Posted by Rick Merrill on 10/01/05 23:57

I know what key and fill are in lighting, but what are
these terms in video context?

Can anyone translate the following bit from a operation manual?
(I understand the bit about file names, I just don't know
what key and fill are all about!)

- RM

--

The 2000 will support a “Key/Fill” mode for
Targa frames, (automatic)
MPEG-2 files, and (user)
DV files. (user)

For example, loading a file named "Logobug" on Channel 2 automatically
loads the Logobug_ (Alpha Clip) onto Channel 3.

For Targa files, the alpha clip name will be generated automatically
during ingest via FTP. For DV and MPEG files, the user must
use the same name as the 'fill channel' and explicitly save the alpha
clip adding the underscore to the end of the clip – all prior to transfer.

In Key/Fill mode, the transport controls of Channel 2 will
control Channel 3, allowing 1x frame-synced playback of both Key and
Fill channels. This mode will be invoked by clicking a check box in the
GUI. Channel 1 will be available, as usual, for either playout or
record. When not in Key/Fill mode, either file may be played back as a
standard clip file.

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