AJA Hi5-3D installation Guide

www.aja.com

Installation and Operation

Guide

Because it matters.

Hi5-3D

HD-SDI Multiplexer

to HDMI 1.4a and SDI

Video and Audio Converter

Published: 12/14/2011

2

Trademarks

Notice

Contacting Support

®

AJA
are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. DVI is a registered trademark of DDWG.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Copyright © 2011 AJA Video, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in this manual is subject to
change without notice. No part of the document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, without the express
written permission of AJA Inc.

To contact AJA Video for sales or support, use any of the following methods:

180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA. 95945 USA

Telephone: [phone] or 530.274.2048
Fax: [phone]

Web: http://www.aja.com
Support Email: [e-mail]
Sales Email: [e-mail]

When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling.

®

, KONA

, Ki Pro®, and XENA

®

are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. FiDO™, Io HD

™

and Io

™

Limited Warranty

AJA Video warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of five years from the date of purchase. If a product proves to be defective during this warranty
period, AJA Video, at its option, will either repair the defective product without charge for parts and
labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product.

In order to obtain service under this warranty, you the Customer, must notify AJA Video of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of
service. The Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to a
designated service center nominated by AJA Video, with shipping charges prepaid. AJA Video shall
pay for the return of the product to the Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in
which the AJA Video service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping
charges, insurance, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or
inadequate maintenance and care. AJA Video shall not be obligated to furnish service under this
warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other than AJA Video
representatives to install, repair or service the product, b) to repair damage resulting from improper
use or connection to incompatible equipment, c) to repair any damage or malfunction caused by the
use of non-AJA Video parts or supplies, or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated
with other products when the effect of such a modification or integration increases the time or
difficulty of servicing the product.

THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY AJA VIDEO IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
AJA VIDEO AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AJA VIDEO’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE WHOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR
ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER AJA
VIDEO OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Introduction

Features

AJA Hi5-3D HD-SDI Multiplexer To HDMI 1.4a and SDI Video and Audio Converter

The Hi5-3D is a 3D video multiplexer that combines two 3G or HD-SDI Inputs
into various multiplexed 3D formats for output on HDMI 1.4a and HD-SDI. Non­3D input (SD-SDI, HD-SDI or 3G) at either input will be passed to the HDMI
output.

Note:

support for 3G is not present in version 2.0—this will be introduced in

a future firmware release.

The HDMI 1.4a output supports EDID transactions that allow automatic 2D/3D
configuration per the HDMI monitor’s capabilities. Input SDI 2 will be frame
synchronized to input SDI 1 in 3D Modes.

1

Embedded SDI input audio is embedded in both the HDMI and SDI outputs. 2
channel RCA audio output is also supported with user control of channel
selection. The Hi5-3D supports AJA’s Mini-Config application for user
configuration and firmware download.

HD-SDI to HDMI 1.4a with additional SDI output

3

Block Diagram

Non-3D SD/HD-SDI passed to HDMI output
10-bit HDMI 1.4a support including 3D and embedded audio
Frame-sync mode for HD formats: the right eye will be frame synchronized

to the left eye.
Anaglyph mode for calibrating 3D camera rigs (only luma data preserved)
Additional 2 Channel RCA jack audio output
Setup via Dipswitch or PC/Mac using USB port and supplied USB cable

(USB configuration software application supplied on CD)
Uses 5-20V power (supply sold separately)
5 year warranty

SD/HD/3G-SDI

Input 1

SD/HD/3G-SDI

Input 2

SDI Receiver

SDI Receiver

3D

Multiplexing

and SDI

Processing

Video with Embedded Audio

Video

Audio

HDMI

Transmitter

SD/HD/3G-SDI

HDMI 1.4a Output
with Embedded
Audio

(connect to PC or Mac)

Selects 8 o 10-bit Video

USB Port

and other Functions

Hi5-3D Converter, Simplified Block Diagram

Audio

D/A

2-Channel
Analog Audio
Monitor Output

4

3D Modes Supported

Format Support

•

•

•

•

The Hi5-3D supports, depending on the video format, “side-by-side”, “top-bottom”,
and “frame-packing” 3D modes. The “side-by-side” and “top-bottom” modes
involve compressing, either horizontally or vertically, each input for combining
into a single video stream at the same rate of the inputs.

The “frame-packing” mode stacks two full resolution inputs into a “tall” frame (at
twice the clock and line rates). When selected, “frame-packing” works only with
the following formats: 1080p23.98, and 1080p24. (Frame-packed mode does not
support psf inputs at this time.) When operating in frame-packing mode, the SDI
output will be black; the valid output is the HDMI connector.

Each input, in addition to 3D processing, can be flipped either horizontally,
vertically, or both. This control is provided by 4 switches that can be engaged in
any combination—or by use of the supplied AJA Mini Config software (Mac/PC).

The Hi5-3D works with both 2D and 3D inputs. When in the 2D mode, the input is
simply passed to the output unmodified—or flipped (via dipswitch or Mini
Config software selection). In the 3D mode, the Hi5-3D supports the required 3D
modes as defined by the CEA for HDMI 1.4a televisions.

CEA Required 3D modes:

2xSDI 1.5gb 720p50/59.94/60 T/B
2xSDI 1.5gb 1080p23.98/24 T/B, FP
2xSDI 1.5gb 1080psf23.98/24 T/B, FP
2xSDI 1.5gb 1080i50/59.94 S/S

Notes:

“psf” inputs are converted to “p” for HDMI and SDI output.
The SDI output can support S/S and T/B formats only.
Future software versions may add other frame rates.
When a 525 or 625 source is on both inputs, the Hi5-3D will only output one

of the sources, defaulting to Input 1. In the absence of Input 1, it will output
Input 2. There are no 3D modes with SD sources; output is simply passed
through.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

I/O Connections

LOCK LED

Red: Lock to HD-SDI
Green: Lock to SD-SDI
Amber: Lock to 3G

SD/HD/3G-SDI

Input 1 BNC

SD/HD/3G--SDI

Input 2 BNC

USB

Por t

+ 5 to 20 VDC

Power

Input

AJA Hi5-3D HD-SDI Multiplexer To HDMI 1.4a and SDI Video and Audio Converter

SD/HD/3G-SDI

Output

Output
HDMI Connector

2 Channel
Unbalanced
Analog
Audio
(RCA Jacks)

1

Note: support for 3G not present

—this will be a feature in a future firmware release.

5

Installation

User Controls

Hi5-3D Converter

Typically, Hi5-3D installation consists of the following steps:

Ensure the Hi5-3D is disconnected from power.
Connect video equipment to the convertor BNCs and HDMI connector.
Connect audio equipment to RCA connectors (optional)
Apply +5 to 20VDC power to the converter (AJA power supply model DWP or

DWP-U).
The Hi5-3D will now run using the default factory settings. If you wish to alter the

factory settings, you’ll need to install the AJA Mini Config software (supplied on
CD) on a computer, attach the Hi5-3D via USB to the computer, and then make
your changes. This process is detailed on the following pages.

The Hi5-3D can be used right out of the box for many applications since it is designed
to recognize inputs and perform standard actions automatically by default. However
you can also manually configure the Hi5-3D using a supplied software application for
PCs and Macs called “Mini Config” or by setting dipswitches via a cutout on the back of
the Hi5-3D.

One of the dipswitches is a “Local/Remote” switch. When in the “Local” mode, the
remaining dipswitches support a subset of the user controls. When in the “Remote”
mode, the normal Mini-Converter non-volatile registers control the unit (as last set).

6

Using Mini Config

Installing Mini
Config on a Mac

Installing Mini
Config on a PC

To install the application on a Mac, simply insert the CD supplied
with the Mini-Converter into the computer, drag the “AJA Mini
Config” application for your platform (Mac or PC) to your desktop or
an applications folder.

Note:

earlier models will not work with Mini Config.

Macintosh computers must be Intel-based (G5, G4 and

To install the application
on a Windows PC, simply
insert the CD supplied
with the Mini-Converter
into the computer, locate
the “MiniInstaller”
application, and then
double-click it.

A Setup Wizard will guide
you through the
installation. Just click Next
to begin.

Running Mini
Config

Answer all questions in the subsequent dialogues; when you’re done, you will be able
to locate the Mini Config application in the AJA folder in the Programs listing.

Connect a Hi5-3D Mini-Converter to the PC or Mac via the supplied USB cable.
Connect power to the Mini-Converter (DWP or DWP-U recommended).

Note:

Mini-Converter is
connected to the USB port,
you may see an alert like
that shown following. If you
do, press Cancel—this alert
can be ignored.

To run Mini Config on a PC, find the AJA Mini Config in the program list and locate the
AJA Mini Config application.

On a Mac, when the

To run Mini Config on a Mac, double-click the Applications folder and locate the AJA
Mini Config application. Double-click the AJA Mini Config application to launch it.

Operating Mini
Config

AJA Hi5-3D HD-SDI Multiplexer To HDMI 1.4a and SDI Video and Audio Converter

Once AJA Mini Config is running (PC or Mac), it looks pretty much the same, regardless
of the platform.

A File menu at the top of the Mini Config application menu bar allows you to Save the
current state of the Mini-Converter—with all the settings you’ve made—to a file for
later recall. This allows you to set up the converter for different applications, storing
each (with Save) to a unique name for easy recall later—using the Open menu item. A

Revert to Factory Settings menu item similarly allows you to change the settings back to

AJA’s factory defaults. An Edit menu allows you to cut and paste values to/from fields,
just as in other applications.

When the application is running, you’ll see a simple graphical interface for viewing
settings and updating software. This user interface consists of an information area at
the top that shows the available Mini-Converters attached to the computer via USB (in
this case your Hi5-3D), with a graphical rendering of the selected Mini-Converter
showing all the BNCs and connectors and their current state.

Colored text by connectors provides and indication of signal type and what the Hi5-3D
is doing. Text in blue shows the values automatically selected, while text in black shows
values that have been manually selected. Text in red shows that Hi5-3D is not detecting
a signal or cannot negotiate with the attached device (even if can’t detect an output
device, it still shows the signal it is outputting).

Note:

as well as input signals. For improved accuracy and reliability, you should configure the
Mini-Converter only when the target output device is attached and input signals are
supplied at the inputs.

configuration settings in red will change based on the attached output device

1

7

Screens are virtually the same on both PC and Mac, with subtle differences that reflect
the general look of the platform environment.

Mini Config can manage multiple AJA Mini-Converters connected via USB—even when
they are of differing types. However it only connects to one at a time. You can choose
which Mini-Converter you wish to control using the pulldown menu in the upper right
hand corner.

If you want to configure and update multiple Mini-Converters in parallel, you can do it
by running multiple instances of the Mini Config application and have each control a
different Mini-Converter.