AJA KONA 3G Operating instructions

www.aja.com
Installation and Operation
Guide
Because it matters.
Published: 4/9/11

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Trademarks
AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro®, KUMO®, and XENA®are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Io HD™
and Io™are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc.
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire and Macintosh are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. DVCPRO HD® is a registered trademark of Panasonic Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Notice
Copyright © 2011 AJA Video, 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 Inc.
FCC Emission Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
AJA Video can effect emission compliance and could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.
Contacting Support
To contact AJA Video for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA. 95945 USA
Telephone: [phone] or 530.274.2048
Fax: [phone]
Web: http://www.aja.com
Support Email: [email protected]
Sales Email: [email protected]
When calling for support, first read the Chapter on Troubleshooting at the back of this
manual. You can often save time and effort by looking there first for simple remedies and
information on how to get support from AJA and Apple Computer Inc.

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KONA 3G Installation and Operation Manual — Limited Warranty
Limited Warranty
AJA Video warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If a product proves
to be defective during this warranty period, AJA Video, at its option, will either repair
the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement
in exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, you the Customer, must notify AJA Video
of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable
arrangements for the performance of service. The Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to a designated service center
nominated by AJA Video, with shipping charges prepaid. AJA Video shall pay for the
return of the product to the Customer if the shipment is to a location within the
country in which the AJA Video service center is located. Customer shall be responsible
for paying all shipping charges, insurance, duties, taxes, and any other charges for
products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use
or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. AJA Video shall not be obligated to
furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by
personnel other than AJA Video representatives to install, repair or service the product,
b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible
equipment, c) to repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-AJA Video
parts or supplies, or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with
other products when the effect of such a modification or integration increases the time
or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY AJA VIDEO IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED. AJA VIDEO AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AJA VIDEO’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE WHOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER AJA VIDEO OR
THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

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KONA Installation and Operation Manual — Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
FCC Emission Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What’s In The Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Minimum and Recommended System and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Understanding Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using the Standard Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using The Breakout Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
About BNC and Mini-Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connector Descriptions—Cables and K3G-Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 2: Getting Started—Workflows
KONA 3G And Your Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Understanding Typical Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
PhotoJPEG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
DV (DV25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
DV50 17
DVCPRO HD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
HDV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 (SD or HD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
AJA KONA10-bit Log RGB and RGB Codecs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
AJA KONA10-bit Log RGB and RGB Codecs as related to a 2K Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 HQ (SD or HD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Workflow General Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mixing and Matching Formats in Final Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2K Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
AJA KONA 3G Workflow Support For RED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Double Speed Transfer for KONA 3G and Sony HDCAM SR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Color Accurate Playback of ProRes4444 Video Using Final Cut Pro & KONA 3G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Stereoscopic 3D Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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Chapter 3: Installation
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Installing the KONA 3G Card into a MacPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Cabling the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
System Video/Audio Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Installing KONA 3G Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Software Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Updating KONA 3G Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Genlock and Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Chapter 4: Final Cut Pro & Other Software
Final Cut Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Using The AJA Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Control Panel Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Standard Mode Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Control Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Formats Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Input Select Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
SDI Output Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
HDMI Output Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Analog Out Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Video Setup Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Audio Setup Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Conversion Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
2K Crop Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
DS Keyer Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Timecode Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Timelapse Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Firmware Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Using 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Format Tab in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
HDMI Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Analog Output Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Video Setup Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Firmware Tab for 2K Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Saving Your Control Panel Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Who is Controlling KONA 3G? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Using Multiple AJA Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Notes on using multiple AJA Products: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Easy Setups for Typical Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Easy Setups Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Audio/Video Settings Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Checking the System with a Simple Test Project of Bars and Tone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

1
3
KONA Installation and Operation Manual — Table of Contents
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
If You Run Into Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Apple Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Appendix A: Specifications
Appendix B: Glossary
Appendix C: 2K Workflows
Index

4

1
1
1
Overview
The AJA KONA 3G provides the highest quality whether working with SD, HD, Dual Link HD, or
3G signals. KONA 3G even supports 2K digital cinema and film resolutions and now offers a 4K
playback mode for the highest resolution possible. The 3G is designed for use with PCI Express
capable computers. KONA 3G offers:
• 3D workflow support – discrete left and right eye output in SDI and HDMI 1.4a
• 4K output mode with playout in both YCbCr and RGB
Note: In 4K Mode, all four mini-BNC connectors are used for outputs. 4K requires
bootup from its own alternate firmware image, see “Firmware Tab Screen” on page 86.
For details on 4K Mode operation, see “Using 4K Mode” on page 88
• Unsurpassed 10-bit broadcast quality serial digital video input/output
• 8-channel digital AES/EBU audio input/output (16-channel using the K3G-Box)
• 16-channel embedded audio
• Hardware-based upconversion from SD to HD; hardware-based downconversion from HD
to SD; and HD to HD crossconversion between 720 and 1080 HD formats
• DVCProHD and HDV hardware scaling support
KONA 3G is designed to be the ultimate capture and playback card. AJA provided software
utilities and applications deliver leading features for broadcasters and filmmakers.
A state of the art PCI-Express card, KONA 3G plugs into a PCI-e expansion slot in MacPro PCI-
Express enabled computers. The card comes with software that allows it to work seamlessly
with Final Cut Pro and other QuickTime-based applications to provide a professional broadcast
quality editing suite, corporate/industrial video center, or high-powered desktop video setup—
or anything in between. Included is a cable set that can be connected to a variety of SD, HD,
Dual Link,3G, and 2K capable equipment. For even easier connectivity, an optional
K3G-Box rack mountable breakout box is available and ships with it's own multi-
connector cables.This manual covers the installation and operation of the KONA 3G,
the optional K3G-Box, and how to use the card with Final Cut Pro and other software
applications.
Chapter 1: Introduction

2
Features
The KONA 3G card offers many unique features for optimum quality, ease of use, and
support for a wide variety of post production workflows.
Hardware • SD-SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs
• HDMI 1.4a output for stereoscopic monitoring to consumer 3D displays
• 2K support that includes 2048x1556 and 2048x1080 formats
• 4K playout (see “Video Formats” on page 117)
• x4 Lane PCI-Express Bus Interface
• DVCProHD hardware scaling acceleration
• HDV hardware scaling acceleration
• Final Cut Pro Dynamic RT Extreme hardware acceleration
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit upconversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit downconversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit crossconversion (1080 to 720 and 720 to
1080)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion (anamorphic to
letterbox, etc.)
• 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
• LTC (longitudinal timecode) input/output
• 8-channel 24-bit, 48kHz digital AES/EBU audio
• 16 channels of SDI embedded digital audio
• RS-422 control via 9 pin
• Genlock input with optional looping capability via the K3G- Box (terminated on the
supplied breakout cable)
• Standard 2 meter length connection cables including HDMI mini to HDMI output
cable.

1
3
KONA 3G Installation and Operation Manual — Features
3D Stereoscopic Workflow
KONA 3G offers you the simplest path through 3D stereoscopic workflows.
Through SDI, you can output Discrete Left and Right Eye feeds with a simple Stereo
button choice in the AJA control panel. Additionally, muxed stereo output is possible
using a single SDI output. AJA hardware and software works in close collaboration with
CineForm's Neo3D software tools and CineForm codec to allow stereoscopic editorial and
viewing when working with Apple's Final Cut Pro or Adobe's CS5.
Through it's HDMI 1.4a output, KONA 3G makes it possible to connect to affordable 3D-
capable monitors for stereoscopic monitoring.
Broadcast-Quality Conversion
KONA 3G features hardware-based full 10-bit broadcast quality motion adaptive SD to HD
upconversion, HD to SD downconversion and HD to HD crossconversion. The quality of
the conversion features found in the KONA 3G is virtually identical to AJA's award winning
stand-alone converter products used throughout the post production market. The KONA
3G built-in upconverter uses a a full 10-bit path, fully motion adaptive de-interlacing, and
large multi-point digital interpolators. Downconversion uses large multi-point digital
interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation.
Crossconversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to streamline
dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in realtime. 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 FCP project to an HD
deliverable.
KONA 3G Audio
KONA 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 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 3G video.
Sample rate conversion is done at very high quality (over 120db THD).
Dual Link
KONA 3G supports Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4). KONA 3G supports the ingest and output of
SMPTE-372M compliant 4:4:4 RGB video and high-bandwidth 4:2:2 1080p 50, 1080p
59.94, and 1080p 60 at 10-bit.
2K Workflow Support
The KONA 3G 2K path offers potentially significant cost and labor savings over a tape-
based approach to a 2K workflow. In a unique development for customers on the Apple
platform, users can go straight from telecine to disk with 2K media and eliminate steps
requiring the use of tape stock and then the digitizing of those tapes for the nonlinear
editor. 2K telecine to KONA 3G saves time and steps in the process by directly and
simultaneously creating 2K DPX files and 2K QuickTime reference movies. Material can be
played out at 2K via HSDL (High Speed Data Link), offering further synergy with other 2K
products, such as projectors or DDRs, currently available in the market.
Additionally, KONA 3G allows 2K files to be viewed on HD 1080PsF supported video
monitors, lowering the price barrier for recording to tape and viewing 2K material. This
1080 HD playout can be down-converted to SD in real time, giving the 2K DI pipeline a
powerful solution for multi-format video playout of 2K material.
By generating 2K DPX files during the digitize phase, different parts of the process (for
example, delivery of full-resolution media of shots intended for visual effects) can be

4
done much earlier. Offline editing can be done in Final Cut Pro and with the flexibility of
Final Cut Pro and QuickTime, even a 2K online is possible.
4K Playout Mode
KONA 3G offers 4K playback in both YCbCr and RGB. When 4K playout 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 emerging workflow; see the
specifications (“Video Formats” on page 117) for supported 4K formats.
Hardware-based Acceleration
Final Cut Pro users will likely notice the DVCPROHD, HDV, and Apple RT Extreme hardware
acceleration provided by KONA 3G. This hardware acceleration was developed in close
cooperation with Apple. How does KONA 3G accelerate DVCPROHD, HDV, and Apple RT
Effects? A precision hardware scalar in KONA 3G does what the Apple computer's processor
would otherwise have to do, scale less than full-raster HD (DVCProHD and HDV) to full-
raster size, thus speeding up the system considerably—and doing this scaling at full 10-bit
broadcast quality.
When using the Final Cut Pro HDV codec, the KONA 3G advanced scaling engine takes the
native frame (long GOP 1440 HD) and outputs it via hardware-in real time. Precision AJA
circuitry re-sizes the video to full-raster 1920 x 1080, providing instantaneous playback of
HDV captured by Final Cut Pro for both monitoring and recording.
Unlike the DV25 format, which can preview in realtime natively via Final Cut Pro, the MPEG
structure of HDV is much more complex. Fortunately, KONA 3G can provide real time
monitoring and playback to both HD and SD monitors and decks via the realtime hardware
scaler and down-converter on board.
In addition to speeding up Final Cut Pro Dynamic RT by using the KONA scalar, multiple
frame size RT (1/4 size or full size)—a Final Cut Pro feature—also benefits from KONA 3G.
The frame count and image size are dynamically changed during file playback, so you don't
get the “un-rendered” message in Final Cut Pro.
Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
KONA 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 (AJA TV / Apple's Final Cut Pro / AJA's VTR Xchange). 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.

1
5
KONA 3G Installation and Operation Manual — What’s In The Box?
Software • AJA Control Panel for audio/video source selection, conversion and control of KONA 3G
within the overall MacOS environment (Input Pass-through)
• AJA QuickTime™ Drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation
• Support for Apple Final Cut Pro™ (application software not included)
• Support for After Effects, Combustion, Motion, and other application software not
included.
• AJA Utilities: AJA TV, VTR Xchange, AJA System Test, AJA DataCalc, AJA QTtoDPXtranslator,
and AJA DPXtoQTtranslator.
AJA’s KONA 3G software and hardware were developed for use with Final Cut Pro for powerful
integrated video/audio capture, editing, and video production. With a MacPro, FCP, and KONA
3G, you have the ultimate system for standard definition—and high definition—video
production and DI work. Software is supplied on CD, including the AJA Control Panel, drivers for
the card itself, and all files necessary for Final Cut Pro and other application support.
KONA 3G Supports Final Cut Multi-cam Feature
Final Cut Pro 5 and later provides multi-cam playout-and KONA 3G supports it. With KONA
hardware and a sufficient storage solution, you can handle up to 16 sources in real time. Each
stream of video is captured individually and then ganged together in Final Cut Pro for a multi-
cam editing workflow. The KONA 3G hardware plays the multi-cam clips out to professional
broadcast monitors or decks, via SDI, HD-SDI or via analog video. Up to 16 sources can be
viewed in real time via the KONA (4-up, 6-up, 9-up, 16-up, etc.) -or each individual source can be
viewed as it is selected via Final Cut Pro.
What’s In The Box?
When you unpack your AJA KONA 3G, you’ll find the following components:
• AJA KONA 3G Software and Documentation CD-ROM—this CD contains the software
installer to place KONA 3G drivers and the Control Panel on an Apple Mac. Due to the pace
of innovation, it is best to install the latest driver version from the AJA website: http://
www.aja.com/support/konaNEW/kona-3-3x.php
• Install the software as discussed in this manual in Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration.
The CD also contains a wide variety of useful information, including this manual you’re
reading (PDF format).
• KONA 3G 4-Lane PCI-Express card.
• Cable, HDMI mini-to-HDMI output
• Cable, KONA 3G SDI In/Out—mini-connectors on the card (technically called “1.0/2.3
connectors”) connect to full-size BNCs for ease of use and compatibility with professional
equipment.
• Cable, AES BNC digital audio connectors, RS422, and Reference Input.
• Read Me First Notice, Registration sheet, and any other late-breaking news and/or errata
related to KONA 3G.
Please save all packaging for shipping the KONA 3G should you wish to do so when moving or
sending it in for service.

6
KONA 3G Shipping Box Contents
HDMI to HDMI mini cable
2 meters
Read Me First Notice
and Registration Sheet
Standard Cable Set
Installation Software CD
Installation and Operation Manual
in electronic form on the CD (PDF)
AJA KONA 3G
PCI-Express
Card
SDI cable
SDI Out1/Link A BNC
Reference Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
LTC Input BNC
Audio Input BNCs
Channels 1-8
(2 channels/connector)
Audio Output BNCs
Channels 1-8
(2 channels/connector)
RS422
Machine Control
(9-pin)
3 BNCs (Analog Out Connections):
In SD Can be Congured for
Component,
Composite,
or S-Video
In HD Can Only Be Component
SDI Out2/Link B BNC
SDI In1/Link A BNC
SDI In2/Link B BNC

1
7
KONA 3G Installation and Operation Manual — System Requirements
System Requirements
AJA Video recommends that your system meet minimum hardware and software requirements
to achieve a satisfactory level of performance when operating it. Here, we provide minimum
and recommended requirements and then discuss disk storage issues that should be
understood for proper system configuration.
Minimum and
Recommended
System and
Software
Requirements
The following table outlines the system hardware and software needed.
Understanding Disk
Storage Methods
The KONA 3G card, an Apple MacPro, and Final Cut Pro, together offer an unprecedented level of
features and performance for audio/video post production applications. However, to ensure
performance and quality, the disk storage system used with the Apple computer must be able
to meet the demands of the media.
For uncompressed SD, AJA recommends that at a minimum, the disk storage system must be
able to provide and maintain a consistent 50 MB/sec transfer rate from the Apple computer to
disk (read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and peripherals that can provide
this level of performance.
For uncompressed single link HD, AJA recommends that at a minimum, the disk storage system
must be able to provide and maintain a consistent 200 MB/sec transfer rate from the Apple
computer to disk (read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and peripherals that
can provide this level of performance.
For uncompressed dual link HD and 2K, AJA recommends that at a minimum, the disk storage
system must be able to provide and maintain in excess of 300 MB/sec transfer rate from the
Item Recommended
Recommended KONA driver for
Mac OSX and Final Cut Pro:
Note: always consult the release
notes for the AJA software
version you are running
(included with installer)
FCP 7.0.x - KONA driver version 9.0 (Snow Leopard compatible)
http://www.aja.com/support/konaNEW/kona-3g.php
Macintosh Tower:
Recommended KONA 3G System: Apple Mac Pro, 2GHz or better,
4GB of ram or greater for uncompressed HD. Use of a Fibre
Channel, SCSI, SAS or other high bandwidth disk array for
uncompressed SD/HD/2K storage.
Minimum KONA 3G System: MacPro with PCI-Express, 2GHz with
2GB RAM minimum for uncompressed SD or 4GB RAM for
uncompressed HD. Ensure your Macintosh has a PCI-Express slot
available for KONA 3G card. Use a Fibre Channel or SCSI external
RAID for uncompressed SD/HD storage.
Slot Placement: Visit our website and view this regularly updated
slot placement document:
http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-system-
configuration.php
Internal Storage (SATA inside
Mac): Best suited for compressed SD/HD formats only
External Storage:
Note: see Storage Methods topic
that follows later in this Chapter
Ideally a RAID configuration with Fibre Channel or SCSI connection
to the Mac via qualified host bus adapter

8
Apple computer to disk (read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and
peripherals that can provide this level of performance.
KONA 3G users wishing to configure a storage for a system should also be aware that raw
benchmark numbers alone do not necessarily reflect the performance of a drive solution.
Other factors, like drive seek time and controller cache also affect performance especially with
regard to the bandwidth requirements of SD, HD, dual link HD and 2K files.
About RAIDs
Redundant Array of Independent Disks, or RAID, is a group of hard drives that appears to the
host computer as a single high-speed storage unit. RAID systems increase storage capacity
and provide the performance, reliability, and data protection needed for video production,
that is not be possible from a single hard drive. Drives inside the RAID array operate
simultaneously, increasing overall throughput. RAID configurations can be comprised of:
• Striping data across multiple drives for storage performance (RAID 0).
• Mirroring for redundancy (RAID 1).
• Parity for data protection (such as RAID 5).
Most RAID configurations, or RAID levels, combine these to provide a balance of protection
and performance.
Striping divides a drive into data blocks, or stripes, that are distributed across an array of
physical drives. Striping a set of disks improves performance because each drive operates
concurrently. However, striping alone, known as RAID level 0, offers no data protection.
Mirroring involves writing identical copies of all data to a pair of physical drives. This results in
very high data reliability: If one drive fails, the data is still available on the remaining disk drive.
However, it also results in a storage efficiency of only 50 percent, because two physical drives
are required to achieve a single drive's capacity. Mirroring alone is known as RAID level 1.
Parity provides data protection without requiring complete duplication of the drive contents.
In the event of a drive failure, parity information can be used with data on surviving drives to
reconstruct the contents of a failed drive. Parity data can be stored on a dedicated drive, as in
RAID 3, or distributed across an array of drives, as in RAID 5. Parity provides much greater
storage efficiency than mirroring-up to 85 percent for a set of seven drives.
Software For Striping
AJA recommends the Disk Utility software provided by Apple with OS X for creating and
striping RAIDs, including 3rd-party, SCSI and Fibre Channel RAIDs. This utility can be found in
Macintosh HD/Applications/Utilities, where “Macintosh HD” is the name of the system drive.
Storage Example: AJA KONA 3G for Dual Link HD and 2K resolutions
AJA can recommend the following examples of drive configurations to support certain
specified video and digital film resolutions and their associated bandwidth requirements. If a
particular drive array or manufacturer is not listed, it may simply be because AJA has no
experience with the company or a particular unit. This guide simply offers examples that AJA
has used with success when working with the specified formats listed. With any device, actual
results may vary from unit to unit and proper configuration of the drive array and any ancillary
items such as host bus adapters, software drivers and cabling is assumed.
Supports 2K, Dual Link HD, Single Link HD, SD:
• G-Technology, Inc. GSPEED-XL (4Gb Fibre Channel)
Unit must be fully populated and with a minimum 512MB cache per controller.
• InforTrend EonStor A16F-G2422 (4Gb Fibre Channel)
Unit must be fully populated and with a minimum 512MB cache per controller.
• Any drive array with comparable specifications to the above examples; 16 or more SATA
drives with 4Gb fibre channel connectivity to host and 512MB cache per controller.

1
9
KONA 3G Installation and Operation Manual — Cable Connections
Storage capacity
No matter which storage system you choose, pick one that can scale to meet your needs over
time. Ideally, you should be able to increase storage capacity or switch to a RAID level offering
increased data protection in the future. Balance current and future storage needs with your
budget and choose accordingly.
Note: All of the following numbers are approximations based on 2 channels of 48kHz audio.
More audio channels can increase data rates. AJA also provides a freeware application
called the AJA DataCalc that can be used to help determine the amount of storage space
and bandwidth requirements needed for a selected format, frame rate, audio setting and
compression. The AJA DataCalc application is also included with version 3.3 and higher of
the KONA driver and can be found in the AJA Utilities folder which installs in the
Applications folder of the Mac OS. The AJA DataCalc application can also be downloaded
from the AJA website and used on any OSX computer.
Cable Connections
When KONA 3G is installed in an Apple desktop computer, it connects to the outside world via
either the standard cable set supplied with the board, or the optional
K3G-Box Breakout Box (using the cables and directions supplied with it). Use the cables or the
optional Breakout Box to connect your VTR, input and output sources, and external reference
video (genlock).
Using the Standard
Cables
KONA 3G offers you complete I/O connectivity choices. One cable provides AES/EBU digital BNC
connections and analog monitoring video connections. The other cable has 4 mini-connectors
on one end, and 4 BNCs on the other, and provides SDI connections for both single link and
FORMAT Data Rate in
MB/sec
Storage
Requirement in
GB/Hour
SD Formats
10-bit 4:2:2 SD (NTSC/PAL) 28 101
8-bit 4:2:2 SD (NTSC/PAL) 21 76
DV50(NTSC/PAL) 7 27
DV25(NTSC/PAL) 3.6 14
Photo JPEG SD (NTSC/PAL) 2.5 9
HD Formats
10-bit 4:2:2 1080i 59.94Hz/29.97fps 166 597
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 59.94Hz/29.97fps 124 448
10-bit 4:2:2 1080i 50Hz/25fps 138 498
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 50Hz/25fps 104 373
10-bit 4:2:2 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 133 478
8-bit 4:2:2 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 100 358
10-bit 4:2:2 720P 59.94Hz or fps 133 478
8-bit 4:2:2 720P 59.94Hz or fps 100 358
10-bit 4:4:4 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 199 717
10-bit 4:4:4 1080PsF 25Hz/fps 207 746
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 59.94Hz/29.97fps 124 448
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 50Hz/25fps 104 373
8-bit 4:2:2 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 100 358
8-bit 4:2:2 720P 59.94Hz or fps 100 358
2K Formats
10-bit 4:4:4 2048x1556PsF 23.98fps 306 1100
10-bit 4:4:4 2048x1080PsF 23.98fps 212 764
MB = MegaBytes
GB = GigaBytes

10
dual-link SD/HD SDI/HSDL connections. Cable connections are marked on both the KONA 3G
card endplate and on the cable connectors for easy identification.
Using The Breakout
Box
The KONA 3G Breakout Box attaches to the KONA 3G card via cables supplied with it that
attach to the back of the Box.
For additional functionality, the K3G-Box Breakout Box provides some features not present in
the standard break-out cables: 16 BNC AES output, 2 channel RCA analog audio monitoring,
and looping BNC Genlock reference connectors.
About BNC and
Mini-Connectors
Although most video professionals are used to BNC connectors, you may not have seen them
if you've been using primarily prosumer video equipment. BNC connectors ensure a positive
connection by the act of locking the connectors together via pins in one connector that fit
into slots in the corresponding connector.
To make a BNC connection, slide the cable connector over the panel connector and then
when seated, rotate the barrel of the cable connector 90° clockwise until the connectors are
locked together. When properly locked, the cable cannot accidentally be pulled out.
The four mini-connectors found on the KONA 3G endplate are not common to most video
equipment but offer small size, ease-of-use, and high reliability. (The connectors are also
called “mini-BNCs” and “1.0/2.3 Connectors”.)
To make a connection with these connectors simply push the cable mini-connector onto the
endplate mini-connector. It will lock in place when fully seated.
To remove a mini-connector, just grasp the knurled barrel on the connector and pull the
connector off.
Note: Do not try to remove the mini-connector by pulling on the cable itself as this action
will not remove the connector—but can stress the cable.
Pins (2) on BNC Connector
Align slots in
cable connector
barrel with connector
pins, then slide it over the pins
and rotate the barrel
to lock the connectors
(connector on K3G-Box)
together

1
11
KONA 3G Installation and Operation Manual — Cable Connections
Connector
Descriptions—Cables
and K3G-Box
Connectors on the standard cable set are labelled as to their function for easy installation and
maintenance. Similarly, connectors on the optional Breakout Box are also labelled.
8-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs And Outputs
When using the standard cables, BNC connections are provided for 8 digital AES/EBU audio
input/output.
The optional Breakout Box provides 16 BNC audio connections on the front panel.
Analog 2 Channel Unbalanced Audio (Breakout Box only)
On the optional K3G-Box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These
connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.
RS422 Machine Control
A DB9 connector provides connection to VTRs, digital disk recorders, and other devices using
RS422 device protocol. For the breakout cable the connection is male and for the breakout box
the connector is female. (Connector pinout is listed in Appendix A: Specifications.)
SDI Input and Outputs
In Standard Mode, mini-connectors are provided for two SDI inputs and two SDI outputs for
single or dual-link. A cable with four Mini-connectors on one end and four BNCs on the other
end is provided for connecting equipment to the SDI inputs and outputs. This cable is also used
to interconnect between the KONA 3G board to the optional K3-Breakout Box.
KONA 3G offers 4 video outputs in SD and HD—2 SDI outputs that are used for both high-
definition and standard-definition (SD/HD-SDI), and an analog video output (configuration of
this three BNC cluster is discussed later with regards to component, composite and Y/C). Each of
the three 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.
A fourth output via HDMI 4.1a is also provided.
When the KONA 3G is reconfigured for 4K Mode and a 4K format is selected, all four of the mini
BNCs are used as outputs for each of the 4K playout quadrants. There are no SDI inputs available
in 4K formats. If a format of 2K or less is selected the normal SDI inputs are available (see “Using
4K Mode” on page 88 for more information on 4K output mapping).
SDI inputs and outputs support video as well as 16-channels of 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
Knurled Barrel:
Pull back to release
connector. 4 Mini-connectors
on KONA 3G PC Board
endplate

12
use it where possible. Most high-end professional broadcast equipment supports SDI (VTRs,
cameras, media storage servers, etc.).
Note: In the past manufacturers have used separate I/O connections for standard- and high-
definition SDI because the circuits were different. On KONA 3G we use the same
connectors for both HD and SD-SDI (both input and output) due to our dual-rate chipset
which supports both HD and SD.
HDMI 1.4a Monitor Output
KONA 3G offers an HDMI 1.4a output for monitoring in HDMI or DVI protocols (use DVI if
you’re outputting to a DVI monitor). The output also supports Stereo 3D output in either Side-
by-Side or Top-Bottom (Stacked) output of left-eye and right-eye signals.
Analog Monitor Out (Component HD or SD or SD Composite + Y/C)
KONA 3G features 12-bit component video output for both HD and SD. The analog
component output can be configured in a variety of ways; as a component, composite or Y/C
signal. This flexibility allows, for example, the use of an inexpensive analog input-only monitor
for both HD or SD viewing. Since the three BNC connectors share component, composite and
Y/C functions, output of component is exclusive while composite and Y/C can be output
simultaneously. For Y/C monitoring an adapter cable from dual BNC for Y/C to S-Video mini-
DIN style connector is required. For analog monitoring, a component video signal is generally
regarded as higher quality for monitoring than a composite signal.
A Note About YPbPr—Component Video, or YPbPr, has been given several names over time.
YUV, Y/R-Y/B-Y, and YCbCr, are just some examples. Although these various formats have
some differences in levels, they are all basically the same. KONA 3G uses the modern
YPbPr terminology exclusively. KONA 3G supports three different types of YPbPr: SMPTE/
EBU N10, Betacam (NTSC), and Betacam (NTSC Japan). These three formats differ in level
only and are configured in the AJA Control Panel.
A Note About RGB—Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA 3G supports it
for A/V Monitor output. However, because KONA 3G’s (and SMPTE SDI’s) native format is
YPbPr, AJA recommends the use of YPbPr whenever possible for analog monitoring.
Although component video monitors often have RGB inputs, it’s better to use 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 AJA Control Panel.
HDMI and Analog Output in 4K Format
When the KONA 3G is in 4K Mode with a 4K format selected, the HDMI and Analog Outputs
can be selected to display one of the four 4K picture quadrants for output. A quadrant
selection menu is provided in their respective AJA Control Panel tabs. (refer to “Using 4K
Mode” on page 88).
Reference Video
A single BNC connector is standard on the KONA 3G cable (self terminating). Two BNC
connectors are standard on the breakout box (these provide loop through: if ref is not looped
out, a 75 ohm terminator should be used for the loop out connector). Reference allows you to
synchronize KONA 3G 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, then connect its analog composite output to the KONA 3G
reference input. When KONA 3G outputs video it uses this reference signal to lock to. When
connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same format in Hz
(1080i29.97, 625i25, etc.) as the Primary format selected in the AJA Control Panel. It is possible
in some circumstances to use an alternate format video signal as long as the basic frame rate
is compatible (for example, using a 525i29.97 genlock signal to lock a system running
1080i29.97)—if the Hz coincide.