RECKEEN SOFTWARE RELEASE 2.0 is OUT NOW!

RECKEEN SOFTWARE RELEASE 2.0 is OUT NOW!
Introducing professional chroma keyer. Simply: key like a pro!

In the software update 2.0 we’ve focused to bring to you a PRO chroma keyer for even more precise keying, especially in the uneven lighting, completely for FREE for all RECKEEN users!

Changes done to RECKEEN chroma keyer:

  • Now, the keyer has an option of colour-picking 3 different areas from your green or blue background, and adjusting the key settings, such as Matte Control and Tolerance Correction, for each colour separately to achieve an even and precise mask.
  • Another feature added is a great addition for all trackless productions – use BACKGROUND CAPTURE to even out the whole background area for seamless yet super quick keying. This new feature can be found in both SIMPLE and PROFESSIONAL key option. It creates a unified mask of your green or blue screen before a talent or stage props are placed on the background.
  • BG Influence – new setting in the Edge Correction tab: an advanced blending function allowing for a better blend of foreground with background

Other exciting updates:

  • NDI 5 support – utilise NDI to its fullest potential!
  • Better performance optimisation for NDI
  • Denoising for talent shadows

Upgrade you the REKEEN software to version 2.0 today directly from its GUI.

Have any questions? Drop us an email at contact@reckeen.com

New RECKEEN software version now available – Release 1.9

New software version is now available do download!

We’re thrilled to announce that from now on RECKEEN supports FreeD Protocol, therefore PTZ tracking & Augmented Reality productions are now available using Reckeen 3D Studio software*.

What’s changed in 1.9 version?

  • Better quality streaming with bitrate up to 9000 kbps
  • Chroma key with 3 colour pickers
    It’s hard to get one consistent green colour all around your green screen – the most common reason is lighting. To ensure more precise keying when the conditions are imperfect, you can now choose up to 3 colours with the picker in Simple chroma key settings.
  • New effects in 3D Studio Editor:
    • Opacity – you can now use opacity in two scenarios – you can change the opacity of any object and set it to a desired value, as well as use opacity as an effect for INTRO and OUTRO in animation settings – an object will appear or disappear from the stage by changing its opacity from or to 0%.
    • Wipe – an effect can be used for INTRO and OUTRO phases in animation settings – an object will appear or disappear from the stage by wipe effect which can be set up at different angles (multiples of 45 degree angles).
  • Virtual set scaler in 3D Studio Editor. Make any virtual set bigger or smaller using SCALE option in 3D Studio Editor. You can independently scale each of the X,Y and Z axes. This is particularly useful when using Virtual Studio PTZ tracking feature – sine you cannot change the size of a talent, you need to change the size (scale) of a 3D set, if the proportions between the talent and the scene do not match up.
  • RECKEEN XR – features for PTZ tracking & AR* RECKEEN now supports FreeD protocol, which allows for PTZ tracking and AR productions. These features are called RECKEEN XR.

RECKEEN XR Software changes

  • Tracking tab in the configuration window
  • PTZ tab for PTZ presets next to V/C tab
  • Status Monitor
  • Set calibration window
  • T1-T4 options in 3D Studio Editor
  • PTZ control via VKey-100 Control Panel
  • Virtual Studio PTZ Tracking:
    • talent shadows
    • precise reflections
    • depth recognition – possibility to walk around a 3D object
    • 360° mode – you can now make productions using high resolution 360° still pictures
  • Augmented Reality:
    • AR shadows
    • AR light in 3D Studio Editor / Lights
    • Chroma keying in AR mode – possibility to insert trackless video signals, and to use Smartkey feature.
  • Multi-camera productions using multiple modes – use a combination of Virtual Studio tracking, AR and trackless modes in one, multi-camera production.

NOTES

RECKEEN XR demo version with watermark is available to every RECKEEN user who updates the software to version 1.9. However, to fully enable the features, purchase of RECKEEN XR license is needed.
Licenses are available for 90 days, 365 days and lifetime. Find out more by sending an email to sales@reckeen.com and by visiting

Accelerate your productions with RECKEEN Software Update 1.8

It’s time for another software update for RECKEEN Lite, RECKEEN 3D Studio and 3DS Pro! Version 1.8 is ready and awaiting to be downloaded and installed.

This time we focused on variety of improvements in different areas, such as performance, operations, facilitations, effectiveness and additional virtual studio features for even better final effect.

Operations and facilitations

  • New macro command (trigger) – V/C Set Depth of Field
  • Cam1 to V/C all – Multi-camera feature when using one camera source
  • Simultaneous visibility of all shadows of on-screen talents in the 3D Studio Editor when using Multi-camera mode.
  • New streaming facilitation: option for entering one RTMP link under ‘Address’ without the need to enter ‘Stream’ information
  • Automatic file splitting when capturing – set time between 15 and 240 minutes – separate files will be created each time your chosen time period has been reached, without stopping the capture.
  • Rebuilt audio mixer – independent audio mixer for V/C set-up
  • Simultaneous NDI out and General streaming
  • Audio output support for Bluetooth audio devices

Performance

  • Acceleration of video playback for inputs
  • Acceleration of video files playback for media trays 1 & 2
  • Performance indicator – GPU, CPU, ACCELERATION
  • Lanczos sampling – filter to improve the quality of talent scaling

Effects

  • Active option Shadows for PNG objects in the 3D editor
  • Active option Shadows for Animations objects in the 3D editor
  • Precise reflections on the floor

Support

  • Windows 10, version 2004
  • AMD GPU Driver 20.8.3

Additionally, on our website you can find:

Download our new user manual which now includes all of the necessary information regarding changes made in software update 1.8.

RECKEEN software release 1.7 is here !

After months of preparation and hard work of RECKEEN’s team we are happy to announce new software release for RECKEEN LITE, 3D Studio and 3DSPro.
With this update we are bringing you a wave of changes developed to better your workflow, heighten efficiency during broadcast, as well as to improve the ultimate quality of the productions.

Some key changes include:

  • AutoPlay and AutoCue – features providing you with more automated production process.
  • Improved management when using switcher
  • New chroma key characteristics – options for achieving more precise and detailed keying.

Full list of improvements can be founds below:

Workflow updates and changes: AutoPlay

Autoplay is a function that can be enabled on a chosen PGM Bus and it triggers automatic files’ playback from the beginning, when switching to that bus.

AutoPlay can also trigger playback of specific sources when they appear on air in Virtal Studio

AutoPlay for DSK triggers automatic files’ playback of media assigned to DSK, when bringing DSK to Program window.

Workflow updates and changes: AutoCue

AutoCue for inputs triggers an automatic transition to chosen PVW Bus after completing file playback.

AutoCue for Media triggers an automatic transition.

Workflow updates and changes: Clock for Media display

The clocks show the amount of time remaining until the end of playback of files chosen in Media and Still Trays. Last 5 seconds of playback are singled in red.

Workflow updates and changes: New trigger - General reset

When using media as CAM inputs, this trigger allows to synchronise media playbacks from all CAM inputs – starting the files simultaneously from the beginning. This feature comes especially useful for prerecorded interviews or a talks, filmed with multiple cameras at once.

Workflow updates and changes: Switcher management

Clicking on the sources on ABCD switcher automatically brings up corresponding Media Tray tabs on the right-hand side.

For a faster way to control application tabs they now remain on production screen at all times.

Workflow updates and changes: Pause option for Recording

Pause option for Recording allows pausing and resuming recording – captured material will be saved as one file.

Workflow updates and changes: “NO AUDIO” warning

Displayed warning about lack of audio during streaming or capture.

System improvements: Two-way Skype communication

You can easily add a view from Skype callers’ webcams or their screen shares as inputs. You can send Program Output signal to Skype, enabling the callers to see the view from RECKEEN’s virtual studio.

System improvements: New chroma key features

  1. Red-coloured Matte Control mask – helps achieving best transparency of the background
  2. Tolerance Correction – new tab with features allowing for detailed corrections of keying, and enhancing its precision.

System improvements: Opacity

Added slider in 3D Studio Editor allows change in opacity of any 2D or 3D object.

System improvements: Other

  • NDI update to its current version 4.5

  • Support for Windows 10 new version 1909

  • Support for updated version of Microsoft Paint 3D

Additionally, on our website you can find:

Tutorial 44 AutoPlay & AutoCue

Tutorial 43 Skype via NDI

Release 1.6 now available!

Full list of changes and updates to RECEKEEN Virtual Studio systems made

Watch a short video presenting the most exciting features of the Release 1.6

Multi-Camera feature

This feature allows you for a multiple-camera mode of production allows you to set up up to 4 cameras pointing into the same direction from different angles. It is especially useful during interviews, talk-shows, and other scenarios where there is a need for more than one camera setup in one place. That way it’s possible to capture close-up shots as well as a wider, master shot, and establish the geography of the virtual studio.

This feature is completely trackless, and the execution of the effect is achieved by intelligently placing the virtual cameras in the correct positions in a 3D studio.

Depth of field for the Multi-Camera feature

Depth of field is the distance between the nearest and the farthest objects that are in acceptably sharp focus. This feature allows for a blurred background, when a camera close-up is focused on a person. By adjusting the intensity of the blur of the background, making the scene and image more realistic-looking.

New Input Settings

  • New Input Settings
    • Rotation
    • Pan/Tilt/Zoom
    • Horizontal/Vertical Flip
    • Correction (brightness/contrast/saturation/hue)
  • CAM 1-4 inputs available to use with any media files together with chroma/luma key support

Now, instead of cameras or NDI connections, use any media file as an input. This way, a pre-recorded talent on a green screen can be used in your production, without the need to use an external device to play the file back.
This feature also provides you with an extension to a traditional use of chroma key. Use this feature, for example, for slideshow presentations – by adding a green colour as a background to a slideshow, you can create a very advanced-looking presentation in the virtual studio – such background can be removed using chroma key, leaving only content of the presentation, such as graphics and text, visible in a virtual set.

Stream Deck Mobile

Stream Deck Mobile – control slideshow presentations, as well as ANY commands in the system during productions in the RECKEEN Virtual Studio system, by using an app on your mobile device – Stream Deck Mobile. That way, a single person can fully operate a production, while, at the same time, being a presenter.

Slideshow Controller

Slideshow Controller – Incorporated triggers for slideshows, teleprompters, documents, and more, within the RECKEEN’s application. The receiver application is needed for a device that is being used to open the file. Reckeen Slideshow Controller can be downloaded for free here.

New FBX importer

New FBX importer – a new way of uploading FBX files to a virtual studio.

3D Editor button added to the V/C panel

3D Editor button added to the V/C panel – a shortcut to open 3D Editor directly from the V/C panel.

3D Editor button added to the V/C panel

3D Editor button added to the V/C panel – a shortcut to open 3D Editor directly from the V/C panel.

COM port selection for VKey-100

– COM port selection for VKey-100 – Vkey-100 control panel can now be connected to the PC using a USB port

Added content, available for download

  • Content:
    • New Media files – a new bundle of videos
    • Talents – new videos with talents, that can be used as examples for the product showcases
    • Sample slideshow presentations – those ready slideshows can be used to showcase various features in the system, such as slideshow presentation as a DSK layer, controlling slideshow presentations directly from Reckeen’s application, controlling slideshow presentation through Stream Deck mobile app, and more.
    • Demo Videos – new videos showing examples of use of new features, such as Smartkey, Multi Camera, Slideshow control triggers, etc.
    • 8 new scenographies
  • Demo sessions – 9 fully prepared virtual studio sessions for demo purposes. (More sessions will continue being added on a regular basis):
    • All media files, talents, animations, and more, have been set up and pre-saved in a virtual space, and are ready-to-go whenever you need them.
    • All of the settings, such as chroma key, have been adjusted, and the triggers programmed, therefore the sessions do not require any modification before using, and allow quick and easy navigation in the studios.

Detailed description of new demo content

Triggers: It is necessary to wait until a trigger has completed all of the assigned actions to be able to switch to a different trigger. If you’re using VKey-100 control panel – as long as the trigger button is lit up in red, the action is being performed. Wait until the trigger button’s light goes out to perform the next action.

Detect Position: Remember to press “Detect Position” at the beginning of the session for any talent that is visible in whole (together with their feet), as this function places a talent and its shadow in a correct position. To do that click on a gear symbol visible in an appropriate CAM input window, then, in a newly open window, click “Detect Position”. This action is unnecessary for any talents that are visible only partially, for example from waist up, or standing/sitting behind a desk, because the shadow is not visible with that talent placement.

  1. On your RECKEEN’s PC, follow the link: RECKEEN 1.6 content update
  2. Select all files (easy way: while pressing caps lock and shift simultaneously, click on the first and last file in the folder – it will highlight all of the files in the folder).
  3. Choose the option to download the files as ZIP (Note: the files are large, therefore the process of downloading will take a while).
  4. Once downloaded, open the .exe file provided, and install the installer. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  5. The installer will automatically add new content to the correct folders on the computer.

In this folder you can find all of the demo session for demonstrational purposes. Each one already includes uploaded media files – together with talents, videos, images, news tickers, etc. Additionally, chroma key, is also set up in the best possible way, taking into consideration lightening conditions in a specific studio (that might differ from one demo session to another).

Other settings, such as camera shots, have been designed as well. Each session contains an assigned set of triggers to ease up presentation process. Below, you can find a description of all of the triggers for each session.

All you need to do is to choose a desired session and open it. Everything else has been taken care of. Hopefully this new addition to the system will help to ease up your work.

In this folder you can find saved chroma key settings for the video files of talents from the folder “Chroma Key”.

They have been set up in a neutral way, therefore depending on the conditions in a chosen studio, adjustments to the key, such as saturation or contrast, might be necessary to make. You can do that by going to Post Correction tab in a Chroma key window, for a relevant CAM input.

This session presents the Multi Camera feature. It includes 3 talents, recorded from 4 different shots on a green screen. Files with camera recordings are placed as inputs CAM 1 to CAM 4.

Triggers:

  • F-1 – Positioning of the Virtual Camera 1 (VC1)
  • F-2 – Change of the VC1 position
  • F-3 – Switching to Virtual Camera 3 (VC3)
    • close-up of talent number 1 – Adrianna,
    • Crawler (news ticker) appears.
  • F-4 – Transition to a different VC3 shot of the talent (Adrianna)– camera’s micromovement
  • F-5 – Switching to Virtual Camera 2 (VC2)
    • close-up of talent number 2 and 3 – Nikos and Cezary
    • Crawler appears
  • F-6 – Transition to a different VC2 shot of the talents (Nikos and Cezary) – camera’s micromovement
  • F-7 – Switching to Virtual Camera 4 (VC4)
    • close-up of talent number 3 – Nikos
    • Crawler appears
  • F-8 – Transition to a different VC4 shot of the talent (Nikos) – camera’s micromovement
  • F-9
    • First press: Changing the media at the virtual monitors to a talent (reporter in NYC)
    • Second press: Changing the media at the virtual monitors to previous images
  • F-10 – Switching to VC1 – transition to a zoom-out view of all talents.

This session presents the Multi Camera feature. It includes 3 talents, recorded from 4 different shots on a green screen. Files with camera recordings are placed as inputs CAM 1 to CAM 4.

Triggers:

  • F-1
    • First press: Positioning of the Virtual Camera 1 (VC1),
    • Second press: Animation of Reckeen’s logo appears
  • F-2 – Change of the VC1 position
  • F-3 – Switching to Virtual Camera 4 (VC4)
    • close-up of talent number 1 – Adrianna,
    • Crawler (news ticker) appears.
  • F-4 – Transition to a different VC4 shot of the talent (Adrianna)– camera’s micromovement
  • F-5 – Switching to Virtual Camera 2 (VC2)
    • close-up of talent number 2 and 3 – Nikos and Cezary
    • Crawler appears
  • F-6 – Transition to a different VC2 shot of the talents (Nikos and Cezary) – camera’s micromovement
  • F-7 – Switching to Virtual Camera 3 (VC3)
    • close-up of talent number 3 – Nikos
    • Crawler appears
  • F-8 – Transition to a different VC3 shot of the talent (Nikos) – camera’s micromovement
  • F-9 – Switching to VC1 – transition to a zoom-out view of all talents.
  • F-10
    • First press: Changing the media at the virtual monitors to a talent (reporter in NYC)
    • Second press: Changing the media at the virtual monitors to previous images

This session presents the quality of chroma key in RECKEEN products. (Note: there are 2 session files available – one in 1080p and the other in 4K p29.97)

Triggers:

  • F-1 – Consecutive presses trigger transitions to different camera shots. There are 8 shots.

When a talent, who’s sitting behind the desk is on a large zoom, the background image can be changed in order to see talent’s hair better. The background can be changed by clicking on the files in Media Tray, tab 2. There are 3 files uploaded in that tab.

This session presents the quality of materials and textures used in Reckeen’s products. Reckeen uses PBR technique, therefore our imitations of materials such as wood, metal, plastic, stone, fabrics, and more, look very realistically. Even at big close-ups the textures preserve its immaculate quality. Reckeen has over 300 different materials in its library, each available in a broad colour palette.

Triggers:

  • F-1 – Consecutive presses trigger transitions to different camera shots. There are 8 shots.

You can also use shots of VC1 saved in the VC1 tab by clicking on them.

This session presents how animations in the Reckeen system work. Presented animation is an election poll. Consecutive polls appear after pressing the appropriate trigger button.

Triggers:

  • F-1
    • First press: Positioning of a camera shot, news crawl appears, animated object appears (the base for the election poll – without bars)
    • Second press: Animation of bars on an election poll appears
    • Third press: Animation and news crawl disappear.
  • F-2
    • First press: Change of the camera shot; news crawl appears.
    • Second press: News crawl disappears.
  • F-3 – Change of the camera shot.

This session presents animations associated with weather forecast.

Triggers:

  • F-1
    • First press: Change of a camera shot; a map of the USA appears.
    • Second press: Animation of the map – symbols with suns and clouds appear
    • Third press: Close-up at Alaska on the map
    • Fourth press: Close up at the Florida area
    • Fifth press: Zoom-out showing the full map
    • Sixth press: The map and the symbols disappear; change of the camera shot
    • Seventh press: Camera’s position comes back to an initial shot.

This session presents how SMARTKEY feature works, and how it can be applied.

SMARTKEY integrates a result from the chroma keying with a chosen video clip or still graphics, generating that way a talent/or image, on a new background. Thanks to this feature, we can obtain four new media streams – called SMARTKEY channels, which can be placed directly inside RECKEEN 3D virtual studio, or sent to external SDI outputs.

SMARTKEY feature can be turned on in the first tab of Chroma Key window. To turn it on tick “Enable SmartKey” box. By also ticking “Show in preview”, the preview window in that CAM input will change – green background will disappear, and instead a chosen media will show. To choose media for SmartKey background go to the “File” window.

Triggers:

  • F-1
    • First press: Positioning of Virtual Camera 1 (VC1) on a wide shot
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a view with 4 virtual monitors
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a view of virtual monitor A
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a view of virtual monitor B
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a view of virtual monitor C
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a view of virtual monitor D
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to another view of virtual monitor D
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position; animation – a big screen appears
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a big screen close-up
    • Next press: Animation – the big screen rotates
    • Next press: Change of VC1 position to a view with 4 virtual monitors and the Big screen
    • Next press: Positioning of Virtual Camera 1 (VC1) on a wide shot
    • Next press: Animation – the big screen disappears

This session presents different kinds of 3D objects’ animations, such as virtual monitors, a trophy cup, a race map, and a Formula 1 car.

Triggers:

  • F-1 – Positioning of Virtual Camera 1 (VC1)
  • F-2 – Change of VC1 position
  • F-3
    • First press: Animation – a race map moves from the monitor to a position in a virtual set
    • Second press: Animation – the map goes back to a virtual screen (if not pressed, next trigger F-4 will generate a more impressive camera movement)
  • F-4 – Change of a camera VC1 shot – camera moving through the animation of a race map
  • F-5
    • First pres: Change of VC1 position – a view of a platform; Animation – a trophy cup appears and starts rotating
    • Second press: Animation – the trophy cup disappears
  • F-6 – Change of VC1 position – a view of talent number 2
  • F-7
    • First press: Animation – a virtual monitor number 1 changes position
    • Second press: Animation – the virtual monitor number 1 goes back to its initial position.
  • F-8
    • First press: Animation – a virtual monitor number 2 changes position
    • Second press: Animation – the virtual monitor number 2 goes back to its initial position.
  • F-9
    • First press: Animation – a virtual monitor number 3 changes position
    • Second press: Animation – the virtual monitor number 3 goes back to its initial position.
  • F-10
    • First press: Change of VC1 position; Animation – a desk appears in the set
    • Second press: Animation – the desk disappears

That session presents a feature of displaying slideshow presentations in the RECKEEN system, and navigating them directly from the inside of Reckeen’s application, or by using an app called Stream Deck Mobile, which allows a presenter to control the slideshows on their own.

Additionally, in this session you can find a comparison of keying quality of a Full HD file of a talent, that has been filmed vertically, and then rotated by 90 degrees in Reckeen’s application, with a 4K file filmed horizontally, that has not been rotated.

NOTE: To fully benefit from that session, it will require extra steps to be taken outside, as well as inside of RECKEEN’s application. All steps are described below, and they concern slideshow presentations; to showcase quality of keying, no extra steps are required – the talents are automatically included in the set when loading the session.

Slideshow presentations:

This session should include 2 slideshow presentations connected to inputs via NDI or HDMI. 2 sample slideshow presentations intended to be used in this session are included in this session’s folder.

Presentation called “Sample presentation – RECKEEN products & features” should be added as a Media input, and displayed on a virtual screen in the studio. The other one, “RECKEEN – Sample Presentation – About Reckeen” should be added as a CAM input and used in a full screen mode, by placing it on a DSK layer (Downstream key). This kind of slideshow must be prepared on a green background in an external application of your choice – similarly to the sample presentation included in this session’s folder. Such presentation will then go through chroma keying in the Reckeen system, and that will result in removing the green background, leaving only content of the presentation visible on the full screen (if it’s placed as a DSK layer).

We recommend watching a video showing execution of such presentation. It can be found in a Tab 1 in Media Tray of this session, or alternatively in the folder where this session is saved at.

Steps enabling to control the slideshows directly from RECKEEN’s application:

  1. Install a free software “Reckeen Slideshow Controller” on your device from which a slideshow presentation is going to be played from. You can download the software from the folder on the server, or from our website: https://www.reckeen.com/reckeen-keen-on-record/downloads/
  2. Run “Reckeen Slideshow Controller” on your device.
  3. All devices used to perform the activities described below should be connected to the same Local Area Network (LAN).
  4. Go to the trigger window on Reckeen’s application, press “Find” button and click on IP address of your device with a slideshow presentation on.
  5. Use trigger buttons F1 and F2 to go to next (F1) or previous (F2) slide or animation on your slideshow.

To use another presentation simultaneously in RECKEEN’s system, you need a separate device with a presentation on it. Repeat steps 1-4. Use trigger buttons F3 and F4 to go to next (F1) or previous (F2) slide or animation on your slideshow.

Triggers can be used through VKey-100 control panel, or a computer keyboard.

To control the slideshow through a mobile device, follow these steps:

  1. Install app called “Stream Deck Mobile” on your mobile device (Note: this app is only available in App Store). And on Reckeen’s PC install “Stream Deck for Windows”, available on www.elgato.com
  2. Open “Stream Deck” application on the PC, run Reckeen’s virtual studio application.
  3. Using HotKey in the Stream Deck’s window assign triggers used for your presentations, i.e. F1, F2, F3, F4. For more help on how to assign HotKeys watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MLi–03l2M
  4. Open “Stream Deck Mobile” and configure the settings under manufacturer’s instructions. Information can be found on their website: www.elgato.com

Important note: Using Stream Deck we can trigger any commands on Reckeen’s system, that have been assigned to trigger buttons. That way a single person can operate a full production, while at the same time being a presenter.

A comparison of keying quality of a Full HD file of a talent, that has been rotated by 90 degrees, with a 4K file that has not been rotated:

  • In this session you can find 3 uploaded files on CAM inputs: on CAM 1 – a talent in 1080p59.94 resolution, on CAM 2 – a talent in 4K resolution, on CAM 3 a talent in 1080p59.94 resolution, that has been filmed vertically with a camera, and then the file has been rotated by 90 degrees I Reckeen’s application.
  • By switching between virtual cameras VC1, VC2 and VC3, we can compare the quality of keying between the files.
  • We can see that thanks to filming the talent vertically, the quality of the rotated FullHD file is nearly as good as the quality of the 4K file that has been filmed in a standard way. Filming vertically allows more effective use of a filming area by filling more space in the camera’s view with a talent itself, which results in a better file quality.

Release Notes 1.5 – What’s new at Reckeen’s systems

What’s new at Reckeen’s systems

New SmartKey functionality now available

New SmartKey functionality now available – merging keyed CAM input with a chosen background (still image or video) – for more information regarding this functionality visit SMARTKEY news page.

Demo mode available

Regardless of a kind of owned license, a user can now try out all other available licenses with a use of new demo mode. It gives you access to all features of a regular license, providing you with a great platform for testing purposes. The output signal in this mode will be watermarked.

Skeletal animation support

Skeletal animation support – this type of embedded animations can be controlled by choosing desired phase of such animations, using index control at the Animation panel

Additional features

  • New firmware platform for Reckeen 3DSPro
  • Genlock support for 3DSPro platform
  • 4 additional Video AUX outputs for Reckeen 3DSPro
  • 4K 2160p50, p60, p5994 support
  • SD 4:3 and 16:9 support for Reckeen Lite
  • SD Chroma Key improved
  • RTMPS streaming support
  • New graphics card AMD 5700 XT
  • Optimization and bug fixing

New features in Reckeen 3D Studio the version 1.4.21650

The list of the most important new features in 1.4.21650 version of the Reckeen system along with their short description.

Advance Chroma Key improvement

The new version of the Chroma key adds new functionalities:

  • Colour picker – specific colour selection is now possible in Advance Keyer,
    Pick colour – When you click on the button Chrominance Keyer below the highlighted Mode button , a window with a key settings opens up. Now the background color is selected with a probe. Clicking on the Pick color icon or on a color bar next to the icon, opens a window of a camera preview. Then, you have to select a location with a cursor and click there. The program will automatically sample the color as the background color and present it in the color box next to the probe icon.
  • Alpha Curve parameter – additional parameter to control shape of alpha curve
    Alpha Curve – Chroma key new slider. This new function adjusts the slope of this straight line to add (or subtract) an additional range of colours to a range of non-transparent colours. That way, the range of colours, that are similar to the background colour on which the object is located, will not be cut out by the mask. Additionally, this action highlights the details of the object, i.e. hair tips or areas on the edges of the clothes.

Simple Key improvement

  • Shrink option added – same option like in Advance Key
    Edge Correction is an additional correction that improves the keying quality. The Shrink function is responsible for reducing the object’s contour by softening it.
    This is especially important for certain types of cameras, image from which can produce a white line around the object. It is possible to remove it with the Shrink function. You can also use it in the cases where keying is difficult in some places, due to the properties of the object’s edges or lighting.

Start stage of animation selection

  • User can select start stage of animation (before was always “Intro” now can be set also to “Maintain” or “Outro”)

Trigger configuration button

  • Trigger configuration button – shortcut button to trigger config.

Embedded animation selector added

  • Embedded animation selector added – sub-animation selection is possible in 3D Scene Editor (if 3D object contains embedded animations created by designer)

Sub-animation selection in Advance Animation Trigger.

  • Sub-animation selection in Advance Animation Trigger.

Wait for Trigger Function Key

  • Wait for Trigger Function Key – new command which allows waiting until user press again proper Fn, trigger button.

System buttons and dialogs internationalization

  •  System buttons and dialogs internationalization (translated to Chinese and other languages).

Basic objects (non PBR) conversion to PBR (Physical Based Rendered)

  • Basic objects (non PBR) conversion to PBR (Physical Based Rendered). Converts simple one-texture material to PBR by adding default specular map.

Issue fixed

  • Thumbnail issue fixed.

3D Reckeen software 1.4.21368

The list of the most important new features in 1.4.21368 version of the Reckeen system along with their short description.

The more detailed information can be found in documentation and tutorial videos:

Reckeen 3D Studio and 3D objects animation

  • Animations of any 3D object on a scene
    Moving animations can be added to any object. For example, a graph or a monitor can suddenly appear in a form of moving animations.
    Simple object can be animated in 3 phases (intro, maintenance, outro).
  • Embedded animation – embedded animations from imported 3D object are supported (non rigged, no bones)
  • Dedicated animation trigger

Reckeen 3D Studio controls Blackmagic Design devices via IP protocol

  • Black Magic control by TCP/IP commands – sending control commands to Black Magic devices by TCP/IP or Reckeen MVP100

New hardware support – Reckeen 3DSPRO

  • Reckeen 3D Studio PRO is supported by a very strong hardware platform on which products such as MVP-100 are based. In the first version of firmware, this new platform will extend the capabilities with such features: inputs will support 4 x 3G SDI, 2 X 12G SDI, outputs will support 4 x 3G SDI and 2 x 12G SDI, Independent Program Out will be available on the HDMI output, and the new platform also support Genlock REF in and Loop.

New hardware support – 12G SDI

  • At present Reckeen 3D Studio SDI is available in two versions – with 3G and 12G speed. Version with speed of 12G SDI allows you to record, play and upload video materials in Ultra HD quality – that means the quality is four times better than traditional HD 1080, providing video resolution of 3849 x 2160. Simultaneously, 12G SDI remains compatible with all the SDI equipment.

Full HD streaming support

  • FUllHD streaming support (YouTube)

New configuration button in AudioMixer

New configuration button in AudioMixer with:

  • audio delay control
  • dual mono
  • gain

Stability & optimization

We have fixed many bugs and improved the system’s quality and stability.

Features in 1.3.19745 version

The list of the most important new features in 1.3.19745 version of the Reckeen system along with their short description.

The more detailed information can be found in documentation and tutorial videos:

OUTPUT TRANSITION with Transitions FX

  • The following section introduces a new function called Transitions FX, that is special effects.
  • The Reckeen system has a 136 (Wipe, Slide and Alpha) database of ready-to-use effects divided into appropriate categories.

New Talent shadow and Talent's automatic pinning to the floor

  • RECKEEN 3D Studio system’s engine renders talent / presenter’s shadows in real-time.
  • Quality has been improved of talent shadow (floor level detection, talent shape shadow)

Reflections 4K

  • RECKEEN 3D Studio system renders real-time reflections from flat glossy surfaces.
  • These reflections change in accordance with altering position of the virtual camera.
  • 4K technology is a new standard for video images.  Now in 4k modes a new quality of reflections has been obtained.

Streaming on new platform

  • New streaming services added (Vimeo, DaCast, SmashCast, Twitch)

New content added

Scenography is one of the most influential elements of a virtual studio, its uniqueness will draw the audience’s attention and emphasize a character of a video material.

With RECKEEN 3D Studio, you get a ready-made designs package, but 3D Studio Editor and Studio Editor Wizard are also its integral parts.

  • With Wizard’s functionality, you can familiarize yourself with the basics of a process of creating virtual scenography.Now are available wizard projects with 45 templates, 633 decorations.
  • PBR (Physical Based Rendering) – scenography, architecture or equipment elements visible on the screen reflect properties of their real-world counterparts. Now 335 PBR materials are available.
  • The current content added to the system contains. For 3D studio 46 ready 3D set design, and for LITE there are 38 sets with more camera shoots (715 shoots in all LITE sets)

Demo sets support

RECKEEN started cooperation with a leading company involved in the creation of scenography, the result of this cooperation is 8 graphic projects made in the PBR technology for the 3D studio and LITE system. The current content includes these scenographies in the demo version. Now you can test them before making your purchase decisions.

NEW FEATURES IN RECKEEN LITE

  • From now all the set designs created for the LITE system are in 4k technology. The system provides support for earlier HD formats.
  • The LITE  has been expanded by PIP compositions.

Stability & optimization

We have fixed many bugs and improved the system’s quality and stability.

Features in 1.3 version

The list of the most important new features in 1.3 version of the Reckeen system along with their short description. The more detailed information can be found in documentation and tutorial videos:

Automatic firmware (VirtuMega hardware) update

This feature allows us to update the firmware on the user’s device automatically.

On the Startup Screen, the user will be notified that the newest version of software is available and, after it is downloaded, hardware will be detected and firmware updated if necessary.

Auto keyboard update

A similar function like in the VirtuMega hardware, which checks and auto-updates firmware for the connected VK-100 keyboard.

Full integration with VK-100

The new version supports all the keyboard functions (joystick, t-bar, …)

GPU performance measurement

We have added “Performance” button in 3D Editor which allows you to measure the current system performance (mainly GPU – graphics card performance).

This value depends on output video format, number of connected inputs, inputs’ format, enabled keys, media format, etc.

Therefore, in order to check whether 3D Set and current configuration is not overloaded, it should be used with actual working configuration.

4K p25/30 support

We support 2x4K p25/p30/p2997 inputs/outputs and media up to p30.
In the current version 4K p50/p60 is not supported.

Input overload detection

As there are limits to PCI-e transfers, we cannot support all the possible input formats configurations.

There are some limits. If the connected input exceeds the limits, an “overload” icon we will displayed on the input preview.

We support throughput up to 4xFUllHD p60, which means, for example:
– 4 x HD p60 are supported
– 2 x 4K p30 are supported (4Kp30 = 2 x HDp60)
– 1 x 4Kp30 + 2 x HDp60…
– …

New Talent shadow and Talent's automatic pinning to the floor

We have decided to prepare a dedicated shadow for the talent (different than the one for decorations), as problems with the Talent’s shadow had been encountered repeatedly.

We have added a possibility to render a kind of shape (spot/cross).

To use and test that feature, first you have to enable chroma key for the selected input, adjust it properly and then enable shadow for the scene and for the Talent object.

The input signal is analyzed and feet are detected to move the talent downwards to place the figure on the floor. There are 2 parameters, “Size” and “Shape”, in talent object properties and a global parameter to adjust the density of the talent’s shadow.

Audio Digital Box ADB 100 support

A dedicated audio mixer for external ADB hardware. It automatically detects the connected hardware and enables new inputs/outputs.

New content added

New 2D sets, 3D sets, 2D 4K sets, Wizard projects, videos, pictures, ….

Stability & optimization

We have fixed many bugs and improved the system’s quality and stability.

Import/Export of a streaming profile to FMLE file format (XML based format used by Adobe Encoder)