[Paul Moran]

Ultimatte Corporation announced version 1.5 of its AdvantEdge software, a professional level blue screen matte extraction plug-in. This new version boasts faster setup and render times, multi-directional matte shrink and blur controls, plus user defined system preferences. AdvantEdge provides a comprehensive solution for creating stunning blue screen visual effects within Adobe, Apple, Avid, Discreet and other leading graphics applications. Source: DigitalPostProduction

AdvantEdge includes a DV Video Correction filter to reduce the artifacts found in 4:2:2, 4:1:1, and 4:2:0 video image formats. The dashboard UI design is filled with other innovative features including; Separate Shadow Mattes, Smart Matte Sizing, and Roto-Screen Correction. These powerful new features will appeal to individuals who have never used blue screen tools before, as well as artists who want to advance their capabilities beyond the limited scope of industry standard chroma keyers.

AdvantEdge enables the user to quickly create and edit blue screen composites by simply scrubbing the cursor within different areas of the foreground, background, and matte. The entire image is then analyzed and AdvantEdge automatically calculates optimum settings for several different parameters simultaneously. This powerful analysis allows AdvantEdge to have a very simple user interface without sacrificing flexibility and image control. The final result is a composite that preserves the fine details like hair, smoke, and motion-blurred edges with a minimum of compromises.

"Over three years of research and development have gone into the creation of this totally new set of matte extraction tools," said Reid Baker, Director of Business Development. "With the new features we've added to AdvantEdge, creating a high quality matte isn't limited by source material or a lack of experience as it once was. AdvantEdge makes the strength of Ultimatte's professional blue screen technology accessible to all artists in a friendly and intuitive interface."

Pricing and Availability:
AdvantEdge is multi-processor enabled and fully compatible with Windows NT, Windows 2000/XP Professional, Apple's OS 9/OS X, and Red Hat Linux operating systems. Ultimatte's AdvantEdge software is now available through selected resellers worldwide, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$1495.

About Ultimatte Corporation:
Ultimatte Corporation is the world's recognized leader in blue/green screen compositing technology and has been in business for over twenty-five years, continually refining, enhancing and improving the craft of traveling matte generation. Ultimatte products have been awarded both Oscar(r) and Emmy(r), and are in use by broadcasters and film studios worldwide. Ultimatte Corporation may be reached at +1.818.993.8007 or www.ultimatte.com.

News Source: DigitalPostProduction