AJA KONA 4 Original operating instructions

Installation & Operation Guide
Version 12.4
Published: June 6, 2016

KONA v12.4 www.aja.com
2
Table of Contents
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
KONA Models Covered in this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
AJA Software & Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
KONA 4/3G Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
KONA LHe Plus Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KONA LHi Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
KONA IP Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
KONA LHi and LHe Plus Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
KONA 4/3G Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using Breakout Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
KONA KL-Box for LHe Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
KONA KLHi-Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
K3G-Box for KONA 4 & 3G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Detailed Connector Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
LHe Plus/LHi Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
KONA 4/3G to K3G-Box Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
KONA IP Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 2: Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
System Test Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing the KONA Card in a MacPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing the KONA Card in a Windows PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Cabling the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
KONA 4/3G Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
LHe Plus Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
LHi Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
KONA IP Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Installing KONA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 3: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Using KONA with Professional Video /Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Capture Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
AJA Control Panel User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Single-User & Shared Preferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Control Panel Operation of KONA Standard Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

KONA v12.4 www.aja.com
3
Control Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Input Select Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
IP Input Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
IP Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
SDI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
HDMI Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Analog Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Conversion Screen (Mac OS only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
DS Keyer Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
LUT Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Timecode Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
IP Network Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Control Panel Operation of KONA 4 and 3G in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Quadrant Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Two Sample Interleave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Who is Controlling KONA? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Using Multiple AJA Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Notes on using multiple AJA Products:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
If You Run Into Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Appendix A: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
KONA 4 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
KONA 3G Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
LHe Plus Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
KONA LHi Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
KONA IP Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Appendix B: Safety & Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Class B Interference Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
FCC Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Canadian ICES Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Regulatory Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Recycling Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Korea KCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Taiwan Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Japanese Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Translated Warning and Caution Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Before Operation Please Read These Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Warranty and Liability Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

KONA v12.4 www.aja.com
4
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

KONA v12.4 www.aja.com
5
Notices
Trademarks
AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with
most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with recorder, router,
software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for
use with camera products.
CION®, Corvid Ultra®, lo®, Ki Pro®, KONA®, KUMO®, ROI® and T-Tap® are registered trademarks of AJA
Video Systems, Inc.
AJA Control Room™, FiDO™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, TruZoom™, V2Analog™
and V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AirPort, Apple, Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire, iPod, iPod touch, Mac, Macintosh and
ProRes, are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and QuickTime logo are
trademarks of Apple Inc.
Avid, Avid DNxHD and Media Composer are registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.
Adobe is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other
countries.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
DVI is a registered trademark of DDWG.
TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
Dolby and the double-D Dolby logo are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 AJA Video Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in this
manual is subject to change without notice. No part of the document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying or recording, without the express written permission of AJA
Video Systems, Inc.
Contacting Support
When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling. To contact AJA for
sales or support, use any of the following methods:
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Web: http://www.aja.com
Support Email: [email protected]
Sales Email: [email protected]

www.aja.com
6
KONA v12.4
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
The AJA KONA series brings the highest quality 4K/UHD, 2K, HD, and SD video and audio
to Mac and Windows computers. This manual discusses the installation of KONA cards
and the necessary software drivers and plug-ins for each platform.
KONA Models
Covered in this
Manual
This manual covers the installation and operation of these models:
•KONALHePlus
•KONALHi
•KONA3G
•KONA4
•KONAIP
AJA Software &
Utilities
AJA’s KONA software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated video/audio
capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party software. With KONA and a
qualified computer, you have the ultimate system for 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.
Three retail packages are available, one for Mac, one for Windows, and one for Linux.
NOTE: Support for the Linux OS retail drivers is based on the Linux application used and comes from
the application’s vendor.
The Mac and Windows 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.
AJA Control Room Control Room is a cross-platform software application for ingest, playback and output
with AJA products.
NOTE: 64 and 32 bit versions of Windows AJA Control Room are available. The 64 bit Windows
version provides improved performance, but does not support Apple ProRes. The 32 bit
version of Windows Control Room (AJA ControlRoom 32bit.exe) support Apple ProRes, and is

www.aja.com
7
KONA v12.4
included in the AJA software package. The 32 bit version is typically installed on Windows PCs
at C:\Program Files\AJA\windows\Applications.
AJA System Test System Test provides accurate and detailed evaluations of drive and PCIe performance
statistics, allowing you to measure 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
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.
NOTE: See Software Vendor system requirements for GPU recommendations and additional
hardware requirements and recommendations.
AJA recommends:
• OS 10.9.5 or later
• Windows 7/8.1/10 with all updates
• 2.0 GHz quad core i7 minimum, for HD. For 4K, especially high frame rate, please
consult a system integrator, and the software vendor.
• 8GB RAM minimum, 32GB recommended, especially for 4K and/or High Frame Rate
applications
Disk Storage
Methods
To ensure performance and quality, the disk storage system used with the workstation
must be able to meet the demands of storing realtime uncompressed media. At the very
minimum, the disk storage system must be able to provide and maintain a consistent
transfer rate from the workstation to disk (read/write). There are a variety of system
configurations and peripherals that can provide this level of performance.
For more on disk storage performance see “System Test Application” on page 19.
KONA 4/3G Features
The KONA 4 and 3G cards offer many unique features for optimum quality, ease of use,
and support for a wide variety of post production workflows. KONA 3G features include:
Video I/O • SD-SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs
• HDMI 1.4a output
• KONA 3G I/O supports SD and HD over HDMI
• KONA 4 supports UHD and 4K over HDMI (Framerates above 30 are limited to 8 bit
4:2:0)
• 2K support that includes 2048x1556 and 2048x1080 formats

www.aja.com
8
KONA v12.4
• 4K and Ultra HD capture and playout
• KONA 3G supports framerates up to 30 fps
• KONA 4 supports framerates up to 60 fps
• 12-bit HD component analog video and SD analog component or composite and
s-video output
• 10-bit HD/SD Video+Key Output
• HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
KONA 4/3G supports Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4). KONA 4/3G supports the ingest and
output of SMPTE-372M compliant 4:4:4 RGB video and 4:2:2 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94, and
1080p 60 at 10-bit.
KONA 4 supports both Quadrant and Two Sample Interleave transport standards for UHD
and 4K video formats.
Conversion • Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit up-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit cross-conversion (1080 to 720 and 720 to
1080)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion (anamorphic to
letterbox, etc.)
KONA 4/3G features hardware-based full 10-bit broadcast quality motion adaptive SD to
HD up-conversion, HD to SD down-conversion and HD to HD cross-conversion. The
quality of the conversion features found in the KONA 4/3G is virtually identical to AJA's
award winning stand-alone converter products used throughout the post production
market. The KONA 4/3G built-in up-converter uses a a full 10-bit path, fully motion
adaptive de-interlacing, and large multi-point digital interpolators. Down-conversion
uses large multi-point digital interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation.
Cross-conversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to streamline
dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in realtime. Because these functions are
in hardware on the card, they are available full time, all the time—with no CPU load. Such
conversions are useful for cost effective monitoring, making standard definition dubs of
an HD project, or upconverting from a standard definition project to an HD deliverable.
Audio I/O • 8-channel 24-bit, 48kHz digital AES/EBU audio
• 16 channels of SDI embedded digital audio
KONA 4/3G supports 8-channel 24-bit 48kHz AES audio via BNC connections on the
supplied breakout cable—or with the optional K3G-Box,16-channels of AES audio.
KONA 4/3G’s high-quality input sample-rate conversion on AES inputs eliminates the
need for audio source synchronization. Sample rate converters auto-lock to any AES
input, 32-96kHz, and then convert it to 24-bit 48kHZ audio, locked to internal KONA 4/3G
video. Sample rate conversion is done at very high quality (over 120db THD).
Signal Timing • Genlock input with optional looping capability via the K3G- Box (terminated on the
supplied breakout cable)
• LTC (longitudinal timecode) input/output
Cabling • Standard 2-meter length connection cables including HDMI mini to HDMI output
UHD/4K Mode Capture and
Playout
In 4K Mode, KONA 4/3G offers 4K capture and playback in both YCbCr and RGB.
When using a capture application that supports 4K geometry, the KONA 4/3G maps
connectors SDI1 through SDI 4 as inputs for 4K video.

www.aja.com
9
KONA v12.4
When 4K playout in Quadrant mode is selected, the four SDI connectors are remapped as
outputs for driving the four quadrants of a 4K display. A large number of 4K formats are
supported for this workflow; see the specifications (“KONA 4 Specifications” on page 81)
for supported 4K formats. For a description of Two Sample Interleave output mapping,
see “Two Sample Interleave” on page 72.
Internal HD/SD Hardware
Downstream Keyer
KONA 4/3G provides a powerful hardware keyer that can place graphic files with an alpha
channel over video in a selectable matte or the contents of the card's framebuffer from a
software application (including AJA TV). Key a bug or text over picture and avoid what
might normally be a lengthy software render. Also, working with these software
applications, you can key video that has an alpha-channel over video input or a matte.
For example, you can load a QuickTime clip that has an alpha-channel (a flying logo
generated in the Animation codec) into AJA TV and then place it over live video coming
into the card and then passing both on to a VTR for recording or broadcast.
KONA LHe Plus Features
The KONA LHe Plus card offers a large number of unique features for optimum quality,
ease of use, and support for a wide variety of workflows and environments. KONA LHe
Plus provides flexible standard definition and high definition capture and playback, a
hardware down-converter for working in mixed SD/HD environments—and it supports
both analog and digital audio/video I/O.
Video I/O • 10-bit uncompressed SD/HD QuickTime capture card
• 12-bit HD Analog Component I/O
• 12-bit SD Analog Component/Composite/S-Video I/O
• One SDI or HD-SDI Input
• Two independent SDI/HD-SDI outputs
Conversion • Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion
Audio I/O • 2-channel analog balanced XLR audio I/O
• 2-channel AES XLR audio I/O
• 8-channel SDI embedded audio I/O
Signal Timing • HD/SD genlock on analog video inputs
Cabling • Cables standard
• Optional KL-box Breakout Box—provides rack mounting and flexible
easy I/O (KL-box cabling is included with the KL-box). When ordering, specify a KL-box
for the KONA LHe Plus since it uses a unique cable.
KONA LHe Plus Audio KONA LHe Plus supports two-channel 24-bit 48kHz AES audio via XLR connections, and
eight-channel embedded 24-bit 48kHz audio over the same single SDI connection as the
video. If you are using a digital deck—you’ll have the proper connections to the deck.
For analog audio, KONA LHe Plus provides two-channel balanced audio input and
output. If you purchase the optional KL-Box breakout box, you also get two-channel
unbalanced audio output (RCA jacks).
KONA LHe Plus also features AES input sample rate conversion; this feature eliminates the
requirement for audio source synchronization. Sample rate converters auto-lock to any
AES input, 32-96KHz, and then convert it to 24 bit 48KHz audio, perfectly locked to
internal KONA LHe Plus video. Sample rate conversion is done at very high quality (over
120db THD).

www.aja.com
10
KONA v12.4
KONA LHi Features
The KONA LHi card offers a large number of unique features for optimum quality, ease of
use, and support for a wide variety of workflows and environments. KONA LHi provides
flexible standard definition and high definition capture and playback, a hardware-based
converter for working in mixed SD/HD environments—and it supports both analog and
digital audio/video I/O—including HDMI.
Video I/O • 10-bit uncompressed QuickTime capture card
• 3G/HD/SD SDI I/O
• HDMI v1.3a w/Deep Color at 30 bits per pixel input/output
• 12-bit SD and HD Analog Component/Composite/S-Video I/O
Conversion • Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit up-conversion
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit cross-conversion (1080 to 720 and 720 to
1080)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion (anamorphic to
letterbox, etc.)
Audio I/O • 2-channel analog balanced XLR audio I/O
• 2-channel AES XLR audio I/O
• 8-channel SDI embedded audio I/O
Signal Timing • HD/SD genlock on analog video inputs
• LTC Input (on Reference input)
Cabling • Cables standard
• Optional KLHi-box Breakout Box—provides rack mounting and flexible
easy I/O (KLHi-box cabling is included with the KLHi-box).
KONA LHi Audio KONA LHi supports 2-channel 24-bit 48kHz or 96kHz AES audio via XLR connections, and
8 channel embedded 24 bit 48kHz audio over HDMI or the same single SDI connection as
the video. If you are using a digital deck—you’ll have the proper connections to the deck.
For analog audio, KONA LHi provides two-channel balanced audio input and output. If
you purchase the optional KLHi-Box breakout box, you also get two-channel unbalanced
audio output (RCA jacks).
KONA LHi also features AES input sample rate conversion; this feature eliminates the
requirement for audio source synchronization. Sample rate converters auto-lock to any
AES or HDMI input, 32-96KHz, and then convert it to 24 bit 48KHz audio, perfectly locked
to internal KONA LHi video. Sample rate conversion is done at very high quality (over
120db THD). (HDMI audio can be 20 to 24 bit and will be saved as 24 bit samples.)
KONA IP Features
KONA IP is desktop video and audio I/O for professional IP-based workflows. KONA IP is
the next generation of AJA’s industry-leading KONA line of PCIe capture and playback
cards, and works with AJA's Control Room, Control Panel software and SDK tools,
providing support for leading third party content creation applications. Designed as a
flexible platform with support for SMPTE 2022-6 uncompressed IP video needs, KONA IP
offers you the flexibility to keep current as the IP transition proceeds.

www.aja.com
11
KONA v12.4
Operating Systems
Supported
•Mac
•Windows
•Linux
NOTE: See the AJA Driver Release Notes, available on the AJA website and also installed with the
driver, for the exact OS versions supported.
Video Formats • (HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
• (HD) 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
• (HD) 1080i 25, 29.97
• HD) 720P 50, 59.94, 60
• (SD) 625i 25
• (SD) 525i 29.97
Physical Connection for
2022-6
• 2 x 10 Gb Ethernet SFP+ Cages - SFPs and modules not included.
For a list of 10GbE SFP+ modules tested by AJA, use the link below:
www.aja.com/en/products/kona-ip#techspecs
Inputs and Outputs • Retail package configured by default with 2 inputs and 2 outputs on the top SFP
• SDK can support any input or output configuration up to 4 streams and up to 10 Gb in
any direction over one link
Video Output Digital • HDMI 1.4a output
• 30/36 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps
•HD/SD
Digital Audio Input • 16 channels of SDI embedded audio
Digital Audio Output • 16-Channel SDI embedded audio, 24-bit per channel, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
• 8-Channel HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
Signal Timing • 1 x BNC assignable to reference video or LTC input
Internal HD/SD Hardware
Downstream Keyer
KONA IP provides a powerful hardware keyer that can place graphic files with an alpha
channel over video in a selectable matte or the contents of the card's framebuffer from a
software application (including AJA TV). Key a bug or text over picture and avoid what
might normally be a lengthy software render. Also, working with these software
applications, you can key video that has an alpha-channel over video input or a matte.
For example, you can load a QuickTime clip that has an alpha-channel (a flying logo
generated in the Animation codec) into AJA TV and then place it over live video coming
into the card and then passing both on to a VTR for recording or broadcast.
Cable Connections
KONA offers unsurpassed cable connectivity for a video/audio capture card. Connections
are made via the breakout cable (included with the card) and connectors mounted on
the KONA Card endplate. These connectors, for all three KONA models, are illustrated on
the following pages.
KONA LHi and LHe
Plus Connectors
The Breakout cable used for both KONA LHi and LHe Plus models provides:
• Reference Input (BNC connector)

www.aja.com
12
KONA v12.4
• Component/Composite/S Video Input (3x BNC)
• Component/Composite/S Video Output (3x BNC)
• AES In (2x XLR)
•AESOut(2xXLR)
• Balanced Audio In (2x XLR)
• Balanced Audio Out (2x XLR)
• RS-422 Machine Control (9-pin)
LHi Endplate Connectors on the KONA LHi card endplate additionally provide:
• Standard-definition or High-definition SDI input (1 BNC) and output (1 BNC)
• HDMI input and output (2x HDMI mini-connectors)
LHe Plus Endplate The KONA LHe Plus endplate provides one BNC for SDI/SDI HD input and two
independent SDI/SDI HD output BNC’s.
Figure 1. Breakout Cables for LHe Plus and LHi Models
KONA 4/3G
Connectors
KONA 4/3G provides complete I/O connectivity choices in two multi-signal breakout
cables and one HDMI-to-HDMI mini output cable. One multi-signal cable provides AES/
EBU digital BNC connections and analog video monitoring connections. The other has 4
mini-connectors on one end and 4 BNCs on the other providing SDI connections. Cable
connections are marked on both the KONA card endplate and on the cable connectors
for easy identification.

www.aja.com
13
KONA v12.4
Figure 2. KONA 4/3G Breakout Cables
Using Breakout Boxes
The KONA product line offers two optional 19” 1RU rack-mountable breakout boxes that
attach to the KONA card via cables that connect to the back of the Box. These cables are
supplied with the Box. The breakout boxes offer the same inputs and outputs as the
standard breakout cables and more. Breakout boxes can be easily rack mounted or
placed on top of a broadcast monitor or editing desk.
KONA KL-Box for
LHe Plus
The KONA KL-Box is connected via one 60-pin to 60-pin, and one 3-BNC to 3-BNC cable.
When you purchase the KL-Box, you get two-channel unbalanced audio output (2 RCA
Jacks) not available with the standard cable. When ordering a KL-Box, specify the KONA
card model you’ll be using the KL box with to ensure you get the proper cable set.
4-mini BNCs
to 4 standard
BNCs
Reference Input BNC
HDMI Output (1)
RS422 Machine Control to VTR
(9-pin)
SDI Out1/Link A BNC
SDI Out2/Link B BNC
SDI In1/Link A BNC
SDI In2/Link B BNC
Digital AES
Audio Input BNCs
Channels 1-8
Digital AES
Audio Output BNCs
Channels 1-8
LTC Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
SDI
KONA 4/3G
end-plate
3 BNCs (Analog Connections):
Output SD:
Component, Composite, or S-Video
Output HD: Component or RGB

www.aja.com
14
KONA v12.4
Figure 3. KL-Box Model Breakout Box
KONA KLHi-Box The KONA KLHi-Box offers the same connections as the KL-Box except a single connector
is provided for the following: SDI input, SDI output, HDMI v1.3a input, and HDMI v1.3a
output.
NOTE: The HDMI connectors on the breakout box are full-size, not mini as on the LHi endplate
Figure 4. KLHi-Box Model Breakout Box.
K3G-Box for KONA 4
& 3G
The K3G-Box for KONA 4 and 3G offers convenient connector access and additional
functionality including simultaneous BNC AES output, 2-channel RCA analog audio
monitoring, and looping BNC connection for Genlock reference and LTC timecode. If
you’re using a digital Betacam deck, HDCAM, DVCPRO HD, D5, D9 or even an HDCAM SR,
you’ll have the proper connections.
Reference
(loop)
Output
Channels 1 & 2 Component
Video Out
Digital
Out
RS422
Machine
Control
External
Reference
(loop)
Analog Audio
Output
Balanced Audio In
Channels 1 & 2
Balanced Audio Out
Channels 1 & 2
Composite/
Component
Video In
Composite/
Component
Video Out
AES/EBU Audio
In and Out In
Serial
Digital
Serial
Digital
Out
RS422
Machine
Control
External
Ref. or LTC
(loop)
Analog
Audio
Output
Balanced Audio In
Channels 1 & 2
Balanced Audio Out
Channels 1 & 2
Composite/
Component
Video In
Composite/
Component
Video Out
AES/EBU Audio
In and Out
SDI
In
SDI
Out
HDMI v1.3a
Out
HDMI v1.3a
In

www.aja.com
15
KONA v12.4
Figure 5. K3G-Box Model Breakout Box (front & rear view)
Detailed Connector Descriptions
LHe Plus/LHi
Connectors
Connectors on the standard cable set are labeled by their function for easy installation
and maintenance. Connectors on the optional KL-Box are similarly labeled
SDI Input and Outputs BNC connectors are provided on the KONA LHe and LHi card endplates for one SD-SDI or
HD-SDI input. The LHe Plus has two, and LHi has one SDI output (format independent of
the input). The SDI input and outputs support video and embedded 24-bit digital audio.
Use SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10-bit uncompressed video input, capture
and output. If peripheral equipment has a variety of inputs/outputs, 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 Input and Output Two HDMI mini-connectors on the LHi endplate (full-size HDMI connectors on the KLHi
Box) provide for input and output of HDMI compatible video (version 1.1) and multi-
channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not supported on either input or output.
The LHi’s HDMI output does not have HDCP, and input sources having HDCP are not
supported. The HDMI input is designed to support long cable runs—up to 100 ft. when
using 22 or 24AWG HDMI cable, or up to 50 ft. using 28 or 30AWG HDMI cable. The HDMI
output supports standard HDMI cables only.
2-Channel Digital AES/EBU
Audio Inputs And Outputs
One female XLR connector is provided for the channel 1 and 2 inputs, while a male XLR
connector carries channel 1 and 2 outputs. AES/EBU signals are handled internally as 24-
bit digital.The optional KL-Box also provides XLR audio connections on the front panel.
RS422
Machine
Control
Longitudinal
Time Code
(LTC)
External
Reference
(loop)
Video Monitor Out
Component/
Composite
Video Output
Analog Audio
Output
AES/EBU Audio In
Channels 1 through 16
All AES/EBU audio connectors have two channels
per connector
SDI Ports 1 through 4AES/EBU Audio Out
Channels 1 through 16
HDMI
Out
HDMI Output
from KONA 3G
mini-HDMI connector
KONA 3G
Host
Connector
SDI Ports 1 through 4

www.aja.com
16
KONA v12.4
NOTE: AES XLR connections are digital and cannot be used with analog equipment having XLR
connectors.
Analog 2-Channel Balanced
Audio
Two sets of analog XLR connectors, one for each channel, support balanced audio
connections. Male XLRs are provided for outputs and female XLRs are provided for
inputs. Balanced audio (differential) connections provide better analog audio quality
over longer cable runs. Most professional quality VTRs and audio equipment have XLR
style connectors for analog audio. Analog audio signals are converted internally to 24-bit
digital.
Unbalanced Audio on KL-
Box
On the KL-Box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These
connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.
RS-422 Machine Control A female DE-9 connector on the LHi/LHe Plus breakout cable provides connection for
VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers, and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony)
protocol. This RS-422 connector is also present on the optional KL-Box (connector pinout
is Sony 9-pin protocol).
KONA 4/3G to K3G-
Box Connectors
Connectors on the standard cable set are labeled for their function for easy installation
and maintenance. Connectors on the optional K3G-Box (breakout box) are similarly
labeled.
8-Channel Digital AES/EBU
Audio I/O
When using the standard cables, BNC connections are provided for AES/EBU audio input/
output. Four BNC connectors are provided for audio input and four for audio output.
Each BNC carries two channels. The connectors are labeled for input/output and
channels.
The optional K3G-Box provides BNC audio connections on the front panel for 16-
channels of audio input and output.
Unbalanced Audio on K3G-
Box
On the K3G breakout box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These
connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.
RS-422 Machine Control A female DE-9 connector provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers,
and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. This connector is present on both
the general I/O cables and the optional K3G-Box (connector pinout is Sony 9-pin protocol.)
SDI Inputs & Outputs On the KONA 4/3G card, mini-connectors are provided for bi-directional SDI inputs and
outputs for Single Link, Dual Link or 4K/UHD I/O. A cable with four Mini-connectors on
one end and four BNCs on the other end is provided for connecting equipment to the SDI
inputs and outputs.
In Standard mode, KONA 4/3G offers four video outputs altogether:
• two SDI outputs that are used for both High- and Standard-definition (SD/HD-SDI)
• two monitor outputs (discussed later), one component analog and one HDMI 1.4a.
Each of the four outputs is independently switchable between HD and SD. For example, if
you are working in HD, you can have simultaneous HD-SDI, SD-SDI, and HD-component
analog output.
SDI inputs and outputs support video and 8-channel embedded 24-bit digital audio. Use
SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10-bit uncompressed video input, capture, and
output. If peripheral equipment has a variety of inputs/outputs, look to see if it has SDI I/
O, and use it wherever possible. Most high-end professional broadcast equipment
supports SDI (VTRs, cameras, media storage servers, etc.).

www.aja.com
17
KONA v12.4
HDMI Output An HDMI mini-connector on the KONA4/3G endplate (full-size HDMI connectors on the
K3G-Box) provides HDMI 1.4 capability, supporting 4K up to 24fps and UHD at up to 60
fps.
NOTE: KONA 3G supports SD and HD over HDMI. KONA 4 supports UHD and 4K over HDMI.
HDMI also supports multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not supported
on the output.
Analog Monitor Out puts Both the standard I/O cable and the optional K3G-Box feature two groups of three BNC
connectors each, for input and output of component, composite and Y/C functions. The
signals are labeled on both the cable and K3G-Box connectors.
The analog component output can be switched between SD and HD. KONA 4/3G
features 12-bit component video output for both HD and SD. SD can be switched to
composite and Y/C. (The same three BNC connectors share component and Y/C
functions.) This allows use of an inexpensive analog monitor for both HD and SD work.
You can even use a composite video monitor. For Dual Link HD-SDI output, HD or SD can
be monitored through the component output. Dual Link HD can be output as 4:4:4 RGB.
Component video signals are generally higher quality than composite, but not as high-
quality as serial digital (SDI).
NOTE: About RGB: Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA 4/3G supports it for A/V
Monitor output. However, because the KONA 4/3G (and SMPTE SDI’s) native format is YPbPr,
AJA recommends using YPbPr when the monitor supports it. The YPbPr format provides
“headroom” for “superwhite” and superblack”—and these video levels will be clipped when
transcoding to RGB. Also, the RGB/YPbPr transcoding involves a level translation that results
in mathematical round-off error. RGB can be configured in the Playout setup panel of the
specific application you are using with KONA 4/3G.
NOTE: About YPbPr: KONA 4/3G supports three different types of YPbPr:
•SMPTE/EBUN10
• Betacam (NTSC)
• Betacam (NTSC-J [Japan]).
These three formats differ in level only and can be configured in the Playout setup panel
of the specific application you are using with KONA 4/3G.
Reference Video A single BNC on the standard KONA cable—or two BNC connectors on the K3G-Box
(looping)—allow you to synchronize KONA outputs to your house analog reference
video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync generator or central piece of video
equipment to use for synchronizing other video equipment in your studio, connect its
analog composite output here. When KONA outputs video, it locks to this reference
signal. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same
format as the Primary format selected in KONA software. It is possible in some
circumstances to use an alternate format video signal if the basic frame rate is
compatible.
KONA IP Connectors KONA IP provides SFP+ cages for 10GbE connectivity, rather than the DIN connectors
found on KONA 3G and KONA 4.
SFP Cages and Modules Two SFP+ cages are provided to connect two separate 10 Gigabit Ethernet Links. Both
links are bi-directional. Inputs and outputs for most uses will be set up over the same link
if bandwidth allows it. In this first version of KONA IP, SMPTE 2022-6 is supported for
input and output. Up to four total streams of SD or HD each with 16 audio channels and

www.aja.com
18
KONA v12.4
Metadata may be input our output at a time, and can be configured in the AJA Control
Panel, which is detailed later in this manual. Transport Methods other than SMPTE 2022-6
may become available in the future.
For a list of 10GbE SFP+ modules tested by AJA, use the link below:
www.aja.com/en/products/kona-ip#techspecs
HDMI Output A full-size HDMI connector on the KONA IP endplate provides HDMI 1.4 capability.
NOTE: KONA IP supports SD and HD over HDMI.
HDMI also supports multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not supported
on the output.
Reference Video A single BNC on the KONA IP endplate allows you to synchronize KONA outputs to your
house analog reference video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync generator or
central piece of video equipment to use for synchronizing other video equipment in your
studio, connect its analog composite output here. When KONA outputs video, it locks to
this reference signal. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal
should be the same format as the Primary format selected in KONA software. It is possible
in some circumstances to use an alternate format video signal if the basic frame rate is
compatible. KONA IP can also lock to an incoming SMPTE 2022-6 signal, or it can free run.

www.aja.com
19
KONA v12.4
Chapter 2: Installation
Installation Overview
The installation and set up of a KONA card is very simple. All of the steps of installation
and configuration are documented in this chapter, summarized as follows:
1. Unpack and examine the contents of the shipping box
2. If your computer has previously had another video capture or multimedia card
installed, ensure you remove the card and uninstall any related software before
installing the KONA card. This will prevent any hardware or software conflicts.
Card Placement 3. For the KONA Mac installation, AJA recommends that the card be placed in Slot 3 and
the Apple Expansion Slot Utility be configured so that the slot is running at x4 lane
speed or higher. (The choice of x4, x4, x1 and x16 is ideal.) Refer to the AJA website at:
http://www.aja.com/en/support/kona-system-configuration/
For the most up-to-date Windows system requirements for KONA, consult the AJA
website:
http://www.aja.com/en/support/kona-pc-system-configuration/
4. Cable the system audio and video sources, VTR, audio monitor, and video monitor. If
you purchased the optional Breakout Box, then install it into an equipment rack or
place it on a desk and connect its cables to the KONA card. If you're instead using the
standard cable set, then use those to connect directly to your equipment.
5. Install KONA drivers and plugins.
Each of these steps is discussed in greater detail in the pages of this chapter.
System Test
Application
AJA System Test is a utility for measuring system performance with AJA KONA Video
Capture cards. It is installed with the KONA Driver. The application includes:
• System Disk Test
• AJA Device Test
• Disk + Device Test
•SystemReport

www.aja.com
20
KONA v12.4
The application tests Read and Write, Capture and Playback speeds tests 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.
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.
Unpacking
Shipping Box
Contents
Your KONA shipment includes:
• KONA 4/8-lane PCI-Express card
•KONAI/Ocables.
KONA 4/3G Cables If you purchased the KONA 4 or 3G, you will receive this complement of cables:
• Cable, HDMI mini-to-HDMI output
• Cable, KONA 4/3G SDI In/Out—mini-connectors on the card (technically called “1.0/2.3
connectors”) connect to full-size BNCs for ease of use and compatibility with
professional equipment.
• Cable, AES BNC digital audio connectors, RS422, and Reference Input.
If you purchased the optional K3G-Box breakout box, it ships with a multi-pin to multi-
pin cable for connecting from the KONA 4 or 3G card to the breakout box. The x4 BNC
cable to 1.0/2.3 connectors cable that shipped with the card is also needed interconnect
the SDI connectors out of the card to the breakout box. Also, the HDMI cable connects
between the KONA 4/3G card and the box rear panel.