AJA io XT Manuale utente

Io 4K/XT

Capture, Display, Convert

Version 15.5

Published November 12, 2019

Installation and Operation Manual

Io 4K/XT Capture, Display, Convert v15.5 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

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

Support Email suppor[email protected]

Sales Email [email protected]

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Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Broadcast-Quality Conversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Io 4K/XT Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

What’s In The Box?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connecting To Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connector Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Installing Io 4K/XT Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Software Package Installation and Re-installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Firmware Update Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chapter 3 – Io 4K/XT Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Front Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Monitor Output and Gain Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Audio Level Meters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Power LED (Io4K) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Power Switch (IoXT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

AJA Control Panel Operating Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Single-User & Shared Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Io4K and IoXT for HD, SD, 2K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Control Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Conversion Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Input Select Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

SDI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Analog Out Screen (IoXT Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

DS Keyer Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

LUT Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using Io4K for UltraHD/4K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

4K/UltraHD Transport Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Io4K in 4K Mode Audio Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Io4K Control Panel Screen Dierences in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Io4K Control Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Contents

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Io4K Format Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Io4K Input Select Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Io4K SDI Output Screen in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Io4K HDMI Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Io4K HDR Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Io4K Video Setup Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Io4K Audio Mixer Screens (4K Mode only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Playback Monitor Mode (4K Mode only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Io4K Downstream Keyer in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Io4K Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

IoXT Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Audio Connection Pinouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Limited Warranty on Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Governing Law and Language; Your Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

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Chapter 1 – Introduction

Overview

AJA’s Io4K and IoXT provide professional-grade I/O for high-end computers,

and each is an ideal companion for lightning-fast video capture, playback and

up/down/cross conversion. Designed for today’s workflows, Io 4K/XT provides

an ideal interface for video professionals to bridge the gap between their

Thunderbolt-enabled computers, and other pro video devices.

Io 4K/XT connects with a single Thunderbolt cable and provides a second

Thunderbolt connector for storage, making them perfect for on set, or in the edit

suite. Io 4K/XT's 10-bit hardware conversion capability paired with a Thunderbolt

storage system creates a super-fast editing system, portable enough to fit in a

backpack—with desktop level power.

Features

Table 1. Io 4K/XT Feature Comparison

Feature IoXT Io4K

Two Thunderbolt 2 ports √

Two Thunderbolt 1 ports √

Two SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G HD-SDI inputs and outputs √ √

Dedicated realtime 4K to HD down-conversion output (SDI 5 BNC) √

Supports both Quadrant and Two Sample Interleave transport of

UltraHD and 4K video

4K Mode

HDR Features (HDR10 or HLG via HDMI, 12 Bit RGB, BT2020)) √

Single link SDI 4:2:2 or 4:4:4; Dual-link SDI 4:4:4 √ √

Bidirectional SDI BNCs configurable for four 4K inputs or outputs 4K Mode

HDMI Input and Output √ √

Analog component/composite output, 10-bit √

Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit up-conversion √ √

Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit down-conversion √ √

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Feature IoXT Io4K

Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit cross-conversion (1080 to

720 and 720 to1080)

√ √

Dedicated realtime 4K to HD down-conversion output (SDI 5 BNC) √

DVCProHD hardware scaling acceleration √ √

HDV hardware scaling acceleration √ √

Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion

(anamorphic to letterbox, etc.)

√ √

16-Channel Embedded SDI audio √ √

Eight channels analog audio output (Tascam-style DB25-type cable) √ √

Audio Monitoring Mixer, including Host Computer and Application 4K Mode

Front panel LED VU meters and Headphone output w/level control √ √

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) √ √

Broadcast-Quality Conversion

Io4K operating in UFC Mode, and IoXT both feature 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 is virtually identical to AJA’s award winning

stand-alone converter products used throughout the post production market.

The Io 4K/XT'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.

Cross-conversion is high-quality hardware-based and offers true broadcast

picture quality in realtime. Because these functions are in hardware, 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

up-converting from a standard definition project to an HD deliverable.

Video Formats

For a list of supported video formats, see "Appendix A Specifications" on page 59.

Io 4K/XT Audio

Io 4K/XT provides up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio. The front panels

have a mini TRS headphone output with a lockable level control knob.

Io 4K/XT also supports HDMI Audio, 2 or 8 channels.

For analog audio output monitoring, Io 4K/XT provides a DB25 connector with

eight channels of audio to be used with industry standard Tascam-style audio

breakout cables. The front panel has an eight-channel VU meter display to

monitor output levels.

Io4K, when in 4K Mode, also supports monitoring mixed audio from Io4K inputs,

host computer, and controlling application.

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AJA Software & Utilities

AJA’s Io 4K/XT software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated

video/audio capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party

software. With Io 4K/XT 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.

Two retail packages are available, one for Mac and one for Windows.

Mac and Windows Packages

These packages include:

Firmware

Firmware, otherwise referred to as a bit file or the card's 'personality', refers to

very low level code that defines the capabilities of the hardware. It is important

to always update to the firmware recommended following install of new, or older

versions of software.

Drivers

AJA device drivers for the host system OS provide 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.

AJA System Test

AJA 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 (or simulation) is to fill your storage disk to 80% and

then test capture at the highest data rate you will use.

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3rd-Party Plug-ins

Plug-ins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe, Avid,

Apple, Telestream, and others.

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:

• MacOS 10.12 Sierra or later (including 10.15 Catalina)

• 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 UHD/4K workflows, especially with high frame rate*

• 16GB RAM minimum, 32GB or more recommended, especially for UHD/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:

• NvidiaK5200

• Nvidia K4200

• Nvidia M6000

• Nvidia M5000

• Nvidia M4000

• AMD W7100

• AMD W8100

• Apple Metal support

• 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.

What’s In The Box?

As you unpack the shipping box(es), 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. 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 Io 4K/XT repaired or replaced. Save packing materials and

the shipping box. If you ever require service or move your system—use the

packaging materials and box for safe shipment.

When you unpack your AJA Io 4K/XT, you’ll find the following components:

• Io4K or IoXT

• 12V power adapter and power cord

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In This Manual

Chapter 1 - Introduces the product briefly, listing features, box contents, and

system requirements.

Chapter 2 - Provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the AJA

Io 4K/XT. The user is guided through unpacking, cabling the Io 4K/XT, installing

AJA & third-party support software, then getting it up and running.

Chapter 3 - Discusses operational aspects of Io 4K/XT 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.

Warranty and Index

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Chapter 2 – Installation

Installation Overview

1. If not previously installed on your Thunderbolt equipped computer, ensure

that appropriate application software is installed as detailed in its user

documentation.

2. For latest System Compatibility and Software Version information visit the

AJA website.

• For Io4K visit: https://www.aja.com/en/products/io-4k#overview

• For IoXT, visit: https://www.aja.com/en/products/io-xt/#/overview

3. Install the latest AJA software on your computer from the AJA website.

• For Io4K visit: https://www.aja.com/en/products/io-4k#support

• For IoXT, visit: https://www.aja.com/en/products/io-xt/#support

For further support information and downloads for third-party software and

DirectShow for Developers, go to:

• https://www.aja.com/en/category/edit/compatibility

• https://www.aja.com/support/directshow

Connecting To Your Computer

1. Connect a Thunderbolt cable between the computer and the Io 4K/XT.

2. Power the unit (AC supply or battery) and if it is IoXT, turn it on using the

power button on the front. Io4K does not have a power button.

3. Cable the system audio and video sources, VTR, audio monitor, and video

monitor.

4. When you run the AJA Control Panel, you’ll notice that the Io 4K/XT is auto-

discovered as long as it is properly cabled and powered up.

Cable Connections

Figure 1. Io4K Rear Connectors

Thunderbolt 2

Ports (2)

Bidirectional

3G/HD/SD-SDI BNCs (4)

DB-9F RS-422

Machine Control

Balanced Audio

Out DB-25F (8-Ch)

Audio Monitor Out

RCA (2-Ch)

4-Pin XLR

DC Power Input

HDMI

Output

HD/SD-SDI

Monitor Out BNC

HDMI

Input

LTC Output

Reference or

LTC Input

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Figure 2. IoXT Rear Connectors

Thunderbolt 3

Ports (2)

Two 3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs or

One Dual-link Input

DB-9F RS-422

Machine Control

Balanced Audio

Out DB-25F (8-Ch)

4-Pin XLR

DC Power Input

HDMI

Output

HDMI

Input

LTC Output

Reference or

LTC Input

Two 3G/HD/SD-SDI Outputs or

One Dual-link Output

SD or HD Component Output

with Composite Output

on Y Connector

Connector Descriptions

Connectors Common to Both Models

HDMI Input and Output

Two HDMI connectors on the Io 4K/XT provide input and output of HDMI video

and multi-channel embedded audio.

• Io4K has HDMI 1.4b input and output capability, supporting Ultra HD and 4K

resolutions at up to 30 frames per second at 10 Bit 4:2:2 and 50/60 frames per

second at 8-Bit 4:2:0. Io4K also supports HDR (HDR10 and HLG) via the HDMI

1.4 output.

• IoXT has HDMI v1.3 input capability at 30 bits per pixel that allows full support

of the latest 10-bit monitors, and has HDMI v1.4 output capability.

• Both Io4K and IoXT support 2 or 8 channel HDMI audio input and output.

HDCP is not supported on either input or output. Io 4K/XT 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 DE-9 connector on Io 4K/XT 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 on Io 4K/XT provide reference Input and 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 28).

In Video Pass-through mode, these connectors are effectively loop-through.

Supplying reference signal to the Reference input allows you to synchronize

Io 4K/XT 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, then connect its analog

composite output here. When Io 4K/XT outputs video, it uses this reference signal

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for locking. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should

be the same format as the Device Format selected in the AJA Control Panel. 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 Output

A 25-pin DB connector provides 8-channel, 24-bit D/A analog audio, 48kHz

sample rate, balanced via 8x XLR on DB-25 breakout cable. (Cable not supplied.)

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.

Io 4K Connectors

These connectors are offered only on the Io4K model.

Thunderbolt 2 Ports

The Io4K provides the second-generation Thunderbolt ports to support

UltraHD and 4K signals. Two ports are provided for “daisy-chained” network

configurations.

See https://www.aja.com/solutions/thunderbolt for more information about

Thunderbolt.

Bi-directional SDI I/O

Four bidirectional BNC connectors can be configured via the AJA Control Panel

for:

• HD/SD inputs (x2) and outputs (x2)

• Or you can input or output 4 channels of video representing individual

quadrants of the higher definition UltraHD (3840x2160) and 4K (4096x2160)

formats.

NOTE: The Io4K can only be configured for either input or output of UltraHD or 4K at a

time. It cannot support input and output at the same time since both require four

BNCs.

Dedicated SDI HD/SD Output

NOTE: 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.

Io XT Connectors

These connectors are used only on the IoXT model.

Thunderbolt Ports

The IoXT provides first-generation Thunderbolt ports. Two ports are provided for

“daisy-chained” network configurations.

See https://www.aja.com/solutions/thunderbolt for more information about

Thunderbolt.

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HD/SD SDI Input and Output

BNC connectors are provided on IoXT for two HD/SD-SDI inputs and two HD/

SD-SDI outputs. The input and output 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.).

Component Video Output

IoXT features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component, composite

and Y/C functions. The signals are labeled on the BNC connectors on the rear

panel of IoXT.

NOTE: Component Video, or YPbPr, has been given several names over time. YUV,

Y/R-Y/B-Y, and YCbCr, are just some examples. Although these various formats

have some differences in levels, they are all basically the same. IoXT uses the

modern YPbPr terminology exclusively. IoXT supports three different types of

YPbPr: SMPTE/EBU N10, Betacam (NTSC), and Betacam (NTSC Japan). These three

formats differ in level only and are configured via the AJA Control Panel.

Installing Io 4K/XT Software

NOTE: Always uninstall previous versions of Io 4K/XT software before updating your

software.

Download

Go to the AJA website and download the latest Io 4K/XT driver software

containing the AJA Control Panel application:

https://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads/

System software updates may occasionally become available to AJA Io 4K/XT

owners on our website (www.aja.com). We recommend checking occasionally for

both software updates and additional product information.

NOTE: If your computer has previously had another video capture or multimedia device

installed, ensure you uninstall any related software before installing Io 4K/XT This

will prevent any hardware or software conflicts.

Software Package Installation and Re-installation

Before installing the Io 4K/XT software package, ensure that your capture/editing

application is installed as detailed in its user documentation. You cannot use

Io 4K/XT with a third-party application until the application has been installed

and run at least once on your workstation. Next, install the AJA software package.

If you add Io 4K/XT supported applications at a later date and have not previously

installed the appropriate drivers, you must run the install program again selecting

the appropriate application support software to be installed.

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Firmware Update Procedure

After the AJA Software Package has been installed on a computer connected to

your AJA hardware, the firmware on that AJA device can be updated if a newer

version of firmware is included with that software package.

1. Open the AJA Control Panel application.

2. If more than one AJA device is connected, choose the device you want to

update by selecting its name from the drop-down menu at the top of the

screen.

3. Go to the Control Panel Firmware Screen.

4. Select the rmware version (if multiple versions exist) in the Desired

dropdown.

5. Click on Install. Messages appear and when nished, rmware update

completed messages are shown (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Update Completed Messages

6. Click OK and then power cycle the computer by shutting it down

completely.

7. After the computer has shut down, power cycle the AJA device by

disconnecting and reconnecting it's power plug. If the unit is an IoXT, press

the front power switch.

8. Restart the computer.

9. Open AJA Control Panel. The AJA hardware with the updated rmware

should be recognized by the Control Panel application.

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Firmware Versions

Io4K supports two different versions of firmware that have different capabilities.

One version of firmware can be installed at a time.

• Io4K (UFC Mode) - When UFC firmware is installed, Io4K supports up, down

and cross conversion between 2K, HD, and SD video formats. This version does

not support UltraHD/4K playback or capture.

• Io4K (4K Mode) - When 4K firmware is installed, Io4K supports input and

output of UltraHD/4K, 2K, HD, and SD video, and down-conversion of

UltraHD/4K to 2K/HD video on the monitor output BNC. In 4K Mode Io4K also

provides the Audio Mixer screen, to control audio monitoring.

NOTE: IoXT supports only one version of firmware, for 2K/HD/SD capabilities.

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Chapter 3 – Io 4K/XT Operation

Figure 4. Io4K Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Power

LED

Audio Level

Meters (8)

Monitor Output

Connector 1/8 in. TRS

Monitor

Gain Control

Figure 5. IoXT Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Power

Switch

Audio Level

Meters (8)

Monitor Output

Connector 1/8 in. TRS

Monitor

Gain Control

Front Panel Operation

The Io 4K/XT 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).

• 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:

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dBfs LED Color and Location

-2 db Red LED 1 (top)

-12 db Yellow LED 2

-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)

NOTE: These audio level meters are for guidance only. Third-party audio metering

should be employed when doing critical audio editing and mixing.

Power LED (Io 4K)

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.

Power Switch (Io XT)

When the power supply is plugged in and receiving power, pressing the power

switch toggles power on and (when held for one second) powers the unit off. The

switch lights green when the unit has power.

AJA Control Panel Overview

NOTE: This section initially describes the Io4K UFC version of the Control Panel screens

that support video formats up to 2K. IoXT screen differences will be noted, and

detailed Io4K 4K mode UltraHD/4K operations are discussed in "Using Io4K for

UltraHD/4K" on page 43.

The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual

showing how the Io 4K/XT 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.

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

Io 4K/XT video/audio outputs for viewing and/or external recording.

Capture Mode - Used for capturing video/audio signals that are coming into the

Io 4K/XT from an external source to create video files on the computer using

AJA Control Room or an NLE, or just for display on the Io 4K/XT 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 Io 4K/XT operating mode is reported on the Control Panel UI screen,

below the block diagram (see "Controlling Application" on page 20).

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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.

Figure 6. AJA Control Panel, Block Diagram and Controls

Inputs

Device Format (Framebuer)

AJA Device Selection

Controlling

Application

Operating

Mode

Outputs

Currently

Selected

Function Screen

Parameter

Controls

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

(Figure 7).

Figure 7. Context Sensitive Menu

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Color Meanings

All items in the AJA Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show what is

happening in realtime. This applies to both icons and text. These colors indicate:

Blue

Video is same format as the Device Format (framebuffer).

Green

Indicates that Io 4K/XT is performing an active change to the video making it

different from the Device Format (e.g., down-conversion).

Red

The selected operation cannot be performed.

Yellow

Reference video (black burst or other reference source).

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.

Figure 8. Input/Output Icons

Framebuffer

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.

Converted Format

NOTE: A Converted Format is not available on Io4K operating in 4K Mode.

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Any format other than the currently selected Device Format is a Converted

Format. As described previously, this means that either the Inputs or Outputs are

somehow different from the framebuffer’s assigned format—the Device Format.

A conversion is readily apparent because of the color change from blue.

In some cases the application you use with the Io 4K/XT will automatically set the

Device Format, overriding the user’s selected Device Format in the AJA Control

Panel.

Conversion Icons

When an input or output is a different standard than the framebuffer, the

Io 4K/XT may be up- down- or cross-converting the signal to the selected

standard. This may be automatic, because it’s detected an input signal that

differs from the standard currently selected, or because you’ve explicitly told it to

convert. In either case, the block diagram will show the conversion by displaying a

conversion icon in between the input/output and the framebuffer.

Figure 9. Up, Down, and Cross-Convert Icons

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. In the top right corner, the

Control Panel displays the name of the application controlling the unit.

Figure 10. Control Panel In Use Message (in red)

Io 4K/XT is very flexible and most controlling applications perform the necessary

housekeeping so they work correctly when they’re active and when they’re not.

This means that the application that is “active” (in front) will be granted control of

the Io 4K/XT video output. Generally, when you switch to a different application,

the previous application lets go of the video output and the new application gets

control.

In some cases, however, applications may not always properly “let go” of the I/O

interface as another takes over. If this occurs you’ll be able to tell by looking at the

Control Panel's in use application name.

Controlling Application Format Selection

If a running controlling application uses Io 4K/XT 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 has

Io 4K/XT as its “A/V Device”, the Io 4K/XT’s Device Format is determined by the

application’s “Video Playback” settings. These format selections are reported in

the AJA Control Panel block diagram.

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