AJA T-TAP Operating instructions

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www.aja.com
Installation and Operation
Guide
Because it matters.
Published: 9/21/12

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Trademarks
AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro®, KUMO®, and XENA® and are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc,
Io Express™, Io HD™, Io™, T-TAP™ and Because It Matters™ are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc.
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire and Macintosh are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Notice
Copyright © 2012 AJA Video, 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 Inc.
Contacting Support
To contact AJA Video for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA. 95945 USA
Telephone: [phone] or 530.274.2048
Fax: [phone]
Web: http://www.aja.com
Support Email: [email protected]
Sales Email: [email protected]
When calling for support, first read the Chapter on Troubleshooting at the back of this
manual. You can often save time and effort by looking there first for simple remedies and
information on how to get support from AJA and Apple Computer Inc.
Limited Warranty
AJA Video warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If a product proves to be
defective during this warranty period, AJA Video, at its option, will either repair the
defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, you the Customer, must notify AJA Video of
the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for
the performance of service. The Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping
the defective product to a designated service center nominated by AJA Video, with
shipping charges prepaid. AJA Video shall pay for the return of the product to the Customer
if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the AJA Video service center is
located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, insurance, duties,
taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.

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T-TAP Installation and Operation Guide — Limited Warranty
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use
or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. AJA Video shall not be obligated to
furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by
personnel other than AJA Video representatives to install, repair or service the product,
b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible
equipment, c) to repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-AJA Video
parts or supplies, or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with
other products when the effect of such a modification or integration increases the time
or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY AJA VIDEO IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED. AJA VIDEO AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AJA VIDEO’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE WHOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER AJA VIDEO OR
THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

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T-TAP Installation and Operation Guide — Contents
Contents
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Video Signal Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
T-TAP Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
T-TAP Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Unpacking T-TAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
AJA System Test and AJA DataCalc Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Thunderbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HD/SD SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HDMI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2: Installation
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting to your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installing T-TAP Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Macintosh Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Updating T-TAP Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Other Software from AJA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 3: Operation
Using T-TAP with Professional Video /Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Control Screen Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
HDMI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Conversion Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix A: Specifications
Video Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Host Computer Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Audio Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Appendix B: Safety & Compliance
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Class B Interference Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
FCC Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Canadian ICES Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Korean Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Taiwan Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Translated caution statements, warning conventions and warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Before operating your AJA unit, read the instructions in this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Chapter 1: Introduction
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Overview
AJA’s T-TAP™ provides video professionals with an inexpensive, extremely compact device
that utilizes the power of Thunderbolt™ to deliver high-quality 10-bit SD, HD and 2K video and
embedded audio output from any compatible computer.
Small and simple to use, T-TAP connects to your computer via the blazing-fast Thunderbolt™
connection which provides the bandwidth necessary for full broadcast-quality video and
audio output. Based on the same architecture as AJA’s KONA cards, T-TAP offers full 10-bit
broadcast-quality output.
HD/SD SDI and HDMI outputs are available, with support for 3D HDMI output. 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. 3D support
enables T-TAP to output directly to 3D HDMI monitors for realtime stereoscopic review, with
no need for additional hardware.
T-TAP’s professional audio functionality supports full 8-channel embedded audio for multi-
channel playback such as 5.1 or 7.1 mixes.
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 (supports compressed 3D output)
• DVCProHD hardware scaling to full raster
• HDV hardware scaling to full raster
• 8-Channel embedded audio support
• Rugged compact size
• Power via Thunderbolt

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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.
Video Signal
Formats
The Video Signal Formats supported by T-TAP are listed in Appendix A: Specifications (see
“Video Formats” on page 27).
T-TAP Audio T-TAP provides up to 8 channels of SDI and HDMI embedded audio output.
T-TAP Software AJA’s T-TAP software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated video/audio
editing and monitoring when used with a variety of 3rd-party software. With a T-TAP and
Thunderbolt-enabled computer, you have the ultimate system for standard and high
definition video editing, production and DI work. AJA software and documentation is
available for download at the AJA website.
• AJA QuickTime™ drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation.
• AJA Control Panel for controlling T-TAP within Mac OS. AJA Control Panel uses a block
diagram to show visually what is happening inside T-TAP.
• Supports popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Apple, Adobe, Avid,
and more.

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T-TAP Installation and Operation Manual — Unpacking T-TAP
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.
The AJA website link for software and documentation is:
http://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads/
System Requirements
AJA System Test
and AJA DataCalc
Application
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/
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.

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Cable Connections
T-TAP connections are made directly to the unit’s front and rear connector channels.
T-TAP Connectors
Thunderbolt Thunderbolt cabling carries two channels on the same connector with 10 Gbps of
throughput in two directions. 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.
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—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.