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7 Definitions

Alpha Channel

For Alpha Channel we have terms and definitions in 7 topics. The topics are DVD, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Photography, Real Time 3D, Scanner and Technology.



Alpha Channel (DVD)

Alpha Channel, in the case of computer-based systems, is the function known as key channel or key level in conventional video technology. Masks can be superimposed on a picture signal, thus enabling different keying tricks such as inserting image signals or executing of Chroma keying. The alpha channel includes transparency information of a picture file by means of which the transparency between front and background of a picture can be controlled.


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Alpha Channel (Graphic Design)

A special 8-bit grayscale channel that is used for saving a selection.


Alpha Channel (Multimedia)

The alpha channel is used to specify an alpha value for each video sample. The alpha value is used to control the blending, on a sample-by-sample basis, of two images.

new pixel = (alpha)(sample A color) + (1 - alpha)(sample B color)

Alpha typically has a normalized value of 0 to 1. In a graphics environment, the alpha values can be stored in additional memory. When you hear about 32-bit frame buffers, what this really means is that there are 24 bits of color, 8 each for red, green, and blue, along with an 8-bit alpha channel. Also see alpha mix.


Alpha Channel (Photography)

An extra 8-bit, grayscale channel in an image - often used for creating masks to isolate part of an image.


Alpha Channel (Real Time 3D)

An optional channel in the texture file that usually defines the transparency of the texture’s pixels, but can also be used for other things like a height map. The alpha can be anywhere from 1bit up to 8bits, depending on the amount of detail you need. Generally, the lower the bit depth you use, the more memory you save, but the lower the image quality of the transparency.


Alpha Channel (Scanner)

An 8-bit channel reserved by some image-processing applications for masking or additional color information.


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Alpha Channel (Technology)

In computer graphics, a portion of each pixel's data that is reserved for transparency information. 32-bit graphics systems contain four channels -- three 8-bit channels for red, green, and blue (RGB) and one 8-bit alpha channel. The alpha channel is really a mask -- it specifies how the pixel's colors should be merged with another pixel when the two are overlaid, one on top of the other.




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