THE MASTERKEY® SERIES OF DOWNSTREAM
LINEAR VIDEO KEYERS

ANALOG COMPOSITE, COMPONENT, CHROMA KEY AND SERIAL DIGITAL

MASTERKEY 1, MASTERKEY 2, MASTERKEY 3, MASTERKEY 4, CARDKEY, MASTERKEY 5,
MASTERKEY 6, MASTERKEY 7, MASTERKEY CK/CK-1, KP500 CHROMA KEY PROCESSOR

MASTERKEY 1/2/3/4 ANALOG COMPOSITE LINEAR KEYERS

MASTERKEY is a registered trademark of Broadcast Video Systems Corp.

The new generation of anti-aliased character generators, paint boxes and DVE's require a truly linear keyer to take advantage of the clean edges produced by this equipment. The superb keying capability of Masterkey makes possible a virtually seamless inlay when keying these pre-filtered sources into program video. With Masterkey's unique combination of key gain and key slope controls, any degree of transparency may be achieved. Masterkey will also accept the linear key output of modern color matting systems to produce immaculate inlays of RGB sources.

All models meet the same stringent specifications. Different control systems and additional features are offered to enhance the versatility of Masterkey in a wide range of applications. Whether the function is downstream or stand-alone, on-air, remote, or post-production, there is a Masterkey model to provide a cost effective solution to the most demanding requirement.

Features Common to All Models

MASTERKEY 1

This is the basic linear keyer that is the heart of the Masterkey series. The remote panel provides for manual mix-to-key and fade-to-black using slider pots. Color black is derived from the program video input, making it unnecessary to cable in a timed color black signal. The remote panel also contains the gain and slope controls which vary the degree of linearity of the key processing. This model will also perform an A/B mix between two video sources if desired. Full preview, preceeding the mix-to-key and fade-to-black, is provided. The 4.5" x 4.5" remote panel is designed to mount in a 3.5" x 4" opening in a control desk. A 25ft. control cable (5 conductor) is supplied.  (Note: the Masterkey 1 is not equipped with GPI for mixing to key or fading to black.)

The MK1 offers excellent value with its superb keying capabilities, combined with a straightforward manual control panel. It is well suited for installations where manual switching and control of video is performed, such as in mobile vans and small edit suites. For updating older switchers equipped with a hard keyer, or simply adding another key level, the MK1 is the perfect solution.

MASTERKEY 2

This model is ideal for unattended operations, where it is necessary to insert a key into program video via a contact closure. Digital shaft encoders are used for the gain and slope controls on the remote panel. The gain control may be preselected to also control the rate of mix-to-key. A numeric readout displays the television frame rate (1-500 frames) in which the mix-to-key will occur. The mix-to-key may be initiated either from the mix button on the remote panel, or via a GPI connector on the rear panel. Preview out is provided. There is no fade-to- black facility on this model. The 4" x 6" remote panel is designed to mount in a 3.75" x 5.25" opening in a control desk. Control interconnect is via a 3-wire RS422 serial link. Mating DB9 connectors are supplied.

MASTERKEY 3

This model has all of the features of the MK2 with the addition of a master fade-to-black. The color black signal is derived from the program input. The control panel contains two numeric readouts, one for mix-to-key rate and one for fade-to-black rate. Both are adjustable from 1 to 500 frames. The gain and slope controls may be preselected via the rate button to set the mix and fade rates. Both the mix-to-key and fade-to-black may be initiated from remote panel pushbuttons or via external GPI's. The 4" x 6" control panel is designed to mount in a 3.25" x 5.25" opening in a control desk. Control is via an RS422 serial link. Mating DB9 connectors are supplied.

Where it is necessary to mix-to-key and/or fade-to-black at preset, frame accurate rates, the MK3 is the obvious choice. It can be triggered from any editor in a post production application. For on-air application, it allows an operator to preset the mix and fade rates and take them on command.

MASTERKEY 4

This model incorporates all of the features of the MK3, but with the following added facilities. The MK4 has a four input key and fill source switcher, plus a "key invert" feature. There is an on-board, non-volatile memory to store the precise gain and slope settings for each key input. When a new key source is selected, the gain and slope values will instantly revert to previously optimized settings. New values may be set and stored from the remote panel at any time. The feature "key masking" defines a particular rectangular area wherein the key will operate. This area may also be inverted. The defined area will appear as a bright-up rectangle in the preview monitor. The gain and slope controls may be preselected to adjust the key mask size and positioning. Each input may be selected via internal jumpers to operate in a special key mode in which the fill signal always remains at full amplitude regardless of the key setting. This allows for even cleaner edges when keying anti-aliased equipment.

The remote control panel is housed in a 6" x 6" sloped front cabinet or may be mounted in a 5.25" x 5.25" cutout. Control is via an RS422 serial link. Mating DB9 connectors are supplied. The MK4 fills the requirement of selecting keys from multiple sources. As the parameters for each key source may be optimized and stored, the operator has only to switch to the desired source as required. The additional features of key area masking and key polarity invert, make the MK4 the preferred model for both post-production and on-air operations.

 

CARDKEY: ANALOG LINEAR KEYER ON A SINGLE BOARD

The Cardkey plug-in linear video keyer, is a low cost version of our successful Masterkey linear keyers. This PC board version plugs directly into a Leitch Video DA frame. Up to three Cardkeys may be rack-mounted in the BVS FR710, 1RU frame and power supply.  For desk-top use, a single Cardkey may be housed in the BVS FR3 half-rack width frame and power supply.  Cardkey is the ideal solution for low cost,  fully linear keying of logos and EAS message inserts.

Features:

Seamless inlays of graphics, DVE's, CG's
Remote mix to key via pushbutton or GPI
Mix rate user adjustable from cut to 5 sec.
Remote tally
Self key or external key
Card edge controls to adjust key transparency
May be used as an A/B mix amp
Upstream, downstream or stand alone
May be cascaded for multi layer keys
Available in NTSC and PAL standards

MASTERKEY 5 - ANALOG COMPONENT LINEAR KEYER

The superb transparent insert that has made the Masterkey series the industry standard in composite linear keyers, is now available in component format. The MK5 may operate downstream from a component production switcher, or as a stand alone keyer in a component edit suite. Keys may be mixed in or out at a variable rate from the remote panel, or via a GPI. The degree of transparency may be controlled by the remote gain and slope control.

MASTERKEY 6 - SDI DOWNSTREAM LINEAR KEYER

The most cost effective solution for flawless linear keys.

Features:

SMPTE 259M, ITU-R 601 standard
10 bit in and out, 12 bit processing
100% linear keying with adjustable transparency
Frame accurate mix to key and A/B mix
Momentary or latching GPI
Handles embedded audio
EDH inserted on program output
Auto timing of program, key and fill
300 meters automatic cable equalization
Front panel may be removed and remoted up to 200 ft.
Choice of 1RU or desktop remote panel
RS-422/232/485 control port
Optional failsafe bypass
Optional redundant power supply
Click here for description of MK6 Operating Features

MASTERKEY 7 - SDI DOWNSTREAM LINEAR KEYER

The MK7 is the most versatile SDI linear keyer in the industry - loaded with all the features needed to make it an indispensable toolbox in any digital production environment.

Features: SMPTE 259M, ITU-R 601 standard 10 bit in and out, 12 bit processing 100% linear keying with adjustable transparency Full preview output Frame accurate mixes, wipes and fade to black Internally generated black Split screen for source evaluation & color matching Key area masking User programmable GPI's for mixes, wipes and fade to black Safe area graticule generator on preview output (4:3 and 16:9) Control panel settings of all modes stored in non-volatile memory Failsafe bypass Auto timing of program, key and fill User adjustable H. positioning of key and fill 300 meters automatic cable equalization Handles embedded audio EDH insertion on program output Front panel may be removed and remoted up to 200 ft. (RS-485) Choice of 1RU or desktop remote panel Adjustable contrast and backlight of LCD status readout RS-422/232/485 control port Optional 4 input, 2 level key/fill switcher with GPI and memory Optional redundant power supply Click here for description of MK7 Operating Features

MASTERKEY CK - RGB CHROMA KEYER
When your production requires a clean, life-like chroma key, the Masterkey CK is the perfect choice.  The chroma keyer is housed in a 1RU chassis and is equipped with a remote panel with controls for key gain and slope, fade to black, and mix to key faders.  A digitally operated hue control is accessible behind the removable front panel.  Full preview output is provided. This unit is available in both NTSC and PAL standards.