Serious Magic Unveils ULTRA 2
April 19, 2005
Las Vegas, NV - Serious Magic announced Ultra 2, the latest version of its professional chroma key and compositing software.
With direct support for 16 x 9 and anamorphic widescreen sources, ULTRA 2 now supports HD and HDV cameras including 1080i, 1080p, and 720p with support for a variety of standard frame rates including 24 fps. With ULTRA 2, users with more recent graphics cards can dramatically increase output speed by
shifting rendering demands to the graphics processing unit (GPU). Using GPU-based processing, ULTRA 2 can typically perform complex compositing in real time at HD-resolution and faster than real-time at standard definition (depending on system configuration and file types).
Realistic shadows are essential to effective keys but setting up shots with special lights to cast detailed shadows for keying is time-consuming and laborious, the manufacturer reports. ULTRA 2 adds the ability to insert virtual shadows and includes options to adjust the shadow's size, perspective and transparency. When using photographic or rendered backgrounds, users can also insert virtual reflections into their scene to show an inverted image of their keyed talent such as standing on a marble floor.
When shooting subjects for keying, often only the center of the screen is utilized resulting in much of the camera's resolution to be wasted. ULTRA
2's new Plus-90 mode allows the video camera to be rotated 90 degrees to capture the entire subject and utilize the maximum resolution. Using this
clever approach, a standard definition camera can create a high-resolution key that will increase subject resolution up to 33% in 4 x 3 and nearly 50% in
16 x 9. Plus-90 mode is applied with one-click and when used with HD or HDV sources provides higher-than-HD resolution allowing ULTRA's virtual camera
to zoom in on the subject without quality loss.
For graphics cards that support larger resolutions, ULTRA 2 offers support for high-resolution stills up to 4096 x 4096 allowing digital images to be
used as high definition input sources and backgrounds. With image support for .bmp, .jpg, .psd, .png, .gif, .tiff, .tga, and .ppm files, users can
export high resolution keyed stills for further editing or output to print or Web.
Additionally, users can now input and output files in Apple QuickTime format as well as output Macromedia Flash files and input Avid .MXF
files. ULTRA 2 is also more versatile when working with 2D compositing and 3D animation applications.
Pricing and Availability
ULTRA 2 will be sold without virtual sets for $495, allowing users to select the set libraries they prefer to use with ULTRA 2. MSL1 will be sold separately for $395 while MSL 2 & 3 will remain at $495. ULTRA 2 will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $495. Upgrade pricing for current users is $295 and will be available via electronic download or through distribution. Users who purchased ULTRA after April 1st, 2005 may eligible to receive a free upgrade to ULTRA 2 when it ships.
For more information, visit
www.seriousmagic.com
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