AJA ioXT installation Guide

www.aja.com

Installation and Operation

Guide

Because it matters.

Published: 4/10/12

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Trademarks

Notice

Contacting Support

AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro®, KUMO®, and XENA® and are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc,
Io Express™, Io HD™, Io™, and Because It Matters™ are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Apple,
the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire and Macintosh are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Copyright © 2012 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:

Limited Warranty

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, first read the Chapter on Troubleshooting at the back of this
manual. You can often save time and effort by looking there first for simple remedies and
information on how to get support from AJA and Apple Computer Inc.

AJA Video warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of three 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.

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Limited Warranty

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.

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Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Contents

Contents

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Chapter 1: Introduction

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Features: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3D Stereoscopic Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Broadcast-Quality Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Software for Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

What’s In The Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

System and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Connector Descriptions—Io XT & Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

Chapter 2: Installation

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Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting to your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cabling the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Typical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installing Io XT Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Macintosh Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Genlock and Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 3: Operation

Using Io XT with Professional Video /Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Control Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Format Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Input Select Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

SDI Output Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

HDMI Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Analog Out Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Video Setup Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Audio Setup Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

DS Keyer Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Firmware Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting

If You Run Into Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Appendix A: Specifications

Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Audio Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Audio Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Up-Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Down-Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Cross-Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

SD to SD Aspect Ratio Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Reference Input or LTC Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Appendix B: Safety & Compliance

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Class A Interference Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

FCC Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Canadian ICES Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Korean Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Taiwan Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Japanese Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Translated caution statements, warning conventions and warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Before operating your AJA unit, read the instructions in this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Index

Edge Shot Photo Here

Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction

AJA's Io XT provides professional-grade I/O for high-end computers using a Thunderbolt
interface with 10Gbps available bandwidth. Io XT is the ideal portable companion for
lightning-fast video capture, playback and up/down/cross conversion. Designed for today’s
workflows, Io XT provides a new interface for video Pro's working with 10-bit uncompressed,
Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, stereoscopic 3D
workflows, and more.

Io XT connects with a single Thunderbolt cable and provides a second Thunderbolt connector
for storage, making it perfect for on set, or in the edit suite.

Based on the KONA 3G hardware, Io XT provides 3G/Dual-link/HD/SD-SDI, Component
Analog, and HDMI connectivity. The AJA Mac driver delivers extensive codec and media
support within all professional 3rd-party Video applications.

Io XT's 10-bit hardware conversion capability paired with a Thunderbolt RAID System creates
a super-fast editing system, portable enough to fit in a backpack—with desktop level power.

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Features: • Two Thunderbolt ports (supports pass-through/”daisy-chaining”)

• Two SD-SDI, HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs and outputs

• Single link SDI 4:2:2 or 4:4:4; Dual-link SDI 4:4:4/HSDL support

• HDMI Input and Output (including output for stereoscopic monitoring to consumer

3D displays)

• Analog component/composite output, 10-bit

• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit upconversion

• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit downconversion

• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit crossconversion (1080 to 720 and 720

to1080)

• DVCProHD hardware scaling acceleration

• HDV hardware scaling acceleration

• Final Cut Pro Dynamic RT Extreme hardware acceleration

• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion (anamorphic

toletterbox, etc.)

• 16-Channel Embedded SDI audio

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

• 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)

3D Stereoscopic
Workflow

Broadcast-Quality
Conversion

Io XT offers you the simplest path through 3D stereoscopic workflows.

Through SDI, you can output Discrete Left and Right Eye feeds with a simple Stereo button
choice in the AJA Control Panel. Additionally, muxed stereo output is possible using a single
SDI output. AJA hardware and software works in close collaboration with CineForm's
Neo3D software tools and CineForm codec to allow stereoscopic editorial and viewing
when working with Apple's Final Cut Pro 7 or Adobe's CS.5.

Through it's HDMI 1.4a output, Io XT makes it possible to connect to affordable 3D-capable
monitors for stereoscopic monitoring.

Io XT features hardware-based full 10-bit broadcast quality motion adaptive SD to HD
upconversion, HD to SD downconversion and HD to HD crossconversion.

The quality of the conversion features found in the Io XT is virtually identical to AJA's award
winning stand-alone converter products used throughout the post production market. The
Io XT built-in upconverter uses a a full 10-bit path, fully motion adaptive de-interlacing, and
large multi-point digital interpolators. Downconversion uses large multi-point digital
interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation.

Crossconversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to streamline dailies
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
upconverting from a standard definition project to an HD deliverable.

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Overview

About Primary & Secondary Video Formats

In Io XT operation, the Primary Format is the media format written to disk and used in
your project. The Secondary format is that which may be input for capture or output from
Io XT to VTRs or other devices. Down-conversion may be applied to an input or on output.

The Primary Format menu allows you to select the video format used in your current
project.

Conversion is performed based on the Primary or Secondary Format settings.
Io XT can down-convert the input format (when designated as a Secondary Format input)
to the selected Primary Format. Or you can set a Secondary Format output that will be a
down-conversion of the Primary Format.

Note: When converting an Input to the Primary Format, select the Secondary Format

option that has (I), for input only, appended to it. Conversely, when converting an
Output from the Primary Format, you must select an output signal with (O) for output
only.

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Convert Mode

Convert Mode allows selection of a mode for conversion between High-definition and
Standard-definition formats. The choices offered depend on the AJA capture device
present and the Primary and Secondary format chosen. Io XT supports up-, down-, and
cross- conversion plus SD-to-SD aspect ratio conversions. See the following tables for
conversion options.

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All conversions use AJA 10-bit hardware inside the Io XT.

For example, to do a down-conversion on an HD input:

Set the Primary Format as an SD format

Select the correct HD format with an (I) input designation for the Secondary Format, then

Choose a “– Secondary” Video Input type

Down-conversion display mode choices that may be available include:

• Anamorphic: full-screen

• Letterbox: image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area with

the aspect ratio preserved

• Crop: image is cropped horizontally to fit new screen size

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The following Video Signal Formats are supported by Io XT.

Standard Def. HD 720 HD 1080

525i @ 29.97 fps 720p @ 50 fps 1080i @ 25 fps
625i @ 25 fps 720p @ 59.94 fps 1080i @ 29.97 fps

720p @ 60 fps 1080i @ 30 fps
720p @ 23.98 fps
720p @ 25 fps

* 1080PsF @ 23.98 fps

* 1080PsF @ 24 fps

1080PsF @ 25 fps
1080PsF @ 29.97 fps
1080PsF @ 30 fps
1080P @ 23.98 fps
1080P @ 24 fps
1080P @ 25 fps
1080P @ 29.97 fps
1080P @ 30 fps
1080P @ 50 fps A
1080P @ 50 fps B
1080P @ 59.94 fps A
1080P @ 59.94 fps B
1080P @ 60 fps A
1080P @ 60 fps B

* Note: 720p@23.98 fps and 720p@25 fps are not "over-the-wire" formats. These frame

rates are contained within the larger "over-the-wire" frame rates of 720p@59.94 fps
and 720p@50 fps.

Io XT Audio

Io XT provides up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio. The front panel has a mini TRS
headphone output with a lockable level control knob.

For analog audio output monitoring, I o 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.

Dual Link

Io XT supports Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4). Io XT supports the ingest and output of SMPTE­372M compliant 4:4:4 RGB video and high-bandwidth 4:2:2 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94, and
1080p 60 at 10-bit.

Hardware-based Acceleration

Final Cut Pro 7 users will likely notice the DVCPROHD, HDV, and Apple RT Extreme hardware
acceleration provided by Io XT. This hardware acceleration was developed in close
cooperation with Apple. How does Io XT accelerate DVCPROHD, HDV, and Apple RT Effects?
A precision hardware scalar in Io XT does what the Apple computer's processor would
otherwise have to do, scale less than full-raster HD (DVCProHD and HDV) to full-raster size,
thus speeding up the system considerably—and doing this scaling at full 10-bit broadcast
quality.

When using the Final Cut Pro 7 HDV codec, the Io XT advanced scaling engine takes the
native frame (long GOP 1440 HD) and outputs it via hardware-in real time. Precision AJA

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — What’s In The Box?

circuitry re- sizes the video to full-raster 1920 x 1080, providing instantaneous playback of HDV
captured by Final Cut Pro 7 for both monitoring and recording.

Unlike the DV25 format, which can preview in realtime natively via Final Cut Pro 7, the MPEG
structure of HDV is much more complex. Fortunately, Io XT can provide real time monitoring
and playback to both HD and SD monitors and decks via the realtime hardware scaler and
down-converter on board.

In addition to speeding up Final Cut Pro 7 Dynamic RT by using the AJA scalar, multiple frame
size RT (1/4 size or full size)—a Final Cut Pro 7 feature—also benefits from Io XT. The frame count
and image size are dynamically changed during file playback, so you don't get the “un­rendered” message in Final Cut Pro 7.

5

Software for Mac AJA’s Io XT software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated video/audio

capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party software. With an
Io XT and qualified Thunderbolt-enabled Mac, you have the ultimate system for standard and
high definition video editing, production and DI work. AJA software is supplied on CD.

• AJA QuickTime™ drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation.

• AJA Control Panel for source selection and controlling Io XT within the overall MacOS

environment, Input Pass through, and more. AJA Control Panel uses a block diagram to
show visually what is happening inside Io XT.

• Supports popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications like Apple Final Cut Pro™ ,

Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and more.

1

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 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.

Io XT Shipping Box Contents

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

• AJA Io XT Software and Documentation CD-ROM—this CD contains the software installer

to place Io XT drivers and related software on an Apple computer featuring Thunderbolt
connectivity. Install the software as discussed in this manual in Chapter 2: Installation and

6

Configuration. The CD also contains a wide variety of useful information, including this
manual you’re reading (PDF format).

• Io XT

• 12V power adapter and power cord

• Read Me First Notice—Contains late-breaking news and/or errata related to Io XT and

the documentation.

• Registration Sheet—allows you to register your Io XT by mail or online (details provided).

System Requirements

AJA Video recommends currently recommend machines with separate plug-inGPUs as
opposed to "built into the motherboard" GPUs. At the time this goes to press, built in GPU
models such as the MacBook Air are still in testing and have not yet been approved for use with
Io XT. Below are the current tested and approved Apple models along with representative
system configurations for Io XT usage.

System and
Software
Requirements

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — System Requirements

Platform System Requirements

2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5

Mac Mini (with Thunderbolt port)

MacBook Pro
(with Thunderbolt port)

4GB memory
500GB hard drive1
AMD Radeon HD 6630M
OS X Lion

2.0GHz quad-coreþ
Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
500GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6490M with 256MB GDDR5

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1

2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5

iMac
(with Thunderbolt port)

1920 x 1080 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
500GB hard drive1
AMD Radeon HD 6750Mþwith 512MB

Note: Always consult the release notes for the AJA software version you are running (included

with installer) For the latest appropriate match for your software and hardware, visit:

http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php

8

Cable Connections

Io XT connections are made directly to the unit’s rear connector plate. Eight audio output
channels are available through the Tascam-style DB25 connector.

Connector
Descriptions—
Io XT & Cables

Io XT Connectors

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.).

HDMI Input and Output

Two HDMI connectors on the Io XT provide input and output of HDMI compatible video and
multi-channel embedded audio. HDMI v1.3a capability at 30 bits per pixel allows full support
of the latest 10-bit monitors.

HDCP is not supported on either input or output. Io 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.

The AJA Io XT Control Panel allows selection and adjustment of some HDMI parameters;
please see Chapter 3—Final Cut Pro and Io XT for more information on Control Panel
operation.

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — In This Manual

RS422 Machine Control

A female DE-9 connector on Io XT provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers,
and other devices using RS422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. (Connector pinout is listed in Appendix
A: Specifications.)

Component Video Output (with Composite and Y/C functions)

Io XT features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component, composite and
Y/C functions. The signals are labelled on the BNC connectors on the rear panel of Io XT.

A Note About YPbPr—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 in the Mac System via the Io XT Control Panel.

1

Reference Video and LTC Input

Two BNC connectors on Io 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
Io XT Control Panel.

In Video Pass-through mode, these connectors are effectively loop-through. Supplying
reference signal to the Reference input allows you to synchronize Io 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 XT outputs video, it uses this reference signal for
locking. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same
format as the Primary format selected in the Io XT Control Panel. It is possible in some
circumstances to use an alternate format video signal as long as the basic frame rate is
compatible.

9

In This Manual

Chapter 1 is the introduction you’re reading, listing features, box contents, and system
requirements.

Chapter 2 provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the AJA Io XT. The user is
guided through unpacking, cabling the Io XT, installing Io XT Mac Software From CD, then
getting it up and running. Important configuration information is also provided on video
settings and use of genlock/external reference.

Chapter 3 discusses operational aspects of Io XT and how to work with 3rd-party software.

Appendix A discusses troubleshooting problems with your system and what to do when there’s
a problem you can’t solve.

Appendix B presents a list of technical specifications for the product.

10

Installation Overview

Chapter 2: Installation & Configuration

The installation and set up of an Io XT is very simple. The steps of installation and
configuration are discussed here and summarized as follows:

1. Unpack the shipping box (see What’s in the Box later in this chapter.)

2. If not previously installed on your Thunderbolt equipped Macintosh , ensure that

appropriate application software such as Final Cut Pro 7 or Adobe Premiere is installed
as detailed in its user documentation.

3. For latest System Compatibility and Software Version information for Io XT:
Visit: http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php

4. Install AJA Io XT software on your Mac from the latest AJA download (preferred) or
from the supplied AJA CD-ROM.

Start by installing the Io XT driver package with AJA Control Panel and then finally
install any AJA plug-ins for 3rd-party software.

Installers for the Io XT driver software and for the AJA Control Panel are found both on
the CD in your shipping box and on the AJA website—we strongly recommend going
to AJA website to ensure you get the latest software and documentation.

5. Connect a Thunderbolt cable between the Mac and the Io XT.

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

and video monitor.

7. When you run the AJA Control Panel, you’ll notice that the Io XT is auto-discovered as
long as it is properly cabled and powered up.

8. Please read the AJA Control Panel Operators Manual provided on the CD (also check
the website for that latest version).

Each of these steps are explained in greater detail on the remaining
pages of this chapter.

1

2

1

12

Connecting to your Computer

1. With your computer off, connect a Thunderbolt cable to one of the two

Thunderbolt ports

2. Connect the other Thunderbolt port to storage or other desired periferals.

3. Assemble the Power Adapter and cable and connect to the Io XT 12V Power

connector.

4. Connect your desired Video I/O, Audio monitoring, reference, and machine control
cables. (Refer to Cabling the System following.)

5. Connect the Power Supply to AC power and turn on Io XT using the front power
switch.

Note: Ensure that the Apple, Adobe, or other software you are going to use has been

installed and used at least once before proceeding to the installation of Io XT software.
It is always a good idea to verify you have the most up-to-date release of your AJA
software by checking the AJA support site:

http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php

Io XT Connections

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System

Cabling the System

Typical System Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video monitoring.

1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the Io XT Ref/LTC connector (BNC).

The second Io XT Ref Loop connector (if used in Pass through mode) can be
connected to the VTR or terminated with a 75-ohm terminator. If instead using LTC
timecode input, connect to the Ref/LTC input.

2. Connect an HDMI Video Monitor to the Io XT HDMI Out connector. Or instead, use
the Component Analog Video Out BNC connectors to go to an analog monitor.

3. Connect a 9-pin DE-9 machine control cable between your VTR’s RS422 control
port and the Io XT RS-422 machine control connector.

4. Connect two SDI cables between Io XT and your digital VTR (Digital Betacam etc.):
one from Io XT SDI In to the VTR SDI Out, and one from Io XT SDI Out to the VTR SDI
In. The Io XT SDI connections have embedded audio so the VTR must be
configured accordingly.

5. Use a Tascam-style audio breakout cable to connect stereo output for audio
monitoring.

1

13

Typical Thunderbolt Compatible Laptop System Connections

14

Installing Io XT Software

Go to the AJA website and download the latest Io XT driver software. While there, also
download the latest version of AJA Control Panel, and any AJA plug-ins for 3rd-part
applications (such as Adobe CS5). All of these software installers can be found here:

http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php

If you don’t have an appropriate internet connection, use the CD-ROM supplied with the Io
XT system to install necessary software drivers and the AJA Control Panel application. You
cannot use Io XT with third-party software until the AJA Io XT software has been installed
on the host workstation, plus any AJA plug-ins required.

System software updates may occasionally become available to AJA Io 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 XT This will
prevent any hardware or software conflicts.

If you add Io 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.

Macintosh Software
Installation

Note: Before installing Io XT software, turn off any virus protection and security software

that you may have installed on your computer.

1. For CD-ROM: Insert the Io XT CD in the Mac, locate the Io XT CD icon on the OS X
desktop. Double click the icon to see the CD contents, which will appear in its own
window.

2. Locate the package files (download or CD); they have an icon that looks like a box
and has a “.pkg” or “.mpkg” suffix.

Note: Files ending in the “.pkg” and “.mpkg” suffix are OS X installer files. These launch the

OS X installer and tell it where and what to install on your system.

3. Double-click the package to log on and begin software installation. Start by
installing the Io XT driver package with AJA Control Panel and then finally install any
AJA plug-ins for 3rd-party software.

4. On the following pages, we show the series of screens you’ll see when installing the
Io XT driver software package.

Note: During installation the system will ask you to authenticate who you are as currently

defined on your OS X user profile. Enter the proper name and password at the
Authenticate prompt; if you have multiple users defined, ensure that you log on as a
user with administrator-level authority.

Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System

5. When you launch the installer, you’ll see a series of installer screens.

Initial Installer Screen

15

1

6. Click Continue to begin installation.

7. The next screen lets you know that the installer will check your Mac to ensure it has the

hardware and software resources required (see Minimum Requirements in Chapter 1).

System Check Installer Screen