Avid Technology Artist DNxIV Operating instructions

Avid®Artist DNxIV
Installation and Operations Guide

2
Legal Notices
Product specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Avid Technology, Inc.
This product is subject to the terms and conditions of a software license agreement provided with the software. The product may only be
used in accordance with the license agreement.
This product may be protected by one or more U.S. and non-U.S patents. Details are available at www.avid.com/patents.
This document is protected under copyright law. An authorized licensee may reproduce this publication for the licensee’s own use in
learning how to use the software. This document may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes, such
as selling copies of this document or providing support or educational services to others. This document is supplied as a guide.
Reasonable care has been taken in preparing the information it contains. However, this document may contain omissions, technical
inaccuracies, or typographical errors. Avid Technology, Inc. does not accept responsibility of any kind for customers’ losses due to the use
of this document. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2020 Avid Technology, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
Avid, the Avid Logo, Avid Everywhere, Avid DNXHD, Avid DNXHR, Avid Nexis, AirSpeed, Eleven, EUCON, Interplay, iNEWS, ISIS, Mbox,
MediaCentral, Media Composer, NewsCutter, Pro Tools, ProSet and RealSet, Maestro, PlayMaker, Sibelius, Symphony, and all related
product names and logos, are registered or unregistered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
The Interplay name is used with the permission of the Interplay Entertainment Corp. which bears no responsibility for Avid products. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For a full list of Avid trademarks, see: http://www.avid.com/US/about-avid/
legal-notices/trademarks.
Avid Artist DNxIV User’s Guide • Created 1/16/20 • 9329-65915-00_C

1
Contents
If You Need Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Avid Training Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 1 Avid Artist DNxIV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
High Quality Down Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Avid Artist | DNxIV Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
AJA Software and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What’s In the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
In this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installation Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
System Test Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cable Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connector Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 3 Avid Artist DNxIV Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Front Panel Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Monitor Output and Gain Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Audio Level Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Power LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
XLR Audio Input and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
AJA Control Panel Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
AJA Control Panel Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Controlling Application Format Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Control Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Default Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using Avid Artist | DNxIV for UltraHD/4K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4K/UltraHD Transport Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Avid Artist | DNxIV Audio Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
AJA Control Panel Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2
Control Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Input Select Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SDI Output Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
HDR Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Audio Mixer Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Audio Mixer Playback Monitor Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Audio Mixer Capture Monitor Mode Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
DS Keyer Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
LUT Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Timecode Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Presets Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Info Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Appendix A Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Avid Artist | DNxIV Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Video Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Video Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Video Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Audio Inputs Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Audio Inputs Analog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Audio Input Analog Microphone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Audio Outputs Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Audio Outputs Analog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Downstream Keyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Down-Conversion 4K/UltraHD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reference and LTC I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Electrical Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Machine Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Size (w x d x h). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Power (device only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Appendix B Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Canadian ICES Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

3
European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Regulatory Compliance . . . 60
Korea KCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Taiwan Compliance Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Japan Compliance Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
China Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Translated Warning and Caution Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Before Operation Please Read These Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Using This Guide
Important Information
Avid recommends that you read all the information in this document before connecting or using your
new hardware and software.
If You Need Help
If you are having trouble using your Avid product:
1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It is
especially important to check each step of your workflow.
2. Check the latest information that might have become available after the documentation was
published. You should always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe
because the online version is updated whenever new information becomes available. To view
these online versions, select ReadMe from the Help menu, or visit the Knowledge Base at
www.avid.com/support.
3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for
maintenance or hardware-related issues.
4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/support. Online services are available 24
hours per day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find answers, to view
error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates, and to read or join online
message-board discussions.
Avid Training Services
Avid makes lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal development easy and convenient.
Avid understands that the knowledge you need to differentiate yourself is always changing, and Avid
continually updates course content and offers new training delivery methods that accommodate your
pressured and competitive work environment.
For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, please
visit www.avid.com/support and follow the Training links, or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID
(800-949-2843).

1Avid Artist DNxIV
Overview
Avid Artist | DNxIV, developed in cooperation with AJA®Video Systems, offers a full set of
professional video and audio connectivity with support for the latest 4K and UltraHD devices and
High Frame Rate workflows. The power of Thunderbolt 3 enables Avid Artist | DNxIV to handle a
wide range of formats from SD to HD, UltraHD and full 4K over both SDI and HDMI and support
4K frame rates up to 60p, plus HDR 10 and HLG support over HDMI for HDR workflows.
Avid Artist | DNxIV is the ideal companion for lightning-fast video capture, playback and editorial.
Avid Artist | DNxIV connects with a single Thunderbolt cable and provides a second Thunderbolt
connector for flexibility, making it perfect for on set, or in the edit suite.
Features
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports (supports pass-through daisy-chaining)
• Four bidirectional SDI BNCs configurable for up to four inputs, or four outputs, or two inputs
and 2 outputs.
• Single Link I/O for 4K/UltraHD, HD and SD across 12G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and1.5G-SDI
• Dual Link I/O for 1.5G-SDI and 3G-SDI (2 x BNC)
• Quad Link I/O for 1.5G-SDI, 3G-SDI (4 x BNC)
• Supports Quadrant or Two Sample Interleave transport
• HDMI 2.0 Input and Output
• HDR (HDR10 or HLG via HDMI, 12 Bit RGB, BT2020)
• Dedicated realtime 4K/UltraHD to HD down-conversion output (SDI Monitor out BNC)
• Eight-channel Embedded HDMI audio
• Choice of Eight-Channel In, Eight-Channel Out, or Four-Channel In/Out analog audio (DB25
cable, Line Level)
• Front panel Mic/Line/Phantom XLR audio input connector, with gain control
• Front panel LED VU meters and Headphone output w/level control

Overview
6
• Reference In/LTC In (selectable)
• LTC Output
• RS-422 control via 9-pin
• Rugged Chassis, Small Size
• 12V DC, 4-pin XLR Power (AC adapter included)
Video Formats
For a list of supported video formats, see “Specifications” on page 55.
High Quality Down Conversion
The Avid Artist | DNxIV built-in down-conversion 3G monitor spigot, uses large multi-point digital
interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation. Because these functions are in hardware, they are
available full time, all the time-with no CPU load.
Avid Artist | DNxIV Audio
Avid Artist DNxIV provides up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio, and up to eight channels of
embedded HDMI audio. Eight channels of analog audio I/O is supported via a DB25 industry
standard Tascam style audio breakout cable. The eight analog audio channels can be configured as
either Ch 1-8 input, Ch 1-8 output, Ch1-4 input with Ch 5-8 output or, Ch 1-4 output with Ch 5-8
input.
AJA Software and Utilities
Avid Artist | DNxIV operates with AJA's Desktop software package, developed for powerful
integrated video/audio capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party software. AJA
software is distributed as a unified package which includes all the software, firmware, plugins, and
utility programs for the Avid Artist | DNxIV, as well as AJA's Io, KONA, and T-TAP products.
Two retail packages are available, one for Mac and one for Windows.
Mac and Windows Packages
These packages include:
Drivers
AJA device drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation.
AJ 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.
AJ Control Room
Control Room is a cross-platform software application for ingest, playback and output with AJA
products

System Requirements
7
AJ 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
Plugins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe, Avid, Apple, Telestream,
and others.
System Requirements
Your system should meet minimum hardware and software requirements to achieve a satisfactory
level of performance. Updates to system requirements are subject to change.
nSee Software Vendor system requirements for GPU recommendations and additional hardware
requirements and recommendations.
Recommended system requirements:
• Mac OS 10.12 Sierra or later
• Win 10 or later with all updates
• 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
-AMDW7100
-AMDW8100
• Media storage with adequate bandwidth to sustain the capture and playback of the material you
expect to be working with.
nFor large scale installations with shared storage, or for very high performance requirements,
consultation with an experienced a system integrator is recommended. A consultant will be able to
assist with many important variables.

What’s In the Box?
8
What’s In the Box?
As you unpack the shipping box, carefully examine the contents. Ensure you received everything and
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, and contact your dealer or distributor for details on how to have your Avid
Artist | DNxIV repaired or replaced.
Save packing materials and the shipping box for future use should you need to transport your system
or return it for service.
Inside the box you'll find the following components:
• Avid Artist | DNxIV
• 12V power adapter and power cord
In this Manual
Chapter 1 - Introduces the product briefly, listing features and system requirements.
Chapter 2 - Provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the product.
Chapter 3 - Discusses operational aspects and how to work with 3rd-party software.
Appendix A - Presents a list of technical specifications for the product.
Appendix B - Provides important Safety and Compliance information.

2Installation
Installation Overview
1. If not previously installed on your Thunderbolt equipped computer, ensure that appropriate third
party application software is installed as detailed in its user documentation.
2. Download and install the latest Avid Artist | DNxIV software from your Avid Master Account
here.
3. Connect your Avid Artist | DNxIV to your computer using an appropriate Thunderbolt cable.
4. Connect the video and audio inputs and outputs.
5. Power up the unit (AC supply or battery). The Avid Artist | DNxIV will startup automatically.
6. Avid recommends that you now run AJA Control Panel, as this allows you to verify that the
installation has completed successfully.
nAJA Control Panel will prompt you to update firmware (if the new software package contained a
firmware update for your AJA device).
System Test Application
AJA System Test is a utility for measuring system performance. 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.
Theoretically the best test is to fill your storage disk to 80% and then test capture at the highest data
rate you will use.

Installation Overview
10
Cable Connections
Connector Descriptions
Thunderbolt 3
The Avid Artist | DNxIV provides the third-generation Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports to support
increased bandwidth between host computer and I/O device. Two ports are provided for daisy-
chained network configurations.
Bi-directional SDI I/O
Four bidirectional BNC connectors can be configured in a variety of ways via the AJA Control Panel,
including:
• Two HD/SD inputs (SDI 1 and SDI 2) and two outputs (SDI 3 and SDI 4)
• Two 4K/UltraHD single-link 6/12G inputs (SDI 1 and SDI 2) and two 4K/UltraHD single-link 6/
12G outputs (SDI 3 and SDI 4)
• One 4K/UltraHD two-link 3G input (SDI 1 and SDI 2) and one and one two-link 3G output (SDI
3 and SDI4)
• One 4K/UltraHD four-link 1.5/3G input (SDI 1, SDI 2, SDI 3, and SDI4) input, Quadrant or 2SI.
• One 4K/UltraHD four-link 1.5/3G output (SDI 1, SDI 2, SDI 3, and SDI4) output, Quadrant or
2SI.
Dedicated SDI HD/SD Output
One BNC connector is provided for full-time, real-time output of HD/SD video. 4K video is down-
converted to 2K HD and UltraHD is down-converted to HD.

Installation Overview
11
HDMI Input and Output
Two HDMI connectors provide input and output of HDMI video and multi- channel embedded audio.
• HDMI 2.0 input and output, supporting UltraHD and 4K resolutions at up to 60p (4:2:2), 10-bit
and 8-bit
• Supports two or eight channel HDMI audio input and output
HDMI output also supports:
• HDR 10 Support - HDR Infoframe metadata, compatible with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3
• HLG Support - compatible with HDMI 2.0b/CTA-861-G
nHDCP is not supported on either input or output. 4K 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.
RS-422 Machine Control
A female DB-9 connector provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers, and other
devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol.
Reference Video and LTC Input
Two BNC connectors provide reference Input and LTC output. The Reference Video input can also
be used for LTC input. The selection of Reference (sync) or LTC is set using the AJA Control Panel
“Input Select Screen” on page 29).
Supplying a reference signal to the Reference input allows you to synchronize Avid Artist | DNxIV
outputs to your house analog reference video signal (or black burst). When connecting a reference
video source, the locking signal should be the same as the input format. It is possible in some
circumstances to use an alternate format video signal as long as the basic frame rate is compatible.
Balanced Analog Audio Input and Output
A 25-pin connector provides 8-channel balanced analog audio, 24-bit 48kHz sample rate D/A and A/
D, for use with an industry standard 8x XLR on DB.25 breakout cable (cable not included). The eight
analog audio channels can be configured four different ways:
• Ch 1-8 Output
• Ch 1-4 Input and Ch 5-8 Output (default)
• Ch 1-4 Output and Ch 5-8 Input
• Ch 1-8 Input
12V Power Connector
A standard 4-pin XLR type connector is provided for either battery or line source power using the
supplied AC power adapter.

Installing Software
12
Installing Software
nIf your computer has previously had another video capture or multimedia device installed, ensure
you uninstall any related software before installing Avid Artist | DNxIV. This will prevent any
hardware or software conflicts.
Before installing the software package, ensure that Media Composer is installed on your system. See
the Media Composer Installation Guide here for details on installing the editing application software.
Before using Avid Artist | DNxIV with Avid Media Composer or other NLE application, it is best
practice to have installed and run the software at least once on your workstation. Next, install the
AJA software package.
If at a later date you add any Avid Artist | DNxIV supported applications that require drivers, you
must run the AJA install program again to install them.

3Avid Artist DNxIV Operation
Front Panel Operation
The Avid Artist | DNxIV front panel has the following controls and indicators:
Monitor Output and Gain Control
A 1/8 inch TRS connector is available for monitoring two channels of audio, selectable in channel
pairs using the Control Panel application. Typically used with a pair of headphones.
The Monitor Gain knob on the left adjusts the monitor output level. Pushing in the knob extends it
(for adjustment) or recesses it (to prevent accidental changes).
Audio Level Meters
The Audio Level Meters in the center of the front panel indicate:
• During Capture - The first 8 channels of the audio source selected (SDI, HDMI, Analog, Mic).
• During Playback - The sum of whatever sources are being played out via the AJA hardware; i.e.
NLE timeline and mix of host system audio output (if applicable).
The meter's LEDs are colored to indicate the amount below 0dBfs when averaged over a one
millisecond time interval:
dBfs LED Color and Location
-2 db Red LED 1 (top)
-12 db Yellow LED 2

AJA Control Panel Overview
14
nThese audio level meters are for guidance only. Third-party audio metering should be employed
when doing critical audio editing and mixing.
Power LED
The power LED lights up yellow when power is provided via the power supply. Once a Thunderbolt
3 connection is made, and the host is in an active state, the light turns green.
XLR Audio Input and Controls
The XLR audio connector is available for use with a microphone or line-level mono audio source to
conveniently capture or punch-in single channel audio.
The Input Gain knob on the right adjusts the input level. Pushing in the knob extends it (for
adjustment) or recesses it (to prevent accidental changes).
The Mic/Line/+48 switch below the XLR connector is used to select:
• Mic input, for use with a dynamic microphone.
• Line Input, for use with a line level source like an audio mixer.
• +48 Mic Input, for use with a condenser mic that requires phantom power.
The audio from the XLR input can be routed for capture or playback and mixed with other sources
for monitoring purposes using the AJA Control Panel application or third party applications.
AJA Control Panel Overview
The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual showing how the Avid
Artist | DNxIV hardware is currently configured and allows you to make changes. You can change
signal input and output parameters and define the video processing that will be performed.
The AJA software installer automatically installs the Control Panel application on your computer.
You'll find the AJA Control Panel application in your Applications folder.
-20 db Yellow LED 1
-30 db Green LED 4
-40 db Green LED 3
-50 db Green LED 2
-60 db Green LED 1 (bottom)
dBfs LED Color and Location

AJA Control Panel Overview
15
AJA Control Panel Operating Modes
AJA Control Panel has two fundamental operating modes.
•Playback Mode - Used for playing back video files from the computer, usually with a non-linear
editing application (NLE) or AJA Control Room, through the Avid Artist | DNxIV to that card’s
video/audio outputs for viewing and/or external recording.
•Capture Mode - Used for capturing video/audio signals that are coming into the Avid Artist |
DNxIV from an external source to create video files on the computer using AJA Control Room
or an NLE, or just for display on the Avid Artist | DNxIV outputs. This mode is also used for
stand-alone video display or conversion when Control Panel is being used without an external
controlling application.
The current Avid Artist | DNxIV operating mode is reported on the Control Panel UI screen, below
the block diagram. See “AJA Control Panel User Interface” on page 15.
AJA Control Panel User Interface
The AJA Control Panel user interface includes a visual block diagram of the unit's current
configuration. The current status, input and output settings, and many other details are depicted in the
color-coded block diagram. Below this block diagram are various controls for changing operating
parameters, which will vary depending on which function screen has been selected.
The left side of the AJA Control Panel provides a navigation list of available function screens.
Clicking on a link (or alternatively, a related element in the block diagram) displays a function screen
corresponding to that topic.

AJA Control Panel Overview
16
Some controlling applications can switch the card's mode from Playback to Capture, and vice-versa.
When Control Panel is not being controlled by an external application, you can change the operating
mode in the Control Panel Control Screen using the Default Output settings.
• Selecting Passthrough (Cap) sets the card to Capture Mode
• Selecting either Test Pattern (PB) or Hold Last App sets the card to Playback Mode
See Default Output for more information.
Block Diagram Area
The top block diagram area of the Control Panel screen is a visual representation of the processing, if
any, that's currently occurring, including inputs/outputs, reference source, and system status. Lines
between inputs, the framebuffer, and outputs, show a video path. Where there are no lines, there is no
connection; this can be because an input or output isn't selected in the Input Select menu. The lines
will also show whether the outputs are video or video + key.
You can click any of the function screen selection links in the left column to view its current settings
or click on an icon to call up its related settings screen. You can also right-click or Control-click to
see context-sensitive information and choices.
Inputs Outputs
Currently
Selected
Function
Screen
Parameter
Controls
Controlling
Application
Operating
Mode

AJA Control Panel Overview
17
Color Meanings
All items in the AJA Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show what is happening in real
time. This applies to both icons and text. These colors indicate:
•Blue - Video is same format as the Device Format (framebuffer)
•Yellow - Reference video (black burst or other reference source)
•Red - The selected operation cannot be performed
Input/Output Icons
The input and output icons are triangles that together with their color show all the input and outputs
and their status (selected, not selected, input present or not, format, etc.). A complete video path is
shown when inputs and outputs are connected with lines going to/from the framebuffer.
Frame Buffer
The framebuffer is the “engine” where your third-party applications interface with the AJA device.
The framebuffer has a format (called the “Device Format”) and color space that it follows, as defined
in the linked menu screens or via external application software.
Device Format
The Device Format is the media format written to disk and used in your project. This is the format
that the framebuffer will use and is shown in the Control Panel using the color blue. It is the format
that the third-party application software will either receive from the AJA hardware, or is sending to
the hardware. All icons in blue are the same as the Device Format used by the framebuffer. Also any
text descriptions in the block diagram that appear in blue indicate that something is in the Device
Format. For example:
• If the input and output icons are blue, you know that the same format is used throughout the
video path. No format conversion is being performed.
• If the input or output icon colors differ (blue input and green output icons for example), you
know that a format conversion is being performed.
Controlling Application
It is important to understand that the computer can contain many applications that can use the AJA
device (as you switch from window to window) and it may not always be obvious which currently
controls it.

AJA Control Panel Overview
18
Control Panel In Use Message (in red)
In the top right corner, the Control Panel displays the name of the application controlling the unit. In
some cases, applications may not always properly “let go” of the I/O interface as another takes over-
you'll be able to tell by looking at the Control Panel.
Controlling Application Format Selection
If a running controlling application uses Avid Artist | DNxIV for capture or output, it controls the
Device Format via its own menus and settings. For example, when the Third-party editing application
is active (it’s the front-most application) and hasAvid Artist | DNxIV as its “A/V Device”, the Avid
Artist | DNxIV’s Device Format is determined by the application’s “Video Playback” settings. These
format selections are reported in the AJA Control Panel block diagram.
Controlling applications can start and stop and change modes—even while they are running. And the
behavior of different controlling applications can vary: some applications take control of the interface
as soon as they are launched and don’t give it up until they quit, while other applications take control
of the interface only when they are the “front-most” running application and then relinquish control
when they’re not. Even these controlling applications may not relinquish control until capture or
output operations are completed.
Control Recommendations
We recommend you have the Control Panel running and visible at all times. When the Control Panel
is running in the background (not front-most) you can see what the interface is doing and who has
control of it.
Presets
Setups can be named and saved as a snapshot (Preset) for recall at any time. You can save various
AJA device Control Panel configurations associated with your frequent tasks. You don’t have to
spend time resetting interface configurations, just load the previously saved Preset for each task. See
Saving, Loading and Deleting Presets for more information.
If you work on multiple systems and want to carry your saved setups to another location, you can
copy your saved Preset files on to movable storage and load them into any computer running the AJA
Control Panel application.