Innovation in the tech industry is often talked about but rarely seen. However, I recently came across a product that truly lives up to the label of innovative: the SUB2r Active Green Screen (AGS). This green screen, which is used by livestreamers and digital filmmakers, takes a new approach to a staple tool for content creators.
First, let’s discuss what a green screen is. It is essentially a large green backdrop that is used in photography or film to add digital effects or backgrounds through chroma key compositing. While green screens have been primarily used in movie productions or photography studios, they have gained popularity among online content creators, livestreamers, and YouTubers.
The SUB2r AGS stands out because it solves the complicated issue of lighting a green screen. Lighting is crucial for a perfect chroma key effect, and typically, multiple lights are needed to properly illuminate the green screen backdrop. However, the SUB2r AGS has a lighting system built into the 5×7 foot green screen itself, ensuring a perfectly lit green screen without the need for additional lights.
The SUB2r AGS is available for purchase on SUB2r’s website for $549 and comes with a 5’x7′ size green screen, built-in lighting setup, stands, a compact carrying case, a remote control to adjust lighting settings, and the ability to power the lighting with either an outlet or a USB battery pack.
In my personal experience using the SUB2r AGS, it delivered on its main selling point. I was able to achieve a perfect chroma key effect without any additional lighting on the green screen backdrop itself. The built-in lighting system eliminated issues such as shadows or green color leakage that can occur with other green screens. It also allowed me to position myself closer to the green screen, making it ideal for creators working in small home studio spaces.
The SUB2r AGS is particularly useful for streamers who rely on real-time chroma keying. In my tests, even without specific lighting setup, the SUB2r AGS produced excellent results. It effectively removes the green screen background without any noticeable artifacts.
One standout feature of the SUB2r AGS is its portability. The built-in lights can be powered by a USB battery pack, making it convenient for on-location shoots or low-budget productions where a full lighting setup may not be feasible.
Setup is also a breeze with the SUB2r AGS. Unlike traditional green screen kits that require stands and take up space, the SUB2r AGS expands straight out of the carrying case and can be set up in minutes. Folding it back up is also relatively quick and straightforward.
The only drawback of the SUB2r AGS is its price. At $549 (on sale from its original price of $649), it may be too expensive for some streamers and YouTubers. However, considering the included lighting setup and the convenience it brings, the price becomes more reasonable compared to other green screen kits that require separate lighting equipment.
One competitor to the SUB2r AGS is the Elgato collapsible green screen, which is priced at around $160. While the Elgato Green Screen offers a faster setup and takes up less space, it lacks the built-in lighting system of the SUB2r AGS.
In conclusion, the SUB2r AGS is a truly innovative product that offers a unique solution to lighting a green screen. Livestreamers, smaller creators, photographers, filmmakers, and YouTube creators can all benefit from its capabilities. While it may not be affordable for everyone, it is definitely worth considering for those in need of a high-quality green screen with built-in lighting. With its groundbreaking approach to green screens, SUB2r is a company to watch in the livestreaming and video content creation space.