AJA KONA Operation Guide

www.aja.com

Installation and Operation

Guide

Because it matters.

FOR PC SOFTWARE

Published: 5/13/10

1

1

ii

Trademarks

AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro® and XENA® are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Io HD™,
Io Express™, and Io™ 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.
TA SC AM i s a r eg is te red tr ad em ark o f TE AC C or p or at io n .

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Notice

Copyright © 2010 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.

FCC Emission Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
AJA Video can effect emission compliance and could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.

Contacting Support

To c on ta ct A JA Vi de o fo r sa le s or s up po rt, use any of the following methods:

180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA. 95945 USA

Tele ph on e: 8 00 .2 51 .4 22 4 or 5 30 .2 71 .3 19 0
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.

Limited Warranty

Installation and Operation Manual — Limited Warranty

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.

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.

1

iii

iv

KONA Installation and Operation Manual — Table of Contents

Tabl e of Co nte nt s

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

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

FCC Emission Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

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

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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

XENA Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Applications Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Capture Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

DVCProHD Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

KONA Models Covered in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

KONA 3/3x Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Dual Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

KONA 3 Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Broadcast-quality Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Video + Key SDI output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KONA 3 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KONA 3 I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KONA LHi Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KONA LHi I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

HD/SD Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KONA LSe Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

KONA LSe I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

KONA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What’s In The Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

Understanding Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

Using the Breakout Cable and Card Endplate Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

KONA LHi and LSe Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

KONA LSe Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

KONA 3 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Using Breakout Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

KONA KL-Box for LSe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

KONA KLHi-Box for LHi Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

K3-Box for KONA 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connector Descriptions—

LSe/LHi Cables and KL-Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

SDI Input and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

HDMI Input and Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs And Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Analog 2-Channel Balanced Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio (KL-Box only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

RS-422 Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Connector Descriptions—KONA 3 Cables and K3-Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

8-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio (breakout box only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1

1

2

RS-422 Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SDI Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Analog Monitor Out (Component/Composite HD/SD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Reference Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Computer Requirements for KONA Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AJA Data Rate Calculator Application for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

AJA KONA System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Installing the KONA Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Cabling KONA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Using The 3/3x Breakout Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Dual-link Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Using The LHi/LSe Breakout Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using The LS Breakout Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

A Typical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Genlock and Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Installing KONA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Software Installation Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Install Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Re-Installation & Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Setup Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Selection of Primary & Secondary Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Primary and Secondary Format Options Supported by KONA cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Convert Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

KONA Format Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Audio Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SDI Outputs 1 & 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Audio Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Timecode Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Desktop Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Capture, Preview, and Playback—Differences and Similarities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Capture Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Preview Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Playback Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Support for Capture, Preview and Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Codex Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

KONA DVCProHD Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

KONA Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

AJA’s Hardware Scaling Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Codec Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Machina Capture/Playback Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

KONA Realtime Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Machina Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

KONA Installation and Operation Manual — Table of Contents

Shortcuts and Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Full-screen Desktop Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Setup Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Activation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Activation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

KONA Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Capture Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Primary and Secondary Video Options Supported by KONA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

YUV<->RGB Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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

Audio Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

SDI Outputs 1 & 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Timecode Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Play Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Audio Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Audio Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Timebase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Device Control Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Timecode Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Timecode Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

General Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Video/Audio Directory Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Enforce Memory Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Audio Files Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Audio Monitor Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Capture Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Video/Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Video Subtype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Audio Subtype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Audio Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Clip Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Clip Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Reel Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Sequence Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Create New Folder Per Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Abort on Dropped Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Display Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Display To Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Display Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Overlay Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Enable Overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Mixer Coefficient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Foreground Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Background Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

1

3

4

Graphic File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Use as Background Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Capture Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Capture In/Out Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

VTR TC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Capture/KONA Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Play Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Display Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Display To Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Display Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Leader/Trailer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Play Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Play Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Output Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Insert Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Print-to-Video Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Assemble Edit Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Play/KONA Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Adobe Premiere Pro Realtime Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Beginning a Project with KONA Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Options Set in Premiere Pro Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Audio Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Audio Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Device Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Timecode Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Premiere Pro Capture Options Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Capture Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Primary and Secondary Video Options Supported by KONA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

YUV<->RGB Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

KONA P2, XDCamHD, XDCamEX, and AVCHD Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Audio Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

SDI Output 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Audio Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Timecode Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Desktop Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Display To Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Display Capture Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Desktop Capture Width and Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Audio Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Audio Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Premiere Pro Playback Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

KONA Installation and Operation Manual — Table of Contents

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Overlay Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

HDMI Output Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Using Photoshop CS5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Configuration Option Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Activation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Using the AJA Capture Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Capture Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Image Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

General Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Play/Record Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Using the AJA Preview Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using After Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

KONA After Effects CS5 Plugin Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Basic Plugin Operations and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Activation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

After Effects CS5 and Preview Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Shortcuts and Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Using the After Effects Capture Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Activation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Capture Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

File Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Clip Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

General Menu – Device Control Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Play/Record Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Using the After Effects Preview Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Using the After Effects Playback Plugin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Playback: File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Playback: General Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Leader/Trailer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Memory Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Playback: KONA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Activation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Playback Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Audio Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Play Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Insert Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Print-to-Video Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Using Autodesk Combustion 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Preview Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Primary & Secondary Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Primary Video Formats Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

1

5

6

Using Eyeon Fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Preview Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Primary & Secondary Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Primary Video Formats Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Native Support for KONA for PC Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Using KONA with Avid Liquid Chrome™ XE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Sony Vegas + DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Drastic Technologies Media NXS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Sonic CineVision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

CineForm Prospect & Neo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

If You Run Into Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

KONA 3 & 3x Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

KONA LHi Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

KONA LSe Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Machine Control Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Chapter 1: Introduction

Edge Shot Photo Here

Overview

XENA Compatibility For owners of AJA’s XENA capture cards, the KONA for PC software fully supports XENA

The AJA KONA series brings the highest quality 2K, HD, and SD video and audio to a Windows
workstation.
features to Windows video applications. Although this manual is written for the Windows
plug-ins, it also applies to AJA Mac Plug-ins for Adobe which run under OSX Snow Leopard
(the screens and functions are mostly identical).

hardware. The XENA product line has been folded into our award-winning KONA line., to
supply both PC and Mac users with a single set of cross-platform solutions. XENA and KONA
have long used the same industry-leading hardware with tailored software unique to each
platform. To add value for customers, we are now packaging each KONA card with both Mac
and PC software, so they can be used on either platform—or both. The hardware and
software are the same. The name and package has changedto provide twice the software and
ease-of-use on all platforms.

The following table provides XENA-to-KONA model name changes.

XENA-to-KONA Model Compatibility

This manual discusses the KONA for PC software plug-ins that provide powerful

XENA Model KONA Equivalent

XENA 2Ke KONA 3

XENA 2K KONA 3x

XENA LHi KONA LHi

XENA LHe KONA LHe

XENA LH KONA LH

XENA LSe KONA LSe

XENA LS KONA LS

1

1

1

2

Note: Due to the product line name change, XENA users will find product support on our

website under “KONA for PC.” Support and offerings remain the same—with the best
quality and level of support in the industry.

Applications
Supported

With KONA Software version 5.0 for PC’s professional features, you can run these Windows
platform applications (application software not included).

• Adobe Premiere Pro CS5

• Adobe After Effects CS5

• Adobe Photoshop CS5

• Autodesk Combustion 2008

• Eyeon Fusion 6.x (64-bit only)

KONA for PC software also offers AJA’s own Machina software for incredible standalone file
capture, preview and playout with full machine control. Third-party native support for
KONA cards is also available in applications such as Avid Liquid Chrome, Sony Vegas, and
Sonic CineVision (see

KONA version 5.0 software and plugins are also compatible with the Bootcamp Windows
environment on Macintosh machines running OSX Snow Leopard or better. (Beta versions
of Bootcamp are not supported.)

Some KONA card models are available in both PCI-X compatible and PCI-e bus versions (LHi
is PCIe only). KONA cards offer high-quality digital and analog interfaces for use in
broadcast, editing and graphics/animation work. The KONA 3/3x card can capture SDI, HD­SDI, Dual Link 4:4:4 HD-SDI, and HSDL. KONA LHi captures analog and digital HD/SD data
and also supports HDMI in and out. KONA LS is for analog and digital SD data only.

“Native Support for KONA for PC Products ” on page 107).

Capture Formats When capturing, you can record data in the following file formats:

• DPX (LHi & 3Ke/3K only)

• Cineon (LHi & 3Ke/3K only)

• TGA

• TIFF

• BMP

• YUV

• AVI

• QuickTime

• MXF MPEG (Sony Vegas only)

DVCProHD Support KONA cards also include a DVCProHD Library that enables users to capture, edit, and play

back DVCProHD compressed QuickTime files in KONA for PC supported applications.

For more information on using DVCProHD for:

• Compressed Online Editing,

• Compressed Offline Editing,

• Import, Editing, and Playing Multiple Media Types,

• Cross-Platform Workflow with KONA and DVCProHD

Please see the whitepaper DVCProHD Editing with KONA at:

http://www.aja.com/pdf/AJA_whitepaper_DVCProHD_editing.pdf

Introduction — KONA 3/3x Features

3

KONA Models
Covered in this
Manual

KONA 3/3x Features

This manual covers the installation and operation of KONA LSe/LS, KONA LHi, and
KONA 3/3x models and discusses using them with supported applications. Instructions
for installing the optional breakout boxes are shipped with the option.

Note: Except where noted in this manual, references to KONA LS and KONA 3 also

include the LSe and 3x models.

The KONA 3 card supports the popular uncompressed SD or HD formats including 2K and
Dual Link 4:4:4 HD-SDI formats. It captures uncompressed 10-bit and 8-bit digital video
and 24-bit 48 kHz digital audio in Standard definition (SMPTE 259M), High definition
(SMPTE 292M), and Dual Link High Definition (SMPTE 372M).

KONA 3 features include:

1

• SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link SD and HD-SDI, and HSDL

• KONA software plugins and support for third-party applications

• AJA’s standalone Machina capture/playback software

• Native support for uncompressed DPX, Cineon, TGA, TIFF, BMP, YUV, and AVI and

QuickTime files

• Support for 2K frame formats

• Support for Cineform 3D playback with left/right stereoscopic output on separate

outputs

• Look Up Table support (LUT)

• 4-lane PCI-express bus interface (KONA 3)

or PCI-X 133 interface (KONA 3x)

• Broadcast-quality hardware 10-bit up-convert, down-convert and cross-convert.

• 12-bit HD component and SD component/composite analog output

• 16-channel SDI embedded audio and 8-channel 48/96 kHz AES audio

• RS-422 machine control

• Cables standard, K3-Box breakout optional

Dual Link KONA 3 supports Dual Link 4:4:4 HD-SDI. KONA 3 Dual Link supports full-bandwidth 4:4:4

RGB at 10-bits (12-bit capable) for 1080i, 1080p, and 720p formats. KONA 3 can also
convert between 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 formats for Single Link HD-SDI output.

KONA 3 Workflow The KONA 3 path allows you to go straight from telecine to disk with 2K media

eliminating the steps of using tape stock and then digitizing those tapes for the nonlinear
editor. KONA 3 capture from 2K telecine directly creates 2K DPX, QuickTime, Cineon, AVI,
TGA, TIFF, or BMP files. Material can be played out at 2K via HSDL (High Speed Data Link)
at 15 fps.

KONA 3 allows 2K files to be viewed on HD 1080 24P-supported video monitors. This 1080
HD playout can also be down-converted to SD in realtime, giving the 2K DI pipeline a
solution for multi-format video playout of 2K material.

By generating 2K files directly from a Telecine in a multitude of file formats and bit­depths, you have files available for use on any system and at any stage in production. A
colorist, effects artist, and editor can immediately use the files.

KONA 3 supports any popular uncompressed SD or HD format, including Dual Link and
2K and captures and plays back uncompressed 10-bit and 8-bit digital video. KONA 3 also
includes a variety of 10-bit broadcast-quality features—hardware-based up-, down-, and
cross-conversion to and from HD.

4

KONA 3 is available in two models. KONA 3x uses the PCI-X 133 interface while KONA 3 is a
4-lane PCI-express bus card. The two cards are identical in features and video and audio
connections and use the same optional K3-Box breakout box.

Broadcast-quality
Conversion

Video + Key SDI
output

KONA 3 features full 10-bit, broadcast-quality, SD-to-HD up-conversion, HD- to-SD down­conversion, SD and HD cross-conversion, and automatic HD/SD 12-bit component analog
output. The quality is identical to AJA’s stand-alone products and all functionality is
hardware-based making it available all the time on digitize or playback. KONA 3 offers
hardware-based 1080-to-720 or 720-to-1080 cross-conversion further streamlining dailies
and deliverables creation at true broadcast picture quality in realtime. For maximum
flexibility, hardware-based aspect ratio conversion can be applied to standard definition
capture and output.

This feature is available on the output settings in Machina, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.
To u se V id eo + K ey, se t th e SD I- 1 Ou tp ut t o ‘ Vid eo + Key (V)’ or ‘Video + Key (K)’. The SDI-2
then output automatically changes to the complimentary setting.

Note: Video + Key is limited to 8-bit RGBA files.

KONA 3 Audio KONA 3’s extensive audio support makes installation simple, working with 8-channel

24-bit 48 and 96 kHz AES audio via XLR (balanced) connections, and 16-channel embedded
24-bit SDI/HD-SDI audio (capture and playback).

KONA 3 also features high-quality input sample-rate conversion on AES inputs, which
eliminates the need for audio source synchronization.

KONA 3 I/O KONA 3 offers two HD/SD SDI inputs and outputs and a component analog output, each

independently switchable between HD and SD (SD analog can be configured as
composite). For example, if you are working in HD, you can have simultaneous HD-SDI, SD­SDI, and HD or SD component analog output. Using KONA 3’s always-available format
conversion features, monitoring can be as simple as a single composite monitor for both SD
and HD projects. Dual Link can be monitored via Dual Link HD-SDI outputs, Single Link HD­SDI, or HD component analog.

When you plug in KONA 3’s breakout cables they automatically configure. For SDI video, the
card features two HD/SD inputs and two outputs for Single or Dual Link, one connection for
Genlock input, and three for HD/SD component analog video out. Also included is a 9-pin D
connector for RS-422 machine control. The SDI inputs and outputs use a separate cable with
special mini-BNC connectors on one end and full-size BNCs on the other for ease of
connection and superior reliability.

The K3-Box for KONA 3 simplifies interfacing by offering a 19-inch, 1RU rack-mountable
breakout box that attaches to the KONA 3 with just two cables. This option offers all the
same inputs and outputs as the standard breakout cable, and can be easily rackmounted or
placed on top of a broadcast monitor or editing desk. Additional functionality includes
simultaneous XLR and BNC AES output, 2-channel RCA analog audio monitoring, and
looping BNC Genlock reference connectors. Proper connections are provided for a Betacam
deck, HDCAM, DVCPRO HD, D5, D9, or even HDCAM SR.

Introduction — KONA 3/3x Features

5

KONA LHi Features

The KONA LHi card provides the Windows workstation with both HD and SD analog and digital
I/O, and HDMI input and output. The LHi SDI I/O BNCs also support 3G-SDI, consisting of a single

2.970 Gbit/s serial link, standardized in SMPTE 424M.

KONA LHi Features include:

• 10-bit Uncompressed SD/HD Capture Card

• 12-bit HD Analog Component I/O

• 12-bit SD Analog Component or Composite/YC I/O

• 3G, HD-SDI, or SD-SDI input I/O

• HDMI input and output with v1.3a Deep Color at 30 bits per pixel

• 2-channel balanced XLR AES and 2-channel balanced XLR Analog Audio I/O

• 8-channel SDI Embedded Audio I/O

• Broadcast-quality hardware 10-bit up-convert, down-convert and cross-convert.

• Native support for DPX, Cineon, TGA, TIFF, BMP, YUV, AVI and QuickTime files

• HD/SD Genlock

• RS-422 Machine Control

• Cables standard, KLHi-Box breakout box optional

• AJA KONA software, including application plugins and AJA Machina capture/playout

software

• PCI-express (PCIe) bus interface

• LTC selectable on reference input

1

KONA LHi I/O The KONA LHi comes standard with a breakout cable, and also works with the optional KLHi-Box

for rackmounted I/O convenience. It offers multi-channel audio and 16/24/32-bit AES/EBU
digital audio at 48 kHz for digital production. By including hardware sample-rate conversion on
AES inputs, KONA LHi eliminates source synchronizing requirements.

Supporting Digital SD/HD and Analog SD/HD I/O, KONA LHi fits many diverse workflows
including analog component connections from HDV cameras providing direct ingest of HDV­acquired material into uncompressed or any other supported file format. These 12-bit analog
inputs and outputs, and 10-bit digital I/Os, ensure that KONA LHi can interface to almost any SDI
or analog device.

KONA LHi is a 4-lane PCI-express bus card that provides HDMI in/out and has 1 SDI/HD input and
1 SDI/HD output. HDMI input and output, effectively allows use of inexpensive but high-quality
HD camcorders for input and HDMI monitors for low-cost HD program monitoring.

HD/SD Conversion KONA LHi also provides 10-bit hardware HD-to-SD up-, down-, or cross-conversion that can be

applied to any or all inputs or outputs. Digitize HD into space-efficient SD for off-line work.
Monitor HD files on an SD monitor. Make analog or digital SD tape masters from an HD project.

6

KONA LSe Features

The KONA LS card offers the best solution for affordable SD capture and playback. It offers a
cost-effective solution for capture, playback, and printing video for non-linear editing and
visual effects/motion graphics.

KONA LSe features include:

• 12-bit Component/Composite/S-video analog I/O

• SDI input and 2 independent SDI outputs

• AES I/O; sample rate conversion on input (2-channel XLR)

• Balanced analog audio I/O (2-channel XLR)

• 8-channel SDI embedded audio support

• Broadcast-quality Time Base Correction (TBC) with VHS support

• Genlock and RS-422 Machine Control

• AJA Support for TGA, TIFF, BMP, AVI, and QuickTime files

• Supports all popular standard definition formats in NTSC and PAL

• Cables standard and KL-Box breakout box optional

• AJA KONA software, including application plugins and AJA Machina capture/playout

software

• PCI-express bus interface (KONA LSe)

KONA Software

The KONA LSe supports TGA, TIFF, BMP, YUV, AVI, or QuickTime.

KONA LSe I/O

KONA LSe can operate with either the standard breakout cable (included) or optional KL-Box
for rackmounted I/O convenience. KONA LSe provides high quality analog and digital 10-bit
resolution SMPTE SDI SDI standard definition video connections. KONA LSe also has great
audio I/O support—2-channel balanced XLR analog, 2-channel XLR AES, and multi-channel
embedded SDI audio. KONA LSe includes hardware sample-rate conversion on AES inputs
eliminating source synchronizing requirements.

KONA software consists of KONA application software (Machina™), KONA driver software, and
KONA plug-in software for 3rd-party applications. This suite of software allows KONA to work
in a variety of workflows. The plug-ins provide tightly integrated KONA source selection and
control within 3rd-party applications. KONA software provides direct support for Adobe
Premiere Pro CS5, Adobe After Effects CS5, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Autodesk Combustion
2008, and Eyeon Fusion 6 (64-bit) (application software not included).

With a Windows workstation, and KONA, you have a high-quality cost-effective system for
standard definition, high definition, digital and analog video production workflows (features
vary with each model). Software is supplied on CD, including:

• AJA’s Machina Capture/Playback application

• Drivers for the card itself

• All files necessary for interfacing with third-party software applications

Introduction — Minimum System Requirements

(1 KONA for PC CD and
1 KONA for Mac C)

7

What’s In The Box?

When you unpack your AJA KONA LSe, LHi or KONA 3, you’ll find the following components:

• AJA KONA for PC Software and Documentation CD-ROM – this CD contains the software

installer to place KONA drivers, plugins, and the AJA Machina capture/playback
application on a Windows workstation. The CD also contains a wide variety of useful
information. (A separate CD is provided with Mac OSX Installation software for KONA use
on Macs.)

• The KONA model you ordered

• Cable assembly – the appropriate KONA Standard Breakout cable for your KONA card

• Read Me First Notice – late-breaking news and/or errata related to KONA and the

documentation

• Registration Sheet – register your card by mail or online (details provided)

1

KON A S hip pin g Box C ont ents

Minimum System Requirements

AJA Video recommends that your system meet minimum hardware and software requirements
to achieve a satisfactory level of performance when operating it. System requirements are
subject to change as new versions of operating systems, QuickTime, and workstations become
available. For the most up-to-date Minimum System Requirements see the AJA website at:

http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-system-configuration.php

8

Understanding Disk
Storage Methods

Cable Connections

Using the Breakout
Cable and Card
Endplate
Connectors

To e ns ur e pe r for ma nc e an d qu al it y, t he d is k st or ag e sy st em u se d wi th t he W in do ws
workstation must be able to meet the demands of storing realtime uncompressed media. At
the very minimum, the disk storage system must be able to provide and maintain a consistent
50 MB/s transfer rate from the workstation to disk (read/write). There are a variety of system
configurations and peripherals that can provide this level of performance. Refer to

Requirements for KONA Cards ” on page 19 for information on testing data rates and storage

performance.

“Computer

KONA offers unsurpassed cable connectivity for a video/audio capture card. Connections are
made via the supplied breakout cable and connectors mounted on the KONA Card endplate.

The breakout cables for the three KONA models are shown on the following page.

KONA LHi and LSe Connectors

The KONA LHi and LSe models use a breakout cable that supports:

• Reference Input (BNC connector)

• Component/Composite/S Video Input (3x BNC)

• Component/Composite/S Video Output (3x BNC)

• AES In (2x XLR)

• AES Out (2x XLR)

• Balanced Audio In (2x XLR)

• Balanced Audio Out (2x XLR)

• RS-422 Machine Control (9 pin D)

Connectors on the KONA LHi card endplate additionally provide:

• Standard-definition or High-definition SDI input (1 BNC) and output (1 BNC)

• HDMI input and output (2x HDMI mini-connectors)

KONA LSe Connectors

The KONA LSe model has no endplate BNC’s and uses a breakout cable to provide the same
audio/video and reference I/O as the LHi and LSe models (supporting standard definition
only).

A 9-pin D connector on the LSe endplate provides RS-422 Machine Control connection.

Introduction — Cable Connections

1

9

Breakout Cables for LHi, & LSe Models

10

KONA 3 Connectors

KONA 3 provides complete I/O connectivity choices in two breakout cables. One cable
provides AES/EBU digital XLR connections and analog video monitoring connections. The
other cable has 4 mini-connectors on one end and 4 BNCs on the other providing SDI
connections for both Single Link and Dual Link SD/HD SDI connections. Cable connections are
marked on both the KONA card endplate and on the cable connectors for easy identification.

KON A 3 Brea kout Cabl e

Introduction — Cable Connections

RS422

Machine

Control

External
Reference
(loop)

Analog Audio
Output

Balanced Audio In

Channels 1 & 2

Balanced Audio Out

Channels 1 & 2

Composite/

Component

Video In

Composite/

Component

Video Out

AES/EBU Audio

In and Out

In

Serial

Digital

Out

Serial

Digital

RS422

Machine Control

External

Ref. or LTC

(loop)

Analog

Audio

Output

Balanced Audio In

Channels 1 & 2

Balanced Audio Out

Channels 1 & 2

Composite/Component

Video In

Composite/

Component

Video Out

AES/EBU Audio

In and Out

SDI

In

SDI
Out

HDMI v1.3a

Out

HDMI v1.3a

In

11

Using Breakout
Boxes

The KONA product line offers two optional 19” 1RU rack-mountable breakout boxes that attach
to the KONA card via cables that connect to the back of the Box. These cables are supplied with
the Box. The breakout boxes offer the same inputs and outputs as the standard breakout cables
and more. Breakout boxes can be easily rackmounted or placed on top of a broadcast monitor
or editing desk.

KONA KL-Box for LSe

The KONA KL-Box is connected via one 60-pin to 60-pin, and one 3-BNC to 3-BNC cable. When
you purchase the KL-Box, you get two-channel unbalanced audio output (2 RCA Jacks) not
available with the standard cable. When ordering a KL-Box, specify the KONA card model you’ll
be using the KL box with to ensure you get the proper cable set.

1

KL-Box Model Breakout Box

KONA KLHi-Box for LHi Cards

The KONA KLHi-Box offers the same connections as the KL-Box except a single connector is
provided for the following: SDI input, SDI output, HDMI v1.3a input, and HDMI v1.3a output.

Note: The HDMI connectors on the breakout box are full-size, not mini as on the LHi endplate.

KLHi-Box Model Breakout Box

12

In

Out

RS422

Machine

Control

External

Reference

(loop)

Component/

Composite

Video Output

Analog Audio

Output

AES/EBU Audio In

Channels 1 through 8

All AES/EBU audio connectors have two channels

per connector

AES/EBU Audio In

Channels 1 through 8

AES/EBU Audio Out

Channels 1 through 8

AES/EBU Audio Out

Channels 1 through 8

Serial

Digital

Serial

Digital

K3-Box for KONA 3

The K3-Box for KONA 3 offers convenient connector access and additional functionality
including simultaneous XLR and BNC AES output, 2-channel RCA analog audio monitoring,
and looping BNC Genlock reference connectors. If you’re using a digital Betacam deck,
HDCAM, DVCPRO HD, D5, D9 or even an HDCAM SR, you’ll have the proper connections.

Connector
Descriptions—
LSe/LHi Cables and
KL-Box

K3-Box Model Breakout Box

Connectors on the standard cable set are labelled by their function for easy installation and
maintenance. Connectors on the optional KL-Box are similarly labelled.

SDI Input and Outputs

BNC connectors are provided on the KONA LHi card endplates for one SD-SDI or HD-SDI input
and one SDI output (format independent of the input). The SDI input and output support
video and embedded 24-bit digital audio. Use SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10­bit 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 mini-connectors on the LHi endplate (full-si ze HDMI connec tors o n the KLHi Box )
provide for input and output of HDMI compatible video (version 1.1) and multi-channel
embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not supported on either input or output. The LHi’s
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 30AW G H DMI cable. The HD MI out put su ppo rts
standard HDMI cables only.

2-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs And Outputs

One female XLR connector is provided for the channel 1 and 2 inputs, while a male XLR
connector carries channel 1 and 2 outputs. AES/EBU signals are handled internally as 24-bit
digital.The optional KL-Box also provides XLR audio connections on the front panel.

Note: AES XLR connections are digital and cannot be used with analog equipment having

XLR connectors.

Introduction — Cable Connections

Analog 2-Channel Balanced Audio

Two sets of analog XLR connectors, one for each channel, support balanced audio connections.
Male XLRs are provided for outputs and female XLRs are provided for inputs. Balanced audio
(differential) connections provide better analog audio quality over longer cable runs. Most
professional quality VTRs and audio equipment have XLR style connectors for analog audio.
Analog audio signals are converted internally to 24-bit digital.

Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio (KL-Box only)

On the KL-Box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These connectors are
RCA-style phono jacks.

13

Connector
Descriptions—
KONA 3 Cables and
K3-Box

RS-422 Machine Control

A female DE-9 connector on the LHi/LSe breakout cable provides connection for VTRs,
camcorders, disk media servers, and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. This RS­422 connector is also present on the optional KL-Box (connector pinout is listed in
Control Connector Pinout” on page 118).

Connectors on the standard cable set are labelled for their function for easy installation and
maintenance. Connectors on the optional K3-Box (breakout box) are similarly labelled.

1

“Machine

8-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs and Outputs

When using the standard cables, XLR connections are provided for AES/EBU audio input/output.
Four female XLR connectors are provided for audio input and four for audio output. Each XLR
carries two channels. XLR connectors are labeled for input/output and channels.

The optional K3-Box provides both BNC and XLR audio connections on the front panel.

Note: XLR connections are digital and cannot be used with analog equipment having XLR

connectors.

Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio (breakout box only)

On the breakout box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These connectors
are RCA-style phono jacks.

RS-422 Machine Control

A female DE-9 connector provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers, and
other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. This connector is present on both the
general I/O cables and the optional K3-Box. (Connector pinout is listed in

Connector Pinout” on page 118.)

“Machine Control

SDI Inputs and Outputs

On the KONA 3/3x card, mini-connectors are provided for two SDI inputs and two SDI outputs
for Single or Dual Link. A cable with four Mini-connectors on one end and four BNCs on the
other end is provided for connecting equipment to the SDI inputs and outputs.

KONA 3 has three video outputs altogether—two SDI outputs that are used for both High- and
Standard-definition (SD/HD-SDI), and one component analog output (discussed later). Each of
the three outputs is independently switchable between HD and SD. For example, if you are
working in HD, you can have simultaneous HD-SDI, SD-SDI, and HD-component analog output.

SDI inputs and outputs support video and 8-channel 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

14

wherever possible. Most high-end professional broadcast equipment supports SDI (VTRs,
cameras, media storage servers, etc.).

Analog Monitor Out (Component/Composite HD/SD)

Both the standard I/O cable and the optional KL-Box feature two groups of three BNC
connectors each, for input and output of component, composite and Y/C functions. The
signals are labelled on both the cable and KL-Box connectors.

The analog component output can be switched between SD and HD. KONA 3 features 12-bit
component video output for both HD and SD. SD can be switched to composite and Y/C. (The
same three BNC connectors share component and Y/C functions.) This allows use of an
inexpensive analog monitor for both HD and SD work. You can even use a composite video
monitor. For Dual Link HD-SDI output, HD or SD can be monitored through the component
output. Dual Link HD can be output as 4:4:4 RGB.

Component video signals are generally higher quality than composite, but not as high-quality
as serial digital (SDI).

Note: About RGB: Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA 3 supports it for

A/V Monitor output. However, because the KONA 3 (and SMPTE SDI’s) native format is
YPbPr, AJA recommends using YPbPr when the monitor supports it. The YPbPr format
provides “headroom” for “superwhite” and superblack”—and these video levels will be
clipped when transcoding to RGB. Also, the RGB/YPbPr transcoding involves a level
translation that results in mathematical round-off error. RGB can be configured in the
Playout setup panel of the specific application you are using with KONA 3.

Note: About YPbPr: KONA 3 supports three different types of YPbPr:

• SMPTE/EBU N10

• Betacam (NTSC)

• Betacam (NTSC-J [Japan]).

These three formats differ in level only and can be configured in the Playout setup panel of
the specific application you are using with KONA 3.

Reference Video

A single BNC on the standard KONA cable—or two BNC connectors on the K3-Box (it loops
through)—allow you to synchronize KONA 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, connect its analog composite output
here. When KONA outputs video, it locks to this reference signal. When connecting a reference
video source, the locking signal should be the same format as the Primary format selected in
KONA software. It is possible in some circumstances to use an alternate format video signal if
the basic frame rate is compatible.

In This Manual

Introduction — Cable Connections

his manual is written for the KONA for PC software. The AJA Windows plug-ins information is

T
shown throughout the manual using example Windows 7 screens and discussion. This text also

applies to AJA Mac Plug-ins for Adobe which run under OSX Snow Leopard (the screens and
functions are mostly identical). For both Windows 7 and Snow Leopard platforms, use this
manual for understanding AJA’s Plug-ins for Adobe CS5.

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

Chapter 2 provides complete instructions for installing the AJA KONA card. The user is guided
through unpacking, installing the card into a Windows workstation, installing KONA Software
From CD, cabling the system and getting it up and running. Important configuration
information is also provided on video settings and use of genlock/external reference.

Chapter 3 discusses KONA features that are common across all its plug-ins and the KONA
Machina application. Here you’ll find a basic overview of how KONA operates and is configured,
from making source and format selections to capturing, previewing, and playing back video and
audio.

Chapter 4 discusses operational aspects of KONA when used with AJA’s Machina capture/
playback application.

Chapter 5 discusses operational aspects of KONA when used with Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
editing and motion graphics software.

1

15

Chapter 6 discusses operational aspects of KONA when used with Adobe After Effects CS5
compositing software.

Chapter 7 discusses operational aspects of KONA when used with Adobe Adobe Photoshop CS5
photo/graphics editing application.

Chapter 8 discusses operational aspects of KONA when used with Autodesk Combustion 2008
software (PC only).

Chapter 9 discusses operational aspects of KONA when used with Eyeon Fusion v6.0 (64-bit)
software (PC only).

Chapter 10 discusses other third-party applications that provide native support for KONA cards
(PC).

Chapter 11 discusses troubleshooting problems with your system and what to do when there’s a
problem you can’t solve. It also provides a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Appendix A contains the technical specifications for the product.

16

Chapter 2: Installation & Hardware Configuration

Installation Overview

The installation and set up of a KONA with a PC is very simple. All of the steps of installation
and hardware configuration are described in this chapter and are summarized as follows:

1. Unpack the shipping box

2. If not previously installed on your PC, ensure that your editing or capture/playback

applications are installed as detailed in their user documentation. These applications
must be installed and have been run at least once prior to installing AJA KONA
software to allow proper interface setup.

3. Configure your Workstation as appropriate for your workflow requirements. A URL to
AJA Support is provided for getting the latest tested and approved KONA and RAID
storage configurations.

4. Install the latest AJA KONA software on your Workstation.

5. Cable the system audio and video sources, VTR, audio monitor, and video monitor. If

you purchased the optional KL-Box or K3-Box, install it in an equipment rack or place it
on a desk and connect its two cables to the KONA card. If you are using the standard
cable set instead, connect those directly to the equipment.

These steps are explained in greater detail in the following pages.

1

2

1

18

s

Unpacking

Shipping Box
Contents

Yo ur K ON A c ar d i s sh i pp ed w i th a br ea ko u t ca b le a nd tw o CD s: o ne KO NA f or PC a n d on e
KONA for Mac. Each CD contains software and an Installation and Operation manual (a
PDF on the CD) for that platform. If you purchased the optional KL-Box or K3-Box breakout
box, it ships with its own set of cables and instructions for connection to the KONA card.

Contents, KONA Shipping Box

As you unpack the shipping box(es), carefully examine the contents. Ensure you received
everything and nothing was damaged in shipment. If you find any damage, immediately
notify the shipping service and supply them with a complete description of the damage
then contact your AJA dealer or distributor for details on how to have your KONA repaired
or replaced. AJA will repair or replace damaged items.

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.

Installation & Hardware Configuration — Installing the KONA Card

19

Computer Requirements for KONA Cards

For the most up-to- date computer system requirements for KONA, consult the AJA
website:

http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-system-configuration.php

AJA Data Rate
Calculator
Application for
Windows

AJA KONA System
Te st

AJA offers a Data Rate Calculator utility for KONA users as a resource for configuring
systems and determining storage requirements. This application calculates data rates and
storage requirements for a given video size, format, and frame rate and is available for
download at:

http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-3-3x.php

(See Utilities and Optional ajashare at the bottom of the webpage.)

Note: Note: It is the storage vendor’s responsibility to maintain sustained playback.

Many benchmark utilities show a speed test in an ideal setting but will not sustain
that data rate for sequential data reads/writes as required in a true video editing
environment. Use the calculator to determine the data rate required and then
proceed to the system test described below.

KONA System Test is available on the AJA website at:

http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-3-3x.php

1

(See Utilities and Optional ajashare at the bottom of the webpage.) KONA System Test
is a Windows utility for measuring system performance with AJA KONA Video Capture
cards. The application includes disk drive speed tests and video data copy (DMA) speeds.
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: Note: Most of the disk performance tests are generic and don’t require an AJA

KONA Video Capture card. The DMA performance tests do require a KONA card and
AJA KONA Driver software to operate.

We suggest the best test is to fill your storage disk to 80% and then test capture at the
highest data rate you will use. Use Machina Capture Status display to monitor lost frames
(

“Capture Controls” on page 53).

Installing the KONA Card

1. Place the PC in a well-lit convenient area, where you will have easy access to the

2. Touch the outside of the PC to discharge any static electricity in your body.

3. Open the PC to gain access to the card slots as described in your Workstation User

4. Remove the KONA card from its protective anti-static bag; place the card on top of

5. To i ns ta ll t he K ON A ca rd a nd R AI D co nt roll er c ar d (S CS I or F ib re C ha nn el ), r ef er t o

chassis access door.

Remove the power cable from the back of the PC.

Manual.

the bag.

the AJA website for the latest installation updates at:

http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-system-configuration.php

Because of hardware and software changes, AJA engineers are constantly testing and
grading workstation performance. The AJA website is your best source of up-to-date
approved workstation configurations.

20

Note: Always put the RAID controller and KONA on separate PCI busses. This improves

performance by reducing bus contention.

KON A Car d p lace men t i n H P X W82 00 Mo the rboar d

6. Open the card retainer bar on the left side of the chassis cardcage. Remove the card
edge access cover from the desired slot where you will be inserting the KONA card.

7. Holding the KONA card by the card edge plate and an outside edge, carefully insert
the KONA card by rocking it slowly into the slot. Ensure the card edge aligns properly
with the PC’s opening (where the card edge cover was just removed) and that it is
fully seated in the slot.

8. Secure the card in the slot replacing the card retainer bar.

9. Replace the PC’s panel/door removed in step 3.

Locate the correct PCI Slot and Insert the KONA Card (typical installation shown)