AJA T-TAP Pro Operating instructions

T-TAP Pro
Thunderbolt 3 to 12G-SDI/HDMI
Version 16.1
Published July 14, 2021
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 © 2021 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
Video Signal Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Cable Connections, Controls, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Audio Output Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Audio Level Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Audio Gain Control Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Power Connection Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Thunderbolt 3 Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
HDMI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Power Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bitle Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Unpacking T-TAP Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Power Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Heat Dissipation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Installing T-TAP Pro Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
macOS Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Updating T-TAP Pro Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 3 – T-TAP Pro Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Default Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
T-TAP Pro Audio Monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Control Panel Conguration Screen links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Control Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SDI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
HDR Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Audio Mixer Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Info Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
T-TAP Pro Pro Tech Specs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Contents

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
T-TAP Pro is a simple, high-quality device to output audio and video from
Thunderbolt™ enabled computers, with AJA’s broad, bullet-proof application
compatibility. It is a mobile device that can easily output pristine 4K, UltraHD or
HD signals from a wide selection of editorial, graphics, color and audio software
packages. It taps the flexibility of the widely available Thunderbolt 3 port, which
is common on modern Apple and PC workstations and laptops.
T-TAP Pro features the latest 12G-SDI and HDMI v2.0 connectivity for working with
4K or UltraHD over a single cable, allowing you to easily output deep color, high
frame rate, and HDR imagery to a wide range of pro and consumer monitors and
devices, all at the highest 10- and 12-bit uncompressed quality.
Audio support is extensive, with up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio and 8
channels on HDMI. The integrated headphone jack provides easy monitoring of
any two audio tracks, and the front panel VU meters give you a quick visual guide
of your audio levels.
Because T-TAP Pro's internal 12G signal processing requires more power than the
Thunderbolt bus can provide, an external power supply is required and provided.
Like all AJA Desktop products, T-TAP Pro is compatible with a huge range of
creative applications for editorial, audio production, graphics, and much more. All
of this is powered by AJA’s highly respected Desktop software, with field proven
drivers and application plug-ins.
Features
• One Thunderbolt 3 port
• One 12G SDI output
• One HDMI v2.0 output
• 16-Channel SDI embedded audio output
• 8-Channel HDMI embedded audio output
• One stereo audio output 1/8" TRS
• Front panel audio meters
• Assignable function front panel volume knob, able to control audio
monitoring or embedded audio output levels
• External power supply provided

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Video Signal Formats
The Video Signal Formats supported by T-TAP Pro are listed in ("Appendix A
Specifications" on page 32).
AJA Software & Utilities
AJA’s T-TAP Pro software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated
video/audio monitoring, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party
software. With T-TAP Pro and a qualified computer, you have the ultimate system
for standard and high definition production, post-production, broadcast, and
streaming work. AJA software is distributed as a unified package which includes
all the software, firmware, plugins, and utility programs for AJA’s Io, KONA, and
T-TAP Pro products.
Two retail packages are available, one for Mac and one for Windows.
Mac and Windows Packages
These packages include:
Firmware
Firmware, otherwise referred to as a bit file or the card's 'personality', refers to
very low level code that defines the capabilities of the hardware. It is important
to always update to the firmware recommended following install of new, or older
versions of software.
Drivers
AJA device drivers for the host system OS provide tightly integrated hardware/
software operation.
AJA Control Panel
The Control Panel provides:
• Source selection and control of your AJA hardware.
NOTE: For T-TAP Pro, AJA Control Panel functions are centered around output settings.
• 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.
NOTE: For T-TAP Pro, capture is not supported via AJA Control Room.
AJA System Test
AJA System Test provides accurate and detailed evaluations of drive and system
performance statistics, allowing you to measure the capabilities of your system
for recording and playing back various resolutions and codecs. The application
includes:
• System Disk Test
• AJA Device Test
• System Report

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The application tests Read and Write, Capture and Playback speeds in both
Megabytes per second and Frames per second. The disk speed tests differ from
standard disk I/O performance applications in that they specifically test the
system under conditions typically encountered with video capture, playback, and
editing.
NOTE: Theoretically the best test (or simulation) is to fill your storage disk to 80% and
then test capture at the highest data rate you will use.
NOTE: For the most accurate System Disk Test results for 4K or UltraHD resolution, set the
Test File Size to 16Gb.
3rd-Party Plug-ins
Plug-ins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe, Avid,
Apple, Telestream, and others.
System Requirements
NOTE: Beginning with version 16.1, on macOS, the T-TAP Pro supports Apple’s M1 chip,
as well as earlier Intel processors.
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.
See the Release Notes for you AJA Card or Device, available on the AJA website
and also installed with the software package, for minimum and recommended
system requirements including OS, CPU, RAM, and GPU.
NOTE: Also see Software Vendor system requirements for GPU recommendations and
additional hardware requirements and recommendations.
NOTE: For large scale installations with shared storage, IP, or for very high performance
requirements, AJA recommends consultation with an experienced system
integrator. A consultant will be able to assist with many important variables.
Cable Connections, Controls, and Indicators
Figure 1. T-TAP Pro Front View
Stereo Audio Output
1/8” TRS
SafeBoot Button
Audio Gain
Control Knob
Power/Connection Status LEDAudio VU Meter LEDs

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Audio Output Connector
A 1/8 inch TRS connector is available for monitoring two channels of audio,
selectable in channel pairs using the Control Panel application. Typically used
with a pair of headphones.
Audio Level Meter
The Audio Level Meter in the center of the front panel indicates the sum of
whatever sources are being played out to the HDMI and SDI embedded audio
video output; i.e. NLE timeline and mix of host system audio output (if applicable).
The meter's LEDs are colored to indicate the amount below 0dBfs when averaged
over a one millisecond time interval.
dBfs LED Color and Location
-2 db Red LED 1 (top)
-12 db Yellow LED 2
-20 db Yellow LED 1
-30 db Green LED 4
-40 db Green LED 3
-50 db Green LED 2
-60 db Green LED 1 (bottom)
NOTE: These audio level meters are for guidance only. Third-party audio metering
should be employed when doing critical audio editing and mixing.
Audio Gain Control Knob
The front panel volume knob can be assigned one of two different functions,
via the AJA Control Room application. This encoder spins freely, without max/
min limits. The gain increases to max, and then returns to zero after a complete
rotation.
• The knob's default function is to simply adjust the audio level being sent to
the T-TAP Pro's front panel audio output connector (headphone jack). The
embedded audio being output by T-TAP Pro is always indicated on its front
panel VU meters, which in this situation will not be changed by your knob
adjustment.
• Alternatively, the knob can be assigned to adjust the level of the embedded
audio being sent out the T-TAP Pro's rear SDI and HDMI connectors. In this
situation the front panel VU meters will report your level changes. An example
of using this feature would be to trim the level of the embedded audio output
because it was increased after mixing in a computer originated audio source.
NOTE: Since the headphone output is derived from the master level, adjusting the
embedded audio levels will also affect the levels driven to the front panel analog
audio output.
Power Connection Status LED
This LED indicates the current connection status of your T-TAP Pro.
• OFF: No power detected
• AMBER SOLID: Power is on but Thunderbolt is not live (e.g. Thunderbolt ports
disabled in host, BIOS settings)
• AMBER BLINKING: Thunderbolt is awake but no PCIe connection to host (e.g.
device hasn’t been whitelisted by the Thunderbolt software running on host)

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• GREEN BLINKING: Thunderbolt is awake, PCIe is connected, but device doesn’t
see the NTV2 Driver (This shows up on Windows where the AJA driver has
been restricted from talking to peripherals – security setting error, or because
the AJA software is not installed on the host)
• GREEN SOLID: Thunderbolt is communicating properly.
Figure 2. T-TAP Pro Rear View
DC Power Port Thunderbolt 3
Port
Bitle
Status LED
Power
Status LED HDMI v2.0 Output SDI-12G Output
Thunderbolt 3 Port
The high speed of Thunderbolt allows connection to peripheral devices while
achieving PCI Express performance.
NOTE: T-TAP Pro cannot be powered through its Thunderbolt port (insufficient power).
AJA's T-TAP Pro is designed to utilize the full bandwidth provided by Thunderbolt
3. Use a certified, high-quality Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect your AJA device to
the host computer. The cable should have a Thunderbolt logo and the number 3
on it. Passive cables can be up to 1.6 feet (0.5m) maximum length. Active cables
up to 6.5 feet (2m) can also be used.
If you choose to attach T-TAP Pro to a Thunderbolt 2 host machine, there are
adapters available on the market, with perhaps Apple's being the most commonly
used. That said, you may find situations where the lack of a Thunderbolt 3 host
system will limit what workflows you are able to support with T-TAP Pro.
SDI Output
A BNC connector is provided on T-TAP Pro for one 12G-SDI output. This output
also supports up to 16 channels of embedded 24-bit digital audio.
HDMI Output
An HDMI v2.0 connector on the T-TAP Pro provides output of HDMI compatible
video and up to 8-channels of embedded audio. If you have a source with 16
audio channels, you can select to output channels 1-8 or 9-16 via HDMI.
HDCP is not supported on the output. The HDMI output supports standard HDMI
cables only.
Power Status LED
• OFF: No power detected
• GREEN: The unit is receiving power

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Bitfile Status LED
This indicates whether T-TAP Pro is running the main bitfile, or the safeboot
failsafe recovery bitfile.
• GREEN: FPGA is loaded and running the main bitfile (normal operation)
• RED: FPGA loaded and running failsafe bitfile
Power Connector
Power to the T-TAP Pro provided by an external power supply module (provided)
that accepts a 110-240VAC, 50/60Hz power input and supplies +12 VDC.
IMPORTANT: The T-TAP Pro power connector has a latch, similar to an Ethernet
connector. Depress the latch (facing the top of the device) before disconnecting
the power cable from the unit.

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Chapter 2 – Installation
Unpacking T-TAP Pro
As you unpack T-TAP Pro, carefully examine the unit to ensure 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 units. If you find shipping damage, contact
your AJA dealer or distributor for details on how to have your T-TAP Pro 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.
Installation Procedure
1. Unpack the T-TAP Pro shipping box (see above).
2. Ensure that your editing or streaming application software has been
installed on your computer.
3. Install the latest AJA T-TAP Pro software on your computer.
4. Connect your T-TAP Pro to its power supply unit, and connect the power
cord to mains AC, using the provided cables.
NOTE: T-TAP Pro cannot be powered by its Thunderbolt connection (insufficient bus
power).
Figure 3. Typical T-TAP Pro Laptop System Connections
DVR with SDI Inputs
Video Output with
Embedded Audio
4K HDMI Monitor
AC Power Supply
HDMISDI
Laptop Computer with
Thunderbolt Connectivity
Thunderbolt 3 Cable
5. Connect your T-TAP Pro 's Thunderbolt 3 port to your computer via a
Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included). Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adaptors can be
used, with reduced throughput.
6. Connect T-TAP Pro's SDI and/or HDMI outputs to your downstream
equipment, as required for your workow.
7. If desired, connect a pair of headphones or other audio monitoring device
to the T-TAP Pro's front panel Audio Out connector.
8. Power cycle your computer while your T-TAP Pro remains powered up with
its Thunderbolt cable connected to your computer.

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9. Launch the AJA Control Panel application. It should recognize the
connected T-TAP Pro and it should be fully functional as long as it is
properly cabled and powered.
NOTE: If after installation the T-TAP Pro's right front panel LED is blinking green, you
can try disconnecting and reconnecting the Thunderbolt cable, or with the
Thunderbolt cable connected power cycle your computer.
Power Requirements
• Input Voltage: 110-240VAC, 50/60Hz
• Power supply and cables provided.
Heat Dissipation
To provide silent operation, T-TAP Pro uses its metal case to pass internal heat to
the outside air. The case will get hot to the touch, but not in excess of UL spec
(140 F). The rubber feet on the bottom are designed for increased air flow.
CAUTION: T-TAP Pro should not be stacked with other equipment, be covered or installed
in a way that inhibits air flow, or be exposed to additional heat.
Installing T-TAP Pro Software
Go to the AJA website and download the latest AJA Desktop software installer,
which includes a package of all the current software for AJA’s KONA, Io, and
T-TAP Pro products, including the AJA Control Panel and AJA Control Room
applications.
https://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads/
System software updates may occasionally become available on our website
(www.aja.com). We recommend checking occasionally for both software updates
and additional product information.
NOTE: If your computer has previously had another video capture or multimedia device
installed, ensure you uninstall any related software before installing the AJA
software package. This will prevent any hardware or software conflicts.
Before installing the AJA software installer package, ensure that your editing
application is installed as detailed in its user documentation. You cannot use
T-TAP Pro with a third-party application until the application has been installed
and run at least once on your workstation. Next, install the AJA software package.
macOS Installations
macOS High Sierra (10.13), macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15) and
macOS Big Sur (11.x) all have security requirements that may present dialogs
during installation. Please refer to the Release Notes for guidance.
Updating T-TAP Pro Firmware
When you update your T-TAP Pro software by downloading new versions from
the AJA website, it is possible that some versions may also require a firmware
update to update the software stored in non-volatile memory. Always carefully
read the release notes that accompany each version to be installed. The release
notes will spell out all required software and hardware necessary to ensure a
successful update of your T-TAP Pro.

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Follow these instructions when a firmware update is required:
1. Connect T-TAP Pro to a computer that has the AJA Software package
installed.
NOTE: Only connect one AJA device to your computer when updating firmware.
2. Open the AJA Control Panel application, then go to the Firmware screen.
3. Select the desired rmware version and click Install.
4. After the install completes, power cycle your T-TAP Pro (for example, by
unplugging and reconnecting the power supply).

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Chapter 3 – T-TAP Pro Operation
AJA Control Panel Overview
The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual
window showing how the T-TAP Pro interface is currently configured, and that
allows you to make changes. Current settings—both those you changed and
those you didn’t—can be saved as a snapshot for recall at anytime. This lets you
save settings associated with all your frequent tasks; then as you switch tasks you
don’t have to spend extra time resetting interface configurations—just load the
previously saved settings for each task.
AJA Control Panel User Interface
The top area of the Control Panel shows a visual picture representing the
processing (if any) that’s currently occurring, including outputs, and system
status. Lines between the framebuffer, and outputs show a video path. Where
there are no lines, it shows there is no connection; this can be because an
appropriate output isn’t selected (such as PsF for HDMI).
Icon objects on the block diagram screen (output icons, frame buffer, etc.—also
called “widgets”—indicate their status by color (explained later) and can be
clicked for context-sensitive information and choices. (These same choices can
also be made from the Control Panel screens.)
Figure 4. Block Diagram Area
Outputs
SDI and HDMI
Currently
Selected
Conguration
Screen
Framebuer
Format
Right-Clicking an Icon produces a context-sensitive menu.
Figure 5. Context-Sensitive Menu

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Framebuffer
The framebuffer is the “engine” in T-TAP Pro where active video operations take
place using your 3rd-party applications, or even T-TAP Pro itself. The framebuffer
has a format (called the “Primary Format” and color space that it follows, as
defined in the Configuration Screens or via external application software. It is
important to realize that inside the host computer, many applications can use
the T-TAP Pro (as you switch from window to window) and it may not always be
obvious which application currently controls it.
Primary Format
The video format currently assigned to T-TAP Pro. This is the format that the
framebuffer will use and is shown in the Control Panel using the color blue. 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 also indicate that
something is in the primary format.
Output Icons
The output icons are triangles that together with their color show the outputs
and their status (selected, not selected, signal present or not, format, etc.). A
complete video path is shown when outputs are connected with lines going from
the framebuffer.
Figure 6. Output Icon Example
NOTE: Hovering your cursor over an Output icon opens a tooltip that reports that
connector's signal status.
Color Meanings
All items in the T-TAP Pro Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show
what is happening in realtime. This applies to both icons and text. These colors
have the following corresponding meanings:
• Blue: video is same format as the Primary Format (framebuffer)
• Red: the selected operation cannot be performed
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 7. 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.

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Controlling Application Format Selection
If a running controlling application uses T-TAP Pro for capture or output, it
controls the Device Format via its own menus and settings. For example, when
the Third-party editing application is active (it’s the front-most application) and
has T-TAP Pro as its “A/V Device”, the T-TAP Pro’s Device Format is determined by
the application’s “Video Playback” settings. These format selections are reported
in the AJA Control Panel block diagram.
Controlling applications can start and stop and change modes—even while they
are running. And the behavior of different controlling applications can vary: some
applications take control of the interface as soon as they are launched and don’t
give it up until they quit, while other applications take control of the interface
only when they are the “front-most” running application and then relinquish
control when they’re not. Even these controlling applications may not relinquish
control until capture or output operations are completed.
AJA Control Panel Restart Services
AJA Control Panel Restart Services is new functionality (since v6.1) that allows for
restarting the AJA services if necessary. This can help if various applications begin
contesting for access to the Video I/O device. In this situation an AJA Agent is
not running message can appear as the controlling application status. Hovering
your cursor over that message displays a Restart Agent button, which clicking on
will bring Control Panel back to its startup state. Then an application can freshly
acquire control of the I/O device. Currently this feature is only available for macOS
installations.
Figure 8. Restart Services Popup Message
Control Recommendations
We recommend you have the Control Panel running and visible at all times. When
the Control Panel is running in the background (not front-most) you can see what
the interface is doing and who has control of it.
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.
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\

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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:
• Local 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).
• 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 first startup,
or by pressing the Control Panel Reset Device... button.
Local Preference
The Local 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 Local Preference file stored in a unique location on that computer that is
dedicated to that particular device, serial number, and logged-in user. Then, when
AJA Control Panel is restarted for any reason, the AJA device being controlled
restores the settings being used when Control Panel was last closed.
The Local 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
Local Preference file from this location. This file will be recreated as soon as any
Control Panel setting is changed.
NOTE: Clicking on the AJA Control Panel "Reset Device..." button will delete the existing
Local Preference file. If a Global Preference file is found, these settings are
reloaded. If a Global Preference file is not found, “factory defaults” are loaded and
the device is set to that state
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 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.
To establish a Global Preference, the administrator first configures the AJA device
(which automatically creates a "com.aja.devicesettings" Local 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 Local Preference file, which will take priority over the
Global Preference file.
The shared computer locations for a Global Preference file are:

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On Mac:
• From the Finder, click on Go/Computer/<System HD>/Users/Shared/AJA/
and copy or move the "com.aja.devicesettings file" 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 three possible shared locations depending on your system:
• C:\Users\Public\Aja\
• C:\Users\All Users\Aja\
• C:\ProgramData\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 Global Preference file
on that computer.
NOTE: Clicking on the AJA Control Panel Erase All Prefs button does NOT delete an
existing Global Preference file from this location.
T-TAP Pro Audio Monitoring
T-TAP Pro can be used as your single audio monitoring solution whether you are
auditioning music in a web browser, playing a movie file on the desktop, creating
music, or playing a YouTube clip. As long as the output of your work or application
is normally output via the host system audio, your T-TAP Pro can route this audio
for monitoring. This cuts down on unnecessary cabling, and means you can
take advantage of a consistent audio monitoring environment whatever you are
currently doing with your host system.
NOTE: On first use, you will need to tell your operating system to use AJA hardware as
the default output hardware.
T-TAP Pro lets you listen to Host System audio concurrently with your NLE audio.
This is useful if you need to audition music tracks against playback of your NLE
timeline, or if you need to Skype with a remote producer during an edit session,
or for a myriad of other reasons.
T-TAP Pro audio monitoring is routed and mixed using the Control Panel
application's Audio Mixer screen. You can select sources, and can adjust their
monitoring levels.
The mixed audio monitor signal is also routed to:
• SDI Embedded Audio out
• HDMI Embedded Audio Out
IMPORTANT: Even though you can hear changes in the signals and levels adjusted with
the Audio Mixer screen, these changes are NOT recorded to disk during NLE
Capture or Audio Punch In / Voice Over to Timeline. The Audio Mixer screen is
dedicated for monitoring only, not program mixing.

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Figure 9. T-TAP Pro Audio Monitoring Routing Diagram
Hardware Volume Knob
SDI Embedded
Audio Output
HDMI Embedded
Audio Output
Audio Capture
Punch In/Voice Over
Record to File
AJA Hardware
Audio Monitoring
Host Computer
Audio Input
Non Linear
Video Editor
Audio File
Playback
YouTube
Other
Sources
Front Panel
Monitor Output
AJA Control Panel Application
Audio Mixer Screen
Mac or PC
Computer
Audio
NLE
Application Audio Mixer
Tab Controls
Playback Monitor
Tab Controls
Host
Computer
Audio
NLE
Audio
Headphone
Gain dB
0.0 dB
Master
Gain dB
0.0 dB
Host Audio
Gain dB
0.0 dB
Main App
Gain dB
0.0 dB
Control Panel Configuration Screen links
The left side area of the T-TAP Pro Control Panel provides navigation links to the
various Screens categorized by topics. Clicking on a topic—or alternatively, a
block diagram element—displays an information screen corresponding to that
topic. Screens that can be selected are:
• Control - Configures T-TAP Pro operation and output timing.
• Format - Select the framebuffer primary video format of outputs.
• SDI Output - Select SDI output format.
• HDMI - Configure the HDMI Output.
• HDR - Configure High Dynamic Range settings.
• Video Setup - Configure Video such as progressive format, colorspace, and
gamma.
• Audio Setup - Configures Audio options such as audio delay.
• Audio Mixer - Select and mix audio sources for monitoring and adjust
embedded audio output level.
• Presets - Add or delete saved preset configurations (handy for setting up the
T-TAP Pro for commonly used workflows)
• Firmware - Enables installation of AJA device firmware.
• Info - Displays status information and firmware version # of the T-TAP Pro and
how it is installed in the host computer. This information is generally intended
for troubleshooting/support.
NOTE: You can use the Up/Down arrows on your keyboard to navigate link selections.

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Control Screen
The T-TAP Pro can be controlled by various software applications running on a
host computer. The Control Screen is where you select how the T-TAP Pro directs
video and is used by application software. At the right-top of the block diagram it
will show the current Default Output and the application currently controlling the
T-TAP Pro.
Default State
This is where you select what T-TAP Pro will output as a default when no
application has control of the board, such as when the Finder is active. Since
T-TAP Pro can be controlled by multiple software applications and its own
control panel, the output can change dynamically. When you select many video
applications, they will grab control of the T-TAP Pro outputs. These settings
determine what happens when an application that doesn't grab the T-TAP Pro
outputs is active.
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, Color Quad Border, or 2SI Alignment (see below).
2SI Alignment - This test pattern consists of 1-pixel diagonal crosshairs plus a
3-pixel rectangle. If there is a misalignment, the diagonal crosshairs will not
be a continuous line. If it is a top-bottom misalignment, the top and bottom
of the square line will be broken, with white between them. If it is a left-right
misalignment, the left and right lines of the square will be fuzzy or broken.
This can easily be simulated by clicking the "Quad Swap" buttons in the
control panel "Video Setup" tab.
For HD and UltraHD with RGB-12 Pixel Formats the following HDR test patterns
are available:
• HDR Zone Plate, HDR Linear Ramp, HDR HLG Narrow, HDR PQ Narrow, or HDR
PQ Wide.

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Graphic File Display
In addition to the test patterns above, a “Load File...” selection at the bottom
of the Test Pattern dropdown menu allows you to load a standard RGB/RGBA
graphics file (.tif,.psd, etc.) into the frame buffer for display (including alpha
channel). Some graphics formats and bit depths may not be supported. Files that
have been loaded are listed for quick reuse. Loaded graphic files are retained for
redisplay if another test pattern is selected, and even if T-TAP Pro is power cycled.
NOTE: A loaded graphics file will not be scaled to fit. If it’s smaller than the current frame
buffer format,T-TAP Pro will center it in the frame. If larger than the current frame
buffer format it will be cropped.
• Clear Files - This selection on the pulldown clears all the Graphic Display files.
Hold Last App
Directs T-TAP Pro to hold and output the last frame of video from the last
application to control T-TAP Pro. This can be helpful when operating in
an environment where you're switching back and forth between multiple
application windows.
Format Screen
The Format screen shows the video format currently in use by the T-TAP Pro
framebuffer (called the Primary Format) and allows you to change it. Throughout
the Control Panel, choices are always presented based on what T-TAP Pro can do
with the signals available and the outputs selected.
Video Format (Primary)
These pull-down menus show the currently selected formats. If you select an
alternate value in the Primary Format using the pull-down, it will change the
format used by T-TAP Pro's framebuffer. When a change is made via the Video
Format pull-down or by clicking an icon (widget) and selecting a new format via a
contextual menu, the block diagram will change to reflect the new format.
Pixel Format
Use this pulldown menu to choose from: YUV-10, YUV-8, ARGB-8, RGB-10, and
RGB-12.