AJA T-TAP Original operating instructions

Installation & Operation Guide
Version 12.5
Published: September 20, 2016
T-TAP
Thunderbolt to SDI and HDMI

T-TAP v12.5 www.aja.com
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Table of Contents
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About Primary & Secondary Video Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Video Signal Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
T-TAP Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
AJA Software & Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
AJA System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AJA DataCalc Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Thunderbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
HD/SD SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
HDMI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
In This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 2: Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Unpacking T-TAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting to your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing T-TAP Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Updating T-TAP Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 3: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Using T-TAP with Professional Video /Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AJA Control Panel, Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Control Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Default Output Choices and Their Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Format Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HDMI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Video Setup Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Presets Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Info Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Appendix A: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Video Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Host Computer Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Audio Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix B: Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Class B Interference Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
FCC Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Canadian ICES Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Regulatory Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Recycling Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Korea KCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Taiwan Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Japanese Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Translated Warning and Caution Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Before Operation Please Read These Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warranty and Liability Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

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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.
Thunderbolt is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
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
AJA’s T-TAP provides video professionals with an inexpensive, extremely compact device
that utilizes the power of the Thunderbolt™ connection to deliver high-quality 10-bit SD,
and HD video and embedded audio output from any compatible computer.
HD/SD SDI and HDMI outputs are available. The SDI output can be used to feed
professional monitors or recording gear, while the HDMI output is able to feed directly
into consumer HDMI monitors. Both HDMI and SDI are active simultaneously allowing
you to work with professional and consumer gear at the same time.
T-TAP’s professional audio functionality supports full 8-channel embedded audio for
multi-channel playback.
T-TAP is powered via the Thunderbolt connection with no need for an additional power
supply, minimizing cabling and maximizing portability.
Features • One Thunderbolt port
• One 1.5G SD-SDI, and HD-SDI output
• One HDMI v1.3 Output
• 8-Channel embedded audio support
• Rugged compact size
• Power via Thunderbolt
About Primary & Secondary Video Formats
In T-TAP operation, the Primary Format is the media format written to disk and used in
your project.
NOTE: The Secondary format is for format conversion settings supported by other AJA KONA/Io
products but not used by T-TAP.
The Primary Format menu allows you to select the video format used in your current
project.

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Video Signal
Formats
The Video Signal Formats supported by T-TAP are listed in Appendix A: Specifications
(see “Video Formats” on page 23).
T-TAP Audio T-TAP provides up to 8 channels of SDI and HDMI embedded audio output.
AJA Software &
Utilities
AJA’s T-TAP software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated video/audio
capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party software. With T-TAP 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 products.
Two retail packages are available, one for Mac and the other for Windows. Each of these
AJA software packages include:
Drivers AJA device drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation.
AJA Control Panel The Control Panel provides:
• Source selection and control of your AJA hardware.
• A block diagram to show visually what routing and processing is being performed.
NOTE: AJA also provides a Linux OS retail drivers package. Support for these drivers is based on the
Linux application used and comes from the application’s vendor.
AJA Control Room Control Room is a cross-platform software application for ingest, playback and output
with AJA products.
AJA System Test System Test provides accurate and detailed evaluations of drive and PCIe performance
statistics, allowing you to predict the capabilities of your system for recording and
playing back various resolutions and codecs.
3rd-Party Plugins AJA-provided plugins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe,
Avid, Apple, Telestream, and others.
To download AJA software, go to the AJA website:
http://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads
For a complete software compatibility list, see the AJA website link:
http://www.aja.com/en/category/edit/compatibility
System Requirements
NOTE: See the AJA Driver Release Notes, available on the AJA website and also installed with the
driver, for the exact OS versions supported.
System Tests To guarantee maximum system performance, use AJA System Test and the AJA DataCalc
application to evaluate your workstation capabilities. They are available on the AJA
website at the following URL:
http://www.aja.com/en/products/software/

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AJA System Test AJA System Test is a utility for measuring system performance with AJA Video Capture
devices. The application includes disk drive speed tests and video data copy (DMA)
speeds. 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: Most of the disk performance tests are generic and don’t require an AJA KONA Video Capture
card. The DMA performance tests do require a KONA card and AJA KONA Driver software to
operate.
We suggest the best test is to fill your storage disk to 80% and then test capture at the
highest data rate you will use.
AJA DataCalc
Application
This software application calculates data rates and storage requirements for a given
video size, format, and frame rate. It's great for T-TAP users as a resource for configuring
systems and determining storage requirements/
Cable Connections
T-TAP connections are made directly to the unit’s front and rear connector channels.
Figure 1. T-TAP Connectors
Thunderbolt The high speed of Thunderbolt allows connection to peripheral devices while achieving
PCI Express performance. Thunderbolt also provides power to peripherals eliminating
the need for external power supplies.
HD/SD SDI Output A BNC connector is provided on T-TAP for one HD/SD-SDI output. This output supports
video and embedded 24-bit digital audio. Use SDI wherever possible for the best quality
10-bit uncompressed video output. If your peripheral equipment has a variety of inputs,
look to see if it has SDI I/O, and use it where possible. Most high-end professional
broadcast equipment supports SDI (VTRs, cameras, media storage servers, etc.).
HDMI Output An HDMI connector on the T-TAP provides output of HDMI compatible video and multi-
channel embedded audio. The HDMI v1.3a capability at 30 bits per pixel allows full
support of the latest 10-bit monitors.

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HDCP is not supported on the output. The HDMI output supports standard HDMI cables
only.
The AJA Control Panel allows selection and adjustment of some HDMI parameters; please
see "Chapter 3: Operation on page 12" for more information on Control Panel operation.
In This Manual
Chapter 1 is the introduction you’re reading, listing features, box contents, and system
requirements.
Chapter 2 provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the AJA T-TAP.
The user is guided through unpacking, cabling the T-TAP, installing T-TAP driver software,
then getting it up and running.
Chapter 3 discusses operational aspects of T-TAP, the AJA Control Panel interface, and
how to work with 3rd-party software.
Appendix A presents a list of technical specifications for the product.
Appendix B contains relevant Safety & Compliance information.

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Chapter 2: Installation
Unpacking T-TAP
As you unpack T-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 T-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 T-TAP, go to the AJA website to download the latest software
package and updated documentation. You will need to secure a Thunderbolt cable to
connect to your computer. T-TAP is powered through the cable.
Installation Overview
The installation and setup of T-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. If not previously installed on your Thunderbolt equipped computer, ensure that
appropriate application software such as Adobe Premiere Pro is installed as detailed
in its user documentation.
3. Cable T-TAP Thunderbolt port, SDI and HDMI outputs as required for your workflow.
4. Install AJA T-TAP software on your computer from the latest AJA website download.
Start by installing the T-TAP driver package with AJA Control Panel and then finally
install any AJA plug-ins for 3rd-party software. Installers for the T-TAP driver software
and for the AJA Control Panel are found on the AJA website—here you will get the
most current software and documentation.
5. When you run the AJA Control Panel, you’ll notice that the T-TAP is auto-discovered
as long as it is properly cabled and powered up.
Each of these steps are explained in greater detail on the remaining pages of this chapter.
Connecting to your Computer
Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video monitoring.
1. Connect your computer via a Thunderbolt cable (not included) to the T-TAP
Thunderbolt port. T-TAP power is delivered via this cable.
2. Connect an HDMI Video Monitor to the T-TAP HDMI Out connector.

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3. Connect an SDI cable between the T-TAP SDI output BNC and your digital VTR SDI In.
The T-TAP SDI connections has embedded audio so the VTR must be configured
accordingly.
Figure 2. T-TAP Connectors
Figure 3. Typical T-TAP Laptop System Connections
Installing T-TAP Software
Go to the AJA website and download the latest AJA software installer, which includes a
package of all the current software for AJA’s KONA, Io, and T-TAP products, including the
AJA Control Panel and AJA Control Room applications.
http://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads/
VTR with SDI Inputs/Outputs
HD/SD-SDI
Video I/O
with Embedded
Audio
HDMI Monitor
Lap-top computer with
T
hunderbolt connectivity
Thunderbolt
Cable

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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 capture/editing
application is installed as detailed in its user documentation. You cannot use T-TAP 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.
Updating T-TAP Firmware
When you update your T-TAP software by downloading new versions from the aja.com
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.
Follow these instructions when a firmware update is required:
1. Connect T-TAP to a computer that has the AJA Software package installed.
2. Open the AJA Control Panel application, then go to the Firmware screen.
3. Select the desired firmware version and click Install.
4. After the install completes, power cycle T-TAP (for example, by unplugging and
reconnecting the Thunderbolt cable.

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Chapter 3: Operation
Using T-TAP with Professional Video /Audio Software
After you install the T-TAP software and any AJA plug-ins to support your choice of 3rd-
party software, you’re then ready to begin playing back video and audio.
Once you’ve installed all the AJA software as detailed in Chapter 2, you’ll find the AJA
Control Panel application in your Applications folder.
AJA Control Panel Overview
The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual window
showing how the T-TAP 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.
One thing you’ll notice instantly about the Control Panel is that it represents a block
diagram of how the unit is configured. The current status, output settings, and many
other details can be viewed as a color-coded block diagram in the Control Panel.
To ensure you make the most of the software, launch the AJA Control Panel application
and look at its display. Then refer to the “Basics” described here to fully understand what
you’re seeing and learn how to view and change the T-TAP system configuration.
Following are some basic definitions you should know.

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Block Diagram Area 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
Right-Clicking an Icon produces a context-sensitive menu
Figure 5. Context-Sensitive Menu.
AJA Control Panel,
Block Diagram
Framebuffer The framebuffer is the “engine” in T-TAP where active video operations take place using
your 3rd-party applications, or even T-TAP itself. The framebuffer has a format (called the
“Primary Format” and color space that it follows, as defined in the Configuration Screens
Outputs:
SDI and HDMI
Configuration Screen Navigation Links – Click One to Edit/View a Topic
Currently selected
Configuration
Framebuffer
Format
Screen

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or via external application software. It is important to realize that inside the host
computer, many applications can use the T-TAP (as you switch from window to window)
and it may not always be obvious which application currently controls it.
The upper-right corner of the Control Panel displays the name of the application
controlling the T-TAP. In some cases, applications may not always properly “let go” of the
Output interface as another takes over—you’ll be able to tell by looking at the Control
Panel.
Figure 6. Controlling Application
Primary Format The video format currently assigned to T-TAP. 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 7. Output Icon Example
Color Meanings All items in the T-TAP 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
Control Panel Configuration
Screen links
The left side area of the T-TAP 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 operation and output timing.
Format: Select the framebuffer primary video format of outputs
HDMI: Configure the HDMI Output
Video Setup: Configures Video such as Progressive Format and QuickTime Video Output Filter.
Conversion: Used to select codec options such as whether paused video appears as a full frame or a
single field (jitter shown or not shown) and 24 to 30 fps padding patterns.
Timecode: Monitor RP-188 timecode and configure timecode window burn output (Note: SMPTE
12M-2 is the updated name and specification for what was
RP-188)

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Presets: Add or delete saved preset configurations (handy for setting up the T-TAP for certain
workflows and then saving it as a canned configuration for easy later recall)
Firmware: Enables installation of AJA card firmware.
Info: Displays status information and firmware version # of the T-TAP 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.
Control Screen
The T-TAP can be controlled by various software applications running on a host
computer. The Control Screen is where you select how the T-TAP 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.
Default Output This is where you select what T-TAP will output as a default when no application has
control of the board, such as when the Finder is active. Since T-TAP 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
outputs. These settings determine what happens when an application that doesn't grab
the T-TAP outputs is active.
Default Output
Choices and Their
Meanings
Video Output This selection directs T-TAP to output either a selected Test
Pattern or Hold the Last Application output, whenever an
application isn't controlling T-Tap.

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Hold Last Application Directs T-TAP to hold and output the last frame of video from the last application to
control T-TAP. This can be helpful when operating in an environment where you're
switching back and forth between multiple application windows.
Test Pattern This selection determines the particular Test Pattern for output when no other
application is using the T-TAP and Test Pattern is selected for the Video Output. You can
choose from:
Black, Color bars (75% or 100%), Ramp, Multiburst, Line Sweep, Multi Pattern, or Flat Field.
While in Test Pattern mode, you can select YUV 10-bit or 8-bit output via a pulldown
menu.
Format Screen
The Format screen shows the video format currently in use by the T-TAP framebuffer
(called the Primary Format) and allows you to change it. Throughout the Control Panel,
choices are always presented based on what T-TAP 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'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.
RGB Range The RGB Range pulldown menu allows you to select either Full range (0-1023) or SMPTE
range (typically 64-940) for RGB color output.
A checkbox labeled VANC, when checked, allows Vertical Ancillary Data to be included in
the output signal.
For a complete list of video formats supported by T-TAP, see “Specifications” on page 23.

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NOTE: The AJA Control Panel software uses the abbreviation “sf” instead of “psf” when referring to
“progressive segmented frame” formats. In the manual and in other literature you may see
either of these acronyms used interchangeably. Visually it is easier to discern at a glance if you
are working with progressively segmented frame formats (sf in the AJA Control Panel) as
compared to progressive frame formats which will show only “p.”
HDMI Output Screen
The T-TAP’s HDMI output is shown and configured in this screen.
Source (Used for KONA/Io products only) The Source pulldown menu allows you to choose
between the primary and secondary video format for output.
Pulldowns are also provided for configuring the video Protocol, Color Space, RGB Range,
and Audio Channels:
Protocol The Protocol pulldown allows you to choose either “HDMI” or “DVI” protocol—use DVI if
you’re outputting to a DVI monitor using an HDMI to DVI adapter.
RGB Range (SMPTE or Full levels) The RGB Range pulldown menu allows you to select either Full
range (0-1023) or SMPTE range (typically 64-940) for RGB color output.
Audio Channels An Audio Channel pulldown allows you to select the number of embedded audio
channels (2 or 8) for the HDMI output.

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Video Setup Screen
T-TAP provides a high-quality digital video output in interlaced (i), progressive (p), or
progressive segmented frame (psf) formats. This screen shows the current settings for
frame formatting of the digital video output, and allows you to re-configure it when
desired.
Progressive Format Choose between progressive (p) and progressive segmented frame (psf) format for your
digital output.
QuickTime Video Output
Filter
The QuickTime Video Output Display Filter is designed to help manage the
comprehensive list of video outputs that may be available to applications.
By selecting the checkbox next to specified parameters, the video outputs related to
these specified parameters are enabled as possible video outputs for applications. For
example, if the checkbox next to 25/50 is unchecked, 50Hz video outputs are deselected
and would not be available to the user’s editing application. To avoid confusion when
working in a particular editorial environment, you might choose to leave 50Hz
unchecked if working solely in a 60Hz editorial environment. The same might be true if
you do not intend to work with true progressive 1080 material.

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Timecode Screen
The timecode is used for both monitoring the RP-188 timecode embedded in the digital
data stream and for selecting a timecode offset (if required) for the attached VTR—and
sent during assemble-edit mode.
NOTE: SMPTE 12M-2 is the updated name and specification for what was RP-188.
Use QuickTime Timecode When checked, this directs T-TAP to output timecode from the QuickTime timecode
track. When not checked, T-TAP uses the Output Timecode Offset value plus the number of
frames into the movie. Note: not all QuickTime applications use or support timecode
tracks—so sometimes the QuickTime timecode is missing or not meaningful.
Output Timecode Offset (Entry field and FPS pull-down). This text entry field allows you to specify a timecode
offset for use with your editing application that supports user-controlled timecode
offsets. Use that same value here as the “Output Timecode Offset” to ensure the
timecode is synchronized.
Timecode Burn-in This pulldown selects whether the timecode value is “burned-in” on video output from T-
TAP. If set to “OFF”, timecode will not be keyed over the video. If set to “timecode”, then
the timecode value will be keyed over the output video. This can be useful for
synchronizing, choosing edit points, dailies, and many other purposes.
NOTE: SMPTE RP 188 defines a standard for the transmission of time code and control code in the
ancillary data space of a digital television data stream. Time code information is transmitted
in the ancillary data space as defined in ANSI/SMPTE 291M. Multiple codes can be transmitted
within a single digital video data stream. Other time information, such as real time clock,
DTTR tape timer information, and other user-defined information, may also be carried in the
ancillary time code packet instead of time code. The actual information transmitted through
the interface is identified by the coding of a distributed binary bit. Equipment manufacturers
can use the meta data for different purposes.

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Presets Screen
After configuring the AJA Control Panel screens, you can then save all your settings as a
snapshot for later recall—called a preset. In this way, you can organize presets for all your
typical tasks, eliminating time-robbing manual re-configuration each time. To save a
preset, simply go to the Presets screen and click “Save Preset”. A dialog will be presented
asking you for a name; enter a meaningful name and click “OK”. Thereafter the preset will
be available under the Control Panel “Presets” list.
From the Presets screen you can manage your collection of presets easily. To Load or
Delete a stored preset, just select it with your mouse and then click the “Load Preset” or
“Delete” button respectively.