Ultimatte AE ( AdvantEdge ) NodeUltimatte AdvantEdge is a composite node optimized for foreground imagery processed with the Ultimatte PFG node (see chapter 16, "Matte Nodes " for complete descriptions of the other Ultimatte nodes). Ultimatte AE enables you to correct edge artifacts and matte lines created by a number of factors including lighting problems, unwanted shadows, and detail generator enhancement settings often used on video and telecine equipment. The AdvantEdge node works by identifying darker areas of the edges of a foreground matte that may represent undesirable edge artifacts. Because you may wish to preserve some of these darker areas while suppressing others, the node offers a wide range of controls to vary the strength, position, and direction of the filtering process that corrects edges of the matte. The AdvantEdge node replaces the compositing step performed by the Mcomp node in the Basic Ultimatte Network illustrated in Overview of the Ultimatte Process in chapter 16. The node requires two inputs, a foreground image and a background image. The foreground image must contain an alpha channel.
AdvantEdge Parameter TabThe AdvantEdge parameters allow you to specify how the edges of the foreground image will be adjusted in the composite. You can also access a work monitor to view the areas AdvantEdge has identified for correction. ![]() Work Monitor / At ResolutionFirst, select a display resolution for the work monitor from the At Resolution popup menu. Then click the plus icon to display the work monitor for this node, which shows the composite image with a custom overlay superimposed on it. This overlay visually highlights transition areas of the matte (matte edges) identified by the node. Work Monitor Display ParametersThe work monitor provides parameters to control the appearance of the overlay display. These do not affect the output; however, they enable you to control the color and transparency of the overlay, and whether the overlay covers edge or non-edge areas: ![]() OperationThe Operation parameter specifies the type of correction to perform:
PositionThe Position parameter adjusts the center of the edge identified for correction by moving the edge away from or toward the outside of subject areas. This may help cover problem areas without increasing the overall thickness of the edge correction area. WidthThe Width parameter sets the width, or thickness, of edge correction. Increasing Width control too far may cause detail loss in the edge area. CorrectionThe Correction parameter sets the strength, or amount, of gray/black suppression in the matte edges. Adjust this control until problem edges disappear. Advancing Correction too far may cause detail loss within the edge area. SmoothingThe Smoothing parameter smooths hard or jagged object edges in the direction specified in the Operation menu. Smoothing is not often recommended, as it can degrade fine detail. Interlace (Video) ModeThis parameter, when checked, configures AdvantEdge for video-type frames that have been split into frames of even or odd field lines. Because the AdvantEdge filtering works over several field lines, you must specify interlaced input for images that contain the single-line gaps. |