Blackmagic announces two acquisitions with deals for Fairlight and Ultimatte

Fairlight makes audio control surfaces and software for live broadcast events and the post-production of film and TV.

Ultimatte makes hardware for real-time blue and green screen removal that is used for news programmes, weather reports and other programmes with virtual sets.

Both deals were concluded in the last few days.

“Ultimatte’s real-time blue and green screen compositing solutions have been the standard for 40 years,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design chief executive Grant Petty.

“Ultimatte has been used by virtually every major broadcast network in the world. We are thrilled to bring Ultimatte and Blackmagic Design together, and are excited about continuing to build innovative products for our customers.”

Ultimatte uses 4:4:4:4 image processing and provides matte controls that lets users separate the subject from the background.

Matte correction tools include indirect and direct lighting features, spill suppression and edge artifact controls.

On the Fairlight deal, Petty said: “The exciting part about this acquisition is that it will add incredibly high end professional audio technology to Blackmagic Design’s amazing video products.

“We look forward to working with the Fairlight team to build even more exciting new products for our customers.”

Fairlight’s control surfaces range from 12 to 60 faders, along with audio I/O interfaces.

For post-production work, its products range from desktop audio post systems to large format mixing consoles.

Fairlight also makes immersive 3D audio workstations so customers can deliver 3D sound in formats including 5.1, DTS MDA, Dolby Atmos and NHK’s 22.2.