AJA U-TAP Series Operating instructions

U-TAP Series
HDMI or SDI to USB Mini-Converter
Version 1.2
Published February 23, 2017
Installation and Operation Guide

U-TAP Series HDMI or SDI to USB Mini-Converter v1.2 2 www.aja.com
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.
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.
openGear® Ross, ROSS, ROSS®, and MLE are registered trademarks of Ross Video.
DashBoard Control System™ is a trademark of Ross Video.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Copyright
Copyright © 2017 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 http://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
U-TAP Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Simplied Block Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Unpacking U-TAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Firmware Update Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Quicktime Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
U-TAP HDMI Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
U-TAP SDI Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Warrantity Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
AJA’s U-TAP Mini-Converter series provides video professionals with inexpensive,
extremely compact devices that convert an HDMI 1.4a or 3G-SDI video stream to
USB 3.0. U-TAP accepts up to 1920x1080 HDMI or SDI inputs ranging from 23.98
fps up to 60 fps. The input signal is automatically scaled (if necessary) to the
output size determined by the host application.
The USB 3.0 interface provides enough bandwidth for full broadcast-quality video
and audio, available if the host environment can support that bandwidth. U-TAP is
powered via the USB 3.0 connection with no need for an additional power supply,
minimizing cabling and maximizing portability.
NOTE: U-TAP is compatible with standard UVC video/UAC audio drivers, which means
wide USB support by OS X and Windows operating systems, with no need
to install special drivers, and can work directly with a broad range of video
applications (for example, VLC or QuickTime player).
Two models of U-TAP are available, each with different input capabilities.
U-TAP Features
• One USB 3.0 port
• 8-bit video support
• 2-Channel embedded audio support
• Rugged compact size
• Power via USB
U-TAP-HDMI Models
• One HDMI v1.4a input
NOTE: U-TAP does not support HDCP.

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U-TAP-SDI Models
• One 3G-SDI BNC input
• One 3G-SDI BNC looping output
Video Signal Formats
The Video Signal Formats supported by U-TAP are listed in Appendix A:
Specifications (see page 11).
U-TAP Firmware
The latest U-TAP-HDMI and U-TAP-SDI firmware is installed on the units before
shipment. The firmware can be updated using a downloadable zip file for either
PC or Mac that includes readme instructions and all the required files.
Simplified Block Diagrams
Figure 1. U-TAP-HDMI Block Diagram
Conguration
(PC or Mac)
USB type B Port
Video Out with
2 Ch Audio
Control
HDMI
RCVR
U-TAP-HDMI
Video and
Audio
Processing
USB
Interface
HDMI In with
Embedded
Audio
Figure 2. U-TAP-SDI Block Diagram
SDI
RCVR
SDI Loop Out
SDI In with
Embedded
Audio
U-TAP-SDI
Conguration
(PC or Mac)
USB type B Port
Video Out with
2 Ch Audio
Control
Video and
Audio
Processing
USB
Interface
Cable Connections
U-TAP connections are made directly to the unit’s connectors located on each
side. LEDs also report various statuses by color.

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Figure 3. U-TAP-HDMI Connectors and LEDs (on Each Side)
Lock LED
Status LED
USB type B
Connector
Power LED
HDMI Input
Status LED
• O = not connected
• Red = USB connected to a USB 2.0 port
• Green = USB connected to a USB 3.0 port
• Blinking = U-TAP is streaming video, audio, or both
Power LED
• O = no power
• Green = power present
U-TAP HDMI LOCK LED
• O = not locked to source video
• Green = locked to SD video source
• Red = locked to HD video source
Figure 4. U-TAP-SDI Connectors and LEDs (on Each Side)
Lock LED
Status LED
USB type B
Connector
Power LED
SDI Input
BNC
SDI Loop
Output BNC

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Status LED
• O = not connected
• Red = USB connected to a USB 2.0 port
• Green = USB connected to a USB 3.0 port
• Blinking = U-TAP is streaming video, audio, or both
Power LED
• O = no power
• Green = power present
U-TAP SDI LOCK LED
• O = not locked to source video
• Green = locked to 270Mbps source
• Red = locked to 1.5Gbps video source
• Amber = locked to 3Gbps video source
In This Manual
Chapter 1 is the introduction listing features, box contents, and general
information.
Chapter 2 provides instructions for installation.
Chapter 3 provides basic operational information.
Appendix A presents a list of technical specifications for the product.
Appendix B contains relevant Safety & Compliance information.

U-TAP Series HDMI or SDI to USB Mini-Converter v1.2 8 www.aja.com
Chapter 2 – Installation
Unpacking U-TAP
As you unpack U-TAP, 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 U-TAP 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.
After you unpack your U-TAP, go to the AJA website to download the latest
software package and updated documentation. You will need a USB cable to
connect to your computer.
Installation Overview
The installation and setup of U-TAP is very simple. The steps of installation and
configuration are discussed here and summarized as follows:
1. Unpack the shipping box (see above).
2. Ensure that appropriate application software is installed on your USB
equipped computer, as detailed in its user documentation.
3. Connect the U-TAP USB output port to your computer, using the provided
cable. The U-TAP is powered through the USB 3.0 port.
NOTE: The first time U-TAP is connected to a computer extra time may be required for
the OS to access and configure the appropriate drivers. On Windows machines
could take from 3 to 5 minutes. On Macs this time should be much shorter.
Each OS should report successful driver installation. Subsequent U-TAP USB
connections should occur immediately.
4. Connect the SDI or HDMI input to your source device.
5. U-TAP will now be operational, automatically detecting the input signal
format and decoding the video (and two channels of embedded audio if
present) to the USB output.
NOTE: Connecting multiple U-TAPs could compromise power delivery, and excessive USB
bus traffic (from another U-TAP or other devices sharing that USB bus) can reduce
the computer’s performance.
6. Launch your video application on the connected computer and use its
UI controls to access the video and audio being converted by U-TAP. For
example:
• For VLC, go to Media/Open Capture device, and select U-TAP.
• For QuickTime Player, go to File menu, click New Movie Recording, and
select U-TAP using the down arrow next to the record button.

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Figure 5. Typical U-TAP-HDMI Laptop System Connections
HDMI
Digital Video
Camera
USB
Computer
Running Video
Applications
Figure 6. Typical U-TAP-SDI Laptop System Connections
SDI
Loop Out
SDI
Video Switcher
USB
Computer
Running Video
Applications
SDI
Monitor
Firmware Update Procedure
U-TAP firmware and updater .zip files are available for download from the AJA
website:
1. Download from the AJA website the free AJA_U-TAP.zip package for your
computer operating system.
• AJA_U-TAP_Win_.zip. or
• A JA _U -TAP_ M ac _. zip
2. Extract the .zip le on your computer.
3. Connect the U-TAP Mini-Converter to your computer with the provided
USB3 cable.
NOTE: Only one U-TAP should be connected to your computer when updating firmware.
4. Run the .dmg or .exe le and install the Updater application.
5. Launch the AJA U-TAP Updater application. If a connected U-TAP is found,
a window opens reporting the current rmware versions installed and the
versions available for update.
NOTE: If a U-TAP is not detected, a No Module Connected message is displayed.

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Figure 7. U-TAP Updater Screen
6. Click on the Update button to update the U-TAP rmware.
7. A progress bar will report the progress of each rmware update.
NOTE: Macs typically require 2 or 3 minutes to install the U-TAP firmware. Windows
machines typically install the U-TAP firmware in about a minute.
8. When complete, a message indicates the U-TAP must be rebooted.
9. Reboot the U-TAP by disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable.
10. Your U-TAP will now be operational with the new rmware.

U-TAP Series HDMI or SDI to USB Mini-Converter v1.2 11 www.aja.com
Chapter 3 – Operation
Introduction
Once installed, U-TAP operation depends on the application being used, and
often can be extremely simple. U-TAP works with each application using the
standard signal routing methods used by that application.
Quicktime Operation
As an example, for QuickTime operation on Mac OS, simply launch QuickTime,
click on the menu button next to the record button, and then select the desired
U-TAP and signal sources.
Figure 8. Quicktime U-TAP Operation
Menu
Selections
Quicktime
Menu Button
Multiple U-TAP Mini-Converters can be connected to the computer
simultaneously. Each U-TAP unit is given a uniquely numbered name before
shipment from the factory.

U-TAP Series HDMI or SDI to USB Mini-Converter v1.2 12 www.aja.com
Appendix A – Specifications
U-TAP HDMI Specifications
Video Formats
Video (HDMI)
• (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1920 x 1080i 25, 29.97, 30
• (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
• (SD) 625p 25
• (SD) 625i 25
• (SD) 525p 29.97
• (SD) 525i 29.97
Computer (HDMI), up to 60 Hz max for all formats
• 1920 x 1080p
• 1680 x 1050p
• 1600 x 1200p
• 1600 x 1024p
• 1280 x 1024p
• 1280 x 960p
• 1280 x 768p
• 1024 x 768p
• 800 x 600p
• 640 x 480p
Scaled (USB), Frame rates for all formats: 7.5, 15, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• 1920 x 1080p
• 1440 x 1080p
• 1280 x 720p
• 1024 x 576p
• 960 x 540p
• 856 x 480p
• 800 x 600p
• 768 x 576p
• 720 x 576p
• 720 x 480p
• 640 x 480p
• 640 x 360p
• 432 x 240p
• 352 x 288p
• 320 x 240p
• 176 x 144p
Video Input Digital
• HDMI v1.4a, 24, 30, or 36 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV

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Audio Input Digital
• 2-Channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate
Capture Video
• 16-bits/pixel, YUV (input video will be truncated as required)
Capture Audio
• 2-Channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz sample rate (input audio will be truncated as
required)
Host Interface
• USB 3.0/USB 2.0 UVC/UAC compliant
Size (w x d x h)
• 3.3" x 2.4" x 1.0" (84mm x 61mm x 25mm)
Weight
• 0.3 lbs (0.2 kg)
Power
• 5V USB bus powered; 3.5W max
Environment
• Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 degrees C (32 to 104 degrees F)
• Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 degrees C (-40 to 140
degrees F)
• Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
• Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)
U-TAP SDI Specifications
Video Formats
Video (SDI)
• (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1920 x 1080i 25, 29.97, 30
• (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
• (SD) 625i 25
• (SD) 525i 29.97
Scaled (USB), Frame rates for all formats: 7.5, 15, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• 1920 x 1080p
• 1440 x 1080p
• 1280 x 720p
• 1024 x 576p
• 960 x 540p
• 856 x 480p
• 800 x 600p
• 768 x 576p
• 720 x 576p
• 720 x 480p
• 640 x 480p

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• 640 x 360p
• 432 x 240p
• 352 x 288p
• 320 x 240p
• 176 x 144p
Video Input Digital
• 3G-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/424, YCbCr 4:2:2 (1 x BNC)
Video Loop Output
• 1 x 3G-SDI (1 x BNC)
Audio Input Digital
• 2-Channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate
Capture Video
• 16-bits/pixel, YUV (input video will be truncated as required)
Capture Audio
• 2-Channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz sample rate (input audio will be truncated as
required)
Host Interface
• USB 3.0/USB 2.0 UVC/UAC compliant
Size (w x d x h)
• 4.1" x 2.4" x 1.0" (103 mm x 61mm x 25mm)
Weight
• 0.3 lbs (0.2 kg)
Power
• 5V USB bus powered; 4W max
Environment
• Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 degrees C (32 to 104 degrees F)
• Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 degrees C (-40 to 140
degrees F)
• Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
• Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)