When it comes to transforming a good video to great video, Producers turn to Aura® again and again. Aura is the fastest, easiest, most functional and versatile video paint, composite, layering and special effects package ever made. While Aura is a full-powered paint program, it also provides you the power you need to modify video clips or create animations. A quick summary of some of Aura’s features include:

• Amazingly fast 16-bit paint engine, allowing instant use of any 32-bit image’s alpha channel in an unlimited number of layers
• Real-time display on VT program output while you paint
• One, two and four-point Pixel Tracking, for image stabilization or video mapping
• Animate sketches or handwriting using Stroke Recorder
• Real time playback, with the ability to instantly reorder layers
• 2x2 or 8000x8000-pixel images handled easily with Aura’s resolution independence
• Multiple projects can be open at once, and copy and paste between them
• Apply Photoshop 5.5 or earlier filters to any video layer

Aura adds raw speed and power to the already impressive graphics tools available. Because NewTek makes both the hardware and the software, integration is seamless. Use any input on the VT switcher as a real-time background in Aura 2. Grab images or sequences from the currently selected preview or program bus. The Aura File requestor allows real-time preview of any image or animation file by right clicking on it. This makes choosing the right file among similar ones fast and easy.

A simple stroke of the pen can be a dramatic animation, but is frequently not considered by producers, due to the lengthy process involved. Aura changed that with Stroke Recorder. Have a client sign their name across your tablet (Aura has full tablet support) while Aura records every nuance. A few mouse-clicks later, you now have that fully animated for playback. You want integration? That same recorded stroke can be imported into LightWave 3D® for a variety of incredible effects.

The power and flexibility of Aura [2.5] takes you far beyond the ability to create motion graphics for TV and film, it is also perfect for print, computer graphics, multimedia and web design. This is the tool in VT’s arsenal that will cause you to smile whenever your client asks for something special by saying, “Sure! I can do that.”