AJA expands its IP-based workflow technology

Announces compact Kumo 64x64 matrix, new IPR-1G-HDMI and IPR-1G-SDI mini-converters and introduces SMPTE-2022-7 support for Kona IP with desktop software v12.5.

AJA Video Systems has announced at IBC 2016 Kumo 6464, a compact 3G-SDI matrix, with 64 3G-SDI inputs and 64 3G-SDI outputs.

Also new are the new mini-converters that support IP-based video and audio workflows. Simultaneously, the company has announced free v12.5 desktop software with new features for Kona IP, improving the redundancy and reliability of IP broadcast channels, including SMPTE 2022-7 support for protection switching.

AJA is presenting IP-based workflows and interoperability demos with Arista and Lawo. AJA solutions are also being demonstrated in the Interoperability zone of AIMS (Alliance for IP Media Solutions) and IABM (8.D10).

Mini-conversores IPR-1G-HDMI y IPR-1G-SDI

The new IPR-1G-HDMI mini-converter decodes VSF TR-01 and other JPEG 2000 streams, and formats the information for a full-size HDMI 1.4 interface output. IPR-1G-SDI decodes VSF TR-01 and other JPEG 2000 streams, and formats the information for a 3G-SDI BNC output. These rugged, fanless converters support a range of HD and SD formats, and have been designed for a variety of point-of-use applications, including source monitoring, digital signal and video walls. Key features include RCA and embedded analog audio outputs, full 10-bit pixel processing channel, LAN control and status, and a USB 2.0 Mini-B connector for easy networking with AJA eMini-Setup software.

New Kona IP Features

AJA v12.5 software brings SMPTE 2022-7 to Kona IP, delivering a seamless protection switching experience. Allows users to send the same uncompressed data stream from SFP+ top and bottom boxes to two independent networks for easy video routing over IP networks. The new v12.5 software support for KONA IP also includes HDR 10 metadata support in the AJA control panel. Support for SMPTE 2022-2 workflows with JPEG 2000 is planned in future updates.

AJA CEO Nick Rashby acknowledges that "we are continually studying how to alleviate the challenges professionals face in the transition to IP, by creating future-proof solutions that take installations through this era of IP and beyond. The new features of our mini-converters and v12.5 software for KONA IP offer the latest IP video workflow features that our customers have been demanding."

Ki Pro Ultra Firmware Update

AJA Video Systems announced at IBC that the Ki Pro Ultra v2.0 firmware brings support for Avid DNxHD to portable file-based 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD recording and playback devices. Users can now record and play back Avid DNxHD files, greatly increasing video and audio production workflows.
Ki Pro Ultra v2.0 software now supports: Avid DNxHD codec (DNxHD 220x, DNxHD 145 and DNxHD 36 – supported only with 1080p formats -); and video frame rate (1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97; 1080i 25, 29.97, 30; 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97; and 720p 50, 59.94, 60)
The addition of Avid DNxHD .mov support ensures compatibility between files recorded with Ki Pro Rack, Ki Pro Mini and now also Ki Pro Ultra, AJA products for Avid workflows. MXF OP-1A wrapper versions of these codecs will be added in a future firmware update.

Version 12.5 of Kona, T-TAP and Io

The v12.5 software update expands users' workflow capabilities with new MXF file support and the latest HDR channels; increases streaming capacity; and incorporates SMPTE 2022-7 support for Kona IP, based on IP video.

"Our customers are looking to standardize and simplify HDR workflows. The AJA update allows Adobe Premiere Pro CC users to work with AJA's high-end products to properly monitor their HDR footage while editing," said Sue Skidmore, Adobe's head of professional video collaborator relations.

Nick Rashby, for his part, believes that AJA's long-term customers know that we are committed to creating added value and prolonging the life of our products through frequent software updates. With v12.5 we have added a number of features highly requested by our customers, including the ability to read and write DNxHD and DNxHR MXF files. In addition to the existing SMPTE 2022-6 support, the new SMPTE 2022-7 support for KONA IP represents another step in simplifying the transition from IP-based data movement methods.”

New features include capture and playback support for MXF OP-1A files in the AJA Control Room; capture of MXF OP-1A in Adobe Premiere Pro CC; HDR10 HDMI infoframe output on the AJA Control Panel for KonaKOna 4, KONA IP and Io 4K; and 12-bit RGB image buffer support.
SMPTE 2022-7 support for Kona IP provides seamless protection switching for IP broadcast channels. Additionally, the new version offers wirecast support for Kona IP and Corvid HB-R.