AJA HD10MD4 Operating instructions

HD10MD4 Mini-Converter
HD to SD Down-Converter
Version 1.1r2
Published December 4, 2019
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 © 2019 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
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
User Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Chapter 2 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Default Operational Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DIP Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
DIP Switch Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Acquiring Mini-Cong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Running Mini-Cong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operating Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tabbed Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Video Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Analog Output Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Update Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
HD10MD4 Tech Specs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Limited Warranty on Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Governing Law and Language; Your Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
The AJA HD10MD4 is a miniature digital downconverter for converting HD-SDI
video to standard definition SDI and analog component or composite video. The
HD10MD4 uses a full 10-bit data path and multi-point interpolation to produce
excellent quality down-converted video. In addition, the HD10MD4 converts
23.98 to a 59.94 Hz output video using the standard 3:2 pulldown technique.
The output can be formatted for either 4:3 or 16:9 standard definition monitors.
For 4:3 monitors, the output can be formatted for either the Letterbox or Crop
modes. The HD10MD4 can also receive SD video and output a different aspect
ratio. The HD10MD4 simultaneously passes video to both the SDI and analog
outputs. Eight channels of embedded audio channel can also be passed to the
SDI output.
Features
• Broadcast-Quality HD to SD down conversion
• Multi-Standard
• Dual-rate HD-SD/SDI input
• HD-SDI input: SMPTE 292 HD-SDI digital video
• 1080i 50, 59.94
• 1080PsF: 23.98, 25, 29.97
• 1080p: 23.98, 25, 29.97
• 720p: 50, 59.94
• HD-SDI outputs: Equalized and buered copy of input
• SD-SDI output: SMPTE 259 SDI digital video
• Analog outputs: Component or Composite video (10 bit)
• External DIP switch and Mini-Cong conguration
• HD10MD4 Mini-Converter v1.1 6 www.aja.com
• Uses universal input +5V power supply AJA model DWP-U-R1 (included)
NOTE: The HD10MD4 automatically switches to PAL anytime the input is 1080i 50,
1080PsF 25 or 1080p25. All other frames rates have an NTSC output: 59.94, 29.97
and 23.98.

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Block Diagram
Figure 1. HD10MD4 Mini-Converter, Simplified Block Diagram
Component/
Composite Outputs
(selec
ted by DIP switch
or Mini-Cong)
HD or SD
SDI Input
De-serializer
Cable EQ SD SDI Output
Y G Composite
Pb B Y
Pr R C
D/A
Conversion
H & V
Filtering and
Decimation
Audio
Embedding
Embedded
Audio
Extraction
Delay
Serializer
HD-SDI Out 1
USB
Po
rt
Cong
Control
DIP
Switch
Settings
3:2 Pulldown Synchronization
I/O Connections
Figure 2. HD10MD4 Mini-Converter
DC Power
Input
SD-SDI
Output
BNC
HD-SDI
Input BNC
Composite
Component
Output BNCs (3)
USB Port
Lock LED
HD-SDI
Loop Output
BNC
NOTE: The Lock LED indicates valid input video by color. Off is no input, green is SD
video, red is HD video.
User Controls
The direct user interface for the HD10MD4 is an eight position DIP switch
accessible through a cut-out in the bottom of the unit. The exact function of the
DIP switches are described in "DIP Switches" on page 7.
The HD10MD4 also supports Mini-Config application control over its USB port to
a connected PC or Mac.

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Installation
Typically, installation consists of the following:
Direct Control
1. Disconnect DC power from the converter.
2. Congure the DIP switches for the desired equipment conguration and
video formats.
3. Connect video equipment to the converter BNCs.
4. Apply power to the converter.
Mini-Config Control
1. Disconnect DC power from the converter.
2. Connect video equipment to the converter BNCs.
3. Apply power to the converter.
4. The converter will now run using the default factory settings. If you wish to
alter the factory settings, you’ll need to:
• Set DIP switch 1 ON (right) to permit remote Mini-Cong control.
• Install the AJA Mini-Cong software on your computer
• Attach the converter via USB
• Make your changes using Mini-Cong setup screens.
• This process is detailed in "Chapter 2 Operation" on page 7.

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Chapter 2 – Operation
Default Operational Settings
The HD10MD4 Mini-Converter ships from the factory with the following
configuration (all DIP switches Off - Left):
• Local (DIP switch) control
• Component video
• YPbPr format
• Pedestal O
• Crop O
• Monitor 4:3
• Focus O
• Graticule O
If these settings apply to your requirements, you can simply connect the video
input and output signal cables and power up the unit.
For other applications, you can configure the unit using its DIP switch settings, or
by using the Mini-Config application and a PC or Mac via USB.
DIP Switches
DIP switches on the bottom of the unit are used to configure it without a
computer. The Left position is Off, the right position is On.
Figure 3. DIP Switches

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DIP Switch Settings
Table 1. HD10MD4 DIP Switch Setting Descriptions
SWITCH FUNCTION DIP Set LEFT, OFF
(default) DIP Set RIGHT, ON
1Remote LOCAL (DIP switch) control REMOTE (Mini-Cong) control
2 Analog output Selects Component output
(CMPNT)
Selects composite video output
(CMPST)
3 Type of Component
Video on 3 Output BNCs
Selects YPbPr Selects RGB
4Pedestal Pedestal OFF Pedestal ON. This setting also
changes analog output to BETA
levels when in YPbPr mode.
NOTE: Pedestal is only active if the analog output is 525i
composite, or 525i component and Component Color Space is
RGB or YPbPr (Betacam).
5Crop No Crop (OFF) Crop ON (if S6 switch MONITOR is
set to 4:3)
6 Set Monitor Output to
4:3 or 16:9
Selects 4:3 Selects 16:9
NOTE: Monitor setting only via DIP switch. Mini-Cong
equivalent controls are HD Down Convert.
7Focus Turn Focus OFF Turn Focus ON (Zoom to center
720 x 486 image)
8Graticule Turn Graticule OFF Turn Graticule ON (4:3 safe area)
NOTE: Graticule is only available with HD (16:9) input, Crop is
O, a 4:3 Monitor output setting, and Focus is O.
The following table shows the combinations of DIP switch settings required to
configure the three BNCs below the SDI Output BNC.
Table 2. Output Selection Matrix For Output 3 BNCs
Desired Output
Format
DIP S1
CONTROL
DIP S2
CMPNT/CMPST
DIP S3
YPbPr/RGB
DIP S4
Pedestal
1 Composite and 1 Y/C
(pedestal)
LEFT RIGHT N/A RIGHT
1 Composite and 1 Y/C
(no pedestal)
LEFT RIGHT N/A LEFT
RGB (no pedestal) LEFT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
RGB (pedestal) LEFT LEFT RIGHT RIGHT
SMPTE component
(BETA625)/EBU-N10
LEFT LEFT LEFT LEFT
BETA 525 component LEFT LEFT LEFT RIGHT
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.
NOTE: DIP switch 1 must be ON (Remote, Right) to permit Mini-Config control of the unit.

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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/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/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-Cong 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.
Figure 4. Mini-Config PC Setup Wizard

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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 5. 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 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-Cong Support web page).
2. Open the AJA_MiniCong folder.
3. Double-click on the AJAMiniCong.dmg le.
4. Answer the prompt and a utility program will be launched.
Figure 6. Mini-Config Mac Installer