Chapter
4
107
Keys
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 the 
“key source,” and the signal that replaces the cut-out part 
is termed the “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 eight keyers.
Keys supported in 4K format
The keys that can be used will vary depending on the Mix 
Effect Boards which are installed.
The following keys can be used on each switcher bank.
• On the XVS-6000, only the XKS-7210 can be installed. 
The XKS-7215 is not supported.
• The XKS-8215/XKS-7215 do not support the 
3840×2160PsF SQD signal format.
Sub keys
On the XKS-8210/XKS-7210 Mix Effect Boards, key 3 
and key 4 in 3840×2160P format are called “sub keys” due 
to restrictions in their functionality.
For details about function restrictions of sub keys, see 
“Sub key restrictions” (page 528).
For details about sub key settings, see “Setting the Sub 
Key Mode” (page 443).
Key Types
The key type indicates the manner in which the key source 
signal is used to cut out the background.
Clean mode
In a luminance key, linear key or color vector key, you can 
enable clean mode. When clean mode is enabled, key fill 
is added to the background without cutting out with key 
source. This improves the keyed image quality, but means 
that the part of the key fill signal which is not to be inserted 
Mix Effect Board 3840×2160P 3840×2160PsF
XKS-8210 (for XVS-9000/
8000)
XKS-7210 (for XVS-7000/
6000)
Key 1 to key 4
Key 3 and key 
4 are “sub 
keys”
Key 1 and key 2
XKS-8215 (for XVS-9000/
8000)
XKS-7215 (for XVS-7000)
Key 1 to key 4 –
Notes
Type Description Clean 
mode
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.
Supported
Linear key This is a type of luminance key, 
but there is a reduced 
variability in gain, allowing 
more precise adjustment.
Supported
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.
Supported
Chroma key A key signal based on a 
particular color is used to cut 
out the background, and the 
key fill is then inserted.
Not 
supported
Wipe pattern 
key
This uses the wipe pattern 
selected for a transition to cut 
out the background, and the 
key fill is then inserted.
Not 
supported
Key wipe 
pattern key
This uses the wipe pattern 
selected for an independent 
key transition to cut out the 
background, and the key fill is 
then inserted.
Not 
supported