> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-an-hdmi-switcher.md).

# Use Captivate with an HDMI switcher

Use this setup when your switcher takes an HDMI input and can chroma key or luma key, but does not accept SDI key + fill or NDI with alpha. Captivate’s Display output carries the graphics over a key-color background, and the switcher keys that background out to composite the graphics over its program.

## When to use this setup

* The switcher has an HDMI or DisplayPort input.
* The switcher can chroma key (blue or green) or luma key (black).
* The switcher does not support SDI key + fill or NDI alpha.

This is common with compact HDMI switchers such as the Blackmagic ATEM, Roland, and Epiphan lines.

## Recommended path

Send Captivate’s **Display output** to the switcher’s HDMI input, drawn over a chroma or luma key background, and set the switcher to key that background out.

Alternatives:

* If the switcher **does** accept NDI with alpha, prefer [NDI](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-vmix.md) — it carries real transparency and avoids key-color spill.
* If the switcher has a key + fill input, prefer [SDI key + fill](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-an-sdi-broadcast-switcher.md).

## Alpha Key

Turn **Alpha Key** on. With Alpha Key on, the Display output draws your graphics over the chosen key-color background, which is what the switcher keys against. This is a keyable background, not true alpha — the switcher creates the final composite. Pick the key color to match what the switcher keys: blue or green for chroma, black for luma.

## Set up overview

1. In Captivate, set the project’s video format and turn **Alpha Key** on — see [Set the project format](/set-up-your-production/set-up-your-project.md).
2. From the **Program Out** menu, choose **Display**, and set the screen’s resolution to match your project.
3. In **Display Setup**, choose the key color (black, blue, or green) that your switcher keys against.
4. Connect the Display output to the switcher’s HDMI input, and configure the switcher’s chroma or luma keyer to remove the background.

## Detailed setup links

* [Output graphics to a display](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index/output-graphics-to-a-display.md) — the Display output and key-color settings.
* [Set the project format](/set-up-your-production/set-up-your-project.md) — resolution, frame rate, and Alpha Key.

## Related

* [Use Captivate with ATEM](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-atem.md) — the most common HDMI-chromakey switcher.
* [Choose how Captivate fits your production](/set-up-your-production/how-it-fits-your-production.md) — the decision hub.


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