• | the alpha (channel) project

 

 

New in March, 2010: High Definition (HD) backdrops are now an option, as well as sold separately. These have a much finer grain, are a little more sensitive, and are ideally suited for HD video. While the SD backdrops (which are identical to those that Datavideo includes with their systems) can be, and have been, used quite successfully for HD, extreme close-ups with the backdrop somewhat near the subject, being shot in HD, will yield a cleaner, sharper edge, and smoother overal color tone with this new dedicated HD backdrop.

June, 2010: All systems now ship with HD backdrops only.
All of the original SD backdrops have been sold.


The Retro-Reflective Material

Each system comes with a 2.5m x 3m (8.2ft x 9.8ft) retroreflective backdrop. It is pre-sewn and fully bordered with black nylon. The top several inches of the nylon has brass eyelets and a pole sleeve for the easiest possible setup.

Unlike some of the "off-the-shelf" reflective fabrics I tested (such as the infamous 3M Scotchlite series, which blows out horribly and desaturates when the output is pushed), this specialized retro-reflective material offers exceptional off-angle performance and optimal color saturation. These fabrics are manufactured specifically for chroma key applications.


LED's Off

LED's On

HD Backdrop+Green LED's