AJA Io Express Operating instructions

Io Express
Capture, Display, Convert
Version 14.0
Published February 28, 2018
Installation and Operation Guide

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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.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Io Express Audio Monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
HD/SD SDI Input and Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
HDMI Input and Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
RS422 Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Component Video Output (with Composite and Y/C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Reference Video and LTC Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
What’s In The Box?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting To Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cabling the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Default Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
AJA Control Panel Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Control Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Input Select Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SDI Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Analog Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Io Express Tech Specs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Limited Warranty on Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Governing Law and Language; Your Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
Io Express is the perfect cross-platform, Mac or PC, interface for anyone who
needs an inexpensive monitoring and mastering solution when working with
Apple ProRes Formats, XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, and more. Portable and simple
to use, Io Express is ideal for file based workflows.
Features
The Io Express package includes the following features:
• HD/SD-SDI input and output
• HDMI 1.3a input and output
• Component Video output for monitoring
• 2-channel RCA audio output
• LTC I/O (selectable LTC input or Reference Video Input)
• RS-422
• PCIe card computer interface
• For Mac OSX and 64-bit Windows operating systems
• Small portable case design ts in 1RU rackmount option
• 1-meter PCIe tether cable
• 12V DC power supply
Playback formats supported by Io Express include:
• Apple ProRes 422 HD/SD (Mac OSX only)
• DVCPRO HD
• DV25/DV50
• HDV
• SD Uncompressed
• XDCAM
• XDCAM EX
• XDCAM HD
NOTE: Encoding of Apple ProRes is available only on Apple computers. Apple ProRes can
be played back on a PC with the appropriate QuickTime Windows decoder.

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Io Express Audio Monitoring
For analog audio output monitoring, Io Express provides two-channel
unbalanced audio (RCA jacks).
A 1/8 inch TRS headphone jack, with volume control, is also available on the front
panel.
AJA Software & Utilities
Io Express operates with AJA's Desktop software package, developed for
powerful integrated video/audio capture, editing, and production with a
variety of 3rd-party software. AJA software is distributed as a unified package
which includes all the software, firmware, plugins, and utility programs for the
Io Express, as well as 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.
Mac, Windows and Linux Packages
These packages include:
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
Plugins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe, Avid,
Apple, Telestream, and others.

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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 14.04 LTS and Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
• 2.5 GHz quad core i7 minimum, for HD
• 16GB RAM minimum, for HD
• A reasonably fast and powerful graphics card, with plenty of on-board
memory. Examples (may be specic to application version and/or host CPU)
include:
• NvidiaK5200
• Nvidia K4200
• Nvidia M6000
• Nvidia M5000
• Nvidia M4000
• AMD W7100
• AMD W8100
• 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.
Cable Connections
Figure 1. Io Express Rear Connectors
RS422
Machine Control
LTC/
Reference
Output
Analog
Audio
Output
Composite/
Component
Video Output
SDI
Input
SDI
Output
HDMI v1.3a
Output
LTC/
Reference
Input
HDMI v1.3a
Input
Power Supply
Connector
Io Express connections are made directly to the unit’s rear connector plate.

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HD/SD SDI Input and Output
BNC connectors are provided on Io Express for one HD/SD-SDI input and one
HD/SD-SDI output. The input and output 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 connectors on the Io Express provide input and output of HDMI
compatible video and multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDMI v1.3a
capability at 30 bits per pixel allows full support of the latest 10-bit monitors.
HDCP is not supported on either input or output. Io Express 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. The AJA Control Panel allows
selection and adjustment of some HDMI parameters.
Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio Output
Io Express provides two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These
connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.
A 1/8 inch TRS headphone jack, with volume control, is also available on the front
panel.
RS422 Machine Control
A female DE-9 connector on Io Express provides connection for VTRs, camcorders,
disk media servers, and other devices using RS422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol.
(Connector pinout is listed in "Appendix A Specifications" .)
Component Video Output (with Composite and Y/C)
Io Express features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component,
composite and Y/C functions. The signals are labeled on the BNC connectors on
the rear panel of Io Express.
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. Io Express uses the
modern YPbPr terminology exclusively. Io Express 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 Mac System via the Io
Express Control Panel.
Reference Video and LTC Input
Two BNC connectors on Io Express provide reference Input and Output. The
Reference Video input can also be used for LTC input. The selection of Reference
(sync) or LTC is set using the Io Express Control Panel.
In Video Pass-through mode, these connectors are effectively loop-through.
Supplying reference signal to the Reference input allows you to synchronize Io
Express 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

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synchronizing other video equipment in your studio, then connect its analog
composite output here. When Io Express outputs video, it uses this reference
signal for locking. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal
should be the same format as the Primary format selected in the Io Express
Control Panel. It is possible in some circumstances to use an alternate format
video signal as long as the basic frame rate is compatible.
In This Manual
Chapter 1 gives general Io Express information and lists product features and
system requirements.
Chapter 2 provides instructions for installing and configuring Io Express.
Chapter 3 discusses the operation of Io Express when used with AJA Control Panel
and third-party applications.
Appendix A presents a list of Io Express technical specifications.
Appendix B contains important safety and compliance information for Io Express.

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Chapter 2 – Installation
What’s In The Box?
As you unpack the shipping box(es), carefully examine the contents. Ensure you
received everything and that nothing was damaged during shipment. If you find
any damage, immediately notify the shipping service and supply them with a
complete description of the damage. AJA will repair or replace damaged items.
If you find shipping damage, contact your AJA dealer or distributor for details on
how to have your Io Express repaired or replaced. Save packing materials and the
shipping box. If you ever require service or move your system use the packaging
materials and box for safe shipment.
When you unpack your AJA Io Express, you’ll find the following components:
• Io Express
• PCIe Card
• PCIe Tether Cable
Installation
Overview
The installation and set up of Io Express is very simple. The steps of installation
and configuration are discussed here and summarized as follows:
1. Unpack the shipping box.
2. If not previously installed on your Mac Pro or Windows workstation, ensure
that appropriate application software, such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro or
Adobe Premiere Pro, is installed as detailed in its user documentation.
Editing software must be installed and have been run at least once prior to
installing Io Express software.
3. Download and install the latest Io Express software from:
http://www.aja.com/en/support/io/mac/io-express/
4. Install the Io Express PCIe card in your Mac or PC (see "Connecting To Your
Computer" below).
5. Cable the system audio and video sources, VTR, audio monitor, and video
monitor (see "Cabling the System" on page 10).
Connecting To Your Computer
CAUTION: Always have power off when connecting any device to the PCIe bus.
1. With your computer o, install the PCIe card into the computer or external
PCIe chassis.
NOTE: Refer to your PC manufacturer’s documentation for installing a PCIe card.
2. Connect the PCIe tether cable between the Io Express PCIe port and the
PCIe card.
3. Assemble the Power Adapter and cable and connect to the Io Express 12V
power connector.

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4. Connect the Power Supply to AC power and turn on Io Express using the
front power switch.
NOTE: For correct performance, always power up Io Express before starting your
computer and power down your computer before powering down Io Express.
Cabling the System
The following figure shows a typical interconnection for a system with digital A/V
sources. Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video
monitoring.
1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the Io Express Ref/LTC
connector (BNC). The second Io Express Ref Loop connector (if used in Pass
through mode) can be connected to the VTR or terminated with a 75-ohm
terminator. If instead you are using LTC timecode input, connect to the Ref/
LTC input.
2. Connect an HDMI Video Monitor to the Io Express HDMI Out connector. Or
instead, use the Component Analog Video Out BNC connectors to go to an
analog monitor.
3. Connect a 9-pin DE-9 machine control cable between your VTR’s RS422
control port and the Io Express RS-422 machine control connector.
4. Connect two SDI cables between Io Express and your digital VTR (Digital
Betacam etc.): one from Io Express SDI In to the VTR SDI Out, and one from
Io Express SDI Out to the VTR SDI In. The Io Express SDI connections have
embedded audio so the VTR must be congured accordingly.
5. Use the two RCA-style unbalanced stereo output jacks for audio monitoring
output.

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Figure 2. Typical Desktop System Connections
VTR with SDI Inputs/Outputs
RS422
Machine
Control
HD/SD-SDI Video I/O
with Embedded Audio
External Reference
(Blackburst)
or LTC Input
Unbalanced
Audio In/Out
to Monitors
Reference Monitors
Computer Monitor
Storage RAID
HDMI Monitor
Desktop Computer
PCIe Adapter
and Cable (supplied)
Adapter Installed
Inside Computer

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Chapter 3 – Operation
AJA Control Panel Overview
The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual
showing how the Io Express hardware is currently configured and allows you to
make changes. You can change signal input and output parameters and define
the video processing that will be performed.
The AJA software installer automatically installs the Control Panel application on
your computer. You’ll find the AJA Control Panel application in your Applications
folder.
AJA Control Panel User Interface
The AJA Control Panel user interface includes a visual block diagram of the unit’s
current configuration. The current status, input and output settings, and many
other details are depicted in the color-coded block diagram. Below this block
diagram are various controls for changing operating parameters, which will vary
depending on which function screen has been selected.
The left side of the AJA Control Panel provides a navigation list of available
function screens. Clicking on a link (or alternatively, a related element in the block
diagram) displays a function screen corresponding to that topic.
Figure 3. Io Express, Block Diagram set for UltraHD Format
Inputs
Framebuer
Format
(Primary)
Outputs
Currently
Selected
Function
Screen
Parameter
Controls

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Screen Navigation Shortcuts
Various Control Panel screen navigation shortcuts are available.
• Click on an icon to call up its related parameters screen. For example, clicking
on an Input triangle brings up the Input Select screen.
• Right-click or Control-click on an icon to see context-sensitive information and
direct select choices (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Context Sensitive Menu
• Left or right-clicking on some items opens a direct selection list. Hovering the
cursor over these items colors them yellow. These items include:
• Format and frame rate shown above the framebuer
• Pixel format and Follow Input shown in the framebuer
• Current mode (Playback or Capture) shown below the framebuer
• Genlock
Playback and Capture Modes
The current AJA device operating mode is shown below the framebuffer. When
no external application is in control, selecting Input Passthrough in the Control
screen enables Capture Mode. Selecting Test Pattern or Hold Last App enables
Playback Mode.
When an external application is in control, it may change the operating mode
depending on the function that application is performing. For example, in Adobe
Premier Pro, selecting the Capture window will change the AJA Control Panel
mode to Capture Mode.
Block Diagram Area
The top block diagram area of the Control Panel screen is a visual representation
of the processing, if any, that’s currently occurring, including inputs/outputs,
reference source, and system status. Lines between inputs, the framebuffer, and
outputs, show a video path. Where there are no lines, there is no connection; this
can be because an input or output isn’t selected in the Input Select menu. The
lines will also show whether the outputs are video or video + key.
You can click any of the function screen selection links in the left column to view
its current settings or click on an icon to call up its related settings screen. You can
also right-click or Control-click to see context-sensitive information and choices
(Figure 5).
Figure 5. Context Sensitive Menu
Color Meanings
All items in the AJA Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show what is
happening in real time. This applies to both icons and text. These colors indicate:
Blue - Video is same format as the Primary Format (framebuffer)

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Green - Indicates that Io Express is performing an active change to the video
making it different from the Primary Format (e.g., down-conversion).
Yellow - Reference video (black burst or other reference source)
Red - The selected operation cannot be performed
Input/Output Icons
The input and output icons are triangles that together with their color show all
the input and outputs and their status (selected, not selected, input present or
not, format, etc.). A complete video path is shown when inputs and outputs are
connected with lines going to/from the framebuffer.
Figure 6. Input/Output Icons
Primary Format
The Primary Format is the media format written to disk and used in your project.
This is the format that the framebuffer will use and is shown in the Control Panel
using the color blue. It is the format that the third-party application software will
either receive from the AJA hardware, or is sending to the hardware. All icons in
blue are the same as the Primary Format used by the framebuffer. Also any text
descriptions in the block diagram that appear in blue indicate that something is
in the primary format. For example:
• If the input and output icons are blue, you know that the same format is used
throughout the video path. No format conversion is being performed.
• If the input or output icon colors dier (blue input and green output icons for
example), you know that a format conversion is being performed.
Secondary Format
Any format other than the currently selected Primary Format, is a secondary
format. This means that either the Inputs or Outputs are somehow different from
the framebuffer’s assigned format, the Primary Format. A conversion is readily
apparent because of the color change from blue.
NOTE: In some cases the application you use with the Io Express will automatically set
the Primary Format, overriding the user’s selected primary format in the AJA
Control Panel.
Format Conversion
Format function screen conversion allows selection of a video format conversion.
The choices offered depend on the AJA device present in your system, the
installed firmware version, and the Primary and Secondary format selected.
All conversions use AJA 10-bit hardware on the card.
Down-conversion display mode choices that may be available include:
• Anamorphic: full-screen
• Letterbox: image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area
with the aspect ratio preserved
• Crop: image is cropped horizontally to t new screen size
The table below contains the available Io Express down-conversion options.

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Table 1. Io Express Down-Conversion Options
Primary Video Format Secondary Format Options
1280x720 @ 23.976p 720x486 @ 29.97i
1280x720 @ 25.00p 720x576 @ 25.00i
1280x720 @ 29.97p 720x486 @ 29.97i
1280x720 @ 50.00p 720x576 @ 25.00i
1280x720 @ 59.94p 720x486 @ 29.97i
1920x1080 @ 23.976sF 720x486 @ 29.97i
1920x1080 @ 25.00sF 720x576 @ 25.00i
1920x1080 @ 29.97sF 720x486 @ 29.97i
1920x1080 @ 25.00i 720x576 @ 25.00i
1920x1080 @ 29.97i 720x486 @ 29.97i
Conversion Icon
When an input or output is a different standard than the framebuffer, the
Io Express may be down-converting the signal to the selected standard. This may
be automatic, because it’s detected an input signal that differs from the standard
currently selected, or because you’ve explicitly told it to convert. In either case,
the block diagram will show the conversion by displaying a conversion icon in
between the input/output and the framebuffer.
Figure 7. Down -Convert Icon
Controlling Application
It is important to understand that the computer can contain many applications
that can use the AJA device (as you switch from window to window) and it may
not always be obvious which currently controls it.
Figure 8. Control Panel In Use Message (in red)
In the top right corner, the Control Panel displays the name of the application
controlling the unit. In some cases, applications may not always properly “let go”
of the I/O interface as another takes over—you’ll be able to tell by looking at the
Control Panel.
Presets
Setups can be named and saved as a snapshot (Preset) for recall at any time. You
can save various AJA device Control Panel configurations associated with your
frequent tasks. You don’t have to spend time resetting interface configurations,
just load the previously saved Preset for each task. See "Saving, Loading and
Deleting Presets" on page 29 for more information.

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If you work on multiple systems and want to carry your saved setups to another
location, you can copy your saved Preset files on to movable storage and load
them into any computer running the AJA Control Panel application.
Mac OS Preset Files Storage Location
• From the Finder, hold down the Option key (to display the Library directory)
and click on Go/Library/Application Support/AJA/<device name>/Presets/
Windows Preset Files Storage Location
• c:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\AJA\Control Panel\<device name>
Presets\
Default Preferences
When an AJA device starts up, a preference can determine what settings it will
have it when it begins to operate. The AJA Control Panel offers two default
preference settings:
• Default User Preference - A preference stored from the last AJA device's
Control Panel settings to be used on next startup of AJA Control Panel. This
occurs on next restoration of the default state (triggered by start up of host
CPU, startup of the AJA device, or when a third-party application releases the
AJA device).
• Default Global Preference - A preference saved for use as a global default start
state for an AJA device that can be shared by multiple users, applied on rst
startup, or by pressing the Control Panel Reset Device... button.
Default User Preference
The Default User Preference file (com.aja.devicesettings) exists to immediately
and automatically store all parameter changes made by a user on a particular AJA
device. When any control is changed in the Control Panel, that change is recorded
in the Default User Preference file stored in a unique location on that computer
that is dedicated to that particular device and serial number. Then, when AJA
Control Panel is restarted for any reason, the AJA device being controlled restores
the settings it had when Control Panel was last closed.
The Default User Preference file can be accessed at the following locations.
On Mac:
• From the Finder, hold down the Option key (to display the Library directory)
and click on Go/Library/Preferences/com.aja.devicesettings.
On Windows:
• C:\Users\<USER_NAME>\AppData\Local\aja\com.aja.devicesettings
NOTE: Clicking on the AJA Control Panel Erase All Prefs button deletes the existing
Default User Preferences file from this location. This file will be recreated as soon
as any Control Panel setting is changed.
Default Global Preference
An administrator can establish a house standard for an AJA device by copying
a preference file to a shared computer location. Once placed at that location, it
becomes a Default Global Preference file where it will establish a standard default
startup state for all users of that AJA device using that computer system. These
settings preempt the initial AJA factory default settings, and are applied when an
AJA device is first powered up, or when the Control Panel Reset Device button is
pressed.

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To establish a Default Global Preference, the administrator first configures the
AJA device (which automatically creates a "com.aja.devicesettings" Default User
Preference file in the location identified above) and then copy or move or that
file to the correct computer locations (manually or by pushing it out across the
network) on all the computers that use the AJA device.
NOTE: If the user makes changes to an AJA Device's Control Panel settings, those
changes are saved to the Single-User Preference file, which will take priority over
the Default Shared Preference file.
The shared computer locations for a Default Global Preference file are:
On Mac:
• From the Finder, click on Go/Computer/<System HD>/Users/Shared/AJA/
and copy or move the "com.aja.devicesettings le" described above to this
location.
NOTE: The "AJA" folder needs to be created manually at this location before moving the
preference file into it.
On Windows there are two possible shared locations depending on your system:
• C:\Users\Public\Aja\
• C:\Users\All Users\Aja\
Copy or move the "com.aja.devicesettings file" described above to one of
these locations.
NOTE: The AJA Control Panel Info screen displays the path to the Default Global
Preference file on that computer, if it exists.
NOTE: Clicking on the AJA Control Panel Erase All Prefs button does NOT delete an
existing Default Global Preference file from this location.
Function Screens
Listed below are the Control Panel function screens for Io Express and what they
are used for.
Table 2. Io Express Function Screens
Screen Functions
Control Congure basic Io Express operation options and output timing.
Format Select the framebuer primary video format settings.
Input Select View and edit input selections and audio mapping.
SDI Out Select output format.
HDMI Congure the HDMI I/O
Analog Out Congure the component/composite analog output
Video Setup Congure Video such as composite black level, progressive format and
ancillary data (Closed Caption) option.
Audio Setup Congures Audio options such as analog audio monitor level.
Timecode Monitors SMPTE 12M-2 timecode and congure timecode window burn
output.
Presets Add or delete saved preset congurations (handy for quick and easy recall
of dierent Io Express settings for varied workows).
Firmware Install rmware from your currently installed AJA software package.
Info Display status information and the rmware version number. This
information is generally intended for troubleshooting/support.

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AJA Control Panel Function Screens
Control Screen
The Control Screen is where you set the Default Output, what the device outputs
when no application has control of the board. This screen also has controls for
setting the genlock source, and for setting the Horiz and Vert timing offsets. The
top of the Control Screen shows the current state of the device and also shows
the name of the Application which has control of the board, if there is one.
Default Output
Many video applications can grab control of the Io Express, so its outputs can
change dynamically. The Default Output settings are used to select what will be
output when no third-party video application is controlling Io Express.
Video Output
• Input Passthrough - This selection directs Io Express to route video from its
selected input through the card for processing and output.
• Test Pattern - This selection directs Io Express to output a preset pattern
when no other application is in control. The pattern is selected from the Test
Pattern dropdown list below, or a graphic le can be chosen.
• Hold Last App - This selection directs Io Express to hold and output the last
frame of video from the last application to control Io Express. This can be
helpful when operating in an environment where you’re switching back and
forth between multiple application windows.
Test Pattern
With Test Pattern selected above, you can choose the pattern type. Select from:
• Black, Color bars (75% or 100%), Ramp, Multiburst, Line Sweep, Multi Pattern,
or Flat Field, Check Field, White, Border, Linear Ramp, Slant Ramp, Zone Plate,
Color Quadrant, or Color Quad Border.

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Playback Timing
Use these controls to set the Genlock source and Timing adjustment.
Genlock
Selects how Io Express will synchronize program video:
• Freerun: Generates sync without an external reference source
• Ref In: Use the Ref Video source for sync (usually an analog black burst video
signal)
• Video In: Use whichever video input source has been selected in the Inputs
screen for sync
For video stability and proper system operation, you can genlock all equipment
to house sync. However genlock is not required for Io Express due to its excellent
freerun accuracy. On the Io Express house sync is connected to “LTC/Ref In”.
Alternatively, Io Express can receive externally supplied Linear Time Code on that
same input connector. The LTC/Ref setting on the Input Select screen (see "LTC/
Ref" on page 21) selects how that input signal will be used.
Timing (Horiz and Vert)
NOTE: The Playback Timing controls are greyed out when in Capture Mode.
These two pull-downs allow output timing adjustment with reference to the Ref
Video source selected.
• Horizontal: The Horizontal reference can be adjusted by selecting a number of
pixels (clocks) to oset
• Vertical: The vertical reference can be adjusted by specifying a number of lines
to oset.
Format Screen
The Format Screen shows the video format currently in use by the Io Express
framebuffer (called the Primary Format) and allows you to change it. All
throughout the Control Panel, choices are always presented based on what
Io Express can do with the signals available and the inputs/outputs selected.

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Primary (Frame Buffer) Format
Format
This pull-down menu shows the currently selected format. When a change is
made via the Video Format pull-down or by clicking an icon and selecting a new
format via a contextual menu, the block diagram will change to reflect the new
format.
Follow Input
Enabling the Follow Input checkbox allows the Control Panel Buffer to auto-
switch to whatever is the detected input format. This feature works if the
controlling application supports input-based capture. Follow Input can also be
active when there is no 3rd party controlling application and the Default Output
setting is Input Passthrough (see "Video Output" on page 18).
Pixel Format
Use this pulldown menu to choose from:
• YUV-10
• YUV-8
Secondary (Converted) Format
This pull-down menu lists all compatible formats for conversion (incompatible
formats are not shown). This allows you to see what you’ve chosen, and also see
those formats that are compatible with the selected Primary format.
Down Conversion
For down-conversion the following choices are available:
• Letterbox: image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area
with the aspect ratio preserved
• Crop: image is cropped to t new screen size
• Anamorphic: full-screen “stretched” image