Industry-standard chromakey technology and hardware/software developed by Ultimatte Corporation for high-quality blue and green screen compositing – known for superior edge handling, spill suppression, and the ability to preserve fine details like hair and transparent objects.
What is Ultimatte?
Ultimatte is a leading chromakey technology for professional compositing. The hardware and software developed by Ultimatte Corporation have set the standard for high-quality blue and greenscreen work in film, TV, and broadcast for decades.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Premium Keying System |
| Developer | Ultimatte Corporation |
| Technology | Proprietary Algorithm |
| Status | Industry Standard |
History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Initial Development |
| 1980s | Broadcast Standard |
| 1990s | Film Adaptation |
| Today | Blackmagic Design |
Products
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Ultimatte 12 | Hardware Keyer |
| Ultimatte Software | Plugin |
| Fusion Ultimatte | In DaVinci Resolve |
| Legacy Systems | Older Hardware |
Ultimatte 12
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardware Keyer |
| Inputs | 12G-SDI |
| Resolution | Up to 8K |
| Latency | Real-Time |
Software Integration
| Host | Integration |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Built-in |
| After Effects | Plugin |
| Nuke | Workflow |
| Fusion | Native |
Technology Advantages
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Edge Quality | Precise Edges |
| Spill Suppression | Color Correction |
| Transparency | Glass, Smoke |
| Fine Detail | Hair, Fibers |
Algorithm
| Aspect | Function |
|---|---|
| Color Difference | Basic Principle |
| Flare Suppression | Screen Reflection |
| Shadow Recovery | Shadow Detail |
| Edge Enhancement | Edge Improvement |
Comparison to Standard Keyers
| Aspect | Ultimatte | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hair | Excellent | Problematic |
| Spill | Automatic | Manual |
| Transparency | Possible | Difficult |
| Setup | Fast | Complex |
Application Areas
| Area | Usage |
|---|---|
| Film VFX | High-End Compositing |
| Broadcast | Live Keying |
| Virtual Studio | Real-Time |
| Advertising | Commercial Production |
Setup Workflow
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sample | Select Screen Color |
| Matte | Generate Key |
| Refine | Adjust Edge/Spill |
| Composite | Insert Background |
Parameters
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Matte Density | Key Strength |
| Shadow | Shadow Preservation |
| Flare | Screen Reflection |
| Spill | Color Correction |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Even Lighting | Cleaner Key |
| Separation | No Spill |
| Color Range | Good Sample |
| Testing | Check Before Shooting |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Noise in Key | Denoise Before Keying |
| Edge Fringe | Spill Correction |
| Dark Areas | Shadow Recovery |
| Motion Blur | Matte Blur |
Alternatives
| Keyer | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Keylight | Standard, good |
| Primatte | Similar Premium |
| IBK Keyer | Nuke Standard |
| Delta Keyer | Resolve/Fusion |
Cost
| Product | Segment |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Premium |
| Software | Mid-Range |
| Resolve | Included |
| ROI | Time Savings |
Today
Ultimatte remains the benchmark for professional chromakeying. With its acquisition by Blackmagic Design, the technology is now more broadly accessible, particularly through its integration into DaVinci Resolve. For productions requiring the highest quality in challenging keying situations, Ultimatte continues to be the first choice.