Chapter 4  Keys
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Overview
Overview
A key is an effect in which a part of the background image is replaced by an 
image or superimposed text. The signal determining how the background is cut 
out is termed “key source,” and the signal that replaces the cut-out part is 
termed “key fill.”
The system component responsible for processing a key is referred to as a 
keyer.
Each M/E bank and the PGM/PST bank has four keyers, and all of these keyers 
provide the same functions.
Key Types
The key type indicates the manner in which the key source signal is used to cut 
out the background. In each bank, you can use the following key types. You 
can select the key type using the key type selection buttons in the key control 
block or Multi function Flexi Pad control block, or by a setting in the Type 
menu for the keyer. (See “Key Type Setting” (page 216).)
Luminance key
The background is cut out according to the luminance (Y) of the key source 
signal, and at the same time the key fill signal is cut out and then added to the 
background signal.
Linear key
This is a type of luminance key, but there is a reduced variability in gain, 
allowing more precise adjustment.
Color vector key
The key signal is created from a combination of the luminance and 
chrominance components of the key source signal. When perfect keying is not 
possible with a luminance key, this allows a key signal to be created even if the 
luminance level is low, provided that the colors have high saturation.
Clean mode
In a luminance key, linear key or color vector key, you can enable the clean 
mode. When the clean mode is on, the key source does not affect the key fill, 
which is added unchanged to the background. This improves the keyed image