Computer Editing: Keying, Alpha Channels and Mattes

Finding multi-layer composited video on TV these days is about as tough as finding bark in a forest. Show openings, newscasts, commercials even the basic content from whole networks such as CNN are awash in keys, alpha channel tricks and mattes.

You say you want to do some of that cool multi-layer stuff? Don't despair, we hear you. And the good news is that today's nonlinear editors make multi-layer work easy. Well, fairly easy, anyhow.

Compositing Anyone?
Compositing is really just a fancy term for building a single scene out of multiple layers. If you've ever added titles to a video, you've co…

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