Eyeheight tech serving up digital graphics at Wimbledon

A DK-2 multi-rate linear downstream keyer from Eyeheight’s geNETics range is part of the broadcast spec at the 2013 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship, where it is being used to provide digital graphics to support live transmission. Equipped with a VP-10 video T-bar module and installed in an FB-9E chassis, the keyer is being used by a major OB service provider to process overlays such as contestant identifiers which can be faded in and out over the live action.

“A highly compact unit, the DK-2 is ideal for use in OB vehicles, city-centre studios or wherever space is at a premium,” details Eyeheight sales director Martin Moore. “Up to six DK-2 modules can be housed in a 1U chassis under local control from an FP-9 front panel. They can also be fully operated via Ethernet from anywhere in the world. Features include 10-bit linear keying, manual or automatic transitions, a user-selectable choice of additive, multiplicative and self-key modes, and AES digital audio voiceover.”

Compatible with all commonly used 625/525-line standard-definition, 720p intermediate-definition and 1080i high definition formats, the Eyeheight DK-2 incorporates background, fill and key inputs, wipe, matte and garbage-matte generation, independent main and preview keyers, and EDH reinsertion for the main output. It is fully transparent to SDI-embedded audio and other ancillary data. Mechanical relay bypass is available as an option.

The Eyeheight DK-2 is equipped with inputs for slave fill sync, slave key sync and master input line sync plus independent programme and preview outputs. An RJ45 port allows connection of three GPI channels and tally as well as RS232-based on-board protocol control.