Downstream Key – DSK function

On the right side of the vision mixer (main switcher) block is an area with DSK functions. The Switcher allows you to decide which source or which image from the inside of a virtual studio V/C is aired. However, no program can go without graphics and text panels. They are put into the broadcasted signal in the final step, on separate layers, in the form of overlays on the main signal. They are commonly referred to as DSK (Downstream Key).
The Reckeen 3D Studio system allows you to place on the aired image up to two DSK signals at the same time. The source of such signal may be: Media (1 and 2), Still image (1 and 2), or Text (1 and 2). It can also be an image from a camera or laptop sent to CAM input. In order for the DSK function to operate correctly, the media sent to DSK must contain transparent areas. In this manner, they will be placed ‘above’ the main signal. Media without transparent areas used with DSK will completely cover the aired image with their content, which is not advisable (unless the program’s creator desired so).

Usually, panels with captions, still graphics or short computer animations are used on DSK layers. For their preparation, video formats or graphic files with a definition of transparency (i.e. alpha channel/alpha) should be used. In the case where a signal from a camera is used as DSK, its use should be connected with keying. The Reckeen 3D Studio system is equipped with its own text panels editor – Still Text. With the editor, you can easily prepare subtitles to be used on DSK layers. An additional advantage of such created panels is the possibility of modifying their content from the broadcasting program level. Swapping the text content already on the air is also possible.