Gate Functions (Red Backing)

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BACKING COLOR: RED DEFAULTS: GATE 1/3 = 0%, GATE 2 = 0% GATE GATE BENEFITS TRADE-OFFS Removes Red Spill while Unable to reproduce Magenta in permitting some shades of Red foreground (or any shade of pink in...

  • Page 61: Black Balance

    Rather than completely disabling flare suppression, which will bring back all flare and spill from the backing, the flare suppression algorithms of the Ultimatte-9 allow selective and controlled disabling of the flare limiting factor. This selective and controlled reduction of flare suppression allows these few "problematic"...

  • Page 62: Foreground Ambiance Menu

    FG subject fits in its new BG environment. This means adjusting the colors of the FG subject to match those of the BG scene. This is done in the Ultimatte-9 by adjusting the FG color controls manually, or by using color conformance. In a virtual set, where colors of the BG scene are changing dynamically, the colors of the FG subject need to track those changes in order to maintain a convincing look.

  • Page 63: Influence Red

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual For best adjustments of AMBIANCE controls, select the darkest BG scene. Adjust FG level and, if necessary, other FG controls to set FG colors to match (approximately) those of the BG scene. This establishes the darkest level the FG subject will have. Change the BG scene to the brightest one. Enable the AMBIANCE controls and adjust them (mainly Level, Reflection and Lighting) so that the FG subject has the most convincing amount of influence from the BG scene.

  • Page 64: Background Controls Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BLACK / WHITE CONTRAST / TEST LEVEL SATURATION SIGNAL DEFOCUS UM9- Background Controls Menu BG White Level MASTER BG Black Level MASTER BG Contrast MASTER Fade – Mix BG Saturation MASTER (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ]...

  • Page 65: Bg Saturation Master

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 4. BG Saturation Master This control adjusts the saturation of the colors in the BG scene. If the saturation of the colors in the BG scene does not appear to match the saturation of the BG View colors, adjusting BG Saturation Master may produce a more convincing composite.

  • Page 66: Background Black / White Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN CONTRAST / TEST SATURATION SIGNAL DEFOCUS UM9- Background Black / White Menu BG Black Level BG White Level BG Black Level BG White Level GREEN GREEN BG Black Level BG White Level BLUE BLUE BG Black Level...

  • Page 67: Bg White Level Red

    Any offsets added in the BG White Level Red, Green and Blue controls added from the BG Black/White Level menus would be preserved as the BG White Level MASTER is adjusted. 9. BG Color Reset This switch returns the BG color controls (white, black, contrast and saturation) to their default values (factory or user) without affecting the settings of the other controls.

  • Page 68: Background Contrast / Saturation Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN BLACK / WHITE BLACK LEVEL TEST TEST WHITE LEVEL LEVEL SIGNAL SIGNAL DEFOCUS DEFOCUS UM9- Background Contrast / Saturation Menu BG Contrast BG Contrast BG Saturation BG Saturation BG Contrast BG Contrast BG Saturation BG Saturation...

  • Page 69: Bg Saturation Blue

    BG scene does not appear to match the saturation of the FG scene, adjusting BG Saturation Master may produce a more convincing composite. 9. BG Color Reset This switch returns the BG color controls (white, black, contrast and saturation) to their default values (factory or user) without affecting the settings of the other controls.

  • Page 70: Background Signal Test Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BLACK / WHITE CONTRAST / RETURN LEVEL SATURATION DEFOCUS UM9- Test Signal Menu Signal Level Signal Level GREEN Signal Level BLUE Fade - Mix Signal Level MASTER Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 )

  • Page 71: Background Defocus Menu

    BG defocusing to conserve computational power of the computer for rendering more realistic BG scenes. The Ultimatte-9 provides an alternate technique of tracking the depth of field. The Ultimatte-9 compares the size of the FG subject to that of the video frame and, if the size falls between a minimum and a maximum size set by the operator, alters the sharpness of the BG scene to simulate depth of field.

  • Page 72: Defocus Mask: (Level Slicing))

    FG subject. If an alpha channel (key signal), generated by the virtual set computer and representing those BG elements that need to stay in focus, is connected to the MATTE IN (selected) of the Ultimatte-9, it will stop the defocusing action in the areas defined by the alpha (key) signal.

  • Page 73: Bg Defocus

    BG scene. The MAX value must be greater than the MIN value. 9. Defocus (Mask) Invert When enabled, this button inverts the polarity of the Matte In signal ONLY as used as Defocus Mask.

  • Page 74: Background Defocus Configure Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN BLACK / WHITE CONTRAST / TEST LEVEL SATURATION SIGNAL DEFOCUS UM9- Background Defocus Configure Menu (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= WINDOW MATTE IN MASK MASK Figure 26: Background Defocus Configure Menu XXIII.

  • Page 75: Windows Menu

    (white wherever the BG needs to be forced ON). The internally generated windows in the Ultimatte-9 can be inverted so that they mask off an area within the frame rather than a border of the frame.

  • Page 76: Window Softness Left

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 3. Window Softness Left This knob adjusts the softness of the left edge of the window independently of the other edges. 4. Window Softness Right This knob adjusts the softness of the right edge of the window independently of the other edges 5.

  • Page 77: Paint Windows Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN DRAW WINDOWS WINDOWS SKEW UM9- Paint Windows Menu Fade - Mix Window Air Brush Window Density Cursor Position Cursor Position HORIZONTAL VERTICAL Color (Backing) Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE=...

  • Page 78: Draw Windows Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN PAINT WINDOWS WINDOWS SKEW UM9- Draw Windows Menu Fade - Mix Window Draw Softness Cursor Position Cursor Position HORIZONTAL VERTICAL Color (Backing) Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= WINDOW WINDOW...

  • Page 79: Windows Skew Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN PAINT DRAW WINDOWS WINDOWS UM9- Windows Skew Menu Skew Window Window Position Skew Window Window Position Bottom Bottom Skew Window Window Position Left Left Skew Window Window Position Right Right Color (Backing) Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ]...

  • Page 80: Window Position Left

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 7. Window Position Left This knob adjusts the position of the left edge of the window. The default position is beyond the left side of the frame. As it is dialed in, the edge moves into the frame and goes all the way to the right side of the frame.

  • Page 81: Matte In / Out Configuration Menu

    XXVIII. MATTE IN / OUT CONFIGURATION MENU A Matte In signal is a monochrome signal, generated by an external source to Ultimatte-9, that is used to force parts of the BG scene to appear in front of the FG subject in the final composited image. This is done by turning off the FG subject in the areas specified by the Matte In signal and turning on the BG scene instead.

  • Page 82: Matte In Offset

    ON. 7. Matte IN Invert An Ultimatte matte signal polarity is the inverse of the type of key signal normally used in a keyer. An Ultimatte matte signal has a black silhouette corresponding to the FG subject against a white field corresponding to the backing, where the BG scene will be added.

  • Page 83: Configuration Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual GPI I / O INPUT MISC. ON AIR SETUP CONFIGURE CONFIGURE CONFIGURE LOCKOUT UM9- Configuration Menu FOREGROUND Input = 1 Video Inputs Detected BACKGROUND ACTIVE LOOP 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Input = 3...

  • Page 84: System Reset

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 7. System Reset Resets the Ultimatte-9 to the factory default settings. The backing color will default to blue. 8. FG Bypass Puts the system in bypass mode with the FG signal connected to the output. 9. Red Backing Selects RED as the Backing color 10.

  • Page 85: Gpi Setup Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual HELP CLEAR EXIT NAME ITEM UM9- GPI Set Up Menu > Empty_00 Empty_01 Empty_02 Empty_03 Empty_04 Empty_05 Empty_06 Empty_07 Empty_08 Empty_09 Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= UP ONE DOWN ONE...

  • Page 86: Gpi File Name Menu

    Empty_09 n o p q r s t u v w x y z 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 _ / . ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) { } \ [ ] “...

  • Page 87: Gpi I/O Configure Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN INPUT MISC. ON AIR SETUP CONFIG CONFIGURE LOCK OUT UM9- GPI I/O Configure Menu GPI OUT GPI INPUT Select Select 1-10 RANGE RANGE GPI OUT GPI INPUT Dwell time Dwell time FRAMES FRAMES (Color) Backing Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ]...

  • Page 88: Gpi Out 2

    This is a signal from a camera signifying that it is active (ON AIR) and comes in as a GPI Input bit. 9. GPI Input ON/OFF This function enables / disables GPI Inputs, however if SET ON AIR is enabled, the GPI Input bits that have been assigned to the ON AIR function will override the same bits assigned to the normal GPI input bits.

  • Page 89: Input Configure Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN GPI I / O MISC. ON AIR SETUP CONFIGURE CONFIGURE LOCK OUT UM9- Input Configure Menu Editor Trim Frames 0-30 (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= MATTE IN...

  • Page 90: Miscellaneous Configure Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual RETURN GPI I / O INPUT ON AIR SETUP CONFIGURE CONFIGURE LOCK OUT UM9- Miscellaneous Configure Menu (COLOR) BACKING Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= GPI OUT DETENT REHEARSE FONT LARGE...

  • Page 91: On Air Lockout Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual UM9- Select Dial Category Categories ADVANTEDGE AMBIANCE BACKGROUND COLOR BACKGROUND DEFOCUS BACKGROUND TEST SIGNAL CLEANUP / SHADOW DISPLAY FLARE FOREGROUND COLOR MATTE MATTE IN / OUT WINDOWS [L] = ON AIR Lockout mode is SET UP ONE...

  • Page 92: On Air Lockout Dial Category Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual EXIT HELP UM9- Select Dial Controls ADVANTEDGE Correction Window Horizontal Smoothing Overlay Position Overlay Width Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= UP ONE DOWN ONE PREVIOUS NEXT SELECT TOGGLE ITEM ITEM...

  • Page 93: On Air Lockout Push Button Page Select Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual UM9- Select Push Button Category Categories ADVANTEDGE AMBIANCE BACKGROUND COLOR BACKGROUND DEFOCUS BACKGROUND TEST SIGNAL CLEANUP / SHADOW DISPLAY FLARE FOREGROUND COLOR MATTE MATTE IN / OUT WINDOWS [L] = ON AIR Lockout mode is SET UP ONE...

  • Page 94: On Air Lockout Select Push Buttons Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual EXIT HELP UM9- Select Push Buttons ADVANTEDGE Correction Window Overlay View Vertical Correction Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= UP ONE DOWN ONE PREVIOUS NEXT SELECT TOGGLE ITEM ITEM PAGE PAGE...

  • Page 95: Files Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual MEMORY QUICK QUICK QUICK QUICK QUICK CLEAR SAVE 1 SAVE 2 SAVE 3 SAVE 4 SAVE 5 UM9- Files Menu Input Matrix FG=1 REF=1 BG=2 AL1= 1 MT=3 AL2= 2 Blue Screen Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ]...

  • Page 96: Xl. Effects Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual UM9- Effect A Blue Screen Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= EDIT EFFECTS CREATE NEW EFFECT DIRECTORY EFFECT EFFECT Figure 43: Effects Menu XL. EFFECTS MENU 1. Edit Effect Allows the editing of key frames in previously saved and loaded files.

  • Page 97: Xli. Create New Effect Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual UM9- Create New Effect Blue Screen Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= HELP CLEAR BUILD CONTROLS KEY FRAMES Figure 44: Create New Effect Menu XLI. CREATE NEW EFFECT MENU NOTE: Use DIAL and BUTTON buttons under CUSTOM on right side of Smart Remote to select functions for the Dials (D1-D8) and Buttons (B1-B6).

  • Page 98: Xlvii. Effect File Name Menu

    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 _ / . ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) { } \ [ ] “...

  • Page 99: Xliii. Build Effect Key Frame Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual UM9- Build Effect Key Frames Frame Time (mm:ss.ff) 0: 0. 0 FRM 0 Taper Taper Velocity Break ON/OFF Blue Screen Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= CENTER CTLS HELP PREVIOUS NEXT...

  • Page 100: Xliv. Effects Directory

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual EXIT HELP RENAME EDIT DELETE EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT UM9- Effects Directory File Name File Name File Name UP ONE DOWN ONE PREVIOUS NEXT LOAD CREATE NEW ITEM ITEM PAGE PAGE EFFECT EFFECT Figure 47: Effects Directory XLIV. EFFECTS DIRECTORY 1.

  • Page 101: Xlv. Custom Menus 1-4

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual UM9- Custom Menu 1 Input Matrix FG=1 REF=1 BG=2 AL1= 1 MT=3 AL2= 2 Blue Screen Online [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] Active ( 2 ) FILE= B 10 B 11 B 12 Figure 48: Custom Menus XLV.

  • Page 102: Xlvi. Saving And Loading Files

    Allows transfer of files from one Main Unit to another. More than one Main Unit must be connected to use this feature. Files from one Ultimatte-9 can only be transferred to another Ultimatte-9, not to an Ultimatte-400 or vice versa.

  • Page 103: Software Communications Protocol

    APPENDIX 1. Software Communications Protocol The Ultimatte -9 functions as a slave to the Smart Remote. Up to four (4) Ultimatte-9 units can communicate with the Smart Remote with each having a unique address. The Ultimatte 9 Main Unit will immediately respond to commands from the host.
  • Page 104 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual #define upLoadProgramBlock_id 0x0016 // program code block #define programFinishedList_id 0x0017 // program upload finished #define upLoadSetupBlock_id 0x0018 // setup Block #define setupFinishedList_id 0x0019 // setup upload finished #define setupErrorList_id 0x001a // setup download Error #define setupCheckList_id 0x001b // setup download ok...
  • Page 105 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual // message block id's - remote to main #define adjustList_id 0x0081 // adjust list controls relative #define versionList_id 0x0082 // remote version list #define resetFlashList_id 0x0085 // reset flash flash memory #define downLoadUserList_id 0x0086 // PC memory to User Memory...
  • Page 106 // message block id's - computer to main #define requestCurrentList_id 0x00d8 // request current data OEM #define currentOKList_id 0x00d9 // current received ok OEM #define currentErrorList_id 0x00da // current received error OEM #define setCurrentList_id 0x00db // set current ultimatte values OEM March 1, 2000...
  • Page 107 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual // Control.h #ifndef _control_ #define _control_ #define NumberControls // Control Equates #define MatteDensity_id #define RedDensity_id #define GreenDensity_id #define BlueDensity_id #define BlackGloss_id #define ShadowNoise_id #define RedVeil_id #define GreenVeil_id #define BlueVeil_id #define VeilMaster_id #define FlareGate1_id #define FlareGate2_id #define FlareBlackBalance_id...
  • Page 108 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual #define SampleX_id #define SampleY_id #define EfxFrameCount_id #define SampleRed_id #define SampleGreen_id #define SampleBlue_id #define WnTop_id #define WnBottom_id #define WnLeft_id #define WnRight_id #define WnSoftTop_id #define WnSoftBottom_id #define WnSoftLeft_id #define WnSoftRight_id #define WnLevelBalance_id // NOT USED #define BgDefocusSetMin_id #define BgDefocusSetMax_id...
  • Page 109 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual #define BgSampleBlue_id #define WnSkewTop_id #define WnSkewBottom_id #define WnSkewLeft_id #define WnSkewRight_id #define BgDefocusRate_id #define BgDefocusBits_id #endif March 1, 2000...
  • Page 110 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual // Button.h #ifndef _button_ #define _button_ #define BaseButton #define NumberButtons /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Button Equates #define DiagnoseAll_id (BaseButton + 0) #define FgDirect_id (BaseButton + 1) #define BgDirect_id (BaseButton + 2) #define MatteOff_id (BaseButton + 3) #define MatteSet_id (BaseButton + 4)
  • Page 111 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual #define BgFgComform_id (BaseButton + 56) #define HoldOutMatte_id (BaseButton + 57) #define AdvHcorrect_id (BaseButton + 58) #define AdvVcorrect_id (BaseButton + 59) #define EditorSerialType_id (BaseButton + 60) #define EditorSerialRate_id (BaseButton + 61) #define EditorEnable_id (BaseButton + 62) #define DiagLoop_id...
  • Page 112 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual #define ReturnKey_id (BaseButton + 129) #endif March 1, 2000...
  • Page 113 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Updating controls: The host sends either of the following blocks: Relative Change byte Description Start of Message character with unit selection bit set n ( byte count) genericChangeList_id(command) 3 - n+1 generic change data data structure Control_id[1] (if Continuous Control)
  • Page 114 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual COMMAND ID example: 02 01 82 FF // Returns the version information of the Ultimatte-9 Main Unit 02 = Start of Message 01 = Byte count 82 = Command ID FF = End of Message Character Reply: (long byte stream of ASCII Data)
  • Page 115 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BUTTON ID example: 02 03 A8 A3 01 FF // Execute File Clear 02 = Start of Message 03 = Byte count A8 = Command ID absolute A3 = Control ID 01 = Absolute change FF = End of Message Character...

  • Page 116: Software Protocol Timing Diagram

    (Pentium 90 minimum) running WIN95/98/NT with an Ultimatte provided Tools interface software is all that is required. The Tools software and the latest Ultimatte-9 application software can be downloaded at the Ultimatte web site (www.ultimatte.com). The latest Operations Manual in PDF format can also be downloaded.

  • Page 117: Menu Tree

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual 5. Menu Tree MENU TREE March 1, 2000...
  • Page 118 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual CLEAN UP / MATTE SCREEN VEIL / ADVANTEDGE SHADOW SIZING COLOR EXPOSURE Matte Menu MATTE MENU 1. SHADOW NOISE SCREEN COLOR RED 5. MATTE DENSITY ULTIMATTE 9 VER. 2.02 2. BG Level BALANCE SCREEN COLOR GREEN 6. BLACK GLOSS 3.
  • Page 119 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BLACK / WHITE CONTRAST / FLARE AMBIANCE LEVEL SATURATION Foreground Controls Menu FOREGROUND MENU ULTIMATTE 9 5. FG White Level Master VER. 2.02 6. FG Black Level Master 7. FG Contrast Master 4. Fade - Mix 8. FG Saturation Master...
  • Page 120 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual BLACK / WHITE CONTRAST / TEST LEVEL SATURATION SIGNAL DEFOCUS Background Controls Menu ULTIMATTE 9 VER. 2.02 BACKGROUND MENU 5. BG White Level Master 6. BG Black Level Master 7. BG Contrast Master 4. Fade - Mix 8.
  • Page 121 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual PAINT DRAW WINDOWS WINDOWS WINDOWS SKEW Windows Menu WINDOWS MENU 1. Window Softness TOP 5. Window Position TOP ULTIMATTE 9 VER. 2.02 2. Window Soft. BOTTOM 6. Window Pos. BOTTOM 3. Window Softness LEFT 7. Window Position LEFT 4.

  • Page 122: Figure 42: Files Menu

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Matte IN / OUT Config Menu MATTE IN / OUT CONFIG MENU 1. Matte IN OFFSET 5. Matte OUT OFFSET ULTIMATTE 9 VER. 2.02 3. Matte IN GAIN 7. Matte OUT GAIN 4. Matte IN LVL BALANCE...
  • Page 123 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual GPI I / O INPUT MISC. ON AIR SETUP CONFIGURE CONFIGURE CONFIGURE LOCK OUT Configuration Menu Video Inputs CONFIGURATION MENU ULTIMATTE 9 1. FOREGROUND VER. 2.02 Detected 2. BACKGROUND 6. ACTIVE LOOP 1 3. MATTE IN 7. ACTIVE LOOP 2 Currently 4.
  • Page 124 Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual EXIT HELP Select Dial Controls Select Push Button Category ADVANTEDGE (Example) Categories Correction Window ADVANTEDGE Horizontal Smoothing AMBIANCE Overlay Position BACKGROUND COLOR Overlay Width ETC. UP ONE DOWN ONE PREVIOUS NEXT SELECT TOGGLE UP ONE DOWN ONE...

  • Page 125: Up One Item

    Ultimatte-9 Operations Manual Effect A ULTIMATTE 9 VER. 2.02 EFFECTS MENU EDIT EFFECTS CREATE NEW EFFECT DIRECTORY EFFECT EFFECT EXIT Create New Effect Effects Directory Enter Effect Name Effect Name ASSIGN BUTTON AND DIAL FUNCTIONS LETTERS, NUMBERS AND CHARACTERS FOR FILE NAMES...

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