diff --git a/veejay-current/libstream/vj-tag.c b/veejay-current/libstream/vj-tag.c
index bcd6e4ec..6cc9f382 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libstream/vj-tag.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libstream/vj-tag.c
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ int vj_tag_init(int width, int height, int pix_fmt)
    _temp_buffer[2] = (uint8_t*) malloc(sizeof(uint8_t)*width*height);
 		
 
-    if( pix_fmt == FMT_422 )
+    if( pix_fmt == FMT_422 || pix_fmt == FMT_422F )
 	{
 		_tmp.uv_width = width; 
 		_tmp.uv_height = height/2;
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ int vj_tag_new(int type, char *filename, int stream_nr, editlist * el,
 	if(type == VJ_TAG_TYPE_MCAST || type == VJ_TAG_TYPE_NET)
 	    tag->private = net_threader();
 	
-    palette = (pix_fmt == FMT_420 ? VIDEO_PALETTE_YUV420P : VIDEO_PALETTE_YUV422P);
+    palette = ( (pix_fmt == FMT_420||pix_fmt == FMT_420F) ? VIDEO_PALETTE_YUV420P : VIDEO_PALETTE_YUV422P);
     
  
     switch (type) {
@@ -1778,7 +1778,7 @@ int vj_tag_enable(int t1) {
 		vj_picture *p = vj_tag_input->picture[ tag->index ];
 		p->pic = vj_picture_open( tag->source_name, 
 			vj_tag_input->width, vj_tag_input->height,
-			vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420 ? 1:0);
+			vj_tag_input->pix_fmt );
 
 		if(!p->pic)
 			return -1;
@@ -2235,8 +2235,10 @@ int vj_tag_get_frame(int t1, uint8_t *buffer[3], uint8_t * abuffer)
 	vj_client *v;
 	if(!tag) return -1;  
 
-    if( vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420) uv_len = uv_len / 4;
-    if( vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_422) uv_len = uv_len / 2;
+    if( vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420|| vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420F)
+	    uv_len = uv_len / 4;
+    else
+	    uv_len = uv_len / 2;
 
     switch (tag->source_type) {
 #ifdef USE_UNICAP
@@ -2302,7 +2304,7 @@ int vj_tag_get_frame(int t1, uint8_t *buffer[3], uint8_t * abuffer)
 		break;
 	case VJ_TAG_TYPE_YUV4MPEG:
 	// only for 4:2:0 , must convert to 4:2:2
-	if( vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420)
+	if( vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420 || vj_tag_input->pix_fmt == FMT_420F)
 	{
 		if (vj_yuv_get_frame(vj_tag_input->stream[tag->index], buffer) != 0)
 	    	{
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/average.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/average.c
index b99e1f56..d72528b2 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/average.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/average.c
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 #include "average.h"
 #include <stdlib.h>
-
+#include "common.h"
 vj_effect *average_init(int w, int h)
 {
     vj_effect *ve = (vj_effect *) vj_malloc(sizeof(vj_effect));
@@ -52,19 +52,16 @@ void average_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int val)
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = ((val-1) * a + a)/val;
-	if(b < 16) b = 16; else if (b > 240) b = 240;
-	Y[i] = b;
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(b);
     }
 
     for (i = 0; i < uv_len; i++) {
 	a = Cb[i];
 	b = ((val-1) * a + a)/val;
-	if(b < 16) b = 16; else if (b > 235) b = 235;
-	Cb[i] = b;
+	Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(b);
 	a = Cr[i];
 	b = ((val-1) * a + a )/val;
-	if(b < 16) b = 16; else if (b > 235) b = 235;
-	Cr[i] = b;
+	Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(b);
     }
 }
 void average_free(){}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromamagick.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromamagick.c
index 33f1b172..c69a1977 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromamagick.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromamagick.c
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include "chromamagick.h"
 #include <math.h>
+#include "common.h"
 // fixme: mode 8 and 9 corrupt (green/purple cbcr)
 
 vj_effect *chromamagick_init(int w, int h)
@@ -92,15 +93,8 @@ void chromamagic_addsubselectlum(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = (Y[i] * op_a) >> 8;
 	b = (Y2[i] * op_b) >> 8;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
-	if (b > 235)
-	    b = 235;
-	if (a < 16)
-	    a = 16;
-	if (a > 235)
-	    a = 235;
-
+	a = CLAMP_Y(a);
+	b = CLAMP_Y(b);	
 	if (b < a) {
 	    c = (a + b) >> 1;
 	    Y[i] = c;
@@ -228,14 +222,11 @@ void chromamagic_selectdiffneg(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	b = (Y2[i] * op_b) >> 8;
 	if (a > b) {
 	    c = 255 - abs(255 - a - b);
-	    if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240) c = 240;
-	    Y[i] = c;
+	    Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 	    c = ((Cb[i] * op_a) + (Cb2[i]*op_b) )>>8;
-	    if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-	    Cb[i] = c;
+	    Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	    c = ((Cr[i] * op_a) + (Cr2[i]*op_b) )>>8;
-	    if( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-	    Cr[i] = c;
+	    Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
     }
 }
@@ -258,12 +249,12 @@ void chromamagic_selectunfreeze(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	a = (Y[i] * op_a) >> 8;
 	b = (Y2[i] * op_b) >> 8;
 	if (a > b) {
-	    if (a < 16)
-		c = 16;
+	    if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+		c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	    else
-		c = 255 - ((255 - b) * (255 - b)) / a;
-	    if (c < 16)
-		c = 16;
+		c = 255 - ((256 - b) * (256 - b)) / a;
+	    if (c < pixel_Y_lo_)
+		c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	    Y[i] = c;
 	    Cb[i] = (Cb[i] + Cb2[i]) >> 1;
 	    Cr[i] = (Cr[i] + Cr2[i]) >> 1;
@@ -289,20 +280,9 @@ void chromamagic_addlum(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = (Y[i] * op_a) >> 8;
 	b = (Y2[i] * op_b) >> 8;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
-	if (b > 235)
-	    b = 235;
-	if (a < 16)
-	    a = 16;
-	if (a > 235)
-	    a = 235;
-	c = (a * a) / (255 - b);
-	if (c > 235)
-	    c = 235;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Y[i] = c;
+	a = CLAMP_Y(a);
+	c = (a * a) / (256- b);
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 	Cb[i] = (Cb[i] + Cb2[i]) >> 1;
 	Cr[i] = (Cr[i] + Cr2[i]) >> 1;
     }
@@ -326,9 +306,8 @@ void chromamagic_exclusive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width, int heigh
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
 
-
-	if(a < 16) a = 16; else if(a > 235) a = 235;
-	if(b < 16) b = 16; else if(b > 235) b = 235;
+	a = CLAMP_Y(a);
+	b = CLAMP_Y(b);
 
 	a *= o1;
 	b *= o2;
@@ -336,23 +315,20 @@ void chromamagic_exclusive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width, int heigh
 	b = b >> 8;	
 
 	c = (a+b) - ((a * b) >> 8);
-	if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-	Y[i] = c;
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 	a = Cb[i]-128;
 	b = Cb2[i]-128;
 	c = (a + b) - (( a * b) >> 8);
 	c += 128;
-	if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-	Cb[i] = c;
+	Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 
 	a = Cr[i]-128;
 	b = Cr2[i]-128;
 	c = (a + b) - ((a*b) >> 8);
 	c += 128;
-	if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-	Cr[i] = c;
+	Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
     }
 }
 
@@ -372,9 +348,6 @@ void chromamagic_diffnegate(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width, int heig
 	const unsigned int o2 = 255 - o1;
 #define MAGIC_THRESHOLD 40
 	for(i=0; i < len; i++) {
-		//a = (( 255 - Y[i]) * o1) >> 7; /* negation */
-	//	b = (Y2[i] * o2) >> 7;
-	//	d = abs( a - b );
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
 		d = abs( a - b );
@@ -383,31 +356,18 @@ void chromamagic_diffnegate(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width, int heig
 			a = Y[i] * o1;
 			b = Cb2[i] * o2;
 			c = 255 - ( (a + b) >>8 );
-			if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240) c = 240;	
-			Y[i] = c;
-
-	//		a = (( 255 - Cb[i]) * o1) >> 7;	
-	//		b = (Cb2[i] * o2) >> 7;
-	//		c = 255 - abs(a - b);
-	//		if ( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-	//		Cb[i] = c;
-
+			Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 			a = (Cb[i]-128) * o1;
 			b = (Cb2[i]-128) * o2;
 			c = 255 - ( 128 + (( a + b ) >> 8 ));
-			Cb[i] = c;
+			Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 
 			a = (Cr[i]-128) * o1;
 			b = (Cr2[i]-128) * o2;
 			c = 255 - ( 128 + (( a + b ) >> 8 ));
-
-	//	a = (( 255 - Cr[i]) * o1) >> 7;
-	//	b = (Cr2[i] * o2) >> 7;
-	//	c = 255 - abs( a- b);
-			if ( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-			Cr[i] = c;
+			Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 		
 		}
 	}
@@ -432,24 +392,19 @@ void chromamagic_additive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 		a = (Y[i]*o1) >> 7;
 		b = (Y2[i]*o2) >> 7;
 		c = a + (( 2 * b ) - 255);
-		if( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] =  CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 		a = Cb[i];
 		b = Cb2[i];
 
 		c = a + ( ( 2 * b ) - 255 );
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Cb[i] = c ;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c) ;
 
 		a = Cr[i] ;
 		b = Cr2[i] ;
 
 		c = a + ( ( 2 * b ) - 255 );
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c  = 240;
-
-		Cr[i] = c ;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c) ;
 	
 	}
 
@@ -474,25 +429,22 @@ void chromamagic_basecolor(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	b = o1 - Y2[i];
 	c = a * b >> 8;
 	d = c + a * ((255 - (((255 - a) * (255 - b)) >> 8) - c) >> 8);	//8
-	if ( d < 16 ) d = 16; else if ( d > 240 ) d = 240;
-	Y[i] = d;
+	
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(d);
 
 	a = Cb[i]-128;
 	b = Cb2[i]-128;
 	c = a * b >> 8;
 	d = c + a * ((255 - (((255-a) * (255-b)) >> 8) -c) >> 8);
 	d += 128;
-	if ( d < 16 ) d = 16; else if ( d > 235 ) d = 235;
-	Cb[i] = d;	
+	Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(d);	
 
 	a = Cr[i]-128;
 	b = Cr2[i]-128;
 	c = a * b >> 8;
 	d = c + a * ((255 - (((255-a) * (255-b)) >> 8) -c ) >> 8);
 	d += 128;
-	if ( d < 16 ) d = 16; else if ( d > 235 ) d = 235;
-	Cr[i] = d;
-	
+	Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(d);
 
     }
 }
@@ -516,28 +468,26 @@ void chromamagic_freeze(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int op_a)
 	for(i=0; i < len; i++) {
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( a < pixel_Y_lo_ ) a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+		if ( b < pixel_Y_lo_ ) b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 		c = 255 - ((op_a -a ) * (op_a - a)) / b;
-		if ( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-
-		Y[i] = c;
+		
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 		a = Cb[i];
 		b = Cb2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
-		c = 255 - ((255-a) * (255 - a)) / b;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		if ( a < pixel_U_lo_ ) a = pixel_U_lo_;
+		if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
+		c = 255 - ((256-a) * (256 - a)) / b;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i];
 		b = Cr2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
-		c = 255 - (( 255 - a ) * ( 255 - a )) / b;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c> 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		if ( a < pixel_U_lo_ ) a = pixel_U_lo_;
+		if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
+
+		c = 255 - (( 256 - a ) * ( 256 - a )) / b;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 
 }
@@ -557,28 +507,24 @@ void chromamagic_unfreeze( VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int op
 	for(i=0; i < len; i++) {
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( a < pixel_Y_lo_ ) a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+		if ( b < pixel_Y_lo_ ) b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 		c = 255 - (( op_a - b) * (op_a - b)) / a;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 		
 		a = Cb[i];
 		b = Cb2[i];
-		if ( a < 16) a = 16;
-		if ( b < 16) b = 16;
-		c = 255 - (( 255 - b) * ( 255 - b )) / a;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		if ( a < pixel_U_lo_ ) a = pixel_U_lo_;
+		if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
+		c = 255 - (( 256 - b) * ( 256 - b )) / a;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 		
 		a = Cr[i];
 		b = Cr2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
-		c = 255 - ((255 -b ) * (255 - b)) /a ;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
-
+		if ( a < pixel_U_lo_ ) a = pixel_U_lo_;
+		if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
+		c = 255 - ((256 -b ) * (256 - b)) /a ;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -604,24 +550,21 @@ void chromamagic_hardlight( VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int o
 		else {
 			c = 255 - (( op_a - b) * ( op_a - a ) >> 8);
 		}
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] =CLAMP_Y( c);
 
 		a = Cb[i]-128;
 		b = Cb2[i]-128;
 		if ( b < 128 ) c = ( a * b ) >> 8;
-		else c = 255 - (( 255 - b) * ( 255 - a) >> 8);
+		else c = 255 - (( 256 - b) * ( 256 - a) >> 8);
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i]-128;
 		b = Cr2[i]-128;
 		if ( b < 128) c = ( a * b ) >> 8;
-		else c = 255 - (( 255 - b) * ( 255 - a) >> 8 );
+		else c = 255 - (( 256 - b) * ( 256 - a) >> 8 );
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;		
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);		
 
 	}
 }
@@ -644,22 +587,19 @@ void chromamagic_multiply( VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h,int op_
 		a = (Y[i] * o1) >> 8;
 		b = (Y2[i] * o2) >> 8;
 		c = (a * b) >> 8;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 		a = Cb[i]-128;
 		b = Cb2[i]-128;
 		c = ( a * b ) >> 8;
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i] - 128;
 		b = Cr2[i] - 128;
 		c = ( a * b ) >> 8;
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c> 235) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 	}
 }
@@ -681,25 +621,22 @@ void chromamagic_divide(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int op_a
 	for(i=0; i < len; i++) {
 		a = Y[i] * Y[i];
 		b = o1 - Y2[i];
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( b < pixel_Y_lo_ ) b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 		c = a / b;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if (c > 240) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 	
 		a = Cb[i] * Cb2[i];
 		b = 255 - Cb2[i];
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
 		c = a / b;
-		if ( c < 16) c= 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i] * Cr[i];;
 		b = 255 - Cr2[i];
-		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
 		c = ( a / b );
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -723,23 +660,18 @@ void chromamagic_substract(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int op
 		b = Y2[i];
 
 		c = a - ((b * o1) >> 8);
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 		a = Cb[i];
 		b = Cb2[i];
 		c = (((a * o2) + (b * o1))>>8);
-
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-
+		CLAMP_UV(c);
 		Cb[i] = c;
 
 		a = Cr[i];
 		b = Cr2[i];
 		c = (((a * o2) + (b * o1)) >> 8); 
-
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-
+		CLAMP_UV(c);
 		Cr[i] = c;
 	}
 
@@ -763,23 +695,19 @@ void chromamagic_add(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
 		c = a + (( 2 * b ) - op_a);
-		if( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 		a = Cb[i]-128;
 		b = Cb2[i]-128;
 		c = a + ( 2 * b );
 		c += 128;
-		if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i]-128;
 		b = Cr2[i]-128;
 		c = a + ( 2 * b );
 		c += 128;	
-		if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -798,20 +726,17 @@ void chromamagic_screen(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int op_a)
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
 		c = 255 - ( (op_a-a) * (op_a-b) >> 8);
-		if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 		a = Cb[i]-128;
 		b = Cb2[i]-128;
-		c = 255 - ( ( 255-a) * (255 - b) >> 8);
+		c = 255 - ( ( 256-a) * (256 - b) >> 8);
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 		a = Cr[i]-128;
 		b = Cr2[i]-128;
-		c = 255 - ( ( 255 -a) * (255 - b)>>8);
+		c = 255 - ( ( 256 -a) * (256 - b)>>8);
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -832,22 +757,19 @@ void chromamagic_difference(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int o
 		a = (Y[i] * o1)>>7;
 		b = (Y2[i] * o2)>>7;
 		c = abs ( a - b );
-		if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 		a = (Cb[i]-128);
 		b = (Cb2[i]-128);
 		c = abs ( a - b );
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;		
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);		
 
 		a = (Cr[i]-128);
 		b = (Cr2[i]-128);
 		c = abs( a - b );
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -871,26 +793,21 @@ void chromamagic_softlightmode(VJFrame *frame,VJFrame *frame2,
 		if ( a < op_a ) {
 		c = (a * b) >> 8;
 		d = (c + a * ( 255 - ( (255-a)*(255-b) >> 8) - c)) >> 8;
-		if ( d < 16 ) d = 16; else if ( d > 240) d = 240;
-	
-		/* deal with chroma red/blue in a magical way
-		   range gets narrowed. 
-		*/
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(d);
+		
 		a = abs(Cb[i]-128);
 		b = abs(Cb2[i]-128);
 		c = (a * b);
 		d = (c + a * ( 255 - ( (a * b) >> 7) - c)) >> 7;
 		d += 128;
-		if ( d < 16) d = 16; else if ( d > 235 ) d = 235;
-		Cb[i] = d;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(d);
 
 		a = abs(Cr[i]-128);
 		b = abs(Cr2[i]-128);
 		c = (a * b) >> 7;
 		d = (c + a * ( 255 - ( (a * b) >> 7) -c)) >> 7;
 		d += 128;
-		if( d < 16) d= 16; else if ( d > 235 ) d= 235;
-		Cr[i] = d;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(d);
 		}
 	}
 }
@@ -912,27 +829,24 @@ void chromamagic_dodge(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h,
 		b = Y2[i];
 		if( a >= op_a) c = a;
 		else {
-			if( b > 240 ) b = 240;
-			if( a < 16) a = 16;
-			c = (a << 8) / ( 255 - b );
-			if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if (c > 240 ) c = 240;
-			Y[i] = c;
+			if( b > pixel_Y_hi_ ) b = pixel_Y_hi_ - 5;
+			if( a < pixel_Y_lo_) a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+			c = (a << 8) / ( 256 - b );
+			Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 			a = Cb[i] - 128;
 			b = Cb2[i] - 128;
 			if ( b > 127 ) b = 127;
 			c = ( a << 7 ) / ( 128 - b );
 			c += 128;
-			if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-			Cb[i] = c;
+			Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 			a = Cr[i] - 128;
 			b = Cr2[i] - 128;
 			if ( b > 127 ) b = 127;
 			c = ( a << 7 ) / ( 128 - b);
 			c += 128;
-			if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-			Cr[i] = c;
+			Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 		}
 	}	
 }
@@ -1011,35 +925,32 @@ void chromamagic_reflect(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 
 		if ( b > op_a ) c = b;
 		else {
-			if ( b > 240 ) b = 240;
-			if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-			c = (a * a) / ( 255 - b );
-			if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-			Y[i] = c;
+			if ( b > pixel_Y_hi_ ) b = pixel_Y_hi_ -5;
+			if ( a < pixel_Y_lo_ ) a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+			c = (a * a) / ( 256 - b );
+			Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 
 			a = Cb[i];
 			b = Cb2[i];
-			if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-			if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+			if ( a < pixel_U_lo_) a = pixel_U_lo_;
+			if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
 			a -= 128;
 			b -= 128;
 			if ( b == 128 ) b = 127;
 			c = ( a * a ) / ( 128 - b);
 			c += 128;
-			if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-			Cb[i] = c;
+			Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 			a = Cr[i];
 			b = Cr2[i];
-			if ( a < 16 ) a = 16; 
-			if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+			if ( a < pixel_U_lo_ ) a = pixel_U_lo_; 
+			if ( b < pixel_U_lo_ ) b = pixel_U_lo_;
 			a -= 128;
 			b -= 128;
 			if ( b == 128) b = 127;
 			c = ( a * a ) / ( 128 - b);
 			c += 128;
-			if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-			Cr[i] = c;
+			Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromapalette.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromapalette.c
index b4b04e19..2d7dec2e 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromapalette.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/chromapalette.c
@@ -155,11 +155,9 @@ void chromapalette_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int angle, int r
 				if( _chroma_key( Cb[i] , Cr[i], colorKeycb,colorKeycr, accept_angle))
 				{
 					U =  128+(int)( (float) (color_cb - Y[i]) * cb_mul );
-					if(U < 16) U = 16; else if ( U > 240 ) U = 240;
+					Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV( U );
 					V =  128+(int)( (float) (color_cr - Y[i]) * cr_mul );
-					if(V < 16) V = 16; else if ( V > 240 ) V = 240;
-					Cb[i] = U;
-					Cr[i] = V;
+					Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV( V );
 				}
 		}
 	}
@@ -170,8 +168,7 @@ void chromapalette_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int angle, int r
 				if( _chroma_key( Cb[i], Cr[i], colorKeycb, colorKeycr, accept_angle))
 				{
 					V = 128+(int)( (float) (color_cr - Y[i]) * cr_mul );
-					if( V < 16 ) V = 16; else if ( V > 240 ) V = 240;
-					Cr[i] = V;
+					Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV( V );
 				}
 		}
 	}
@@ -182,8 +179,7 @@ void chromapalette_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int angle, int r
 			if( _chroma_key( Cb[i] , Cr[i], colorKeycb,colorKeycr, accept_angle))
 			{
 				U = 128 + (int)( (float) (color_cb - Y[i]) * cb_mul );
-				if( U < 16 ) U = 16; else if ( U > 240 ) U = 240;
-				Cb[i] = U;
+				Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(U);
 			}
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.c
index 3f8158f6..78a6f107 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.c
@@ -679,8 +679,8 @@ uint8_t bl_pix_divide_Y(uint8_t y1, uint8_t y2)
 {
 	int c = y1 * y2;
 	int b = 0xff - y2;
-	if( b < 16 || c < 16 )
-		return 16;
+	if( b < pixel_Y_lo_ || c < pixel_Y_lo_ )
+		return pixel_Y_lo_;
 	return ( c / b );
 }
 
@@ -700,15 +700,15 @@ uint8_t bl_pix_softburn_Y(uint8_t y1, uint8_t y2)
     uint8_t a, b, new_Y;
     a = y1;
     b = y2;
-    if( a < 16) a = 16;
-    if( b < 16) b = 16;
+    if( a < pixel_Y_lo_) a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+    if( b < pixel_Y_lo_) b = pixel_Y_lo_;
     if (a + b < 0xff) {
-	if (a > 235) {
-	    new_Y = 235;
+	if (a > pixel_Y_hi_) {
+	    new_Y = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	} else {
 	    new_Y = (b >> 7) / (0xff - a);
-	    if (new_Y > 235)
-		new_Y = 235;
+	    if (new_Y > pixel_Y_hi_)
+		new_Y = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	}
     } else {
 	new_Y = 0xff - (((0xff - a) >> 7) / b);
@@ -721,8 +721,8 @@ uint8_t bl_pix_inverseburn_Y(uint8_t y1, uint8_t y2)
     uint8_t a, b, new_Y;
     a = y1;
     b = y2;
-    if (a < 16) {
-	new_Y = 16;
+    if (a < pixel_Y_lo_) {
+	new_Y = pixel_Y_lo_;
     } else {
 	new_Y = 0xff - (((0xff - b) >> 8) / a);
     }
@@ -732,9 +732,9 @@ uint8_t bl_pix_inverseburn_Y(uint8_t y1, uint8_t y2)
 
 uint8_t bl_pix_colordodge_Y(uint8_t y1, uint8_t y2)
 {
-    if(y2 < 16) y2 = 16;
-    if(y1 > 235) y1 = 235;
-    return ((y2 >> 8) / (0xff - y1));
+    if(y1 > pixel_Y_hi_ )
+	    y1 = pixel_Y_hi_;
+    return ((y2 >> 8) / (256 - y1));
 }
 
 uint8_t bl_pix_mulsub_Y(uint8_t y1, uint8_t y2)
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.h b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.h
index f005ba55..babe41fe 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.h
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/common.h
@@ -33,6 +33,17 @@
 #define func_additive(a,b) ( a + (2 * b) - 235 )
 #define func_substractive(a,b) ( a + (b - 235) )
 
+
+extern int  pixel_Y_hi_;
+extern int  pixel_U_hi_;
+extern int  pixel_Y_lo_;
+extern int  pixel_U_lo_;
+
+#define CLAMP_Y( a ) ( a < pixel_Y_lo_ ? pixel_Y_lo_ : (a > pixel_Y_hi_ ? pixel_Y_hi_ : a ) )
+#define CLAMP_UV( a )( a < pixel_U_lo_ ? pixel_U_lo_ : (a > pixel_U_hi_ ? pixel_U_hi_ : a ) )
+
+extern void	set_pixel_range(uint8_t Yhi,uint8_t Uhi, uint8_t lo);
+
 #ifdef HAVE_MMX
 #define MMX_load8byte_mm7(data)__asm__("\n\t movq %0,%%mm7\n":	"=m" (data):)
 #endif
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexinvert.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexinvert.c
index fa0f48cb..a5a4801d 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexinvert.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexinvert.c
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ void complexinvert_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width,
     uint8_t *Y2 = frame->data[0];
  	uint8_t *Cb2= frame->data[1];
 	uint8_t *Cr2= frame->data[2];
-	int	iy=16,iu=128,iv=128;
+	int	iy=pixel_Y_lo_,iu=128,iv=128;
 	_rgb2yuv( r,g,b, iy,iu,iv );
 	_y = (float) iy;
 	aa = (float) iu;
@@ -170,28 +170,15 @@ void complexinvert_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width,
 				kbg = 255;
 	    	}
 
-	   		val = 255 - ((Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos])) >> 8);
-	    	if (val < 16)
-				val = 16;
-	    	else if (val > 235)
-				val = 235;
-	    	Y[pos] = val;
+
+		val = 255 - ((Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos])) >> 8);
+		Y[pos] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 
 	    	val = 255 - ((Cb[pos] + (kbg * bg_cb[pos])) >> 8);
-	    	if (val < 16)
-				val = 16;
-	    	else if (val > 240)
-				val = 240;
-	   		Cb[pos] = val;
-
-	   		val = 255 - ( (Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos])) >> 8);
-	   		if (val < 16)
-				val = 16;
-		    else if (val > 240)
-				val = 240;
-	   		Cr[pos] = val;
-
+		Cb[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 
+   		val = 255 - ( (Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos])) >> 8);
+		Cr[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 	    }
 	}
 }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexsaturate.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexsaturate.c
index 1be90715..ea90c04d 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexsaturate.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexsaturate.c
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ void complexsaturation_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width,
     uint8_t *Y2 = frame->data[0];
  	uint8_t *Cb2= frame->data[1];
 	uint8_t *Cr2= frame->data[2];
-	int	iy=16,iu=128,iv=128;
+	int	iy=pixel_Y_lo_,iu=128,iv=128;
 	_rgb2yuv( r,g,b, iy,iu,iv );
 	_y = (float) iy;
 	aa = (float) iu;
@@ -179,25 +179,13 @@ void complexsaturation_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width,
 	    	}
 
 	   	val = (Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos])) >> 8;
-	    	if (val < 16)
-			val = 16;
-	    	else if (val > 235)
-			val = 235;
-	    	Y[pos] = val;
+		Y[pos] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 
 	    	val = (Cb[pos] + (kbg * bg_cb[pos])) >> 8;
-	    	if (val < 16)
-			val = 16;
-	    	else if (val > 240)
-			val = 240;
-	   	Cb[pos] = val;
+		Cb[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 
 	   	val = (Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos])) >> 8;
-	   	if (val < 16)
-			val = 16;
-		else if (val > 240)
-			val = 240;
-	   	Cr[pos] = val;
+		Cr[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 
 		int _cb = Cb[pos] - 128;
 		int _cr = Cr[pos] - 128;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexthreshold.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexthreshold.c
index d6c0e285..4897d380 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexthreshold.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/complexthreshold.c
@@ -259,25 +259,13 @@ void complexthreshold_apply(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 		}
 
 		val = Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos]) >> 8;
-		if (val < 16)
-		    val = 16;
-		else if (val > 235)
-		    val = 235;
-		Y[pos] = val;
+		Y[pos] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 
 		val = Cb[pos] + (kbg * bg_cb[pos]) >> 8;
-		if (val < 16)
-		    val = 16;
-		else if (val > 240)
-		    val = 240;
-		Cb[pos] = val;
+		Cb[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 
 		val = Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos]) >> 8;
-		if (val < 16)
-		    val = 16;
-		else if (val > 240)
-		    val = 240;
-		Cr[pos] = val;
+		Cr[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 	    }
 	}
     }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/constantblend.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/constantblend.c
index b30ecbdd..b1353da7 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/constantblend.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/constantblend.c
@@ -41,8 +41,8 @@ vj_effect *constantblend_init(int w, int h)
     ve->limits[1][0] = 31;
     ve->limits[0][1] = 0;  // scale from 0.0 to 5.0 (only luma)
     ve->limits[1][1] = 500;
-    ve->limits[0][2] = 16;
-    ve->limits[1][2] = 235;
+    ve->limits[0][2] = pixel_Y_lo_;
+    ve->limits[1][2] = pixel_Y_hi_;
     ve->defaults[0] = 1;   // blend type (additive)
     ve->defaults[1] = 110; // scale before blend
     ve->defaults[2] = 16;  // constant Y
@@ -67,9 +67,7 @@ void constantblend_apply( VJFrame *frame, int width, int height,
 
 	for (i = 0; i < len; i++)
 	{
-		// keep black real black ? how ?
 		int tmp_val =(int)( ((float) *(Y)) * s);
-		if(tmp_val > 235) tmp_val = 235; else if(tmp_val < 16) tmp_val = 16;
 		*(Y)++ = blend_y( (uint8_t) ( (uint8_t) tmp_val ) , y ); 
    	}
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/contrast.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/contrast.c
index 79acf55b..a761b39c 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/contrast.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/contrast.c
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
  */
 
 #include "contrast.h"
-
+#include "common.h"
 vj_effect *contrast_init(int w, int h)
 {
     vj_effect *ve = (vj_effect *) vj_malloc(sizeof(vj_effect));
@@ -59,19 +59,15 @@ void contrast_cb_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width,int height, int *s) {
 		cb *= s[2];
 		cb = (cb + 50)/100;
 		cb += 128;
-		if(cb > 235) cb = 235;
-		if(cb < 16) cb = 16;
 
 		cr = Cr[r];
 		cr -= 128;
 		cr *= s[2];
 		cr = (cr + 50)/100;
 		cr += 128;
-		if(cr > 235) cr = 235;
-		if(cr < 16) cr = 16;
 
-		Cb[r] = cb;
-		Cr[r] = cr;
+		Cb[r] = CLAMP_UV(cb);
+		Cr[r] = CLAMP_UV(cr);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -87,9 +83,7 @@ void contrast_y_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int *s) {
 	m *= s[1];
 	m = (m + 50)/100;
 	m += 128;
-	if ( m > 240) m = 240;
-	if ( m < 16) m = 16;
-	Y[r] = m;
+	Y[r] = CLAMP_Y(m);
     }
 
 }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/crosspixel.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/crosspixel.c
index 81c805ac..711a0cce 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/crosspixel.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/crosspixel.c
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
  */
 
 #include "crosspixel.h"
+#include "common.h"
 #include <stdlib.h>
 
 static uint8_t *cross_pixels[3];
@@ -83,7 +84,7 @@ void crosspixel_apply(VJFrame *frame, int w, int h, int t,int v) {
     memcpy( cross_pixels[2], Cr, uv_len);
 
     if(t==0) {
-	    memset(Y, 16, len);
+	    memset(Y, pixel_Y_lo_, len);
 	    memset(Cb, 128, uv_len);
 	    memset(Cr, 128, uv_len);
     }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/diff.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/diff.c
index 894aea31..8b19ad45 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/diff.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/diff.c
@@ -252,11 +252,11 @@ void diff_apply(void *ed, VJFrame *frame,
 			{
 				if(dst[i] != 0xff)
 				{
-					Y[i] = 16;
+					Y[i] = pixel_Y_lo_;
 				}
 				else
 				{
-					Y[i] = 235;
+					Y[i] = pixel_Y_hi_;
 				}
 			}
 			Cr[i] = 128;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/dither.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/dither.c
index 0ab863f8..523f1f7b 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/dither.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/dither.c
@@ -65,8 +65,6 @@ void dither_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int size,
 	    /* Luminance , dither image. Do
 	       this for U and V too, see what happens hehe */
 	    v = ((long) Y[((h_ * width) + w_)] + d);
-	    if (v > 255)
-		v = 216;
 	    Y[(h_ * width) + w_] = (uint8_t) ((v >> 7) << 7);
 	}
     }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/emboss.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/emboss.c
index 0c852b0f..b6d00fab 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/emboss.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/emboss.c
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 #include "emboss.h"
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
+#include "common.h"
 vj_effect *emboss_init(int w, int h)
 {
     vj_effect *ve = (vj_effect *) vj_malloc(sizeof(vj_effect));
@@ -57,9 +58,9 @@ void simpleedge_framedata(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height)
 	    c3 = Y[(y + 1) * width + (x + 1)];
 	    if (b2 > a1 && b2 > a2 && b2 > a3 &&
 		b2 > b1 && b2 > b3 && b3 > c1 && b2 > c2 && b2 > c2)
-		Y[y * width + x] = 235;
+		Y[y * width + x] = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	    else
-		Y[y * width + x] = 16;
+		Y[y * width + x] = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	}
     }
 }
@@ -100,8 +101,7 @@ void another_try_edge(VJFrame *frame, int w, int h) {
 		   (Y[r+c] * -8) + (Y[r+c+1] * -1) +
 		   (Y[r+c+w] * -1) + (Y[r+c+w-1] * -1) +
 	           (Y[r+c+w+1] * -1))/9;
-	if(p>240) p = 240; else if ( p < 16 ) p = 16;
-	Y[r+c] = p;
+	Y[r+c] = CLAMP_Y(p);
     }
   }
 }
@@ -129,9 +129,7 @@ void lines_white_balance_framedata(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height)
 		   Y[r + 1 + c - 1] -
 		   Y[r + 1 + c] - Y[r + 1 + c + 1]
 		) / 9;
-	    if (val < 16 || val > 235)
-		val = 235;
-	    Y[c + r] = val;
+	    Y[c + r] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 	}
     }
 }
@@ -157,9 +155,7 @@ void white_emboss_framedata(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height)
 		   Y[r + 1 + c - 1] -
 		   Y[r + 1 + c] - Y[r + 1 + c + 1]
 		) / 9;
-	    if (val < 16 || val > 235)
-		val = 235;
-	    Y[c + r] = val;
+	    Y[c + r] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 
 	}
     }
@@ -200,9 +196,7 @@ void gray_emboss_framedata(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height)
 		   Y[r + 1 + c - 1] -
 		   Y[r + 1 + c] - Y[r + 1 + c + 1]
 		) / 9;
-	    if (val < 16 || val > 235)
-		val = 16;
-	    Y[r + c] = val;
+	    Y[r + c] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 	}
     }
 
@@ -230,9 +224,7 @@ void aggressive_emboss_framedata(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height)
 		   Y[r + 1 + c - 1] +
 		   Y[r + 1 + c] + Y[r + 1 + c + 1]
 		) / 9;
-	    if (val < 16 || val > 235)
-		val = 16;
-	    Y[c + r] = val;
+	    Y[c + r] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 	}
     }
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/enhancemask.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/enhancemask.c
index 462731bb..cbb62a93 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/enhancemask.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/enhancemask.c
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 
 #include "enhancemask.h"
-
+#include "common.h"
 vj_effect *enhancemask_init(int width, int height)
 {
     vj_effect *ve = (vj_effect *) vj_malloc(sizeof(vj_effect));
@@ -83,8 +83,8 @@ void enhancemask_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int *s ) {
 	d /= 100;
 	m = m + d;
 //	a = Y[r];
-	if( m > 240) m = 240;
-	if( m < 16) m = 16;
+	if( m > pixel_Y_hi_) m = pixel_Y_hi_;
+	if( m < pixel_Y_lo_) m = pixel_Y_lo_;
 //	Y[r] = (m * op0 + a * op1) / 255;
 	Y[r] = m;
 	}
@@ -94,8 +94,8 @@ void enhancemask_apply(VJFrame *frame, int width, int height, int *s ) {
 	d *= s[0];
 	d /= 100;
 	m = m + d;
-	if( m > 240) m = 240;
-	if( m < 16) m = 16;
+	if( m > pixel_Y_hi_) m = pixel_Y_hi_;
+	if( m < pixel_Y_lo_) m = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	Y[r] = m;
    }
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/fisheye.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/fisheye.c
index ac5dc753..9f25f57d 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/fisheye.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/fisheye.c
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ void fisheye_apply(VJFrame *frame, int w, int h, int v )
 	{
 		if(cached_coords[i] == -1)
 		{
-			Y[i] = 16;		
+			Y[i] = pixel_Y_lo_;		
 			Cb[i] = 128;
 			Cr[i] = 128;
 		}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/flare.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/flare.c
index 59821c1a..7881d4a1 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/flare.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/flare.c
@@ -102,31 +102,24 @@ void flare_exclusive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width, int height, int
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
 
-	//	if(a < 16) a = 16; else if(a > 235) a = 235;
-	//	if(b < 16) b = 16; else if(b > 235) b = 235;
-
 		a *= o1;
 		b *= o2;
 		a = a >> 8;
 		b = b >> 8;	
-
 		c = (a+b) - ((a * b) >> 8);
-		if( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 	
 		a = Cb[i]-128;
 		b = Cb2[i]-128;
 		c = (a + b) - (( a * b) >> 8);
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i]-128;
 		b = Cr2[i]-128;
 		c = (a + b) - ((a*b) >> 8);
 		c += 128;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
     	}
 }
 
@@ -151,24 +144,19 @@ void flare_additive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 		a = (Y[i]*o1) >> 7;
 		b = (Y2[i]*o2) >> 7;
 		c = a + (( 2 * b ) - 255);
-		if( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);	
 
 		a = Cb[i];
 		b = Cb2[i];
 
 		c = a + ( ( 2 * b ) - 255 );
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Cb[i] = c ;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 		a = Cr[i] ;
 		b = Cr2[i] ;
 
 		c = a + ( ( 2 * b ) - 255 );
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c  = 240;
-
-		Cr[i] = c ;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -188,27 +176,21 @@ void flare_unfreeze( VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int w, int h, int op_a ) {
 	{
 		a = Y[i];
 		b = Y2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-//		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( a < 1 ) a = 1;
 		c = 255 - (( op_a - b) * (op_a - b)) / a;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-		Y[i] = c;
+		Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
 		
 		a = Cb[i];
 		b = Cb2[i];
-		if ( a < 16) a = 16;
-//		if ( b < 16) b = 16;
+		if ( a < 1) a = 1;
 		c = 255 - (( 255 - b) * ( 255 - b )) / a;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235 ) c = 235;
-		Cb[i] = c;
+		Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 		
 		a = Cr[i];
 		b = Cr2[i];
-		if ( a < 16 ) a = 16;
-//		if ( b < 16 ) b = 16;
+		if ( a < 1 ) a = 1;
 		c = 255 - ((255 -b ) * (255 - b)) /a ;
-		if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 235) c = 235;
-		Cr[i] = c;
+		Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/keyselect.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/keyselect.c
index 8a695cac..1054843e 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/keyselect.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/keyselect.c
@@ -74,12 +74,10 @@ uint8_t blend_func1(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
 
 uint8_t blend_func2(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
 	uint8_t val;
-	if(a < 16) a = 16;
-	if(b < 16) b = 16;
+	if(a < pixel_Y_lo_) a =  pixel_Y_lo_;
+	if(b <  pixel_Y_lo_) b =  pixel_Y_lo_;
 	val = 255 -  ((255-b) * (255-b))/a;
-	if(val < 16)val=16;
-	if(val > 235) val=235;
-	return val;
+	return CLAMP_Y(val);
 }
 
 uint8_t blend_func3(uint8_t a , uint8_t b) {
@@ -89,28 +87,23 @@ uint8_t blend_func3(uint8_t a , uint8_t b) {
 
 uint8_t blend_func4(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
 	uint8_t val;
-	if(b > 235) b = 235;
+	if(b > pixel_Y_hi_) b = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	val = (a * a) / ( 255 - b );
-	if(val < 16) val = a;
-	if(val > 235) val = a;
-	return val;
+	return CLAMP_Y(val);
 }
 
 uint8_t blend_func5(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
 	uint8_t val;
 	int c = 255 - b;
-	if(c<16)c=16;
+	if( c  < pixel_Y_lo_ )
+		c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	val = b / c;
-	if(val > 235) val = 235;
-	if(val < 16) val = 16;
-	return val;
+	return CLAMP_Y(val);
 }
 
 uint8_t blend_func6(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
-	uint8_t val = a + (2 * (b)) - 235;
-	if(val < 16) val = 16;
-	if(val > 235) val = 235;
-	return val;
+	uint8_t val = a + (2 * (b)) - 255;
+	return CLAMP_Y(val);
 }
 
 uint8_t blend_func7(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
@@ -121,8 +114,7 @@ uint8_t blend_func8(uint8_t a, uint8_t b) {
 	int c;
 	if(b < 128) c = (a * b) >> 7;
 	else c = 255 - ((255-b)*(255-a)>>7);
-	if(c<16)c=16;
-	return (uint8_t) c;
+	return CLAMP_Y(c);
 }
 
 
@@ -166,7 +158,7 @@ void keyselect_apply( VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     uint8_t *Y2 = frame2->data[0];
  	uint8_t *Cb2= frame2->data[1];
 	uint8_t *Cr2= frame2->data[2];
-	int	iy=16,iu=128,iv=128;
+	int	iy=pixel_Y_lo_,iu=128,iv=128;
 	_rgb2yuv( r,g,b, iy,iu,iv );
 	_y = (float) iy;
 	aa = (float) iu;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumablend.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumablend.c
index ed7b523a..493f005d 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumablend.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumablend.c
@@ -94,14 +94,6 @@ void opacity_by_threshold_(uint8_t * yuv1[3], uint8_t * yuv2[3], int width,
 	for (x = 0; x < width; x++) {
 	    a1 = yuv1[0][x + y];
 	    a2 = yuv2[0][x + y];
-	    if (a1 < 16)
-		a1 = 16;
-	    else if (a1 > 235)
-		a1 = 235;
-	    if (a2 < 16)
-		a2 = 16;
-	    else if (a2 > 235)
-		a2 = 235;
 	    if (a2 > threshold && a2 < threshold2) {
 		yuv1[0][x + y] = (op0 * a1 + op1 * a2) >> 8;
 		yuv1[1][x + y] =
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumakey.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumakey.c
index dd4c5891..fd5ed6af 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumakey.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumakey.c
@@ -75,9 +75,6 @@ void lumakey_simple(uint8_t * yuv1[3], uint8_t * yuv2[3], int width,
 	       Y = (op0 * a1 + op1 * a2 )/255;
 	       Cb = (op0 * yuv1[1][x+y] + op1 * yuv2[1][x+y])/255;
 	       Cr =(op0 * yuv1[2][x+y] + op1 * yuv2[2][x+y])/255;
-	       yuv1[0][x+y] = Y < 16 ? 16: Y > 240 ? 240 : Y;
-	       yuv1[1][x+y] = Cb < 16 ? 16 : Cb > 235 ? 235 : Cb;
-	       yuv1[2][x+y] = Cr < 16 ? 16 : Cr > 235 ? 235 : Cr;
 
 	       }
 	     */
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumamagick.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumamagick.c
index 898ff847..8038d0e4 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumamagick.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/lumamagick.c
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 #include <libvje/internal.h>
 #include "magicoverlays.h"
-
+#include "common.h"
 /* 04/01/03: added transparency parameters for frame a and frame b in each function */
 
 vj_effect *lumamagick_init(int width, int height)
@@ -72,30 +72,18 @@ void _lumamagick_adddistorted(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
 	c = a + b;
-	if (c > 235)
-	    c = 235;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Y[i] = c;
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
     }
     for (i = 0; i < uv_len; i++) {
 	a = Cb[i];
 	b = Cb2[i];
 	c = a + b;
-	if (c > 240)
-	    c = 240;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Cb[i] = c;
+	Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 	a = Cr[i];
 	b = Cr2[i];
 	c = a + b;
-	if (c > 240)
-	    c = 240;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Cr[i] = c;
+	Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
     }
 }
 
@@ -251,8 +239,8 @@ void _lumamagick_divide(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	b = (Y[i] * opacity_a) * (Y[i] * opacity_a);
 	c = 255 - (Y2[i] * opacity_b);
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	if (c < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	a = b / c;
 	Y[i] = a;
     }
@@ -271,10 +259,6 @@ void _lumamagick_additive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = (Y[i] * opacity_a) + (2 * (Y2[i] * opacity_b)) - 255;
-//	if (a < 16)
-//	    a = 16;
-//	if (a > 235)
-//	    a = 235;
 	Y[i] = a;
     }
 }
@@ -312,16 +296,16 @@ void _lumamagick_softburn(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
 
 	if (a + b < 255) {
-	    if (a > 235)
+	    if (a > pixel_Y_hi_)
 		c = a;
 	    else
-		c = (b >> 7) / (255 - a);
+		c = (b >> 7) / (256 - a);
 	} else {
-	    if (b < 16)
-		b = 16;
+	    if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+		b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	    c = 255 - (((255 - a) >> 7) / b);
-	    if (c < 16)
-		c = 16;
+	    if (c < pixel_Y_lo_)
+		c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	}
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
@@ -341,8 +325,8 @@ void _lumamagick_inverseburn(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
-	if (a < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
 	    c = 255 - (((255 - b) >> 8) / a);
 	Y[i] = c;
@@ -364,10 +348,10 @@ void _lumamagick_colordodge(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
-	if (a >= 235)
-	    c = 235;
+	if (a >= pixel_Y_hi_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	else
-	    c = (b >> 8) / (235 - a);
+	    c = (b >> 8) / (pixel_Y_hi_ - a);
 
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
@@ -386,9 +370,9 @@ void _lumamagick_mulsub(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
-	b = (235 - Y2[i]) * opacity_b;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	b = (pixel_Y_hi_ - Y2[i]) * opacity_b;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = a / b;
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
@@ -487,10 +471,10 @@ void _lumamagick_basecolor(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
-	if (a < 16)
-	    a = 16;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = a * b >> 7;
 	d = c + a * ((255 - (((255 - a) * (255 - b)) >> 7) - c) >> 7);	//8
 	Y[i] = d;
@@ -512,8 +496,8 @@ void _lumamagick_freeze(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
 
-	if (b < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
 	    c = 255 - ((255 - a) * (255 - a)) / b;
 
@@ -536,12 +520,12 @@ void _lumamagick_unfreeze(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
 
-	if (a < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
-	    c = 255 - ((255 - b) * (255 - b)) / a;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	    c = 255 - ((256 - b) * (256 - b)) / a;
+	if (c < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
@@ -565,9 +549,9 @@ void _lumamagick_hardlight(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	if (b < 128)
 	    c = (a * b) >> 7;
 	else
-	    c = 255 - ((255 - b) * (255 - a) >> 7);
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	    c = 255 - ((256 - b) * (256 - a) >> 7);
+	if (c < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
@@ -852,12 +836,12 @@ void _lumamagick_addtest4(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
 	b = b - 255;
-	if (a < 16)
-	    a = 16;
-	if (b < 16)
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
 	    b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = (a * a) / b;
 
 	Y[i] = c;
@@ -919,19 +903,19 @@ void _lumamagick_addtest3(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = (255 - Y2[i]) * opacity_b;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = (a * a) / b;
 
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
     for (i = 0; i < uv_len; i++) {
 	//a = Cb[i] * opacity_a;
-	//b = (235 - Cb2[i]) * opacity_b;
-	//if (b < 16) b = Cb2[i] * opacity_b;
+	//b = (pixel_Y_hi_ - Cb2[i]) * opacity_b;
+	//if (b < pixel_Y_lo_) b = Cb2[i] * opacity_b;
 	a = Cb[i];
 	b = 255 - Cb2[i];
-	if (b < 16)
+	if (b < pixel_U_lo_)
 	    b = Cb2[i];
 
 	c = (a >> 1) + (b >> 1);
@@ -939,17 +923,16 @@ void _lumamagick_addtest3(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	Cb[i] = c;
 
 	//a = Cr[i] * opacity_a;
-	//b = (235 - Cr2[i]) * opacity_b;
-	//if (b < 16) b = Cr2[i] * opacity_b;
+	//b = (pixel_Y_hi_ - Cr2[i]) * opacity_b;
+	//if (b < pixel_Y_lo_) b = Cr2[i] * opacity_b;
 
 	a = Cr[i];
 	b = 255 - Cr2[i];
-	if (b < 16)
+	if (b < pixel_U_lo_)
 	    b = Cr2[i];
 
 
 	c = (a >> 1) + (b >> 1);
-	//c = (a * a) / ( b  - 255 ) ;
 
 	Cr[i] = c;
 
@@ -972,12 +955,12 @@ void _lumamagick_addlum(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i] * opacity_a;
 	b = Y2[i] * opacity_b;
-	if (b > 235)
-	    b = 235;
+	if (b > pixel_Y_hi_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	if ((255 - b) > 0) {
 	    c = (a * a) / 255;
 	} else {
-	    c = (a * a) / (255 - b);
+	    c = (a * a) / (256 - b);
 	}
 	Y[i] = c;
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/magicoverlays.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/magicoverlays.c
index 838fefb2..cca8ae62 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/magicoverlays.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/magicoverlays.c
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #include <libvje/internal.h>
 #include <stdlib.h>
 
-
+#include "common.h"
 vj_effect *overlaymagic_init(int w, int h)
 {
     vj_effect *ve = (vj_effect *) vj_malloc(sizeof(vj_effect));
@@ -61,31 +61,19 @@ void _overlaymagic_adddistorted(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
 	c = a + b;
-	if (c > 240)
-	    c = 240;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Y[i] = c;
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
     }
 
     for (i = 0; i < uv_len; i++) {
 	a = Cb[i];
 	b = Cb2[i];
 	c = a + b;
-	if (c > 235)
-	    c = 235;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Cb[i] = c;
+	Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 
 	a = Cr[i];
 	b = Cr2[i];
 	c = a + b;
-	if (c > 235)
-	    c = 235;
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	Cr[i] = c;
+	Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
     }
 }
 
@@ -217,7 +205,7 @@ void _overlaymagic_divide(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	b = Y[i] * Y[i];
 	c = 255 - Y2[i];
 	if (c == 0)
-	    c = 16;
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	a = b / c;
 	Y[i] = a;
     }
@@ -234,9 +222,7 @@ void _overlaymagic_additive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     int a;
 	while(len--) { 
 		a = Y[len] + (2 * Y2[len]) - 255;
-//		a = Y[len] + (2 * (Y2[len]-128)&255);
-		if(a < 16) a  = 16; else if (a > 235) a = 235;
-		Y[len] = a;
+		Y[len] = CLAMP_Y(a);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -270,14 +256,14 @@ void _overlaymagic_softburn(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
 
-	if (a + b < 240) {
-	    if (a == 235)
+	if (a + b < pixel_Y_hi_) {
+	    if (a == pixel_Y_hi_)
 		c = a;
 	    else
-		c = (b >> 7) / (255 - a);
+		c = (b >> 7) / (256 - a);
 	} else {
-	    if (b < 16)
-		b = 16;
+	    if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+		b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	    c = 255 - (((255 - a) >> 7) / b);
 	}
 	Y[i] = c;
@@ -296,15 +282,11 @@ void _overlaymagic_inverseburn(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
-	if (a < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
 	    c = 255 - (((255 - b) >> 8) / a);
-	if (c < 16)
-	    c = 16;
-	if (c > 235)
-	    c = 235;
-	Y[i] = c;
+	Y[i] = CLAMP_Y(c);
     }
 }
 
@@ -321,13 +303,13 @@ void _overlaymagic_colordodge(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
-	if (a >= 235)
-	    c = 235;
+	if (a >= pixel_Y_hi_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	else
 	    c = (b >> 8) / (256 - a);
 
-	if (c > 235)
-	    c = 235;
+	if (c > pixel_Y_hi_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_hi_;
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
 }
@@ -344,8 +326,8 @@ void _overlaymagic_mulsub(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = 255 - Y2[i];
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = a / b;
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
@@ -429,16 +411,14 @@ void _overlaymagic_exclusive(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	b = Cb2[i]-128;
 	c = a +b - (( a * b ) >> 8);
 	c += 128;
-	if ( c < 16 ) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-	Cb[i] = c;
+	Cb[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	
 
 	a = Cr[i] - 128;
 	b = Cr2[i] - 128;
 	c = a + b - (( a * b) >> 8);
 	c += 128;
-	if ( c < 16) c = 16; else if ( c > 240 ) c = 240;
-	Cr[i] = c;
+	Cr[i] = CLAMP_UV(c);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -454,10 +434,10 @@ void _overlaymagic_basecolor(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
     for (i = 0; i < len; i++) {
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
-	if (a < 16)
-	    a = 16;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = a * b >> 7;
 	d = c + a * ((255 - (((255 - a) * (255 - b)) >> 7) - c) >> 7);	//8
 	Y[i] = d;
@@ -477,10 +457,10 @@ void _overlaymagic_freeze(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
 
-	if (b < 16)
-	    c = a; //16
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = a;
 	else
-	    c = 255 - ((255 - a) * (255 - a)) / b;
+	    c = 255 - ((256 - a) * (256 - a)) / b;
 	Y[i] = c;
     }
 }
@@ -498,8 +478,8 @@ void _overlaymagic_unfreeze(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
 
-	if (a < 16)
-	    c = 16;
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    c = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
 	    c = 255 - ((255 - b) * (255 - b)) / a;
 	Y[i] = c;
@@ -786,12 +766,12 @@ void _overlaymagic_addtest4(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2,
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
 	b = b - 255;
-	if (a < 16)
-	    a = 16;
-	if (b < 16)
+	if (a < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    a = pixel_Y_lo_;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
 	    b = Y2[i];
-	if (b < 16)
-	    b = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    b = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	c = (a * a) / b;
 
 	Y[i] = c;
@@ -812,30 +792,30 @@ void _overlaymagic_try
 	a = Y[i];
 	b = Y[i];
 
-	if (b < 16)
-	    p = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    p = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
-	    p = 255 - ((255 - a) * (255 - a)) / b;
-	if (p < 16)
-	    p = 16;
+	    p = 255 - ((256 - a) * (256 - a)) / b;
+	if (p < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    p = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 	/* calc q */
 	a = Y2[i];
 	b = Y2[i];
-	if (b < 16)
-	    q = 16;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    q = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
-	    q = 255 - ((255 - a) * (255 - a)) / b;
-	if (b < 16)
-	    q = 16;
+	    q = 255 - ((256 - a) * (256 - a)) / b;
+	if (b < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    q = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 	/* calc pixel */
-	if (q < 16)
-	    q = 16;
+	if (q < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    q = pixel_Y_lo_;
 	else
-	    q = 255 - ((255 - p) * (255 - a)) / q;
-	if (q < 16)
-	    q = 16;
+	    q = 255 - ((256 - p) * (256 - a)) / q;
+	if (q < pixel_Y_lo_)
+	    q = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 
 	Y[i] = q;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/pencilsketch.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/pencilsketch.c
index 012a73d9..05678c08 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/pencilsketch.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/pencilsketch.c
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ vj_effect *pencilsketch_init(int w, int h)
     ve->limits[1] = (int *) vj_malloc(sizeof(int) * ve->num_params);
     ve->defaults = (int *) vj_malloc(sizeof(int) * ve->num_params);
     ve->defaults[0] = 0;/* type */
-    ve->defaults[1] = 16;	/* min */
-    ve->defaults[2] = 235;	/* max */
+    ve->defaults[1] = pixel_Y_lo_;	/* min */
+    ve->defaults[2] = pixel_Y_hi_;	/* max */
     ve->limits[0][0] = 0;
     ve->limits[1][0] = 8;
     ve->limits[0][1] = 0;
@@ -57,7 +57,6 @@ typedef uint8_t (*_pcbcr) (uint8_t a, uint8_t b);
 		uint8_t p =  
 			255 - ( abs ( (255 - abs((255-a)-a))  -    (255-abs((255-b)-b))) );
 		p = (abs(abs(p-b) - b));
-	//	if( p >= 16 || p <= t_max) p = 16 ; else p = 240;
 		return p;
 	}
 
@@ -69,7 +68,6 @@ typedef uint8_t (*_pcbcr) (uint8_t a, uint8_t b);
 	static uint8_t _pcf_dneg2(uint8_t a,uint8_t b, int t_max)
 	{
 		uint8_t p = ( 255 - abs ( (255-a)- b )  );
-		if( p >= 16 || p <= t_max) p = 16 ; else p = 240;
 		return p;
 	}
 
@@ -77,29 +75,24 @@ typedef uint8_t (*_pcbcr) (uint8_t a, uint8_t b);
 	{
 		uint8_t p = ( (b < a) ? b : a);
 		p = ( 255 - abs( (255-p) - b ) );
-	//	if( p >= 16 || p <= t_max) p = 16 ; else p = 240;
 		return p;
 	}
 
 	static uint8_t _pcf_max(uint8_t a,uint8_t b, int t_max)
 	{
-		int p = ( (b > a) ? b : a);
-		if( p <= 0 )
-			return 0;
-		p = ( 255 - ((255 - b) * (255 - b)) / p);
-	//	if( p >= 16 || p <= t_max) p = 16 ; else p = 240;
+		int p =  ( (b > a) ? b : a);
+		p = CLAMP_Y(p);
+		p = ( 255 - ((256 - b) * (256 - b)) / p);
 		return (uint8_t)p;
 	}
 
 	static uint8_t _pcf_pq(uint8_t a,uint8_t b, int t_max)
 	{
-		if(a <= 0 ) a=16;
-		if(b <= 0 ) b=16;
-		int p = 255 - ((255-a) * (255-a)) / a;
-		int q = 255 - ((255-b) * (255-b)) / b;
-		if(q <= 0 ) q=16;
-		p = ( 255 - ((255-p) * (255 - a)) / q);
-	//	if( p >= 16 || p <= t_max) p = 16 ; else p = 240;
+		a = CLAMP_Y(a);
+		b = CLAMP_Y(b);
+		int p = 255 - ((256-a) * (256-a)) / a;
+		int q = 255 - ((256-b) * (256-b)) / b;
+		p = ( 255 - ((256-p) * (256 - a)) / q);
 		return (uint8_t)p;
 	}
 
@@ -109,8 +102,6 @@ typedef uint8_t (*_pcbcr) (uint8_t a, uint8_t b);
 			255 - ( abs ( (255 - abs((255-a)-a))  -    (255-abs((255-b)-b))) );
 		p = (abs(abs(p-b) - b));
 		p = p + b - (( p * b ) >> 8);
-	//	if( p >= 16 || p <= t_max) p = 16 ; else p = 240;
-	
 		return p;
 	}
 	static uint8_t _pcbcr_color(uint8_t a,uint8_t b)
@@ -122,7 +113,7 @@ typedef uint8_t (*_pcbcr) (uint8_t a, uint8_t b);
 
 	static uint8_t _pcf_none(uint8_t a, uint8_t b, int t_max)
 	{
-		if( a >= 16 || a <= t_max) a = 16 ; else a = 240;
+		if( a > pixel_Y_lo_ || a <= t_max) a = pixel_Y_lo_ ; else a = pixel_Y_hi_;
 		return a;
 	}
 
@@ -174,7 +165,6 @@ void pencilsketch_apply(
 	for(i=0; i < len; i++)
 	{
 		y = Y[i];
-	//	if( y < 16 ) y = 16; else if (y > 235) y = 235;
 		yb = y;
 
 		/* substract user defined mask from image */
@@ -194,7 +184,7 @@ void pencilsketch_apply(
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			Y[i] = 240;
+			Y[i] = pixel_Y_hi_;
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/photoplay.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/photoplay.c
index 99d07def..73e47b9c 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/photoplay.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/photoplay.c
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ static	int prepare_filmstrip(int film_length, int w, int h)
 			photo_list[i]->data[j] = vj_malloc(sizeof(uint8_t) * picture_width * picture_height );
 			if(!photo_list[i]->data[j])
 				return 0;
-			memset(photo_list[i]->data[j], (j==0 ? 16 : 128), picture_width *picture_height );
+			memset(photo_list[i]->data[j], (j==0 ? pixel_Y_lo_ : 128), picture_width *picture_height );
 		}
 	//	val+= inc;
 	}
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ static void	take_photo( uint8_t *plane, uint8_t *dst_plane, int w, int h, int in
 			if(sum > 0)
 			  dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = sum / (step_y*step_x);
 			else
-			  dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = 16;
+			  dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 			dst_x++;
 		}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkey.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkey.c
index cc1e8ca3..a3416d5e 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkey.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkey.c
@@ -214,25 +214,13 @@ void rgbkey_apply1(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	    }
 
 	    val = (Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 235)
-		val = 235;
-	    Y[pos] = val;
+	    Y[pos] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 
 	    val = (Cb[pos] + (kbg * bg_cb[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 240)
-		val = 240;
-	    Cb[pos] = val;
+	    Cb[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 
 	    val = (Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 240)
-		val = 240;
-	    Cr[pos] = val;
+	    Cr[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 		
 	}
     }
@@ -360,25 +348,13 @@ void rgbkey_apply2(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	    }
 
 	    val = (Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 235)
-		val = 235;
-	    Y[pos] = val;
+	    Y[pos] = CLAMP_Y(val);
 
 	    val = (Cb[pos] + (kbg * bg_cb[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 240)
-		val = 240;
-	    Cb[pos] = val;
+	    Cb[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 
 	    val = (Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 240)
-		val = 240;
-	    Cr[pos] = val;
+	    Cr[pos] = CLAMP_UV(val);
 	}
     }
 }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkeysmooth.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkeysmooth.c
index c65f9f0f..dcaed8e5 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkeysmooth.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/rgbkeysmooth.c
@@ -191,24 +191,14 @@ void rgbkeysmooth_apply(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
 	    }
 
 	    val = (Y[pos] + (kbg * bg_y[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 235)
-		val = 235;
+	    val = CLAMP_Y(val);
 	    Y[pos] = ((val*op0)+(fg_y[pos]*op1) )>>8 ;
-
+	
 	    val = (Cb[pos] + (kbg * bg_cb[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 240)
-		val = 240;
+	    val = CLAMP_UV(val);
 	    Cb[pos] = ((val*op0) + (fg_cb[pos]*op1) )>>8;
-
 	    val = (Cr[pos] + (kbg * bg_cr[pos])) >> 8;
-	    if (val < 16)
-		val = 16;
-	    else if (val > 240)
-		val = 240;
+	    val = CLAMP_UV(val);
 	    Cr[pos] = ((val*op0) + (fg_cr[pos]*op1) )>>8;
 		
 	}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/scratcher.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/scratcher.c
index a1b23244..a14212cf 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/scratcher.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/scratcher.c
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ int scratcher_malloc(int w, int h)
     frame[0] =
 	(uint8_t *) vj_malloc(w * h * sizeof(uint8_t) * MAX_SCRATCH_FRAMES);
 	if(!frame[0]) return 0;
-    memset( frame[0], 16, w * h * MAX_SCRATCH_FRAMES );
+    memset( frame[0], pixel_Y_lo_, w * h * MAX_SCRATCH_FRAMES );
     frame[1] =
 	(uint8_t *) vj_malloc( ((w * h)/4) * sizeof(uint8_t) * MAX_SCRATCH_FRAMES);
 	if(!frame[1]) return 0;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/swirl.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/swirl.c
index a0cf5965..48e5a53d 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/swirl.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/swirl.c
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ void swirl_apply(VJFrame *frame, int w, int h, int v)
 	{
 		if(cached_coords[i] == -1)
 		{
-			Y[i] = 16;		
+			Y[i] = pixel_Y_lo_;		
 			Cb[i] = 128;
 			Cr[i] = 128;
 		}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/uvcorrect.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/uvcorrect.c
index 38363c7b..0e7f793b 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/uvcorrect.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/uvcorrect.c
@@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ vj_effect *uvcorrect_init(int w, int h)
     ve->defaults[2] = 128;  
     ve->defaults[3] = 10; 
     ve->defaults[4] = 10; 
-    ve->defaults[5] = 16; 
-    ve->defaults[6] = 240;
+    ve->defaults[5] = pixel_U_lo_; 
+    ve->defaults[6] = pixel_U_hi_;
     ve->description = "U/V Correction";
 
     ve->sub_format = 0;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videomask.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videomask.c
index cde86f94..2d1b2a0a 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videomask.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videomask.c
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #include "../../config.h"
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include "../subsample.h"
-
+#include "common.h"
 
 vj_effect *videomask_init(int w,int h)
 {
@@ -49,8 +49,8 @@ void videomask_apply(VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame2, int width,
     unsigned int i, op0, op1;
     const int len = frame->len;
 	const int uv_len = frame->uv_len;
-    const uint8_t pure_white_y  = 235;
-    const uint8_t pure_white_c  = 240;
+    const uint8_t pure_white_y  = pixel_Y_hi_;
+    const uint8_t pure_white_c  = pixel_U_hi_;
   	uint8_t *Y = frame->data[0];
 	uint8_t *Cb= frame->data[1];
 	uint8_t *Cr= frame->data[2];
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videoplay.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videoplay.c
index 356bc5d7..7610166f 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videoplay.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videoplay.c
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ static	int prepare_filmstrip(int film_length, int w, int h)
 			video_list[i]->data[j] = vj_malloc(sizeof(uint8_t) * picture_width * picture_height );
 			if(!video_list[i]->data[j])
 				return 0;
-			memset(video_list[i]->data[j], (j==0 ? 16 : 128), picture_width *picture_height );
+			memset(video_list[i]->data[j], (j==0 ? pixel_Y_lo_ : 128), picture_width *picture_height );
 		}
 	//	val+= inc;
 	}
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ static void	take_video( uint8_t *plane, uint8_t *dst_plane, int w, int h, int in
 			if(sum > 0)
 			  dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = sum / (step_y*step_x);
 			else
-			  dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = 16;
+			  dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
 			dst_x++;
 		}
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videowall.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videowall.c
index e1c6d3ef..18ca503c 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videowall.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/videowall.c
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ static void	take_photo( uint8_t *plane, uint8_t *dst_plane, int w, int h, int in
                         if(sum > 0)
                           dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = sum / (step_y*step_x);
                         else
-                          dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = 16;
+                          dst_plane[(dst_y*box_width)+dst_x] = pixel_Y_lo_;
 
                         dst_x++;
                 }
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/water.c b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/water.c
index 2432764a..963dcecf 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/effects/water.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/effects/water.c
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 #include <math.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <stdint.h>
-
+#include "common.h"
 static uint8_t *ripple_data[3];
 
 static int stat;
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ int water_malloc(int width, int height)
 {
 	ripple_data[0] = (uint8_t*)vj_malloc(sizeof(uint8_t) * width * height);
 	if(!ripple_data[0]) return 0;
-	memset( ripple_data[0], 16, width*height);
+	memset( ripple_data[0], pixel_Y_lo_, width*height);
 
 
 	map_h = height / 2 + 1;
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/plugload.c b/veejay-current/libvje/plugload.c
index b0b1ab28..aa478414 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/plugload.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/plugload.c
@@ -993,10 +993,11 @@ void	plug_process_mix( VJFrame *frame, VJFrame *frame_b,int fx_id, int src_fmt )
 	int srcf = 0;
 	if( src_fmt == 1 )
 		srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV422P;
-	else if( src_fmt == 2 )
-		srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV444P;
-		else
-			srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV420P;
+	else if( src_fmt == 0 )
+		srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV420P;
+		else if ( src_fmt == 2 )
+			srcf = PIX_FMT_YUVJ420P;
+		   else srcf = PIX_FMT_YUVJ422P;
 
 	img_convert( &p1, PIX_FMT_RGBA32,
 		     &p2, srcf,
@@ -1066,10 +1067,11 @@ void	plug_process( VJFrame *frame,VJFrame *b, int fx_id, int src_fmt )
 	int srcf = 0;
 	if( src_fmt == 1 )
 		srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV422P;
-	else if( src_fmt == 2 )
-		srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV444P;
-		else
-			srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV420P;
+	else if( src_fmt == 0 )
+		srcf = PIX_FMT_YUV420P;
+		else if( src_fmt == 2 )
+			srcf = PIX_FMT_YUVJ420P;
+	else srcf = PIX_FMT_YUVJ422P;
 
 	img_convert( &p1, PIX_FMT_RGBA32,
 		     &p2, srcf,
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/vj-effect.c b/veejay-current/libvje/vj-effect.c
index a499fc25..ff78a1df 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/vj-effect.c
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/vj-effect.c
@@ -148,6 +148,20 @@
 #ifdef USE_SWSCALER
 #include "effects/picinpic.h"
 #endif
+
+int  pixel_Y_hi_ = 235;
+int  pixel_U_hi_ = 240;
+int  pixel_Y_lo_ = 16;
+int  pixel_U_lo_ = 16;
+
+void	set_pixel_range(uint8_t Yhi,uint8_t Uhi, uint8_t lo)
+{
+	pixel_Y_hi_ = Yhi;
+	pixel_U_hi_ = Uhi;
+	pixel_U_lo_ = lo;
+	pixel_Y_lo_ = lo;
+}
+
 static struct
 {
 	int	(*mem_init)(int width, int height);
@@ -397,11 +411,16 @@ void vj_effect_deactivate_all()
 	}	
 }
 
-void vj_effect_initialize(int width, int height)
+void vj_effect_initialize(int width, int height, int full_range)
 {
     int i = VJ_VIDEO_COUNT;
     int k;
 
+    if( full_range )
+    {
+	    set_pixel_range( 255, 255,0 );
+    }
+    
     n_ext_plugs_ = plug_detect_plugins();
 
     if( n_ext_plugs_  > 0 )
diff --git a/veejay-current/libvje/vje.h b/veejay-current/libvje/vje.h
index a50cb64b..21c782af 100644
--- a/veejay-current/libvje/vje.h
+++ b/veejay-current/libvje/vje.h
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ typedef struct vj_effect_t {
 } vj_effect;
 
 // initialize library
-extern void vj_effect_initialize(int width, int height);
+extern void vj_effect_initialize(int width, int height, int range);
 extern void vj_effect_shutdown();
 
 // convert effect number to internal num
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/liblavplayvj.c b/veejay-current/veejay/liblavplayvj.c
index 24d1bdd0..05a2db0c 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/liblavplayvj.c
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/liblavplayvj.c
@@ -268,14 +268,14 @@ void veejay_set_sampling(veejay_t *info, subsample_mode_t m)
 	video_playback_setup *settings = (video_playback_setup*) info->settings;
         if(m == SSM_420_JPEG_TR )
 	{
-		if(info->pixel_format == FMT_420)
+		if(info->pixel_format == FMT_420 || info->pixel_format == FMT_420F)
 			settings->sample_mode = SSM_420_JPEG_TR;
 		else
 			settings->sample_mode = SSM_422_444;
 	}
 	else
 	{
-		if(info->pixel_format == FMT_420)
+		if(info->pixel_format == FMT_420 || info->pixel_format == FMT_420F)
 			settings->sample_mode = SSM_420_JPEG_BOX;
 		else
 			settings->sample_mode = SSM_422_444;
@@ -1564,7 +1564,7 @@ static int veejay_mjpeg_sync_buf(veejay_t * info, struct mjpeg_sync *bs)
  ******************************************************/
 
 
-int veejay_init(veejay_t * info, int x, int y,char *arg, int def_tags)
+int veejay_init(veejay_t * info, int x, int y,char *arg, int def_tags, int full_range)
 {
 	editlist *el = info->current_edit_list;
 	video_playback_setup *settings = info->settings;
@@ -1760,7 +1760,8 @@ int veejay_init(veejay_t * info, int x, int y,char *arg, int def_tags)
 
   	veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_INFO, 
 		"Initialized %d Image- and Video Effects", vj_effect_max_effects());
-    	vj_effect_initialize(info->current_edit_list->video_width, info->current_edit_list->video_height);
+    	vj_effect_initialize(info->current_edit_list->video_width, info->current_edit_list->video_height,
+						full_range);
    
 	info->plugin_frame = vj_perform_init_plugin_frame(info);
 	info->plugin_frame_info = vj_perform_init_plugin_frame_info(info);
@@ -3127,10 +3128,10 @@ static int	veejay_open_video_files(veejay_t *info, char **files, int num_files,
 
 	if(force_pix_fmt >= 0)
 	{
-		info->pixel_format = (force_pix_fmt == 1 ? FMT_422 : FMT_420);
-		veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_WARNING, "Pixel format forced to YCbCr %s",
-			(info->pixel_format == FMT_422 ? "4:2:2" : "4:2:0"));
-	
+			info->pixel_format = force_pix_fmt;
+			veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_INFO, "Processing video in pixel format %s %s",
+						(force_pix_fmt >1  ? "JPEG YUV" : "YCbCr" ),
+			((info->pixel_format == FMT_422 || info->pixel_format == FMT_422F) ? "4:2:2" : "4:2:0"));
 	}
 	//TODO: pass yuv sampling to dummy
 	if( info->dummy->active )
@@ -3152,7 +3153,7 @@ static int	veejay_open_video_files(veejay_t *info, char **files, int num_files,
 	
 		info->current_edit_list = vj_el_dummy( 0, info->auto_deinterlace, info->dummy->chroma,
 				info->dummy->norm, info->dummy->width, info->dummy->height, info->dummy->fps,
-				info->pixel_format );
+				force_pix_fmt );
 
 		if( info->dummy->arate )
 		{
@@ -3168,7 +3169,7 @@ static int	veejay_open_video_files(veejay_t *info, char **files, int num_files,
 	}
 	else
 	{
-	    	info->current_edit_list = vj_el_init_with_args(files, num_files, info->preserve_pathnames, info->auto_deinterlace, force, override_norm, info->pixel_format);
+	    	info->current_edit_list = vj_el_init_with_args(files, num_files, info->preserve_pathnames, info->auto_deinterlace, force, override_norm, force_pix_fmt);
 	}
 	info->edit_list = info->current_edit_list;
 
@@ -3177,13 +3178,13 @@ static int	veejay_open_video_files(veejay_t *info, char **files, int num_files,
 		return 0;
 	}
 
-	if(!vj_avcodec_init(info->current_edit_list ,   info->pixel_format))
+	if(!vj_avcodec_init(info->current_edit_list , force_pix_fmt))
 	{
 		veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_ERROR, "Cannot initialize encoders!");
 		return 0;
 	}
 	
-    if(info->pixel_format == FMT_422 )
+    if(info->pixel_format == FMT_422  || info->pixel_format == FMT_422F)
 	{
 		if(!vj_el_init_422_frame( info->current_edit_list, info->effect_frame1)) return 0;
 		if(!vj_el_init_422_frame( info->current_edit_list, info->effect_frame2)) return 0;
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/libveejay.h b/veejay-current/veejay/libveejay.h
index 287707c3..01d52797 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/libveejay.h
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/libveejay.h
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ void veejay_signal_loop(void *);
 
 int veejay_init_editlist(veejay_t * info);
 
-int veejay_init(veejay_t *info,int w, int h, char *arg, int td);
+int veejay_init(veejay_t *info,int w, int h, char *arg, int td, int fr);
 
 int veejay_open(veejay_t *info);
 
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/veejay.c b/veejay-current/veejay/veejay.c
index ef755d98..819b6ca4 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/veejay.c
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/veejay.c
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ static int default_geometry_x = -1;
 static int default_geometry_y = -1;
 static int force_video_file = 0; // unused
 static int override_pix_fmt = 1;
+static int full_range = 0;
 static char override_norm = 'p';
 static int auto_loop = 0;
 static int n_slots_ = 8;
@@ -185,7 +186,16 @@ static void Usage(char *progname)
 	fprintf(stderr,
 		"  -j/--max_cache \t\tDivide cache memory over N samples (fairly distributed)\n");
 	fprintf(stderr,
-		"  -Y/--ycbcr [01]\t\t0 = YUV 4:2:0 Planar, 1 = YUV 4:2:2 Planar\n");
+		"  -Y/--ycbcr [01]\t\tInternal processing format");
+	fprintf(stderr,
+		"\t\t 0 = YUV 4:2:0 Planar\n");
+	fprintf(stderr,
+		"\t\t 1 = YUV 4:2:2 Planar (default)\n");
+	fprintf(stderr,
+		"\t\t 2 = YUV 4:2:0 Planar full range\n");
+	fprintf(stderr,
+		"\t\t 3 = YUV 4:2:2 Planar full range\n");
+
 	fprintf(stderr,
 		"  -d/--dummy	\t\tDummy playback\n");
 	fprintf(stderr,
@@ -390,6 +400,12 @@ static int set_option(const char *name, char *value)
 	else if(strcmp(name,"ycbcr")==0 || strcmp(name,"Y")==0)
 	{
 		override_pix_fmt = atoi(optarg);
+		if(override_pix_fmt > 1 )
+		{
+			full_range = 1;
+		}
+		if( override_pix_fmt < 0 || override_pix_fmt > 3 )
+			override_pix_fmt = 1;
 	}
 	else if( strcmp(name,"auto-loop")==0 || strcmp(name,"L") == 0)
 	{
@@ -660,7 +676,7 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv)
  	{
 		veejay_set_colors(0);
 		vj_event_init();
-		vj_effect_initialize(720,576);
+		vj_effect_initialize(720,576,0);
 		vj_osc_allocate(VJ_PORT+2);	
 		vj_event_dump();
 		vj_effect_dump();
@@ -717,7 +733,8 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv)
 		default_geometry_x,
 		default_geometry_y,
 		NULL,
-		0)<0)
+		0,
+		full_range)<0)
 	{	
 		veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_ERROR, "Initializing veejay");
 		return 0;
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-event.c b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-event.c
index 37b67f0d..8881de13 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-event.c
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-event.c
@@ -5957,7 +5957,7 @@ void vj_event_tag_set_format(void *ptr, const char format[], va_list ap)
 	{
 		_recorder_format = ENCODER_YUV420;
 		veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_INFO, "Recorder writes in uncompressed YV12/I420 (see swapping)");
-		if(v->pixel_format == FMT_422)
+		if(v->pixel_format == FMT_422 || v->pixel_format == FMT_422F )
 		{
 			veejay_msg(VEEJAY_MSG_WARNING, "Using 2x2 -> 1x1 and 1x1 -> 2x2 conversion");
 		}
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-global.h b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-global.h
index 9a949203..796348f2 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-global.h
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-global.h
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ enum {
 
 #define FMT_420	0
 #define FMT_422 1
-
+#define FMT_420F 2
+#define FMT_422F 3
 #endif
 #define MAX_EDIT_LIST_FILES 4096
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-perform.c b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-perform.c
index 2561205e..ecea313a 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-perform.c
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-perform.c
@@ -811,7 +811,7 @@ VJFrame *vj_perform_init_plugin_frame(veejay_t *info)
 	editlist *el = info->edit_list;
 	VJFrame *frame = (VJFrame*) vj_malloc(sizeof(VJFrame));
 	if(!frame) return 0;
-	if(info->pixel_format == FMT_422)
+	if(info->pixel_format == FMT_422 || info->pixel_format == FMT_422F)
 		vj_el_init_422_frame( el, frame );
 	else
 		vj_el_init_420_frame( el, frame ); 
@@ -1028,7 +1028,7 @@ void	vj_perform_send_frame_now( veejay_t *info,int k )
 
 void	vj_perform_get_output_frame_420p( veejay_t *info, uint8_t **frame, int w, int h )
 {
-	if(info->pixel_format == FMT_422)
+	if(info->pixel_format == FMT_422 || info->pixel_format == FMT_422F)
 	{
 		frame[0] = video_output_buffer[1]->Y;
 		frame[1] = video_output_buffer[1]->Cb;
@@ -1040,7 +1040,7 @@ void	vj_perform_get_output_frame_420p( veejay_t *info, uint8_t **frame, int w, i
 		src_frame[2] = video_output_buffer[0]->Cr;
 
 		yuv422p_to_yuv420p2(
-				src_frame, frame,w, h );
+				src_frame, frame,w, h, info->pixel_format );
 	}
 	else
 	{
@@ -1073,7 +1073,7 @@ void	vj_perform_unlock_primary_frame( void )
 void vj_perform_get_primary_frame_420p(veejay_t *info, uint8_t **frame )   
 {
 	editlist *el = info->edit_list;
-	if(info->pixel_format==FMT_422)
+	if(info->pixel_format==FMT_422 || info->pixel_format == FMT_422F)
 	{
 		if( video_output_buffer_convert == 0 )
 		{
@@ -1081,7 +1081,7 @@ void vj_perform_get_primary_frame_420p(veejay_t *info, uint8_t **frame )
 			 pframe[0] = primary_buffer[0]->Y;
 			 pframe[1] = primary_buffer[0]->Cb;
 			 pframe[2] = primary_buffer[0]->Cr;
-			 yuv422p_to_yuv420p2( pframe,temp_buffer, el->video_width, el->video_height);
+			 yuv422p_to_yuv420p2( pframe,temp_buffer, el->video_width, el->video_height, info->pixel_format);
 	//		ss_422_to_420( primary_buffer[0]->Cb,
 	//			el->video_width/2,
 	//			el->video_height );
@@ -2510,7 +2510,7 @@ int vj_perform_tag_fill_buffer(veejay_t * info, int entry)
   if (error == 1)
   {
 	VJFrame dumb;
-	if( info->pixel_format == FMT_420 )
+	if( info->pixel_format == FMT_422 || info->pixel_format == FMT_422F )
 		vj_el_init_422_frame( info->edit_list, &dumb );
 	else
 		vj_el_init_420_frame( info->edit_list, &dumb );
diff --git a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-sdl.c b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-sdl.c
index e83ea3b1..045bc155 100644
--- a/veejay-current/veejay/vj-sdl.c
+++ b/veejay-current/veejay/vj-sdl.c
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ int vj_sdl_update_yuv_overlay(vj_sdl * vjsdl, uint8_t ** yuv420)
 	if (!yuv420[0] || !yuv420[1] || !yuv420[2])
 		return 0;
 
-	if(vjsdl->pix_fmt == FMT_420)
+	if(vjsdl->pix_fmt == FMT_420 || vjsdl->pix_fmt == FMT_420F)
 		yuv420p_to_yuv422( yuv420, vjsdl->yuv_overlay->pixels[0],vjsdl->width,vjsdl->height);
 	else
 		yuv422_to_yuyv( yuv420, vjsdl->yuv_overlay->pixels[0], vjsdl->width,vjsdl->height);