AJA HA5-Plus Operating instructions

HA5-Plus Mini-Converter
HDMI to 3G-SDI
Version 1.8
Published July 6, 2022
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.
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™, V2Analog™ and
V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 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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Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
User Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Mini-Cong Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Acquiring Mini-Cong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Installing Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Running Mini-Cong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Operating Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tabbed Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Input Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
EDID Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Output Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Update Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Contents

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
The HA5-Plus converts HDMI to 3G, HD, or SD SDI. Up to eight channels of HDMI
audio are embedded into the SDI output allowing a convenient single cable
audio/video connection. Two external analog audio inputs can replace two of
these embedded audio channels, if desired. The HA5-Plus supports long HDMI
cables on the input. The HA5-Plus is useful for connecting HDMI cameras and
other sources to SDI capture cards and equipment.
Features
• HDMI to SDI (see "Appendix A Specifications" on page 19 for a complete list of
supported inputs).
• Full 10-bit Conversion
• Convert between integer and non-integer frame rates using frame drop/
repeat
• EDID Emulation
• Full HDMI support including embedded audio
• Equalized HDMI input supports long HDMI cables up to 30m
• PLL clock filtering for low jitter SDI outputs
• Lock LED shows type of input source: SD (green), HD (red), or 3G (amber)
• Unbalanced analog audio input (2 RCA)
• Accepts 8 channels of HDMI embedded audio
• Outputs 8 channels of SDI embedded audio (Channels 1-8 or 9-16)
• HDMI cable supplied
• Uses universal input +5V power supply AJA model DWP-U-R1 (included)
NOTE: The HA5-Plus will not pass HDMI video with HDCP copy protection.

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Block Diagram
Figure 1. HA5-Plus Converter, Simplified Block Diagram
A/D
Converter
8 Channel
Audio Sample Rate
Converter
Embed
Audio
HDMI
Processing
HDMI
Receiver
HDMI Cable
Equalizer
HDMI
In SDI ou
t
Analog
Audio In
1
(RCA)
Analog
Audio In
2
(RCA)
USB Port
(connec
t to
PC or Mac)
Video
Audio
MiniCong Control
Audio
The HA5-Plus converter supports 8 audio channels (4 stereo pairs) at 24-bit/48
kHz which it dis-embeds from HDMI and embeds into SDI. For proper embedding,
audio must be synchronous to video. If audio is not synchronous with video or
the sample rate is not 48 kHz, then Mini-Config must be used to set the Sample
Rate Converter to convert audio to 24-bit/48 kHz and then synchronize it with
input video before embedding.
I/O Connections
Figure 2. HA5-Plus Mini-Converter
DC Power
Input
HDMI
Input
Connector
SDI Output
BNC
Unbalanced
Analog Audio
Inputs
(2 RCA Jacks)
USB Port
Lock LED
Power LED
NOTE: The LOCK LED indicates valid input video by color. Off is no signal, green is SD, red
is HD.

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User Controls
Mini-Config Control
Auto controls configures the unit automatically to match the input and output
video parameters. Advanced Mini-Config control supports setting the RGB video
range, and adjusting audio input, conversion, and routing to embedded HDMI
audio.
Configuration set via Mini-Config is stored in the HA5-Plus unit through
subsequent power cycles.
Installation
Typically, HA5-Plus installation consists of the following steps:
1. Ensure the converter is disconnected from power.
2. Connect equipment to the converter HDMI input connector, the output
BNC connector, and the analog audio inputs (if used).
3. Connect audio equipment to RCA connectors (optional)
4. Apply power to the converter (AJA power supply included).
5. The converter will now run using the default factory settings. If you wish to
alter the factory settings, you’ll need to:
• Install the AJA Mini-Config software on your computer
• Attach the converter via USB
• Make your changes using Mini-Config setup screens.
• This process is detailed in "Chapter 2 Operation" on page 7.

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Chapter 2 – Operation
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Config
Your AJA Mini-Converter can be used right out of the box for some applications
since it is designed to recognize inputs and perform standard actions
automatically by default. However, to use its full capability, you must use AJA’s
Mini-Config software application for PCs and Macs. This same application can be
used to update to new Mini-Converter software released by AJA.
Acquiring Mini-Config
AJA’s Mini-Config application is available for download from the AJA website.
To download the latest Mini-Config package, which includes the Mini-Config
application, Mini-Converter firmware, and documentation, go to:
https://www.aja.com/en/products/mini-converters/mini-config-software
Select either the Windows or Mac icon to download the desired version.
Mini-Converter Documentation
Included with the Mini-Config package is a complete set of documentation for
all Mini-Converters supported by Mini-Config. A .PDF of the Installation and
Operation Guide for the currently connected Mini-Converter can be accessed from
the Mini-Config UI via the Help/Manual drop-down menu.
Documentation for all AJA Mini-Converters that use Mini-Config can also be
accessed directly in the Mini-Config download package Documentation folder,
and via the Documentation icon available on the Mac installer.
Documentation (and firmware) included with the Mini-Config application are the
versions available at the time of distribution. However, Mini-Converter software,
firmware and documentation are updated regularly, so newer versions may exist.
To download the latest documentation for an individual Mini-Converter, go to:
https://www.aja.com/en/category/mini-converters
and navigate to the Support web page of that Mini-Converter.
Installing Mini-Config
PC Installation
To install Mini-Config on a Windows PC:
1. Download the application from the AJA website (select the Windows icon
on the Mini-Config Support web page).
2. Open the AJA_MiniCong.zip le
3. Double-click on the MiniInstaller.msi le.
4. A Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation.

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Figure 3. Mini-Config PC Setup Wizard
5. Click Next to begin. Answer the questions in the subsequent dialogues.
When nished, an AJA Mini-Cong shortcut will be installed on the desktop,
and you will be able to locate the Mini-Cong application in the AJA folder
in the Programs listing.
NOTE: If the Mini-Config application already exists on the PC, a different Setup Wizard
appears.
Figure 4. Mini-Config Setup Wizard, Reinstallation
With this screen you can Repair (reinstall) or Remove (uninstall) Mini-Config on
the PC.
Mac Installation
To install the application on a Mac:
NOTE: Mac computers must be Apple Silicon or Intel-based (G5, G4 and earlier models
will not work with Mini-Config).
1. Download the application from the AJA website (select the Apple icon on
the Mini-Config Support web page).
2. Open the AJA_MiniCong folder.
3. Double-click on the AJAMiniCong.dmg le.

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4. Answer the prompt and a utility program will be launched.
Figure 5. Mini-Config Mac Installer
5. To complete the installation drag the MiniCong.app icon to the
Applications folder.
Running Mini-Config
Connect the Mini-Converter to the PC or Mac via the supplied USB cable. Connect
the external power supply (supplied) to the Mini-Converter.
PC Startup
To run Mini-Config on a PC, double-click on the AJA Mini-Config icon on your
desktop, or open the AJA folder in the program list and click on the AJA Mini-
Config application located inside the Mini-Config folder.
Mac Startup
To run Mini-Config on a Mac, open the Applications folder and locate the AJA
Mini-Config application. Double-click the application to launch it.
Saving Setups
A File drop down menu on the Mini-Config application bar allows you to save the
current state of the Mini-Converter to a preset file for later recall.

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Using this feature you can set up the converter for different applications, storing
each configuration (Save Preset As...) with a unique name for easy recall (Open
Preset...).
A Revert to Factory Settings menu item similarly allows you to change the
settings back to AJA’s factory defaults.
Operating Mini-Config
The Mini-Config application provides a graphic interface for viewing settings
and updating software. It consists of an information area at the top that shows
the available Mini-Converters attached to the computer via USB, with a graphical
rendering of the selected Mini-Converter showing all the connectors and their
current state.
Colored text next to the connectors indicates the signal type and what the Mini-
Converter is doing:
• Blue text indicates the values automatically selected
• Black text indicates values that you have manually selected
• Red text indicates the Mini-Converter is not detecting a signal, or cannot
operate with the current user settings.
NOTE: Even if no output device is detected, the SDI connector text still shows the signal it
is outputting.
NOTE: Configuration settings in red will change based on the attached output device as
well as input signals. For improved accuracy and reliability, you should configure
the Mini-Converter only when the target output device is attached and input
signals are supplied at the inputs.
Screens are virtually the same on both PC and Mac, with subtle differences that
reflect the general look of the platform environment.

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Figure 6. Example Mini-Config Screen
Select a USB port and
an attached
Mini-Converter (name
in parentheses).
Each connector is
labeled with the
signals currently
detected or manually
selected.
Firmware Version
and Serial Number
Status Message
Tabbed Screens
Selecting a Mini-Converter with the pulldown menu causes this application to
connect to the selected converter. The graphic of Mini-Converter and text below
it provides:
• Type of converter
• Firmware version
• Serial number of the unit.
A status field at the bottom of the screen shows if your application is connected
and communicating with the Mini-Converter.
When configuring the Mini-Converter, select it from the top pulldown, view the
current settings and change any values. Making a change communicates that
new value to the Mini-Converter’s non-volatile memory.
Tabbed Screens
The Tabs delineate control screens with groups of controls for each type of task to
be performed.
The controls for the actual configuration parameters are specific to each Mini-
Converter type. When you Click on any of the tab buttons, the pane below
the tabs will change to match your tab selection. Any changes you make are
immediately applied and will be saved, overwriting previous settings.

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Input Tab Screen
Click on the Input tab to view and make changes to the HA5-Plus input settings.
RGB Range
Selects the Input Video Color Range. Choose from
• Auto
• SMPTE
• Full color range

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EDID Tab Screen
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is used to find the highest signal
resolution that is compatible with both the source and the destination. When
an HDMI source device is initially connected to the HA5-Plus, the HA5-Plus will
communicate with the signal source about what formats the HA5-Plus supports.
The HA5-Plus and the signal source will negotiate the best mutually compatible
signal resolution.
Preferred Video Format
The HA5-Plus's default EDID selection is 1920x1080p60, but it can be configured
by the user to any of the following formats and frame rates:
• Auto
• 1280x720p50
• 1280x720p60
• 1920x1080i25
• 1920x1080i30
• 1920x1080p50
• 1920x1080p60
YCbCr Support
This parameter determines whether the HA5-Plus will signal to its HDMI source
that the HA5-Plus will support (Yes) or will not support (No) YCbCr input formats.
NOTE: RGB formats are always supported by default in an HDMI sink.
Max Audio Channels
Selects the number of audio channels to be used from the signal source. Choose
from:
• 2 Ch
• 8 Ch

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Output Tab Screen
Click on the Output tab to view and make changes to the HA5-Plus output
settings.
3G Mode
This control selects the type of 3G SDI output. Choose from 3G-Level A or
3G-Level B.
NOTE: The 3G Mode parameter only has an effect if the output is 3G-SDI.
Enable PtoPsF
This control selects whether progressive video is converted to PsF output.
NOTE: The Enable PtoPsF parameter only has an effect if the input is 1080p 23.98, 24, 25,
29.97, or 30.
Frame Rate
The Output Frame Rate control can be set to convert an integer input frame
rate (like p60) to the matching fractional or non-integer output frame rate (like
p59.94). The frame rate converter accomplishes this by dropping a complete
video frame every 1001 frames. This control can also be set to convert a fractional
or non-integer input frame rate (like p59.94) to an integer output frame rate (like
p60), accomplished by repeating a complete video frame every 1000 frames.
NOTE: Because audio is disembedded prior to any video processing and then re-
embedded after video processing, there will be no disruption to audio when the
frame rate converter is working.
• Off (default) - No frame rate conversion will be performed. The output frame
rate will match the input frame rate.

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• Fractional - If the input frame rate is an integer frame rate, the output frame
rate will be converted to the matching fractional frame rate. Fractional frame
rate input signals are unaffected.
• Integer - If the input frame rate is a fractional frame rate, the output frame rate
will be converted to the matching integer frame rate. Integer frame rate input
signals are unaffected.
Audio Tab Screen
Click on the Audio tab to view and make changes to the HA5-Plus audio settings.
NOTE: When using the DVI video protocol no audio is output, since that protocol is video
only.
Input Select
Choose what audio channels are routed to the SDI output.
• HDMI - Only the audio channels from the HDMI input are embedded.
• Analog - Only the two analog input channels are embedded. You can choose
which of the embedded SDI channels will receive the analog audio, using
the Analog Out Map and Channel Select settings. The other channels will be
muted.
• Analog + HDMI - Both the analog inputs and HDMI audio are embedded. You
can choose which of the HDMI channels will be replaced by the two analog
audio inputs, using the Analog Out Map and Channel Select settings.
• None - No audio will be embedded. All channels are muted.

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HDMI Conversion
Choose the audio conversion to be performed on the incoming HDMI audio.
• Convert Rate - The HDMI audio will be converted, if necessary, to 24-bit/48 kHz
audio.
• Pass Through - The HDMI audio will be passed to the SDI embedded audio
channels without conversion.
Analog Out Map
Permits selecting the pair of SDI embedded audio channels that will receive the
analog audio from the RCA connectors. The audio pair replaced depends on
the Channel Select setting below, and your choice of Ch 1-2 through Ch 7-8 that
correspond to that set of embedded channels.
Channel Select
Choose which set of 8 channels (4 pairs) of embedded audio the SDI output will
carry. Select Channels 1-8 or Channels 9-16.
Update Tab Screen
Use this Update tab screen to view the software version currently installed on the
converter or install new software.
NOTE: When discussing Mini-Converters, “Firmware” is software that will be stored in
the Mini-Converter’s non-volatile memory and used when it is powered up. This
is something different than the Mini-Config application software. The version
numbers shown in the Update screen refer only to the firmware.

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Installed
This field shows the version of the firmware currently installed inside the Mini-
Converter.
Desired
This field shows the version of firmware embedded in the Mini-Config application
which you can install into the Mini-Converter by clicking the Update button.
Update
This button initiates a software update operation loading the “Desired” version of
firmware into the Mini-Converter’s non-volatile memory.
Progress
This indicator bar shows the progress of firmware installation.
See "Acquiring Mini-Config" on page 7 and "Installing Mini-Config" on page 7
for more information.
Info Tab Screen
This screen provides basic information about the Mini-Converter. This information
is mostly useful when calling AJA Support for service or technical support.

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Name
This field allows you to give your Mini-Converter a name. This can be useful if you
have several Mini-Converters attached to a Mac/PC via USB so you can distinguish
between them easily (especially if they’re the same model).
Type
This is the factory set model name of the Mini-Converter.
Assembly
This is the factory assembly number.
Serial Number
This is the factory set unique serial number of your Mini-Converter. If you ever call
AJA Support for service, you may be asked for this number.

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Appendix A – Specifications
HA5-Plus Tech Specs
Video Formats
• (HD) 1920 x 1080p
• (HD) 1920 x 1080i
• (HD) 1280 x 720p
• (SD) 720 x 576p
• (SD) 720 x 576i
• (SD) 720 x 480p
• (SD) 720 x 480i
Note: HDCP content not supported
Video Input Digital
• 1x HDMI Type A connector, HDMI v1.4
• YCbCr 4:2:2/4:4:4/4:2:0
• 8 or 10-bit (HFR 4:2:2 limited to 10-bit)
• (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1920 x 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
• (SD) 720 x 576p 50
• (SD) 720 x 576i 25
• (SD) 720 x 480p 59.94
• (SD) 720 x 480i 29.97
Video Output Digital
• 1x 3 Gb SDI (Level A or B-Dual Link)
• (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1920 x 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
• 1x 1.5 Gb SDI
• (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
• (HD) 1920 x 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
• 1x 270 Mb SDI
• (SD) 625i 50
• (SD) 525i 59.94
Audio Input Digital
• HDMI embedded audio, 24-bit, 8-Channel
• 2-Channel RCA style analog audio (-10 dBu nominal)
Audio Output Digital
• SDI embedded audio, 24-bit, 8-Channel
Size (w x d x h)
• 4.6” × 2.4” × 1.0”(116.84 × 60.96 × 25.4 mm)

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Power
• Uses AJA power supply model DWP-U-R1, included with purchase
• 100-240V, 50/60 Hz universal input
• +5V DC regulated, 7.5 watt capacity
Environment
• Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
• Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
• Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
• Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)