The LKEY211 is a small, affordable and feature-packed digital linear keyer, designed to key logos, captions, scoreboards and other graphics over Standard Definition video streams.

Taking in Background and Foreground video inputs and a 10 bit external key signal, the LKEY211 cuts a hole in the Background in the shape of the key signal and fills this with either the Foreground video source or a colour produced by the internal matte generator.

The key can be generated in two different ways, using either the luminance of a key signal (the external key mode) or the luminance of the Foreground graphic (the self-key mode), with self-keying useful for those who do not wish to use a dedicated key input.

A method of keying can be selected to suit the graphics, with both additive and multiplicative linear keying available.

Two internal rectangular masks can be used to remove unwanted areas of the fill video, forcing areas to show or limit elements of the Background or Foreground.

The LKEY211 is the natural choice for those doing multi-layer or multi-channel keying. Housed in Crystal Vision's standard frames (available in four sizes) alongside any other board from the range, the 100mm x 266mm module saves rack space by allowing an amazing 12 linear keyers in 2U.

The keyed graphic can be faded in and out, either manually or as a timed transition, while it is possible to fade to black on the main output.

Interesting effects can be created by amplifying, offsetting or inverting the key signal. Mix between the Foreground and Background inputs, or make it a basic mixer with the inclusion of eight simple wipes.

Up to ten setups are available to store settings such as lift, gain and fade time for each graphic being used for easy later recall.

There's a choice of three frame rear modules for the LKEY211.

Use the single slot high RM01 to get the two main outputs and one auxiliary output or the double slot high RM18 for an extra auxiliary output.

Or give the LKEY211 an extra layer of security by using the RM42 frame rear module which provides relay bypass protection of the Background on power failure or board malfunction or removal - maintaining your programme output while maintenance is completed.

The main and auxiliary outputs can independently show the video sources, the key or the combined picture.

The LKEY211 is effortlessly easy to set up and offers a control method to suit all preferences.

GPIs are a popular way to control this product, with the six GPI inputs creating a powerful system for activating the key fades, fades to black, mixes and wipes.

Ideal for live use, the hands-on Safire Controller (pictured here) is a dedicated 2U panel ideal which includes a T-Bar for manually activated transitions, while the Statesman software is perfect for those who wish to make their adjustments from any PC on a network. SNMP monitoring and control is also available.