AJA FS4 User manual

FS4 Quick Start Guide v1.2 1 www.aja.com
FS4
Quick Start Guide
Overview
FS4 is AJA’s flagship frame synchronizer and converter, offering incredible
versatility and connectivity in a sleek and compact 1RU frame for all your 4K/
UltraHD/2K/HD/SD conversion needs. Offering huge flexibility and the power to
adapt to meet the needs of rapidly changing environments, FS4 offers two modes
to deal with your 2K/HD/SD multichannel needs as well as your 4K/UltraHD
pipelines.
In Four Channel Mode, FS4 can be used as four separate Frame Synchronizers/
Format Converters for 2K/HD/SD projects with separate color correction and proc
amp controls for each.
In Single Channel Mode you can handle a complete 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/
SD feature set including up, down, cross-conversion, 2SI compatibility and
unparalleled video connectivity with I/O options for 4K/UltraHD including Quad
1.5Gb, Dual 3Gb, Quad 3Gb and 6Gb, 12Gb over optional SFP modules.
FS4’s extensive digital video connectivity is only matched by its expansive digital
audio flexibility. The growth of 5.1 and 7.1 audio has increased the number of
audio channels that must be managed in a production as well as needing to
create stereo mixdowns from 5.1 and 7.1 sources. The MADI standard provides
a convenient way to transport large numbers of audio channels along a single
cable, simplifying the cabling demands for broadcasters, mobile trucks and
production. FS4 supports both fiber and coax connections with 128-channel
MADI input and output. An internal 277x208 audio matrix allows full routing of
MADI, mixdowns and all audio coming from SDI, fiber and AES sources for an
incredible amount of audio processing capability in a single box.
FS4 Control
The FS4 front panel buttons and knobs are used with menus in the display,
allowing you to fully configure the system. Front panel LEDs report important
system statuses. The FS4 also has an internal web server that allows remote
monitoring and control of parameter setting via an Ethernet 10/100/1000
network-attached computer running a web-browser. Firmware updates are also
performed from the web browser.
Quick Start Guide Objectives
The FS4 can be extremely simple to use, because of its ability to detect incoming
signal formats and automatically apply the correct video processing for the
selected output format. However, the FS4 is also extremely powerful and can be
flexibly configured to perform a wide variety of tasks.

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This Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get your FS4 up and running for
the first time, and confirm it is operating properly. It also provides step-by-step
instructions that demonstrate a few FS4 signal processing examples.
Stand Alone Tests
• "First Power Up" on page 3
• "Internal Test Signals" on page 4
Computer Setup
• "FS4 Network Setup" on page 5
Processing Examples
• "Four Channel Mode Conversion Example" on page 8
• "Single Channel Mode Down Conversion Example" on page 10
• "Single Channel Mode Up Conversion Example" on page 11
For additional information, please see the FS4 Installation and Operation Guide
available on the AJA website.
Installation Summary
1. Unpack the shipping box, inspect and inventory the contents, and read the
late-breaking news sheet, if any.
2. Install any optional SFP I/O modules by sliding them into the SFP cages in
the back. Use only AJA approved modules.
NOTE: The “Stand Alone Tests” on page3 can be performed with the FS4 sitting on a
bench to test system operation before physically installing the unit.
3. Mount the physical chassis: front rack, rear rack, or deskmount—1 RU x 17.5
inches (44.45 cm) x 16 inches (40.65 cm). Do not block air ow through the
side vents.
4. Make signal I/O connections to the FS4 back panel as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. FS4 Rear Panel
SDI 1-4
Output BNCs
10/100/1000
RJ45 Ethernet
LAN Connector
GPI 25-pin
DB-25F
Connector
ID
LED
External Reference
I/O with looping
BNC connectors.
AC Power
Socket #2
Autosensing
100 to 240VAC
50/60Hz
AC Power
Socket #1
Autosensing
100 to 240V
AC
50/60Hz
SFP Input
SDI 6,5,8,7 SDI 1-4
Input BNCs
Monitor Output
BNC and HDMI
MADI BNC
Out/In
MADI Fiber
Out/In
SFP Output
SDI 5, 6, 7, 8
AES/EBU Digital
Audio In
Channels 1-16
DB-25F Connector
AES/EBU Digital
Audio Out
Channels 1-16
DB-25F Connector
5. Connect one or two power cords to the FS4 and mains AC (100-240 VAC,
50/60 Hz, 55 Watts). For redundancy, use both cords and connect them to
separate branch circuits. The FS4 power supply is autosensing and adjusts
to the available power.
6. Connect your computer to the FS4 using a CAT5 Ethernet cable to the FS4
RJ45 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connector. You can connect directly or via

FS4 Quick Start Guide v1.2 3 www.aja.com
a network device such as a switch, hub, bridge, etc. The FS4 automatically
senses and adjusts to either a straight-through or crossover cable.
NOTE: See “FS4 Network Setup” on page6 for more detailed computer configuration
instructions.
Stand Alone Tests
The stand alone tests can be performed without a computer, using the FS4 front
panel controls and rear connections. The following procedures assume the FS4 is
at factory defaults (taken from a newly opened box). If not set to defaults, the FS4
may behave differently.
NOTE: FS4 units are configured at the factory to operate in Four Channel Mode.
Figure 2. FS4 Front Panel
System Selection Buttons:
Press a button to select
a System Category
Select Knob:
Scrolls and selects menus;
Push to undo changes.
Video Menu Group
Selection Buttons
Channel Selection Buttons:
Press a button to select a
Video Processor or
Type of Audio
(Selection LED Lights)
Audio Menu Group
Selection Buttons
Status
Indicator
LEDs
Adjust Knob:
Changes selected value;
Hold down for default value.
Alphanumeric
Display
First Power Up
The following workflow powers up a default FS4 and demonstrates some
example alarms.
Setup
• Ensure the FS4 is completely disconnected (all video, audio, network, and
power connector ports are empty).
Procedure
1. Connect both FS4 power cords to mains AC and allow time for the unit to
boot up. Observe the front panel LEDs.
• The REF LED will light red, indicating an alarm condition. By default the FS4
is congured to operate genlocked to an external reference signal.
2. Press the front panel STATUS button, then turn the SELECT knob to view
various Status menus.
• The Status menu for Video Processor 1 will report No Input for IN1, the
port is disconnected), and the GEN (Genlock) parameter will report Ref
(congured for external reference) but will also report No Input.

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Video Format Status screen Video Format Alarm Status screen
IN1 SDI 1 No Input
BKGD Black 1080i59
GEN Ref No Input
OUT1 1080i59
IN1 SDI 1 OK
BKGD Black OK
GEN Ref No Ref
Rate 59/29/23
3. Connect a 1080i59.94 HD tri-level sync reference signal to one of the FS4 Ref
Loop BNCs, and connect a 75 ohm terminator to the other Ref BNC.
• The REF LED will light blue, indicating the FS4 is genlocked to an external
reference signal.
• The Status menu GEN parameters will report Ref and indicate the format of
the incoming reference signal or OK.
• However, because the FS4 is still not receiving a compatible video input, No
Input, will be reported for IN1.
Video Format Status screen Video Format Alarm Status screen
IN1 SDI 1 No Input
BKGD Black 1080i59
GEN Ref 1080i59
OUT1 1080i59
IN1 SDI 1 OK
BKGD Black OK
GEN Ref OK
Rate 59/29/23
4. Connect a 1080i59.94 SDI video source to the SDI 1 input BNC.
• The front panel will report 1080i59 and an OK status for SDI 1. This indicates
no alarm condition exists.
Video Format Status screen Video Format Alarm Status screen
IN1 SDI 1 1080i59
BKGD Black 1080i59
GEN Ref 1080i59
OUT1 1080i59
IN1 SDI 1 OK
BKGD Black OK
GEN Ref OK
OUT1 1080i59
5. Disconnect one of the power cords, leaving the other attached.
• The front panel PWR LED will light red for the power supply with the
removed cord.
• The PS status will report PS1 (or 2) OFF
6. Reconnect the power cable. The PWR LED for that power supply will light
blue and the power supply status will report OK.
This workflow confirms the FS4 powers up successfully and reports reference and
power supply alarms.
NOTE: FS4 Reference, Power Supply, and Video Format alarms can be disabled, if
desired. This will prevent the LEDs from going red, but will not affect front panel
status displays.
Internal Test Signals
This workflow generates bars and tone and routes them to an FS4 video and
audio output. This example uses the SDI 1 and AES output connectors, an SDI
video monitor, and an AES audio monitor.
NOTE: In the following procedures, where the terms select and adjust are used, turn the
front panel SELECT and ADJUST knobs.
Setup
• Connect the FS4 SDI 1 output BNC connector to an SDI video display with a
BNC cable.

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• Connect the FS4 AES/EBU output DB25 connector to an AES audio monitor
using a standard TASCAM pinout cable (customer supplied). Separate DB25
connectors carry all 8 AES digital audio pairs (16 audio signals), one connector
for input and one for output. Turn the output gain of the audio monitor to a
low level.
Procedure
1. Press the VID1 Channel Select button.
2. Press the FORMAT Video button
• Select 1 Output Format and adjust to a signal compatible with your SDI
monitor (for example, 1080i59.95).
3. Press the TSTGEN Video button.
• Select 1 Test Pattern Gen and adjust to On.
• Select 2 Test Pattern and adjust to 75% Bars.
4. Press the AES Channel Select button.
5. Press the MAP Audio button.
• Select 1.0 AES Out and adjust to Sig Gen 400KHz.
You should now be able to see the test signal on the SDI Monitor display, and hear
the audio on the AES monitor.
This workflow confirms the FS4 generates and outputs video and audio.
FS4 Network Setup
The following instructions summarize ways to configure the FS4 to communicate
with a computer directly or over a network.
Networking Using DHCP or Default Static IP
The FS4 factory default configuration automatically looks for a DHCP server to
issue an IP address. If your network includes a DHCP server, plug the FS4 into the
network and connect with the unit as follows:
1. Press the CONFIG button.
2. Turn the SELECT knob to navigate to the Status menu that has the name of
the FS4 at the top (default is “aja-fs4”). Note the DHCP-supplied IP address
shown.
3. With your laptop or desktop computer connected to the same LAN as the
FS4 and DHCP enabled, type the IP address you noted on the FS4’s display
into the browser address eld and press Enter. You should now see the FS4’s
browser Status screen.
If the FS4 cannot get an address from the network DHCP server, the FS4 will
automatically use a preset factory static IP address of 192.168.0.2. You can access
the FS4 using the default static address as follows:
1. Set your computer’s IP address to whatever address you prefer in the
192.168.0 (classC) network.
2. Set the computer’s Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 (most PCs default to the
proper netmask when the address is set).
3. Set the gateway address, if used, to match the FS4 default: 192.168.0.1.
Alternatively, change the FS4 gateway address to match your gateway:
A. Press CONFIG, turn SELECT to 3.4 Default Gateway, push and then turn
ADJUST to change the rst group of digits.

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B. Turn SELECT to advance to the next set of numbers, and turn ADJUST to set
these numbers.
C. Continue using SELECT and ADJUST to set the full address.
D. When nished, push ADJUST momentarily to save the address.
5. Run a browser on the computer and type “192.168.0.2” (the factory static IP
address). You should now see the FS4’s browser status screen.
Networking the FS4 Using Your Own Static IP
If you don’t want to use DHCP or the default static IP address, you can set your
own static IP address:
1. Select the CONFIG button and use the SELECT knob to navigate to
parameter 3.1 IP CONFIG. Use the ADJUST knob to select Static.
2. Turn SELECT to navigate to parameter 3.2 IP ADDRESS. The display shows
the default static IP address: 192.168.0.2.
3. Change the IP address as follows.
A. Push the ADJUST knob momentarily so that the rst octet (set of numbers)
blinks, and then turn ADJUST to change the numbers.
B. Turn SELECT to advance to the next set of numbers, and turn ADJUST to set
these numbers.
C. Continue using SELECT and ADJUST to set the full address.
D. When nished, push ADJUST momentarily to save the address.
5. Turn SELECT to advance to 3.3 Subnet Mask. Use the SELECT and ADJUST
knobs as in the previous step to set the desired subnet mask.
6. Turn SELECT to advance to 3.4 Default Gateway. Use the SELECT and ADJUST
knobs as in the previous step to set the desired gateway address.
7. Run a browser on the computer and type in the IP address you set for the
FS4. You should now see the FS4’s Status screen.
Web Browser Menu Summary
Figure 3 summarizes web browser menu operation. The settings generally
correspond to the front panel display parameters, providing you two methods of
controlling the FS4. To see the equivalent front panel display parameter number,
hover the cursor over a setting.

FS4 Quick Start Guide v1.2 7 www.aja.com
Figure 3. FS4 Web Interface, Main Status Screen, Four Ch Mode
Menu of FS4
System Screens:
Click a screen’s
name to display
that screen.
Menu of FS4
Channel Screens:
Click a screen’s
name to display
that screen.
Collapse/Expand
Button
FS4 Alarms
FS4 Status and Menu
Display Area
AJA Systems on
the Network
System Info
Drop Down Parameter Operation
Most parameters available on the browser are selected from a drop-down list.
The currently active parameter is displayed. Click on the down arrow symbol next
to the parameter to display the list and select an alternative value. The FS4 will
immediately operate with the new setting.
Slider Operation
Some screens contain slider controls for setting values. To set a value, you can
click on a slider to select it and then use the mouse to drag the slider to the
position you desire. For fine tuning, while the slider is selected (highlighted by
a blue border), use the keyboard left and right arrow keys to change the value
one unit at a time. Or you can enter the value directly by clicking on the number
displayed above the slider, type in your number then hit Enter to have it take
effect. After setting a slider’s position, click on the page’s background area (blue
highlight turns off) to ensure the change is confirmed and saved.
Sub-Menus
Some parameters, when activated, open sub-menus. The sub-menus are a lighter
gray color and have a collapse/expand button on the parent selection. This
lets you collapse the sub-menus to make it easier to configure the system. The
collapsed setting only stays in effect until the user reconnects or refreshes the
browser.

FS4 Quick Start Guide v1.2 8 www.aja.com
FS4 Processing Examples
In the following procedures, your exact actions depend on which FS4 interface
you are using. Where the terms MENU NAME, select and adjust are used:
• On the front panel interface, press the indicated Menu Group Selection
button and then turn the SELECT and ADJUST knobs to choose the parameter
and change the setting. The Front Panel menu numbers are included in the
procedures.
• On the web browser interface, use your mouse to select the name of the Menu
Screen and then choose the parameter and setting using the drop down list or
slider. Menu numbers are not present on the FS4 web pages.
Four Channel Mode Conversion Example
Figure 4. Four Channel Mode Example, Two Conversions
Four Channel Mode
Signal W
270Mb SD 525i
Signal X
1.5G HD 1080i
SDI In 1 BNC
SDI In 2 BNC
SDI In 4 BNC
HD/SD
Video Processor 1
HD/SD
Video Processor 2
HD/SD
Video Processor 4
Signal X Output
Down Convert to
270Mb SD 525i
SDI Out 2 BNC
SDI Out 3 BNC
SDI Out 4 BNC
Signal W Output
Up Convert to
1.5G HD 720p
Signal W Output
Up Convert to
1.5G HD 720p
SDI Out 5 SFP
SDI Out 1 BNC
SDI Out 7 SFP
SDI Out 8 SFP
SDI In 6 SFP
SDI In 5 SFP
HD/SD
Video Processor 3
SDI In 8 SFP
SDI In 7 SFP
Signal X Output
Down Convert to
270Mb SD 525i
SDI In 3 BNC
SDI Out 6 SFP
Two Simultaneous Frame Sync Conversions
Table 1. FS4 Menu Settings for Four Channel Mode Example, Two Conversions
Channel Select Button Video Button Menu Name Setting
VID1 INPUT 1 Input SDI1
VID1 FORMAT 1 Output Format 720p 5994
VID1 FORMAT 2.0 Link Cfg SDI1 Sngl Link LvlA
VID2 INPUT 1 Input SDI2
VID2 FORMAT 1 Output Format 525i 5994
VID2 FORMAT 2.0 Link Cfg SDI1 Sngl Link LvlA
The following workflow demonstrates simultaneously up-converting an SD 525i
SDI input to an HD 720p SDI output, and also down-converting an HD 1080i SDI
input to an SD 525i SDI output. Two copies of each output signal are available,
one on a BNC connector and the other on an SFP connector. (Two additional
conversions can be performed using the other two Video Processors.) This
example uses a 1080i 59.94 reference.

FS4 Quick Start Guide v1.2 9 www.aja.com
Setup
• Ensure the FS4 is receiving a valid reference signal. Connect a 1080i59.95 HD
tri-level sync signal to one of the Ref Loop BNC connectors, and terminate the
other Ref Loop BNC connector.
• Connect a 525i 59.94 SDI signal to the SDI1 BNC input on the rear of the FS4.
Once connected the LED below the VID1 button on the FS4 front panel will
light.
• Connect a 1080i59.94 SDI signal to the SDI2 BNC input on the rear of the FS4.
Once connected the LED below the VID2 button will light.
• Connect the SDI1 BNC output connector to a compatible video monitor.
• Connect the SDI2 BNC output connector to a compatible video monitor.
Procedure
If the FS4 has factory default settings, converted HD and SD signals should be
present on both monitors. If not, check the following:
System Configuration
1. Press the CONFIG System button:
• Select 2 FS4 Mode, \ adjust to HD/SD, and press the ADJUST knob.
2. Press the VIDEO System button
• Select 1 Output Frame Rate, and adjust to 59/29/23.
• Select 2 Genlock Source, and adjust to Reference.
Video Processor 1 Setup
3. Press the VID1 Channel Select button
4. Press the INPUT Video button
• Select 1 Input, and adjust to SDI1.
5. Press the FORMAT Video button.
• Select 1 Output Format, and adjust to 720p5994.
• Select 2.0 Link Cfg SDI1 and adjust to Sngl Lnk LvlA.
6. Press the TSTGEN Video button.
• Select 1 Test Pattern Gen and adjust to O.
Video Processor 2 Setup
7. Press the VID2 Channel Select button
8. Press the INPUT Video button
• Select 1 Input, and adjust to SDI2.
9. Press the FORMAT Video button.
• Select 1 Output Format, and adjust to 1080i5994)
• Select 2.0 Link Cfg SDI2 and adjust to Sngl Lnk LvlA.
10. Press the TSTGEN Video button.
• Select 1 Test Pattern Gen and adjust to O.

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Single Channel Mode Down Conversion Example
Figure 5. Single Channel Mode, Down Conversion
4K/UHD
Video Processor
SDI In 1 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI In 2 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI In 3 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI In 4 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI In 5 SFP
SDI In 6 SFP
SDI In 7 SFP
SDI In 8 SFP
SDI Out 5 SFP
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 6 SFP
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 1 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 2 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 3 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 4 BNC
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 7 SFP
(w Embedded Audio)
SDI Out 8 SFP
(w Embedded Audio)
Signal Z
Quad Llink UHD
3840x2160
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Signal Z
Down Convert to
1.5G HD 1080i
Eight copies of the
same signal on all
outputs
Frame Sync Down Conversion
Single Channel Mode
All incoming embedded
audio is disembedded and
sent to Audio Processor

Table 2. FS4 Menu Settings for Single Channel Mode, Down Conversion
Channel Select Button Video Button Menu Name Setting
VID1 INPUT 1 Input 1-4 QuadLink
VID1 FORMAT 1 Output Format 1080i5994
VID1 FORMAT 2.0 Link Cfg SDI1-4 Sngl Link LvlA
The following workflow demonstrates down -converting a Quad Link UHD input
to an SD 525i SDI output.
Setup
• Ensure the FS4 is receiving a valid reference signal. Connect a 1080i59.95 HD
tri-level sync signal to one of the Ref Loop BNC connectors, and terminate the
other Ref Loop BNC connector.
• Connect a Quad Link UHD 59.94 signal to the FS4 SDI 1, 2, 3, and 4 video input
BNC connectors.
• Connect any one of the FS4 SDI BNC output connectors to a compatible video
monitor.
Procedure
System Configuration
1. Press the CONFIG System button:
• Select 2 FS4 Mode, select 4K/UHD and press the ADJUST knob. Wait for the
FS4 to reboot (not longer than 90 seconds).
2. Press the VIDEO System button
• Select 1 Output Frame Rate, and adjust to 59/29/23.
• Select 2 Genlock Source, and adjust to Reference.