Blackmagic Design has announced 4 new models of Ultimatte 12 real time compositing processors.

Also announced is a new Ultimatte Software Control app for Mac and Windows that’s available for free download. The software allows users to control all Ultimatte 12 models without the additional cost of a hardware control panel.

The new Ultimatte 12 models are designed at lower cost “while retaining the same high quality processing for incredible edge handling, greater colour separation, amazing colour fidelity and better spill suppression.” There are 4 new models, Ultimatte 12 HD, Ultimatte 12 4K and an Ultimatte 12 8K model.

In addition to these 3 models, there is a lower cost Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model with HDMI connections priced at US$495. Ultimatte 12 HD Mini was designed to let ATEM Mini customers “get the benefits of broadcast quality keying to build innovative fixed camera virtual sets.” All models of Ultimatte 12 include built in frame stores so users can key using stills for backgrounds, eliminating the cost of external equipment.

All Ultimatte 12 models have the same advanced image processing algorithms and a huge internal colour space. The processing automatically generates internal mattes so different parts of the image are processed separately based on the colours in each area for fine edge detail on hair, and smoother transitions between colours or other objects in the scene.

Ultimatte 12 features one touch keying technology that analyses a scene and automatically sets over a 100 parameters.

The improved flare algorithms in Ultimatte 12 can remove green tinting and spill. Ultimatte 12 automatically samples the colours, creates seamless mattes for walls, floors and other parts of the image, and then applies the necessary corrections.

The Ultimatte 12 4K and Ultimatte 12 8K models feature 12G-SDI connections so customers can operate with current HD video formats as well as future Ultra HD and 8K video formats. 12G-SDI gives users high frame rate Ultra HD via a single BNC connection that also plugs into all of their regular HD equipment.

The Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model has a special feature that allows conversion of SDI camera control to HDMI. This means an ATEM SDI switcher can control a HDMI connected Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. All ATEM switchers send camera control over SDI, and this Ultimatte model can translate it to HDMI for the camera. Now users can add a camera number in the Ultimatte utility to get control of the camera colour corrector, tally and even remote record trigger.

All Ultimatte 12 models now include the free Ultimatte Software Control for Mac and Windows. The main window has menus arranged in sections that perform different functions.

“Ultimatte has been the world’s most powerful broadcast keyer for over 40 years,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “We’re excited to be able to bring the power of this incredible technology to more customers in HD, Ultra HD and up to 8K with the Ultimatte 12 Generation 2 models. From the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini model up to Ultimatte 12 8K, all models feature the same advanced processing and algorithms for amazing broadcast composites and even cinematic virtual sets. I can’t wait to see what our customers, especially those who are new to keying, can do with the new Ultimatte!”

All new Ultimatte 12 models are available now. The Ultimatte 12 HD Mini will be priced at $495 Ultimatte 12 HD is $895, Ultimatte 12 4K is $2,495 and the Ultimatte 12 8K is $6,995.