AJA KONA Series User manual
KONA Series
Capture, Display, Convert
Version 15.2
Published June 3, 2019
Installation and Operation Manual
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 2 www.aja.com
Notices
Trademarks
AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
for use with most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for
use with recorder, router, software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a
trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with camera products.
CION®, Corvid Ultra®, lo®, Ki Pro®, KONA®, KUMO®, ROI® and T-Tap® are registered
trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AJA Control Room™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, TruZoom™,
V2Analog™ and V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright
Copyright © 2019 AJA Video Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in
this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of the document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying or recording, without the express written permission of AJA
Video Systems, Inc.
Contacting AJA Support
When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling. To contact AJA
for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
Telephone +1.530.271.3190
FAX +1.530.271.3140
Web https://www.aja.com
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 3 www.aja.com
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
KONA Models Covered in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Shared KONA Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Capture Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
RS-422 Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
KONA 5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
KONA 5 Card Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
KONA 5 Card with Breakout Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KONA 4 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KONA 4 Breakout Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
K3G-Box for KONA 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
KONA 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Mac, Windows and Linux Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Additional with Mac and Windows Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Optimum PCIe Slot Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Third Party Software Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AJA System Test Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the KONA Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cabling the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
KONA 5 Example Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
KONA 4 Example Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
K3G-Box for KONA 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
KONA 1 Example Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing KONA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Software Package Installation and Re-installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Firmware Update Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Firmware Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 3 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
AJA Control Panel Operating Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Single-User & Shared Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using Multiple AJA Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
General Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Control Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Contents
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 4 www.aja.com
Input Select Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SDI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SDI Output Screen, KONA 4 in UFC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Analog Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Audio Mixer Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Audio Mixer Capture Monitor Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Audio Mixer Playback Monitor Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Downstream Keyer Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
LUT Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Control Panel 4K/UltraHD Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4K Transport Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Control Panel Block Diagram Area in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SDI Output Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
HDMI HDR Screen in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Video Setup Screen in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Audio Mixer Screens (KONA 4 in 4K Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Downstream Keyer Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Control Panel 8K Operation (KONA 5 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Format Screen in 8K Mode (KONA 5 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
About 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
About 12-bit Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
About RGB and YPbPr Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
KONA 5 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
KONA 4 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
KONA 1 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Appendix B – Safety & Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Limited Warranty on Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Governing Law and Language; Your Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 5 www.aja.com
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
AJA KONA cards bring the highest quality 8K/UltraHD2, 4K/UltraHD, 2K, HD, and
SD video and audio to computers running Mac, Windows or Linux Operating
Systems. KONA cards support the broadest range of creative software for
editorial, color, mastering, HDR, dailies, live streaming, graphics, game capture
and much more.
KONA cards have incredibly wide application compatibility. Out-of-the-box, your
AJA hardware and software supports Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects,
Apple Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer, Avid ProTools and Telestream
Wirecast via AJA’s unified Desktop Software package.
AJA hardware is also supported by an enormous range of additional applications
for all types of video, graphics and effects work, via the support of 3rd party
development partners.
https://www.aja.com/compatibility/kona
Pick your application of choice and KONA connects it to your world.
KONA Models Covered in this Manual
This manual covers the installation and operation of these KONA card models:
• KONA 5
• KONA 4
• KONA 1
NOTE: The KONA LHe Plus and KONA LHi cards share a separate AJA manual, and the
KONA IP and KONA HDMI cards each have a separate AJA manual.
KONA cards have varying capabilities, depending on the KONA model and
installed firmware version, and are suited for various real-world applications.
Shared KONA Features
The following information applies to all the KONA products covered in this
manual.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 6 www.aja.com
Capture Formats
When capturing, you can record data in the following file formats:
• BMP
• DPX
• MOV (QuickTime)
NOTE: Support by KONA of QuickTime for Windows has been discontinued. However,
ProRes family capture and playback for macOS, Windows and Linux is supported
via AJA Control Room.
• MXF
• TGA
NOTE: Other file types can be captured using third-party capture applications such as
Sienna, Softron, Tools on Air, Drastic, or Quadrus.
Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
KONA cards have a powerful HD/SD hardware keyer that can place graphic files
with an alpha channel over HD/SD 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. The downstream keyer operates with
HD/SD video, and is not available for UltraHD/4K signals.
RS-422 Machine Control
9-pin D style connectors provide a control path for VTRs, camcorders, disk
media servers, and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. RS-422
connectors located on the KONA card itself and the K3G-Box are female, while the
RS-422 connectors on break-out cables are male.
KONA 5 Features
Figure 1. KONA 5 Card
Four Locking
Bi-directional
HD-BNCs
Supporting Up
to 12G-SDI
HDMI 2.0
Output
Connector
Reference/
LTC Input
Locking HD-BNC
Multi-pin
Breakout Cable
Connector
ATX Power
Connector
1
2
3
4
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 7 www.aja.com
KONA 5 is AJA’s blazingly fast, 8-lane PCIe 3.0 I/O card, designed for today’s most
demanding video and audio workflows. Whether you are working with HFR 4K/
UltraHD, 2K/HD, SD, Deep Color and/or HDR, experience the quality and peace
of mind that KONA 5 brings to your world. Supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4, or
even 12-bit* color spaces for pristine imagery, KONA 5 allows the flexibility to
ingest and output with 12G/6G/3G-SDI and monitor with a full-size HDMI 2.0
port. The bidirectional 12G-SDI ports provide immense flexibility for capture and
simultaneous pass through, and with the appropriate software, multi-channel
capture and streaming. For HDR workflows, KONA 5 supports HDR10 and HLG for
rich color delivery over HDMI 2.0.
KONA 5 supports two versions of firmware, 8K and 4K, which can be installed as
needed to meet your specific requirements.
KONA 5 Card Only
Besides shared features (see "Shared KONA Features" on page 5), KONA 5 offers:
• 4K and UltraHD ingest and output at frame rates up to 50/60 fps
• 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 workflows
• 12-bit color support (application dependent)
• Four bidirectional twist-lock HD-BNC SDI 12G-SDI HD-BNCs connectors
• One twist-lock HD-BNC reference input connector
• Single Link I/O for 4K/UltraHD across 12G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 1.5G-SDI (8K
Mode required for 12G signals)
• Dual Link I/O for 1.5G-SDI and 3G-SDI (2x HD-BNC)
• Quad Link I/O for 1.5G-SDI, 3G-SDI (4x HD-BNC)
• Supports Quadrant or Two Sample Interleave transport
• Automatically downsamples Single Link 4K/UltraHD 12G input to HD on the
KONA 5 SDI 4 output (4K Mode only)
• HDMI 2.0 Output
• HDR10 support - HDR Infoframe metadata, in accordance with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-
861.3
• HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support
• Up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio
• Up to 8 channels of HDMI embedded audio
• Audio Monitor mixing of sources, including Host Computer and Application
(4K Mode only)
• Reference Input on card (Analog black burst or Tri-level)
• An ATX power connector (Molex p/n 45558-0003) is located at the rear of the
card, and its use is required for operation (the retail KONA 5 card does not use
PCIe bus power)
• Five short HD-BNC (locking) to full size BNC adapter cables are provided
• Extend external connectivity with included breakout cable
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 8 www.aja.com
KONA 5 Card with Breakout Cable
Figure 2. KONA 5 Breakout Cable
NOTE: KONA 5 breakout cables cannot be used with KONA 4 cards, and vice versa.
• Up to four channel pairs of AES audio on full size BNC connectors,
configurable as two pairs in and two pairs out, or all four pairs in, or all four
pairs out
• Reference In/LTC In (selectable)
• LTC Output
• RS-422 control via 9-pin D connector
Figure 3. KONA 5 Breakout and Adapter Cables
Digital AES
Audio Input BNCs
Channels 1-8
Digital AES
Audio Output BNCs
Channels 1-8
RS-422 Machine Control
9-pin D-sub (male)
HDMI Output (1)
Reference/LTC Input
SDI I/O 4
SDI I/O 3
SDI I/O 2
SDI I/O 1
LTC Output BNC
LTC Input BNC
5 HD-BNCs
to 5 Standard BNCs
KONA 5
PCIe Bracket
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 9 www.aja.com
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 5
Figure 4. KONA 5 AJA Control Panel Screen Example
The AJA Control Panel application provides an easy to use graphical user interface
for configuration control. See "AJA Control Panel User Interface" on page 25 for
detailed information.
KONA 4 Features
Figure 5. KONA 4 Card
Four DIN
1.0/2.3 sliding
sleeve BNCs
Mini-HDMI 1.4b
Output
Connector
Multi-pin
Breakout Cable
Connector
1
2
3
4
KONA 4 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 KONA 4's built-in up-converter uses 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.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 10 www.aja.com
Cross-conversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to
streamline dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in real time. 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.
KONA 4’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 video.
KONA 4 supports two versions of firmware, 4K and UFC, which can be installed as
needed to meet your specific requirements.
Besides shared features (see "Shared KONA Features" on page 5), KONA 4 offers:
• Four DIN 1.0/2.3 sliding sleeve video connectors on the card endplate (a DIN
to full size BNC adapter cable snake is provided)
• SD-SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link HD-SDI, and 3G HD-SDI inputs
• HDMI 1.4b output (mini HDMI connector on card, full size connector on
optional K3G-Box)
• 2K support that includes 2048x1556 and 2048x1080 formats
• 4K and UltraHD capture and playout, up to 60 fps (4K Mode only)
• Quadrant and Two Sample Interleave transport (4K Mode only)
• 12-bit HD Component analog video and SD analog Component or Composite/
S-Video (Y/C)
• 10-bit HD/SD Video+Key Output
• Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4), and 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
• HDR signaling and monitoring for HDR10 and HLG High Dynamic Range video
• Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit up-, down- and cross-conversion
(UFC Mode only)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion,
anamorphic to letterbox, etc. (UFC Mode only)
• 8-channel 24-bit, 48kHz digital AES/EBU audio
• 16 channels of SDI embedded digital audio
• Audio Monitor mixing of sources, including Host Computer and Application
(4K Mode only)
• Genlock input with optional looping capability via the K3G-Box (terminated
on the supplied breakout cable)
• LTC (longitudinal timecode) input/output
KONA 4 Breakout Cable Connections
Figure 6. KONA 4 Breakout Cable
NOTE: KONA 4 breakout cables cannot be used with KONA 5 cards, and vice versa.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 11 www.aja.com
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.
KONA 4 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 four DIN 1.0/2.3 small connectors on one end and four full size 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.
Figure 7. KONA 4 Breakout and Adapter Cables
4 DIN 1.0/2.3
small BNCs to
4 standard BNCs
Reference Input BNC
HDMI Output (1)
RS-422 Machine Control to VTR
(9-pin)
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
end-plate
3 BNCs (Analog Connections)
SD Out: Component, Composite, or S-Video
HD Out: Component or RGB
SDI I/O 4
SDI I/O 3
SDI I/O 2
SDI I/O 1
K3G-Box for KONA 4
An optional 19” 1RU rack-mountable breakout box is available that attaches to
the KONA 4 card via cables that connect to the back of the breakout box. These
cables are supplied with the breakout box. Breakout boxes can be easily rack
mounted or placed on top of a broadcast monitor or editing desk. See "K3G-Box
for KONA 4" on page 21 for K3G-Box connections and capabilities.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 12 www.aja.com
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 4
Figure 8. KONA 4 AJA Control Panel Screen Example
The AJA Control Panel application provides an easy to use graphical user interface
for configuration control. See "AJA Control Panel User Interface" on page 25 for
detailed information.
KONA 1 Features
Figure 9. KONA 1 Card
3G-SDI
Input
3G-SDI
Output
Reference/LTC
Input
RS-422
(9 pin D)
Designed for broadcast, post and ProAV, as well as OEM developers, KONA 1 is a
robust, cost efficient single-channel 3G-SDI 2K/HD 60p I/O card with serial control
and reference/LTC. KONA 1 enables simultaneous pass-thru monitoring during
capture.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 13 www.aja.com
NOTE: KONA 1 uses on-card connectors only. No breakout cable or breakout box is
available.
• The KONA 1 endplate provides three full-size BNC connectors:
• Reference/LTC input (top)
• 3G-SDI input (middle)
• 3G-SDI output (bottom)
• Most 3G-SDI formats supported (see "KONA 1 Tech Specs" on page 77 for a
complete listing
• Up to 16-Channels of Embedded SDI audio in
• Up to 16-Channels of Embedded SDI audio out
• Mini PCIe form factor
• Genlock with reference input
• LTC input
• Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
• RS-422 machine control (9-pin) using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol
NOTE: A Low Profile version of the KONA card with the same functionality is available
for developers.
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 1
Figure 10. KONA 1 AJA Control Panel Screen Example
The AJA Control Panel application provides an easy to use graphical user interface
for configuration control. See "AJA Control Panel User Interface" on page 25 for
detailed information.
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.
Four retail packages are available, one for Mac, one for Windows, and two for
Linux (one package for Ubuntu, one package for Red Hat/CentOS).
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 14 www.aja.com
NOTE: Support for the Linux OS retail drivers is based on the Linux application used and
comes from the application’s vendor.
To download AJA software, go to the AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/support/downloads
For a complete software compatibility list, see the AJA website link
https://www.aja.com/compatibility/kona
Mac, Windows and Linux Packages
These 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 devices.
AJA System Test
System Test provides accurate and detailed evaluations of drive and system
performance statistics, allowing you to measure the capabilities of your system
for recording and playing back various resolutions and codecs. The application
includes:
• System Disk Test
• AJA Device Test
• Disk + Device Test
• System Report
The application tests Read and Write, Capture and Playback speeds in both
Megabytes per second and Frames per second. The disk speed tests differ from
standard disk I/O performance applications in that they specifically test the
system under conditions typically encountered with video capture, playback, and
editing.
NOTE: Theoretically the best test is to fill your storage disk to 80% and then test capture
at the highest data rate you will use.
Additional with Mac and Windows Packages
3rd-Party Plugins
AJA provided plugins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from
Adobe, Avid, Apple, and Telestream.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 15 www.aja.com
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:
• Mac OS 10.12 Sierra or later
• Win 10 or later with all updates
• Linux Redhat/CentOS 7
• Linux Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
• 2.5 GHz quad core i7 minimum, for HD
• 3.5 GHz eight core minimum, faster processors and more cores recommended,
for UltraHD/4K workflows, especially with high frame rate
• 16GB RAM minimum, 32GB or more recommended, especially for UltraHD/4K
or High Frame Rate applications
• A reasonably fast and powerful graphics card, with plenty of on-board
memory. Examples (may be specific to application version and/or host CPU)
include:
• Nvidia K5200
• Nvidia K4200
• Nvidia M6000
• Nvidia M5000
• Nvidia M4000
• AMD W7100
• AMD W8100
• Media storage with adequate bandwidth to sustain the capture and playback
of the material you expect to be working with.
NOTE: For large scale installations with shared storage, or for very high performance
requirements, AJA recommends consultation with an experienced a system
integrator. A consultant will be able to assist with many important variables.
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 real-time
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 "AJA System Test Application" on page
16.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 16 www.aja.com
Chapter 2 – Installation
Installation Overview
The installation and set up of a KONA card is simple, and may vary slightly
depending on your system.
Optimum PCIe Slot Placement
For the most up-to-date Mac system requirements for KONA, see the following
AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/en/support/kona-system-configuration/
For the most up-to-date Windows system requirements for KONA, see the
following AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/en/support/kona-pc-system-configuration/
Third Party Software Support
For further support information regarding third-party software compatibility, see:
https://www.aja.com/en/category/edit/compatibility
AJA 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
• System Report
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
As you unpack your shipment, carefully examine the contents. Ensure you
received everything and that nothing was damaged during shipping. 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 items.
If you find shipping damage, contact your AJA dealer or distributor for details on
how to have your KONA card repaired or replaced.
NOTE: 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.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 17 www.aja.com
Shipping Box Contents
Your KONA shipment includes:
• KONA 1, KONA 4, or KONA 5 PCI-Express card
• Associated cables for the KONA card (see below)
KONA 4 Cables
Provided with the KONA 4 card are:
• HDMI mini-to-HDMI output cable
• KONA 4 SDI In/Out adapter—small 4x DIN 1.0/2.3 sliding sleeve connectors on
the adapter cable are used to connect the KONA card to full-size BNCs for ease
of use and compatibility with professional equipment
KONA 3G-Box Cables for KONA 4
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 card to the breakout box. The 4x
BNC cable to DIN 1.0/2.3 connectors cable that shipped with the card is needed
to connect the SDI connectors out of the card to the breakout box. Also, the HDMI
cable connects between the KONA 4 card and the box rear panel.
NOTE: KONA 4 breakout cables cannot be used with KONA 5 cards, and vice versa.
KONA 5 Cables
Provided with the KONA 5 card are:
• 1x multi-pin breakout cable, 6 feet
• 5x HD-BNC (twist lock) to full-size BNC adapter cables
Installing the KONA Card
Figure 11. KONA 4 Card Example
The KONA card can be installed into a PC chassis, legacy Mac Pro chassis with PCIe
slots, or into a Thunderbolt PCIe external chassis.
IMPORTANT: The KONA 5 card requires ATX power. For customers who wish to use a
Thunderbolt 3 expansion chassis, the chassis must provide ATX connectivity and
adequate power.
1. Turn off power to the host chassis.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 18 www.aja.com
2. Touch the outside of the chassis to discharge any body static.
3. Remove the power cable from the back of the chassis.
4. Open the chassis.
5. Locate a recommended PCIe slot (see "Optimum PCIe Slot Placement" on
page 16 for more information).
6. Remove the backplate from the PCIe slot.
7. Touch the chassis to discharge any body static.
8. Remove the KONA card from its anti-static bag.
9. Carefully insert the card by rocking it slowly into the slot. Ensure the card
aligns properly with the slot opening and is fully seated.
10. (KONA 5 card only) Connect an ATX power cable from the host motherboard
to the rear of the KONA 5 card.
Figure 12. KONA 5 Only, ATX Power Connection
PC Internal ATX
Power Connector
1, 2, 3 = +12v
4, 5, 6 = COM
(Molex p/n 45559-0002)
11. Secure the card in the chassis.
12. Close the chassis.
13. Power up the chassis.
NOTE: Always put a RAID controller and KONA on separate PCIe buses. This improves
performance by reducing bus contention.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 19 www.aja.com
Cabling the System
KONA 5 Example Cable Connections
Figure 13. Typical KONA 5 System Connections, 4K Mode
Digital VTR with SDI In/Out
BNC Adapter
SDI cables
Multi-pin KONA
Card Connector
1
4
R
Reference
Input
Reference
Input
Reference
Input
LTC Output BNC
LTC Input BNC
RS-422 Machine
Control (9-pin)
AES
Audio Input
BNCs Ch1-8
(2 channels/
connector)
AES
Audio Output
BNCs Ch1-8
(2 channels/
connector)
HDMI Display for
4K/UltraHD with
Deep Color, HDR, HFR
Video Display for
2K/HD
Downconvert
Genlock Reference
Computer
Monitor
Workstation Computer
with Video Editing
Application Installed
KONA 5 Card
(in computer)
3
Professional 12G-SDI
Video Camera
12G-SDI Video
12G-SDI Video
3G-SDI Video
HDMI Output Cable
12G-SDI Video
Production Switcher
In the KONA 5 system example above operating in 4K Mode, a single link 12G-SDI
camera signal is received by the KONA 5 card, sent to a 12G-SDI video production
switcher, and simultaneously downconverted to 3G-SDI for recording to a digital
VTR.
1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the KONA 5 Ref BNC on the
card (labeled "R"). This is a terminated reference input.
2. Connect an HDMI monitor to the KONA 5 card's HDMI output connector.
3. Connect the 9-pin machine control cable on the supplied breakout cable to
your VTR’s RS-422 control port.
4. Connect the KONA 5's SDI 1 BNC to the SDI output of the camera, using one
of the provided mini-to-full size BNC adaptor cable provided.
5. Connect the KONA 5's SDI 3 BNC to the production switcher. This will
provide the full 12G signal received by the KONA card to the switcher.
6. Connect the KONA 5's SDI 4 BNC to the input an HD SDI digital video
recorder. This will provide a downconverted camera signal to the recorder.
7. Connect an HDMI or SDI monitor directly to an output of the digital video
recorder. Eight or sixteen channnels of embedded audio are supported, so
the VTR must be congured accordingly.
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2 20 www.aja.com
Figure 14. Typical KONA 5 System Connections, 8K Mode
BNC Adapter
SDI cables
Multi-pin KONA
Card Connector
1
2
Computer
Monitor
Workstation
Computer with
AJA Control Room
KONA 5 Card
(in computer)
3
4
4x 12G-SDI Video
8K Cinema Projector
PA System
LTC Output BNC
(not used)
LTC Input BNC
(not used)
AES Audio Input
BNCs Ch1-8
(not used)
RS-422
(not used)
AES Audio Ouput
BNCs Ch1-8
(2 channels/
connector)
In the KONA 5 system example above operating in 8K Mode, an 8K ProRes video
file is played back with the AJA Control Room application, and sent to a cinema
projector using four 12G-SDI signals. Eight channels of AES embedded audio from
that file are also routed to the facility PA system.
KONA 4 Example Cable Connections
Figure 15. Typical KONA 4 System Connections
Digital VTR with SDI In/Out
SDI Video
with Embedded
Audio In/Out
AES Audio Out
to Monitor System
BNC Adapter
SDI cable
3 Output BNCs (Analog Connections):
SD can be congured for
Component, Composite, or S-Video.
HD only Component.
Multi-pin KONA
Card Connector
Reference Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
LTC Input BNC
RS-422 Machine
Control (9-pin)
AES Audio Input BNCs
Ch1-8 (2 channels/connector)
AES Audio Output BNCs
Ch1-8 (2 channels/connector)
HDMI Output Cable
HDMI Monitor
Analog
Monitor
Optional
Genlock Reference
Mics and
Digital Audio Mixer
Computer
Monitor
Workstation Computer
with Video Editing
Application Installed
KONA 4 Card
(in computer)
In the KONA 4 system example above, the KONA card's inputs and outputs are
connected to an SDI digital video recorder, to an analog video monitor, and to
an HDMI monitor, and AES digital audio can also be input to the recorder, and be
output to an audio monitoring system.
1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the KONA 4 Ref Loop
connector (BNC). On the standard breakout cable this is a terminated
reference input.
2. Connect an HDMI monitor to the KONA 4 card, using the provided mini-to-
full size HDMI adaptor cable. Alternatively, you can connect an analog video
monitor to the KONA 4 Analog Video Out BNC connectors for a low cost
monitoring solution.
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