Television Chroma Key and Character Generators Key Terms

Learn the terminology of chroma key and character generation
By Nikki Davis Whether you are helping around the studio or making the next big purchase for the boss, knowing television chroma key and character generators key terms and phrases will help you keep your composure in the event that you are put on the spot in a conversation on the topic. Chroma key is a video effect that makes a single color, traditionally blue or green, transparent so that one image can be superimposed onto another. This is often used in the field of weather forecasting. Character generation is when a device is used to put letters, numbers, symbols or other characters onto the video screen. Familiarizing yourself with the terms and components of the process will improve your ability to interact in the industry, as well as participate in the field. Learn about what makes up each effect and begin to understand how to use the technology.

Muslin

Muslin is a fabric that makes an excellent chroma key background because of its non-glare properties under harsh studio lighting.
Try:  See how muslin can be used in chroma key backgrounds at Back Drop Source.

Pixel

Pixels on a television screen or monitor determine its native resolution and also determine how much detail you will see. The higher the resolution (the more pixels), the greater the detail you will see.
Try:  Compare different television pixels at Waynes This and That. FOUR CC also discusses video pixels.

Blue screen and green screen

The blue or green screen is used in chroma key techniques as the background. When an individual is filmed on those colors and the image is made transparent, another image can be replaced behind it.
Try:  Learn how to make a green screen from Media College. You can vary the process to create a blue screen as well. Desk Share also discusses blue screen and green screen techniques.

Post production

Post-production, chroma-key or character generation means putting the visual effects in after the taping has taken place instead of during live television.
Try:  Look at JG Studio Media Services for post-production chroma key work. 

Vision mixer

Vision mixers select between video sources and sometimes composite video sources together and add special effects. Vision mixers are to video what mixing consoles are to audio.
Try:  Media Looks discusses video mixing.

Alpha channel

The alpha channel mattes or masks to determine what part of a foreground becomes fully or partially transparent and what part is revealed as part of the background for a viewer to see.
Try:  Read about alpha channels at Video Maker.