Blackmagic Design Ultimatte Smart Remote 4 G2

The Blackmagic Design Ultimatte Smart Remote 4 G2 is a professional hardware control panel designed to manage up to eight Ultimatte 12 real-time chroma keying and virtual studio processors simultaneously over an IP network.

The G2 (Generation 2) edition updates the internal infrastructure to a proprietary operating system, introduces modern hardware connections, and optimizes production to lower the entry price compared to the legacy Windows-embedded model. It combines a large capacitive touchscreen with tactile knobs and physical buttons, providing a dedicated console for finessing real-time edge masks, garbage mattes, and color spill suppression in live broadcast and virtual production environments.

Key Upgrades: G2 vs. Original Smart Remote 4

• Transition to Blackmagic OS: The original version ran an internal, embedded version of Windows, which was prone to slow boot cycles. The G2 runs Blackmagic OS, enabling the remote to power on instantly and operate with higher system stability.

• Full Modernized I/O Shift: * The legacy, industrial RS-422 serial control ports and ancient VGA video ports have been entirely removed.

  • The legacy DisplayPort output has been replaced with a standard HDMI output capable of outputting a clean 1080p monitoring signal.

  • All traditional rectangular USB-A ports have been swapped for high-speed USB-C ports.

• Unified Software Ecosystem: The G2 no longer requires a separate, dedicated "Smart Remote" installer. It uses the exact same universal Ultimatte Software Utility used across Blackmagic's current converter and keyer lines, simplifying network firmware updates.

• Updated Locking Power Feed: The remote drops standard computer-style power plugs for a locking barrel-style 12V DC universal power supply, matching the design parameters used on Blackmagic Video Assist monitors to prevent accidental power disconnects.

Technical Specifications Matrix

Ergonomics and Operator Workflow Features

• Monitor Cascade Navigation: By leveraging the dual Ethernet inputs alongside the Ultimatte 12 processor network loops, operators can cycle through up to eight independent keyers without having to route external SDI signals through a hardware matrix switcher. The active keyer’s video feed is visible instantly.

• On Line & On Air Tallies: Positioned directly above the hard-button selection matrix, these distinct LEDs light up green when a unit is recognized on the network (On Line) and switch to bright red (On Air) if that processor’s video out is currently live in the main program mix. This feature prevents operators from accidentally editing key boundaries on a live broadcast feed.

• Dual Tactile/Digital Adjustments: The capacitive touchscreen is used to navigate deep menus (such as fine-tuning ambient shadow lighting or cleaning trash mattes). Once a menu parameter is selected, control maps directly to the 8 physical rotary encoders at the base of the screen, allowing operators to keep their eyes on the reference monitor while dialing in edge sharpness.

Crucial Hardware Compatibility Warning

⚠️ Legacy Units Dropped: The Ultimatte Smart Remote 4 G2 is engineered exclusively to support modern Ultimatte 12 product lines. This includes the Ultimatte 12 HD Mini, Ultimatte 12 HD, Ultimatte 12 4K, and Ultimatte 12 8K. It does NOT support legacy, pre-Blackmagic Ultimatte hardware or original first-generation gray Ultimatte 12 rack modules that lack a front-facing built-in LCD screen.