AJA KONA LHe Plus Operating instructions

KONA
Capture, Display, Convert
Version 13.0
Published June 22, 2017
Installation and Operation Guide

KONA Capture, Display, Convert v13.0 2 www.aja.com
Notices
Trademarks
AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
for use with most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for
use with recorder, router, software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a
trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with camera products.
CION®, Corvid Ultra®, lo®, Ki Pro®, KONA®, KUMO®, ROI® and T-Tap® are registered
trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AJA Control Room™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, TruZoom™,
V2Analog™ and V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AirPort, Apple, Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire, iPod, iPod touch,
Mac, Macintosh and ProRes, are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Final Cut Pro,
QuickTime and QuickTime logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Avid, Avid DNxHD and Media Composer are registered trademarks of Avid
Technology, Inc.
Adobe is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States
and/or other countries.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
DVI is a registered trademark of DDWG.
TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
Dolby and the double-D Dolby logo are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
openGear® Ross, ROSS, ROSS®, and MLE are registered trademarks of Ross Video.
DashBoard Control System™ is a trademark of Ross Video.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Copyright
Copyright © 2017 AJA Video Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in
this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of the document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying or recording, without the express written permission of AJA
Video Systems, Inc.
Contacting AJA Support
When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling. To contact AJA
for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
Telephone [phone]
FAX [phone]
Web https://www.aja.com
Support Email suppor[email protected]
Sales Email [email protected]

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Contents
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
KONA Models Covered in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
KONA 4/3G Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
KONA 3G Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
KONA 4 Only Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
KONA LHe Plus Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KONA LHi Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
KONA IP Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
KONA LHi and LHe Plus Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
KONA 4/3G Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using Breakout Boxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
KL-Box for KONA LHe Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
KLHi-Box for KONA LHi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
K3G-Box for KONA 4 & 3G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Detailed Connector Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
LHe Plus/LHi Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
KONA 4/3G to K3G-Box Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
KONA IP Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
AJA System Test Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the KONA Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Cabling the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
KONA 4/3G Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
KONA LHe Plus Cable Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
KONA LHi Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
KONA IP Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Installing KONA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
KONA IP Firmware Installation and J2K Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 3 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Using KONA with Professional Video /Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Capture Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Single-User & Shared Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Function Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
About KONA Modal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Control Panel Operation in Standard or UFC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Control Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Input Select Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
SDI Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
HDMI HDR Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Analog Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Conversion Screen (Mac OS only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
DS Keyer Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
LUT Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Control Panel Operation in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4K Transport Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Control Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SDI Output Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
HDMI Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Analog Output Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Video Setup Screen in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
KONA IP Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Firmware Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Unicast and Multicast Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
KONA IP Control Panel 4CH Mode Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
KONA IP Control Panel J2K Mode Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Who is Controlling KONA? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Using Multiple AJA Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Notes on using multiple AJA Products: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Chapter 4 – Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
If You Run Into Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
AJA Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
KONA 4 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
KONA 3G Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
KONA LHe Plus Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
KONA LHi Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
KONA IP Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Appendix B – Safety & Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
The AJA KONA series brings the highest quality 4K/UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD video
and audio to computers running Mac, Windows or Linux Operating Systems.
This manual discusses the installation of KONA cards and the necessary software
drivers and plug-ins for each platform.
KONA Models Covered in this Manual
This manual covers the installation and operation of these models:
• KONA LHe Plus
• KONA LHi
• KONA 3G
• KONA 4
• KONA IP
AJA Software & Utilities
AJA’s KONA software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated
video/audio capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party
software. With KONA and a qualified computer, you have the ultimate system
for production, post-production, broadcast, and streaming work. AJA software
is distributed as a unified package which includes all the software, firmware,
plugins, and utility programs for AJA’s iO, KONA, and T-TAP products.
Three retail packages are available, one for Mac, one for Windows, and one for
Linux.
NOTE: Support for the Linux OS retail drivers is based on the Linux application used and
comes from the application’s vendor.
To download AJA software, go to the AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads
For a complete software compatibility list, see the AJA website link:
https://www.aja.com/en/category/edit/compatibility
Mac, Windows and Linux Packages
These packages include:

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Drivers
AJA device drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation.
AJA Control Panel
The Control Panel provides:
• Source selection and control of your AJA hardware.
• A block diagram to show visually what routing and processing is being
performed.
AJA Control Room
Control Room is a cross-platform software application for ingest, playback and
output with AJA products.
AJA System Test
System Test provides accurate and detailed evaluations of drive and PCIe
performance statistics, allowing you to measure the capabilities of your system
for recording and playing back various resolutions and codecs.
Additional with Mac and Windows Packages
3rd-Party Plugins
AJA provided plugins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from
Adobe, Avid, Apple, Telestream, and others.
System Requirements
AJA Video recommends that your system meet minimum hardware and software
requirements to achieve a satisfactory level of performance. Updates to system
requirements are subject to change.
NOTE: See Software Vendor system requirements for GPU recommendations and
additional hardware requirements and recommendations.
AJA recommends:
• MacOS 10.12 Sierra or later
• Win 10 or later with all updates
• Linux Redhat/CentOS 7
• Linux Ubuntu 14 and Ubuntu 16
• 2.5 GHz quad core i7 minimum, for HD
• 3.5 GHz eight core minimum, faster processors and more cores recommended,
for UltraHD/4K workows, especially with high frame rate*
• 16GB RAM minimum, 32GB or more recommended, especially for UltraHD/4K
or High Frame Rate applications
• a reasonably fast and powerful graphics card, with plenty of on-board
memory
• media storage with adequate bandwidth to sustain the capture and playback
of the material you expect to be working with.
NOTE: For large scale installations with shared storage, or for very high performance
requirements, AJA recommends consultation with an experienced a system
integrator. A consultant will be able to assist with many important variables.

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Disk Storage Methods
To ensure performance and quality, the disk storage system used with
the workstation must be able to meet the demands of storing real-time
uncompressed media. At the very minimum, the disk storage system must be
able to provide and maintain a consistent transfer rate from the workstation to
disk (read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and peripherals that
can provide this level of performance.
For more on disk storage performance see "AJA System Test Application" on page
21.
KONA 4/3G Features
The KONA 4 and 3G cards offer many unique features for optimum quality, ease of
use, and support for a wide variety of post production workflows.
KONA 3G Features
Video I/O
• SD-SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs
• HDMI 1.4b output
• KONA 3G I/O supports SD and HD over HDMI
• HDMI v2.0
• 30/36 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps
• 2K, HD, and SD, UltraHD with HFR support up to 60p 4:2:0
• HDR10 Support - HDR Infoframe metadata, in accordance with HDMI 2.0a/
CTA-861.3
• 2K support that includes 2048x1556 and 2048x1080 formats
• 4K and UltraHD capture and playout
• KONA 3G supports frame rates up to 30 fps
• KONA 4 supports frame rates up to 60 fps
• 12-bit HD component analog video and SD analog component or composite
and s-video output
• 10-bit HD/SD Video+Key Output
• HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
KONA 4/3G supports Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4). KONA 4/3G supports the ingest
and output of SMPTE-372M compliant 4:4:4 RGB video and 4:2:2 1080p 50, 1080p
59.94, and 1080p 60 at 10-bit.
Conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit up-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit cross-conversion (1080 to 720 and
720 to 1080)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion
(anamorphic to letterbox, etc.)
KONA 4/3G features hardware-based full 10-bit broadcast quality motion
adaptive SD to HD up-conversion, HD to SD down-conversion and HD to HD
cross-conversion. The quality of the conversion features found in the KONA 4/3G
is virtually identical to AJA’s award winning stand-alone converter products used
throughout the post production market. The KONA 4/3G built-in up-converter

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uses a full 10-bit path, fully motion adaptive de-interlacing, and large multi-
point digital interpolators. Down-conversion uses large multi-point digital
interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation.
Cross-conversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to
streamline dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in real time. Because
these functions are in hardware on the card, they are available full time, all
the time—with no CPU load. Such conversions are useful for cost effective
monitoring, making standard definition dubs of an HD project, or upconverting
from a standard definition project to an HD deliverable.
Audio I/O
• 8-channel 24-bit, 48kHz digital AES/EBU audio
• 16 channels of SDI embedded digital audio
KONA 4/3G supports 8-channel 24-bit 48kHz AES audio via BNC connections on
the supplied breakout cable—or with the optional K3G-Box,16-channels of AES
audio.
KONA 4/3G’s high-quality input sample-rate conversion on AES inputs eliminates
the need for audio source synchronization. Sample rate converters auto-lock to
any AES input, 32-96kHz, and then convert it to 24-bit 48kHZ audio, locked to
internal KONA 4/3G video. Sample rate conversion is done at very high quality
(over 120db THD).
Signal Timing
• Genlock input with optional looping capability via the K3G- Box (terminated
on the supplied breakout cable)
• LTC (longitudinal timecode) input/output
Cabling
• Standard 2-meter length connection cables including HDMI mini to HDMI
output
UltraHD/4K Mode Capture and Playout
In 4K Mode, KONA 4/3G offers 4K capture and playback in both YCbCr and RGB.
When using a capture application that supports 4K geometry, the KONA 4/3G
maps connectors SDI1 through SDI 4 as inputs for 4K video.
When 4K playout in Quadrant mode is selected, the four SDI connectors are
remapped as outputs for driving the four quadrants of a 4K display. A large
number of 4K formats are supported for this workflow; see the specifications
("KONA 4 Tech Specs" on page 88) for supported 4K formats. For a description of
Two Sample Interleave output mapping, see "2SI Mode" on page 66.
Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
KONA 4/3G provides a powerful hardware keyer that can place graphic files with
an alpha channel over video in a selectable matte or the contents of the card’s
framebuffer from a software application (including AJA TV). Key a bug or text
over picture and avoid what might normally be a lengthy software render. Also,
working with these software applications, you can key video that has an alpha-
channel over video input or a matte. For example, you can load a QuickTime clip
that has an alpha-channel (a flying logo generated in the Animation codec) into
AJA TV and then place it over live video coming into the card and then passing
both on to a VTR for recording or broadcast.

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KONA 4 Only Features
KONA 4 supports all the KONA 3G features listed above, and also supports:
• Quadrant and Two Sample Interleave transport standards for UltraHD and 4K
video formats.
• HDR signaling and monitoring for HDR10 and HLG.
KONA LHe Plus Features
The KONA LHe Plus card offers a large number of unique features for
optimum quality, ease of use, and support for a wide variety of workflows and
environments. KONA LHe Plus provides flexible standard definition and high
definition capture and playback, a hardware down-converter for working in
mixed SD/HD environments—and it supports both analog and digital audio/
video I/O.
Video I/O
• 10-bit uncompressed SD/HD QuickTime capture card
• 12-bit HD Analog Component I/O
• 12-bit SD Analog Component/Composite/S-Video I/O
• One SDI or HD-SDI Input
• Two independent SDI/HD-SDI outputs
Conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion
Audio I/O
• 2-channel analog balanced XLR audio I/O
• 2-channel AES XLR audio I/O
• 8-channel SDI embedded audio I/O
Signal Timing
• HD/SD genlock on analog video inputs
Cabling
• Cables standard
• Optional KL-Box Breakout Box—provides rack mounting and exible
easy I/O (KL-Box cabling is included with the KL-Box). When ordering, specify a
KL-Box for the KONA LHe Plus since it uses a unique cable.
KONA LHe Plus Audio
KONA LHe Plus supports two-channel 24-bit 48kHz AES audio via XLR
connections, and eight-channel embedded 24-bit 48kHz audio over the same
single SDI connection as the video. If you are using a digital deck—you’ll have the
proper connections to the deck.
For analog audio, KONA LHe Plus provides two-channel balanced audio input
and output. If you purchase the optional KL-Box breakout box, you also get two-
channel unbalanced audio output (RCA jacks).
KONA LHe Plus also features AES input sample rate conversion; this feature
eliminates the requirement for audio source synchronization. Sample rate
converters auto-lock to any AES input, 32-96KHz, and then convert it to 24 bit

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48KHz audio, perfectly locked to internal KONA LHe Plus video. Sample rate
conversion is done at very high quality (over 120db THD).
KONA LHi Features
The KONA LHi card offers a large number of unique features for optimum quality,
ease of use, and support for a wide variety of workflows and environments.
KONA LHi provides flexible standard definition and high definition capture
and playback, a hardware-based converter for working in mixed SD/HD
environments—and it supports both analog and digital audio/video I/O—
including HDMI.
Video I/O
• 10-bit uncompressed QuickTime capture card
• 3G/HD/SD SDI I/O
• HDMI v1.3a w/Deep Color at 30 bits per pixel input/output
• 12-bit SD and HD Analog Component/Composite/S-Video I/O
Conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit up-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit cross-conversion (1080 to 720 and
720 to 1080)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion
(anamorphic to letterbox, etc.)
Audio I/O
• 2-channel analog balanced XLR audio I/O
• 2-channel AES XLR audio I/O
• 8-channel SDI embedded audio I/O
Signal Timing
• HD/SD genlock on analog video inputs
• LTC Input (on Reference input)
Cabling
• Cables standard
• Optional KLHi-Box Breakout Box—provides rack mounting and exible
easy I/O (KLHi-Box cabling is included with the KLHi-Box).
KONA LHi Audio
KONA LHi supports 2-channel 24-bit 48kHz or 96kHz AES audio via XLR
connections, and 8 channel embedded 24 bit 48kHz audio over HDMI or the same
single SDI connection as the video. If you are using a digital deck—you’ll have the
proper connections to the deck.
For analog audio, KONA LHi provides two-channel balanced audio input and
output. If you purchase the optional KLHi-Box breakout box, you also get two-
channel unbalanced audio output (RCA jacks).
KONA LHi also features AES input sample rate conversion; this feature eliminates
the requirement for audio source synchronization. Sample rate converters auto-
lock to any AES or HDMI input, 32-96KHz, and then convert it to 24 bit 48KHz
audio, perfectly locked to internal KONA LHi video. Sample rate conversion is

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done at very high quality (over 120db THD). (HDMI audio can be 20 to 24 bit and
will be saved as 24 bit samples.)
KONA IP Features
KONA IP is desktop video and audio I/O for professional IP-based workflows.
KONA IP is the next generation of AJA’s industry-leading KONA line of PCIe
capture and playback cards, and works with AJA’s Control Room, Control Panel
software and SDK tools, providing support for leading third party content
creation applications.
KONA IP is designed as a flexible platform for supporting various different IP
standards and types:
• SMPTE 2022-6/7 uncompressed HD video over IP
• NDI via Newtek Connect
• SMPTE 2110 (available once standard is ratied by SMPTE)
• VSF TR-01 for JPEG 2K HD workows via MPEG-2 transport stream. Available
with an optional software purchase.
KONA IP supports different operating modes for different needs. By loading
a different version of the firmware, you can tune your AJA hardware to the
requirements of the task at hand.
Operating Systems Supported
• Mac
• Windows
• Linux
NOTE: See the AJA Driver Release Notes, available on the AJA website and also installed
with the driver, for the exact OS versions supported.
Video Formats
• (HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
• (HD) 1080i 25, 29.97
• (HD) 720P 50, 59.94, 60
• (SD) 625i 25
• (SD) 525i 29.97
Physical Connection for IP Video
• 2 x 10 Gb Ethernet SFP+ Cages - SFP+ modules not included.
• For JPEG 2K workows, only the top SFP cage is utilized (for 1Gb connectivity).
For a list of SFP+ modules tested by AJA, use the link below:
https://www.aja.com/en/products/kona-ip#techspecs
Inputs and Outputs
• Retail package congured by default for 2022-6 operation with four
uncompressed streams on the top SFP.
• For 2022-7 operation, a second SFP is used for redundant transport of the
other SFP's signals.
• With optional license purchase, JPEG 2000 compressed signal transport (one
input and one output) using only the top SFP.
• HDR signaling and monitoring for HDR10 and HLG. HLG support is application
dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.

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Digital Audio Input
• 16-Channel embedded audio
Digital Audio Output
• 16-Channel embedded audio, 16- and 24-bit per channel, 48 kHz sample rate,
synchronous
• 8-Channel HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
Signal Timing
• 1 x BNC assignable to reference video or LTC input
Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
KONA IP provides a powerful hardware keyer that can place graphic files with
an alpha channel over video in a selectable matte or the contents of the card’s
framebuffer from a software application (including AJA TV). Key a bug or text
over picture and avoid what might normally be a lengthy software render. Also,
working with these software applications, you can key video that has an alpha-
channel over video input or a matte. For example, you can load a QuickTime clip
that has an alpha-channel (a flying logo generated in the Animation codec) into
AJA TV and then place it over live video coming into the card and then passing
both on to a VTR for recording or broadcast.
Cable Connections
KONA offers unsurpassed cable connectivity for a video/audio capture card.
Connections are made via the breakout cable (included with the card) and
connectors mounted on the KONA Card endplate.
KONA LHi and LHe Plus Connectors
The breakout cable used for both KONA LHi and LHe Plus models provides:
• Reference Input (BNC connector)
• Component/Composite/S Video Input (3x BNC)
• Component/Composite/S Video Output (3x BNC)
• AES In (2x XLR)
• AES Out (2x XLR)
• Balanced Audio In (2x XLR)
• Balanced Audio Out (2x XLR)
• RS-422 Machine Control (9-pin)

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Figure 1. Breakout Cable for LHe Plus and LHi Models
RS422 Machine Control
to VTR (9-pin)
Analog Audio Channel 1 Input
Analog Audio Channel 2 Input
Analog Audio Channel 1 Output
Analog Audio Channel 2 Output
Digital AES Input Channels 1 & 2
Digital AES Output Channels 1 & 2
Multiple-pin
connector
to KONA LH
Y/CVBS In BNC
Pb/Y In BNC
Pr/C In BNC
Y/G/CVBS Out BNC
Pb/B/Y Out BNC
Pr/R/C Out BNC
green
blue
red
green
blue
red
6 BNCs (Analog Connections): Can be
Congured for Component, Composite, or Y/C
Reference Input or LTC Input BNC
Balanced Audio
Analog Video
KONA LHi Endplate
Connectors on the KONA LHi card endplate additionally provide:
• Standard-denition or High-denition SDI input (1 BNC) and output (1 BNC)
• HDMI input and output (2x HDMI mini-connectors)
KONA LHe Plus Endplate
The KONA LHe Plus endplate provides one BNC for SDI input and two
independent SDI output BNCs.
KONA 4/3G Connectors
KONA 4/3G provides complete I/O connectivity choices in two multi-signal
breakout cables and one HDMI-to-HDMI mini output cable. One multi-signal
cable provides AES/EBU digital BNC connections and analog video monitoring
connections. The other has 4 mini-connectors on one end and 4 BNCs on the
other providing SDI connections. Cable connections are marked on both the
KONA card endplate and on the cable connectors for easy identification.

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Figure 2. KONA 4/3G Breakout Cables
4-mini BNCs
to 4 standard
BNCs
Reference Input BNC
HDMI Output (1)
RS422 Machine Control to VTR
(9-pin)
SDI Out1/Link A BNC
SDI Out2/Link B BNC
SDI In1/Link A BNC
SDI In2/Link B BNC
Digital AES
Audio Input BNCs
Channels 1-8
Digital AES
Audio Output BNCs
Channels 1-8
LTC Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
SDI
KONA 4/3G
end-plate
3 BNCs (Analog Connections)
SD Out: Component, Composite, or S-Video
HD Out: Component or RGB
Using Breakout Boxes
The KONA product line offers two optional 19” 1RU rack-mountable breakout
boxes that attach to the KONA card via cables that connect to the back of the
breakout box. These cables are supplied with the breakout box. The breakout
boxes offer the same inputs and outputs as the standard breakout cables and
more. Breakout boxes can be easily rack mounted or placed on top of a broadcast
monitor or editing desk.
KL-Box for KONA LHe Plus
The KL-Box is connected via one 60-pin to 60-pin, and one 3-BNC to 3-BNC cable.
When you purchase the KL-Box, you get two-channel unbalanced audio output
(2 RCA Jacks) not available with the standard cable. When ordering a KL-Box,
specify the KONA card model you’ll be using the KL box with to ensure you get
the proper cable set.

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Figure 3. KL-Box Model Breakout Box
RS422
Machine
Control
External
Reference
(loop)
Analog Audio
Output
Balanced Audio In
Channels 1 & 2
Balanced Audio Out
Channels 1 & 2
Composite/
Component
Video In
Composite/
Component
Video Out
AES/EBU Audio
In and Out
Serial
Digital
In
Out
Serial
Digital
KLHi-Box for KONA LHi
The KLHi-Box offers the same connections as the KL-Box except a single
connector is provided for the following: SDI input, SDI output, HDMI v1.3a input,
and HDMI v1.3a output.
NOTE: The HDMI connectors on the breakout box are full-size, not mini as on the LHi
endplate
Figure 4. KLHi-Box Model Breakout Box
.
RS422
Machine
Control
External
Ref. or LTC
(loop)
Analog
Audio
Output
Balanced Audio In
Channels 1 & 2
Balanced Audio Out
Channels 1 & 2
Composite/
Component
Video In
Composite/
Component
Video Out
AES/EBU Audio
In and Out
SDI
In
HDMI v1.3a
Out
HDMI v1.3a
In
SDI
Out
K3G-Box for KONA 4 & 3G
The K3G-Box for KONA 4 and 3G offers convenient connector access and
additional functionality including simultaneous BNC AES output, 2-channel RCA
analog audio monitoring, and looping BNC connection for Genlock reference and
LTC timecode. If you’re using a digital Betacam deck, HDCAM, DVCPRO HD, D5, D9
or even an HDCAM SR, you’ll have the proper connections.

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Figure 5. K3G-Box Model Breakout Box (front view)
RS422
Machine
Control
Longitudinal
Time Code
(LTC)
External
Reference
(loop)
Video Monitor Out
Component/
Composite
Video Output
Analog Audio
Output
AES/EBU Audio In
Channels 1 through 16
All AES/EBU audio connectors have two channels
per connector
SDI Ports 1 through 4AES/EBU Audio Out
Channels 1 through 16
HDMI
Out
Figure 6. K3G-Box Model Breakout Box (rear view)
HDMI Output
from KONA 3G
Mini-HDMI connector
SDI Ports
1 through 4
KONA 3G
Host
Connector
Detailed Connector Descriptions
LHe Plus/LHi Connectors
Connectors on the standard cable set are labeled by their function for easy
installation and maintenance. Connectors on the optional KL-Box are similarly
labeled
SDI Input and Outputs
BNC connectors are provided on the KONA LHe and LHi card endplates for
one SD-SDI or HD-SDI input. The LHe Plus has two, and LHi has one SDI output
(format independent of the input). The SDI input and outputs support video and
embedded 24-bit digital audio. Use SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10-
bit uncompressed video input, capture and output. If peripheral equipment has
a variety of inputs/outputs, look to see if it has SDI I/O, and use it where possible.
Most high-end professional broadcast equipment supports SDI (VTRs, cameras,
media storage servers, etc.).
HDMI Input and Output
Two HDMI mini-connectors on the LHi endplate (full-size HDMI connectors on
the KLHi-Box) provide for input and output of HDMI compatible video (version
1.1) and multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not supported on
either input or output. The LHi’s HDMI output does not have HDCP, and input
sources having HDCP are not supported. The HDMI input is designed to support
long cable runs—up to 100 ft. when using 22 or 24AWG HDMI cable, or up to 50
ft. using 28 or 30AWG HDMI cable. The HDMI output supports standard HDMI
cables only.

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2-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs And Outputs
One female XLR connector is provided for the channel 1 and 2 inputs, while
a male XLR connector carries channel 1 and 2 outputs. AES/EBU signals are
handled internally as 24-bit digital. The optional KL-Box also provides XLR audio
connections on the front panel.
NOTE: AES XLR connections are digital and cannot be used with analog equipment
having XLR connectors.
Analog 2-Channel Balanced Audio
Two sets of analog XLR connectors, one for each channel, support balanced audio
connections. Male XLRs are provided for outputs and female XLRs are provided
for inputs. Balanced audio (differential) connections provide better analog
audio quality over longer cable runs. Most professional quality VTRs and audio
equipment have XLR style connectors for analog audio. Analog audio signals are
converted internally to 24-bit digital.
Unbalanced Audio on KL-Box
On the KL-Box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These
connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.
RS-422 Machine Control
A female DE-9 connector on the LHi/LHe Plus breakout cable provides connection
for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers, and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE
(Sony) protocol. This RS-422 connector is also present on the optional KL-Box
(connector pinout is Sony 9-pin protocol).
KONA 4/3G to K3G-Box Connectors
Connectors on the standard cable set are labeled for their function for easy
installation and maintenance. Connectors on the optional K3G-Box (breakout
box) are similarly labeled.
8-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio I/O
When using the standard cables, BNC connections are provided for AES/EBU
audio input/output. Four BNC connectors are provided for audio input and four
for audio output. Each BNC carries two channels. The connectors are labeled for
input/output and channels.
The optional K3G-Box provides BNC audio connections on the front panel for
16-channels of audio input and output.
Unbalanced Audio on K3G- Box
On the K3G breakout box are two analog output connectors, one for each
channel. These connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.
RS-422 Machine Control
A female DE-9 connector provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media
servers, and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. This connector
is present on both the general I/O cables and the optional K3G-Box (connector
pinout is Sony 9-pin protocol.)
SDI Inputs & Outputs
On the KONA 4/3G card, mini-connectors are provided for bi-directional SDI
inputs and outputs for Single Link, Dual Link or 4K/UltraHD I/O. A cable with

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four Mini-connectors on one end and four BNCs on the other end is provided for
connecting equipment to the SDI inputs and outputs.
In Standard mode, KONA 4/3G offers four video outputs altogether:
• 2 SDI outputs that are used for both High- and Standard-denition (SD/HD-
SDI)
• 2 monitor outputs (discussed later), one component analog and one HDMI
1.4a.
Each of the four outputs is independently switchable between HD and SD. For
example, if you are working in HD, you can have simultaneous HD-SDI, SD-SDI,
and HD-component analog output.
SDI inputs and outputs support video and 8-channel embedded 24-bit digital
audio. Use SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10-bit uncompressed video
input, capture, and output. If peripheral equipment has a variety of inputs/
outputs, look to see if it has SDI I/O, and use it wherever possible. Most high-end
professional broadcast equipment supports SDI (VTRs, cameras, media storage
servers, etc.).
HDMI Output
An HDMI mini-connector on the KONA4/3G endplate (full-size HDMI connectors
on the K3G-Box) provides HDMI 1.4 capability, supporting 4K up to 24fps and
UltraHD at up to 60 fps.
NOTE: KONA 3G supports SD and HD over HDMI. KONA 4 supports UltraHD and 4K over
HDMI.
HDMI also supports multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not
supported on the output.
Analog Monitor Outputs
Both the standard I/O cable and the optional K3G-Box feature two groups of
three BNC connectors each, for input and output of component, composite and
Y/C functions. The signals are labeled on both the cable and K3G-Box connectors.
The analog component output can be switched between SD and HD. KONA 4/3G
features 12-bit component video output for both HD and SD. SD can be switched
to composite and Y/C. (The same three BNC connectors share component and Y/C
functions.) This allows use of an inexpensive analog monitor for both HD and SD
work. You can even use a composite video monitor. For Dual Link HD-SDI output,
HD or SD can be monitored through the component output. Dual Link HD can be
output as 4:4:4 RGB.
Component video signals are generally higher quality than composite, but not as
high-quality as serial digital (SDI).
About RGB
Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA 4/3G supports it for
A/V Monitor output. However, because the KONA 4/3G (and SMPTE SDI’s) native
format is YPbPr, AJA recommends using YPbPr when the monitor supports it.
The YPbPr format provides headroom for “superwhite” and "superblack”, and
these video levels will be clipped when transcoding to RGB. Also, the RGB/YPbPr
transcoding involves a level translation that results in mathematical round-off
error. RGB can be configured in the Playout setup panel of the specific application
you are using with KONA 4/3G.

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About YPbPr
KONA 4/3G supports three different types of YPbPr:
• SMPTE/EBU N10
• Betacam (NTSC)
• Betacam (NTSC-J [Japan]).
These three formats differ in level only and can be configured in the Playout
setup panel of the specific application you are using with KONA 4/3G.
Reference Video
A single BNC on the standard KONA cable—or two BNC connectors on the K3G-
Box (looping)—allow you to synchronize KONA outputs to your house analog
reference video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync generator or central
piece of video equipment to use for synchronizing other video equipment in your
studio, connect its analog composite output here. When KONA outputs video,
it locks to this reference signal. When connecting a reference video source, the
locking signal should be the same format as the Primary format selected in KONA
software. It is possible in some circumstances to use an alternate format video
signal if the basic frame rate is compatible.
KONA IP Connectors
KONA IP provides SFP+ cages for 10GbE (or 1GbE) connectivity, rather than the
DIN connectors found on KONA 3G and KONA 4.
SFP Cages and Modules
Two SFP+ cages are provided to connect two separate 10 Gigabit Ethernet Links.
Both links are bi-directional. Inputs and outputs for most uses will be set up over
the same link if bandwidth allows it.
KONA IP supports SMPTE 2022-6/7 for input and output. Up to four total streams
of SD or HD each with 16 audio channels and Metadata may be input or output at
a time, and can be configured in the AJA Control Panel, which is detailed later in
this manual.
With the purchase of an optional license and installation of J2K firmware, JPEG
2000 transport also becomes available, which supports one input and one output
stream via the top SFP. The lower SFP port is inactive in this mode.
For a list of SFP+ modules tested by AJA, use the link below:
https://www.aja.com/en/products/kona-ip#techspecs
HDMI Output
A full-size HDMI connector on the KONA IP endplate provides HDMI 1.4b
capability.
NOTE: KONA IP supports 2K, SD and HD over HDMI.
HDMI also supports multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not
supported on the output.
Reference Video
A single BNC on the KONA IP endplate allows you to synchronize KONA outputs
to your house analog reference video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync
generator or central piece of video equipment to use for synchronizing other
video equipment in your studio, connect its analog composite output here.
When KONA outputs video, it locks to this reference signal. When connecting
a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same format as the

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Primary format selected in KONA software. It is possible in some circumstances to
use an alternate format video signal if the basic frame rate is compatible. KONA IP
can also lock to an incoming SMPTE 2022-6 signal, or it can free run.