AJA Introduces New Features to Kona, Io, and T-Tap with Desktop Software v16

The free update introduces HDR over SDI signaling, expanded IP video support, and expanded hardware support for Kona, Io, and the new T-TAP Pro.

AJA Video Systems has launched Desktop Software v16, a free update that introduces powerful new features in the products Kona, Io y T-Tap, such as high dynamic range (HDR) signaling over SDI, expanded IP video functionality, support for the newly announced output device T-TAP Pro Thunderbolt 3 and greater compatibility with the latest hardware and operating systems.

Desktop Software v16 includes updates to Compatibility for the latest macOS, Windows and Linux operating systems, including support for macOS 11.x Big Sur, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Redhat/CentOS 8, and ongoing support for Windows 10 updates.

Version 16 improves and expands support for high-end computing hardware, including certified support for AJA PCIe cards and Thunderbolt devices with the 2019 Mac Pro and support for AJA PCIe cards with Supermicro X11DAI, X11SPA+TF, and X11DPG.

For IP video workflows, v16 also increases support for NMOS-enabled devices by upgrading to NMOS 1.3 and adds better troubleshooting capabilities with new LLDP support for KONA IP, Io IP, and Avid ArtistTM | DNxIPTM.

With Desktop Software v16, HDR over SDI is available on select AJA Kona and Io products, and the new T-TAP Pro device. The software AJA Control Panel Included features a redesigned HDR tab, offering controls for HDR signaling over SDI and HDMI simultaneously.

The new ones HDR capabilities for AJA Control Room and AJA Control Panel include the addition of HDR metadata capture and HDR autoplay detection to facilitate the use of critical monitoring applications. To further streamline AJA's leading 8K workflows, the v16 update also adds Kona 5 8K monitoring and output capabilities for Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer.

OEM Developer SDK

Furthermore, the new software development kit (SDK) v16 from AJA for OEM developer partners is also available and is aimed at simplifying high-end 12-bit/HDR encoding and workflows. SDK v16 introduces 12-bit workflow improvements for Kona 5 and Corvid 44 12G, including support for color space conversion and LUTs when working with 12-bit material.

The new Kona 5 and Corvid 44 12G 8K-bit file updates provide developers with access to 3G in addition to 12G multilink options, plus new 4:2:0 planar support for encoding solutions, saving time and money by enabling direct capture or output of 4:2:0 material without the need for transcoding.

Nick Rashby, president of AJA, highlights that the company "has the most complete set of tools for the main creative software applications, and with our latest update of Desktop Software v16, we have continued to add powerful new features that improve the reliability and ease of use of our Kona, Io and T-TAP products. Desktop v16 includes greater hardware support and innovative features for creative professionals working with the latest delivery formats."

A number of AJA developer partners who have built proprietary systems and solutions for broadcast, post-production and AV applications using products such as AJA T-TAP Pro, Kona 5 and Kona HDMI have already begun to take advantage of the new features of Desktop Software v16.

James Brooks, CTO of Drastic Technologies, said: "Desktop v16 and the developer SDK version, when integrated with our videoQC and FlowCaster products, allow our customers to stream full 4K HDR signage from anywhere in the world to a local monitor for review. Systems including Kona 5 and Kona HDMI support inbound HDR signage, while those with Kona 5 and T-TAP Pro enable outbound HDR signage, with “Automatic HDR detection simplifies adjustments for a smoother end-user experience. Kona 5 and the new T-TAP Pro pair perfectly with our dedicated Intel NUCs, and T-TAP Pro’s incredible output capabilities make it the only mobile device that can drive frame-by-frame, frame-accurate metadata to almost any desired monitor.”

Main Features AJA Desktop Software v16

• Support for the new T-TAP Pro portable Thunderbolt 3 output device, which features 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 for 4K/UltraHD on macOS and Windows.
• Expanded operating system support, including macOS Big Sur 11.x, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Redhat/CentOS 8, and Windows 10
• Certified compatibility of AJA PCIe cards and Io devices with SuperMicro X11DAI, X11SPA+TF and X11DPG
• Innovative HDR over SDI support; VPID signaling is now available for SDR/HDR over SDI pass-through features on KONA, Io and T-TAP Pro
• HDR metadata/transfer features for capture and auto playback detection
• New 8K optimizations for capture/playback on macOS, Linux, and Windows, including support for KONA 5 8K in Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer
• 4K subtitle support in AJA Control Room on KONA 4, 5, Io 4K Plus and T-TAP Pro
• ST 2110 updates on KONA IP and Io IP; NMOS upgrade to 1.3 and LLDP support
• Expanded functionality