Ross SYNERGY 4000DR-003, Operation Manual, Page: 176 / 332

7–2 • Keying Synergy Series Operation Guide (v18)
Introduction to Keying
The “ Keying ” function allows you to insert (or electronically “cut”) portions of one scene into
another, or to place titles over background images. Two signals are essentially required for a key:
• The “key” signal (also known as an alpha signal) is used to electronically cut a hole in
the background video.
• The “fill” signal (also known as the key foreground ) is used to electronically fill the key
signal’s hole with video.
Visually, keys appear as layers , which can be built up to create the desired composite image. In all
Synergy switchers, the following basic rules apply:
• All MLEs can generate two individual keys, which appear downstream of that MLE’s
background images. The priority of those keys can be changed within the MLE itself.
• Each of the two DSKs generates a single key, which is displayed visually downstream of
all Program/Preset video images.
• In the Synergy 2 (2 MLEs), you can generate four simultaneous keys on air (two in
MLE 1 and two in the DSKs).
• In the Synergy 3 (3 MLEs), you can generate six simultaneous keys (two in MLE 1, two
in MLE 2, and two in the DSKs).
• In the Synergy 4 (4 MLEs), you can generate eight simultaneous keys (two in MLE 1,
two in MLE 2, two in MLE 3, and two in the DSKs).
Refer to the section “ Video Flow through the Switcher ” on page 2–11 for additional information on
basic video flow, MLE priority, and layering.
Key Group Basics
Each switcher includes two Key groups per MLE.
• In the upper MLEs, the key groups are named MLE # Key 1 and MLE # Key 2 (e.g.,
MLE 2 Key 1 and MLE 2 Key 2 ).
• In the Program/Preset MLE, the groups are named DSK 1 and DSK 2 .
Please note the following basic rules regarding the two key groups:
• For all key types (except Preset Patterns), the Key Bus is used to select key alpha and fill
sources. Even though the buttons on the Key Bus are shared between the two keyers,
two sets of independent keying electronics allow each keyer to have its own key and fill
selections.
Two LEDs at the top right edge of the bus indicate which keyer currently controls the
bus. (For Preset Pattern keys, the alpha signal is chosen by selecting a wipe pattern in the
Pattern Group’s
Pattern Selection section.)
Note If you press a Key crosspoint button that is assigned to an external
device, the device control menu will be displayed. Pressing the button
again will cycle through the device menus and the
Key Type Menu .