AJA HD10MD4 Original operating instructions

Installation & Operation Guide
Version 1.1
Published: January 11, 2016
HD10MD4 Mini-Converter
HD to SD Down Converter

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Table of Contents
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
HD10MD4 Simplified Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
HD10MD4 I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
User Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Default Operational Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DIP Switch Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Config. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Acquiring Mini-Config. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Mini-Converter Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing Mini-Config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PC Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mac Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Running Mini-Config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PC Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Mac Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Saving Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operating Mini-Config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Running Multiple Mini-Converters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tabbed Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Video Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Analog Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Update Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Software Update Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Info Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix A: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Input Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Output Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Video Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
User Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix B: Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Class B Interference Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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FCC Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Canadian ICES Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Regulatory Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Recycling Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Korea KCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Taiwan Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Japanese Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Translated Warning and Caution Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Before Operation Please Read These Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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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™, FiDO™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, TruZoom™, V2Analog™
and V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AirPort, Apple, Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire, iPod, iPod touch, Mac, Macintosh and
ProRes, are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and QuickTime logo are
trademarks of Apple Inc.
Avid, Avid DNxHD and Media Composer are registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.
Adobe is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other
countries.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
DVI is a registered trademark of DDWG.
TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
Dolby and the double-D Dolby logo are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 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 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: http://www.aja.com
Support Email: [email protected]
Sales Email: [email protected]

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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-rateHD-SD/SDIinput
• 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 buffered copy of input
• SD-SDI output: SMPTE 259 SDI digital video
• Analog outputs: Component or Composite video (10 bit)
• External DIP switch and Mini-Config configuration

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• 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.
HD10MD4 Simplified Block Diagram
HD10MD4 I/O Connections
NOTE: The LOCK LED indicates valid input video by color. Off is no signal, 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 8.
The HD10MD4 also supports Mini-Config application control over its USB port to a
connected PC or Mac.
Component/
Composite Outputs
(selected 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
Port
Cong
Control
DIP
Switch
Settings
3:2 Pulldown Synchronization
Composite/
Component
Output BNCs
HD-SDI
Input BNC
HD-SDI
Loop Output
BNC
SD-SDI
Output BNC
LOCK LED
USB Port
DC Power
Input

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Installation
Typically, installation consists of the following:
Direct Control 1. Disconnect DC power from the converter.
2. Configure the DIP switches for the desired equipment configuration 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 with Min-Config you’ll need to:
• Set DIP switch 1 ON (right) to permit remote Mini-Config control.
• Install the AJA Mini-Config software on your computer.
• Attach the unit via USB to your computer.
• Make your changes using the Mini-Config setup screens. This process is detailed in
"Chapter 2: Operation on page 8".

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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
•PedestalOff
•CropOff
• Monitor 4:3
•FocusOff
• Graticule Off
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.
DIP Switches
OFF ON
Left Right

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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-Config) control
2Analog
output
Selects Component output
(CMPNT)
Selects composite video output
(CMPST)
3Type 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)
6Set Monitor
Output to
4:3 or 16:9
Selects 4:3 Selects 16:9
NOTE: Monitor setting only via DIP switch. Mini-Config
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
Off, a 4:3 Monitor output setting, and Focus is Off.

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The following table shows the combinations of DIP switch settings required to configure
the three BNCs below the SDI Output BNC.
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.
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.
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

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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 webpage 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 webpage).
2. Open the AJA_MiniConfig.zip file
3. Double-click on the MiniInstaller.msi file.
4. A Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation.
Figure 1. Mini-Config PC Setup Wizard
5. Click Next to begin. Answer the questions in the subsequent dialogues. When
finished, an AJA Mini-Config shortcut will be installed on the desktop, and you will be
able to locate the Mini-Config application in the AJA folder in the Programs listing.

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NOTE: If the Mini-Config application already exists on the PC, a different Setup Wizard appears.
Figure 2. 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: Macintosh 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-
Config Support webpage).
2. Open the AJA_MiniConfig folder.
3. Double-click on the AJAMiniConfig.dmg file.
4. Answer the prompt and a utility program will be launched.
Figure 3. Mini-Config Mac Installer
5. To complete the installation drag the “MiniConfig.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.

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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.
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.

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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.
Running Multiple Mini-
Converters
Mini-Config can manage multiple AJA Mini-Converters connected via USB—even when
they are of differing types. However it only connects to one at a time. You can choose
which Mini-Converter you wish to control using the pulldown menu in the upper right
hand corner. If you want to configure multiple Mini-Converters in parallel, you can do it
by running multiple instances of the Mini-Config application and have each control a
different Mini-Converter.
NOTE: During a Mini-Converter firmware update, only one Mini-Converter should be connected
to the computer via USB.
Figure 4. Example Mini-Config Screen
NOTE: The LOCK LED indicates valid input video by color. Off is no signal, green is SD video, red is HD
video.
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.
Tabbed screens
Message
Showing
Status
Each connector is
labeled with the signals
currently detected or
manually selected.
Select a USB port and an
attached Mini-Converter
(name in parentheses)
Firmware version Serial Number

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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.
Video Screen
Click on the Video tab to view and make changes to the converter’s video processing
settings.

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SD Aspect Convert Determines the mode when converting from SD input video to an SD output video
format. There is no DIP switch equivalent for this control. The setting is saved in
nonvolatile memory in the module and used for all subsequent operation:
• Off (default) - The input image is copied to the output with no scaling.
• Letterbox - The input frame is scaled vertically to a 16x9 letterboxed size (anamorphic
to letterbox conversion).
• H Crop - The input frame is scaled horizontally to 16x9, then center-cropped
(anamorphic to center crop conversion).
• Pillarbox - The input frame is scaled horizontally to make a pillarbox output (4x3 to
anamorphic conversion).
• V Crop - The input frame is scaled vertically to make a vertically cropped output
(letterbox to anamorphic conversion).
• 14x 9 - The input frame is scaled horizontally and vertically as a compromise between H
Crop and Letterbox (anamorphic to 14x9 conversion).
HD Down Convert Determines the mode when converting from HD input video to an SD output video
format:
• Crop (default) - Image is cropped to fit new screen size.
• Letterbox - Image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area, with the
aspect ratio preserved.
• Anamorphic - HD image is converted to full-screen SD with a 16x9 aspect ratio
(anamorphic).
• 14x9 - Image is reduced slightly with aspect ratio preserved. Black is added top and
bottom, and the left and right sides are cropped.
• Auto AFD - Automatically selects the best Downconvert mode based on the input
video's Active Format Description (AFD) code. If the input video is not carrying an AFD
VANC code, the unit defaults to Crop.
Graticule Turns on or off a graticule display indicating a 4:3 aspect ratio.
•Off(default)
•On
Graticule is only available with HD (16:9) input, Letterbox or Anamorphic HD Down
Convert mode (either manually selected or AutoAFD), and with Focus set to Off. When
inactive, status is dashes.
Focus Zooms to center 720 x 486 (for 525i) or 720 x 576 (for 625i).
•Off(default)
•On

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Analog Output Screen
Click on the Analog Output tab to view and make changes to the converter’s analog
video output settings.
Format Selects the desired analog output video format:
• Composite (default)
• Component
Pedestal Sets the analog video black level:
• Off (default) - Sets black level at 0 IRE.
• On - Sets black level at 7.5 IRE
Pedestal is only active if the analog output is 525i composite, or 525i component and
Component Color Space is RGB or YPbPr (Betacam). When inactive, status is dashes.
Color Space Selects the desired output video format color space:
• YPbPr (SMPTE) (default)
• YPbPr (Betacam)
•RGB

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Update Tab Screen
Use this Update 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.
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 firmware 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.
Software Update
Procedure
1. Check the AJA website for new Mini-Config software for your Mini-Converter. If new
software is found, download it and uncompress the file archive (zip). Here is the URL
to use when checking:
http://www.aja.com/en/products/mini-converters/mini-config-software
2. Connect the Mini-Converter to a Mac or PC via a USB port on the computer and run
the new Mini-Config software just downloaded.
3. Click on the Update tab.
4. Check the Installed version level against the Desired version level. If the Desired is
newer, then click the Update button to download the new firmware to the Mini-
Converter; progress will be shown via the “Progress” thermometer bar.

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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.
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
Video Input
1 x BNC
• HD SMPTE 292M, 10-bit
• SD SMPTE 259M, 10-bit
Input Formats (automatic configuration)
• 1920x1080i 25, 29.97 (50, 59.94 fields)
• 1920x1080p 23.98, 25, 29.97
• 1920x1080PsF 23.98, 25, 29.97
• 1280x720p 50, 59.94
•525i
•625i
Video Output
Digital 1 x BNC (processed output)
• SDI - SMPTE 259M, 10-bit
1 x BNC (loop through input)
Analog 3 x BNC
• YPbPr-SMPTE, EBU-N10, Betacam, RGB, NTSC, PAL, YC (S-Video), 10-bit
Output Formats •525i
•625i
Video Processing
Down Conversion • Multi-point interpolation, 10-bit processing
• 3:2 conversion for 23.98 inputs
Frequency Response •Y+0,-.5dbto30MHz
• C +/- .25db to 15 MHz
User Controls
• External DIP switch
• Mini-Config application via USB