AJA KONA-1, KONA 5 Operation Guide

KONA Series
Capture, Display, Convert
Installation and Operation Manual
Version 15.2r1 Published August 12, 2019

Notices

Copyright

AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with recorder, router, software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with camera products.
CION®, Corvid Ultra®, lo®, Ki Pro®, KONA®, KUMO®, ROI® and T-Tap® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AJA Control Room™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, TruZoom™, V2Analog™ and V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2019 AJA Video Systems, 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 Video Systems, Inc.

Contacting AJA Support

When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling. To contact AJA for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
Telephone +1.530.271.3190
FAX +1.530.271.3140
Web https://www.aja.com
Support Email support@aja.com
Sales Email sales@aja.com
KONA Capture, Display, Convert v15.2r1 2 www.aja.com

Contents

Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
KONA Models Covered in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Shared KONA Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Capture Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
RS-422 Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
KONA 5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
KONA 5 Card Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
KONA 5 Card with Breakout Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KONA 4 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KONA 4 Breakout Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
K3G-Box for KONA 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
KONA 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Mac, Windows and Linux Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Additional with Mac and Windows Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Optimum PCIe Slot Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Third Party Software Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AJA System Test Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the KONA Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cabling the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
KONA 5 Example Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
KONA 4 Example Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
K3G-Box for KONA 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
KONA 1 Example Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing KONA Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Software Package Installation and Re-installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Firmware Update Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Firmware Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 3 – Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
AJA Control Panel Operating Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
AJA Control Panel User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Controlling Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Single-User & Shared Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Function Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using Multiple AJA Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
General Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Control Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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Input Select Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SDI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SDI Output Screen, KONA 4 in UFC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Analog Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Audio Mixer Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Audio Mixer Capture Monitor Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Audio Mixer Playback Monitor Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Downstream Keyer Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
LUT Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Timecode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Control Panel 4K/UltraHD Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4K Transport Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Control Panel Block Diagram Area in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SDI Output Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
HDMI HDR Screen in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Video Setup Screen in 4K Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Audio Mixer Screens (KONA 4 in 4K Mode). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Downstream Keyer Screen in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Control Panel 8K Operation (KONA 5 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Format Screen in 8K Mode (KONA 5 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
About 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
About 12-bit Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
About RGB and YPbPr Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
KONA 5 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
KONA 4 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
KONA 1 Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Appendix B – Safety & Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Limited Warranty on Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Governing Law and Language; Your Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
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Chapter 1 – Introduction

Overview

AJA KONA cards bring the highest quality 8K/UltraHD2, 4K/UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD video and audio to computers running Mac, Windows or Linux Operating Systems. KONA cards support the broadest range of creative software for editorial, color, mastering, HDR, dailies, live streaming, graphics, game capture and much more.
KONA cards have incredibly wide application compatibility. Out-of-the-box, your AJA hardware and software supports Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer, Avid ProTools and Telestream Wirecast via AJA’s unified Desktop Software package.
AJA hardware is also supported by an enormous range of additional applications for all types of video, graphics and effects work, via the support of 3rd party development partners.
https://www.aja.com/compatibility/kona
Pick your application of choice and KONA connects it to your world.

KONA Models Covered in this Manual

This manual covers the installation and operation of these KONA card models:
• KONA 5
• KONA 4
• KONA 1
NOTE: The KONA LHe Plus and KONA LHi cards share a separate AJA manual, and the
KONA IP and KONA HDMI cards each have a separate AJA manual.
KONA cards have varying capabilities, depending on the KONA model and installed firmware version, and are suited for various real-world applications.

Shared KONA Features

The following information applies to all the KONA products covered in this manual.
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Capture Formats

When capturing, you can record data in the following file formats:
• BMP
• DPX
• MOV (QuickTime)
NOTE: Support by KONA of QuickTime for Windows has been discontinued. However,
ProRes family capture and playback for macOS, Windows and Linux is supported via AJA Control Room.
• MXF
• TGA
NOTE: Other file types can be captured using third-party capture applications such as
Sienna, Softron, Tools on Air, Drastic, or Quadrus.

Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer

KONA cards have a powerful HD/SD hardware keyer that can place graphic files with an alpha channel over HD/SD video in a selectable matte or the contents of the card’s framebuffer from a software application (including AJA TV). Key a bug or text over picture and avoid what might normally be a lengthy software render. Also, working with these software applications, you can key video that has an alpha-channel over video input or a matte. The downstream keyer operates with HD/SD video, and is not available for UltraHD/4K signals.

RS-422 Machine Control

9-pin D style connectors provide a control path for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers, and other devices using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. RS-422 connectors located on the KONA card itself and the K3G-Box are female, while the RS-422 connectors on break-out cables are male.

KONA 5 Features

Figure 1. KONA 5 Card
Multi-pin
Breakout Cable
Connector
HDMI 2.0
Output
Connector
Four Locking
Bi-directional
HD-BNCs
Supporting Up
to 12G-SDI
ATX Power Connector
1 2 3 4
Reference/
LTC Input
Locking HD-BNC
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KONA 5 is AJA’s blazingly fast, 8-lane PCIe 3.0 I/O card, designed for today’s most demanding video and audio workflows. Whether you are working with HFR 4K/ UltraHD, 2K/HD, SD, Deep Color and/or HDR, experience the quality and peace of mind that KONA 5 brings to your world. Supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4, or even 12-bit* color spaces for pristine imagery, KONA 5 allows the flexibility to ingest and output with 12G/6G/3G-SDI and monitor with a full-size HDMI 2.0 port. The bidirectional 12G-SDI ports provide immense flexibility for capture and simultaneous pass through, and with the appropriate software, multi-channel capture and streaming. For HDR workflows, KONA 5 supports HDR10 and HLG for rich color delivery over HDMI 2.0.
KONA 5 supports two versions of firmware, 8K and 4K, which can be installed as needed to meet your specific requirements.

KONA 5 Card Only

Besides shared features (see "Shared KONA Features" on page 5), KONA 5 offers:
• 4K and UltraHD ingest and output at frame rates up to 50/60 fps
• 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 workflows
• 12-bit color support (application dependent)
• Four bidirectional twist-lock HD-BNC SDI 12G-SDI HD-BNCs connectors
• One twist-lock HD-BNC reference input connector
• Single Link I/O for 4K/UltraHD across 12G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 1.5G-SDI (8K Mode required for 12G signals)
• Dual Link I/O for 1.5G-SDI and 3G-SDI (2x HD-BNC)
• Quad Link I/O for 1.5G-SDI, 3G-SDI (4x HD-BNC)
• Supports Quadrant or Two Sample Interleave transport
• Automatically downsamples Single Link 4K/UltraHD 12G input to HD on the KONA 5 SDI 4 output (4K Mode only)
• HDMI 2.0 Output
• HDR10 support - HDR Infoframe metadata, in accordance with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-
861.3
• HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support
• Up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio
• Up to 8 channels of HDMI embedded audio
• Audio Monitor mixing of sources, including Host Computer and Application (4K Mode only)
• Reference Input on card (Analog black burst or Tri-level)
• An ATX power connector (Molex p/n 45558-0003) is located at the rear of the card, and its use is required for operation (the retail KONA 5 card does not use PCIe bus power)
• Five short HD-BNC (locking) to full size BNC adapter cables are provided
• Extend external connectivity with included breakout cable
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KONA 5 Card with Breakout Cable

Figure 2. KONA 5 Breakout Cable
NOTE: KONA 5 breakout cables cannot be used with KONA 4 cards, and vice versa.
• Up to four channel pairs of AES audio on full size BNC connectors, configurable as two pairs in and two pairs out, or all four pairs in, or all four pairs out
• Reference In/LTC In (selectable)
• LTC Output
• RS-422 control via 9-pin D connector
Figure 3. KONA 5 Breakout and Adapter Cables
KONA 5
PCIe Bracket
5 HD-BNCs
to 5 Standard BNCs
Reference/LTC Input
SDI I/O 4 SDI I/O 3 SDI I/O 2 SDI I/O 1
HDMI Output (1)
RS-422 Machine Control
9-pin D-sub (male)
LTC Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
Digital AES
Audio Output BNCs
Channels 1-8
Digital AES
Audio Input BNCs
Channels 1-8
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AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 5

Figure 4. KONA 5 AJA Control Panel Screen Example
The AJA Control Panel application provides an easy to use graphical user interface for configuration control. See "AJA Control Panel User Interface" on page 25 for detailed information.

KONA 4 Features

Figure 5. KONA 4 Card
Multi-pin
Breakout Cable
Connector
Mini-HDMI 1.4b
Four DIN
1.0/2.3 sliding sleeve BNCs
Output
Connector
1
2
3
4
KONA 4 features hardware-based full 10-bit broadcast quality motion adaptive SD to HD up-conversion, HD to SD down-conversion and HD to HD cross-conversion. The KONA 4's built-in up-converter uses a full 10-bit path, fully motion adaptive de-interlacing, and large multi-point digital interpolators. Down-conversion uses large multi-point digital interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation.
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Cross-conversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to streamline dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in real time. Because these functions are in hardware on the card, 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.
KONA 4’s high-quality input sample-rate conversion on AES inputs eliminates the need for audio source synchronization. Sample rate converters auto-lock to any AES input, 32-96kHz, and then convert it to 24-bit 48kHZ audio, locked to internal KONA 4 video.
KONA 4 supports two versions of firmware, 4K and UFC, which can be installed as needed to meet your specific requirements.
Besides shared features (see "Shared KONA Features" on page 5), KONA 4 offers:
• Four DIN 1.0/2.3 sliding sleeve video connectors on the card endplate (a DIN to full size BNC adapter cable snake is provided)
• SD-SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link HD-SDI, and 3G HD-SDI inputs
• HDMI 1.4b output (mini HDMI connector on card, full size connector on optional K3G-Box)
• 2K support that includes 2048x1556 and 2048x1080 formats
• 4K and UltraHD capture and playout, up to 60 fps (4K Mode only)
• Quadrant and Two Sample Interleave transport (4K Mode only)
• 12-bit HD Component analog video and SD analog Component or Composite/ S-Video (Y/C)
• 10-bit HD/SD Video+Key Output
• Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4), and the ingest and output of SMPTE-372M compliant 4:4:4 RGB video and 4:2:2 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94, and 1080p 60 at 10-bit
• HDR signaling and monitoring for HDR10 and HLG High Dynamic Range video
• Broadcast quality hardware-based 10-bit up-, down- and cross-conversion (UFC Mode only)
• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit SD aspect ratio conversion, anamorphic to letterbox, etc. (UFC Mode only)
• 8-channel 24-bit, 48kHz digital AES/EBU audio
• 16 channels of SDI embedded digital audio
• Audio Monitor mixing of sources, including Host Computer and Application (4K Mode only)
• Genlock input with optional looping capability via the K3G-Box (terminated on the supplied breakout cable)
• LTC (longitudinal timecode) input/output

KONA 4 Breakout Cable Connections

Figure 6. KONA 4 Breakout Cable
NOTE: KONA 4 breakout cables cannot be used with KONA 5 cards, and vice versa.
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KONA offers unsurpassed cable connectivity for a video/audio capture card. Connections are made via the breakout cable (included with the card) and connectors mounted on the KONA Card endplate.
KONA 4 provides complete I/O connectivity choices in two multi-signal breakout cables and one HDMI-to-HDMI mini output cable. One multi-signal cable provides AES/EBU digital BNC connections and analog video monitoring connections. The other has four DIN 1.0/2.3 small connectors on one end and four full size BNCs on the other providing SDI connections. Cable connections are marked on both the KONA card endplate and on the cable connectors for easy identification.
Figure 7. KONA 4 Breakout and Adapter Cables
KONA 4
end-plate
4 DIN 1.0/2.3
small BNCs to
4 standard BNCs
SDI I/O 4 SDI I/O 3 SDI I/O 2 SDI I/O 1
HDMI Output (1)
SDI
RS-422 Machine Control to VTR
3 BNCs (Analog Connections)
SD Out: Component, Composite, or S-Video
HD Out: Component or RGB

K3G-Box for KONA 4

An optional 19” 1RU rack-mountable breakout box is available that attaches to the KONA 4 card via cables that connect to the back of the breakout box. These cables are supplied with the breakout box. Breakout boxes can be easily rack mounted or placed on top of a broadcast monitor or editing desk. See "K3G-Box
for KONA 4" on page 21 for K3G-Box connections and capabilities.
(9-pin)
Reference Input BNC
LTC Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
Digital AES
Audio Output BNCs
Channels 1-8
Digital AES
Audio Input BNCs
Channels 1-8
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AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 4

Figure 8. KONA 4 AJA Control Panel Screen Example
The AJA Control Panel application provides an easy to use graphical user interface for configuration control. See "AJA Control Panel User Interface" on page 25 for detailed information.

KONA 1 Features

Figure 9. KONA 1 Card
RS-422
(9 pin D)
Reference/LTC
Input
3G-SDI
Input
3G-SDI Output
Designed for broadcast, post and ProAV, as well as OEM developers, KONA 1 is a robust, cost efficient single-channel 3G-SDI 2K/HD 60p I/O card with serial control and reference/LTC. KONA 1 enables simultaneous pass-thru monitoring during capture.
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NOTE: KONA 1 uses on-card connectors only. No breakout cable or breakout box is
available.
• The KONA 1 endplate provides three full-size BNC connectors:
• Reference/LTC input (top)
• 3G-SDI input (middle)
• 3G-SDI output (bottom)
• Most 3G-SDI formats supported (see "KONA 1 Tech Specs" on page 77 for a complete listing
• Up to 16-Channels of Embedded SDI audio in
• Up to 16-Channels of Embedded SDI audio out
• Mini PCIe form factor
• Genlock with reference input
• LTC input
• Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer
• RS-422 machine control (9-pin) using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol
NOTE: A Low Profile version of the KONA card with the same functionality is available
for developers.

AJA Control Panel User Interface For KONA 1

Figure 10. KONA 1 AJA Control Panel Screen Example
The AJA Control Panel application provides an easy to use graphical user interface for configuration control. See "AJA Control Panel User Interface" on page 25 for detailed information.

AJA Software & Utilities

AJA’s KONA software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated video/audio capture, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party software. With KONA and a qualified computer, you have the ultimate system for production, post-production, broadcast, and streaming work. AJA software is distributed as a unified package which includes all the software, firmware, plugins, and utility programs for AJA’s Io, KONA, and T-TAP products.
Four retail packages are available, one for Mac, one for Windows, and two for Linux (one package for Ubuntu, one package for Red Hat/CentOS).
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NOTE: Support for the Linux OS retail drivers is based on the Linux application used and
comes from the application’s vendor.
To download AJA software, go to the AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/support/downloads
For a complete software compatibility list, see the AJA website link
https://www.aja.com/compatibility/kona

Mac, Windows and Linux Packages

These packages include:
Drivers
AJA device drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation.
AJA Control Panel
The Control Panel provides:
• Source selection and control of your AJA hardware
• A block diagram to show visually what routing and processing is being performed
AJA Control Room
Control Room is a cross-platform software application for ingest, playback and output with AJA devices.
AJA System Test
System Test provides accurate and detailed evaluations of drive and system performance statistics, allowing you to measure the capabilities of your system for recording and playing back various resolutions and codecs. The application includes:
• System Disk Test
• AJA Device Test
• Disk + Device Test
• System Report
The application tests Read and Write, Capture and Playback speeds in both Megabytes per second and Frames per second. The disk speed tests differ from standard disk I/O performance applications in that they specifically test the system under conditions typically encountered with video capture, playback, and editing.
NOTE: Theoretically the best test is to fill your storage disk to 80% and then test capture
at the highest data rate you will use.

Additional with Mac and Windows Packages

3rd-Party Plugins
AJA provided plugins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe, Avid, Apple, and Telestream.
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System Requirements

AJA Video recommends that your system meet minimum hardware and software requirements to achieve a satisfactory level of performance. Updates to system requirements are subject to change.
NOTE: See Software Vendor system requirements for GPU recommendations and
additional hardware requirements and recommendations.
AJA recommends:
• Mac OS 10.12 Sierra or later
• Win 10 or later with all updates
• Linux Redhat/CentOS 7
• Linux Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
• 2.5 GHz quad core i7 minimum, for HD
• 3.5 GHz eight core minimum, faster processors and more cores recommended, for UltraHD/4K workflows, especially with high frame rate
• 16GB RAM minimum, 32GB or more recommended, especially for UltraHD/4K or High Frame Rate applications
• A reasonably fast and powerful graphics card, with plenty of on-board memory. Examples (may be specific to application version and/or host CPU) include:
• Nvidia K5200
• Nvidia K4200
• Nvidia M6000
• Nvidia M5000
• Nvidia M4000
• AMD W7100
• AMD W8100
• Media storage with adequate bandwidth to sustain the capture and playback of the material you expect to be working with.
NOTE: For large scale installations with shared storage, or for very high performance
requirements, AJA recommends consultation with an experienced a system integrator. A consultant will be able to assist with many important variables.

Disk Storage Methods

To ensure performance and quality, the disk storage system used with the workstation must be able to meet the demands of storing real-time uncompressed media. At the very minimum, the disk storage system must be able to provide and maintain a consistent 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.
For more on disk storage performance see "AJA System Test Application" on page
16.
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Chapter 2 – Installation

Installation Overview

The installation and set up of a KONA card is simple, and may vary slightly depending on your system.

Optimum PCIe Slot Placement

For the most up-to-date Mac system requirements for KONA, see the following AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/en/support/kona-system-configuration/
For the most up-to-date Windows system requirements for KONA, see the following AJA website:
https://www.aja.com/en/support/kona-pc-system-configuration/

Third Party Software Support

AJA System Test Application

Unpacking

For further support information regarding third-party software compatibility, see:
https://www.aja.com/en/category/edit/compatibility
AJA System Test is a utility for measuring system performance with AJA KONA Video Capture cards. It is installed with the KONA Driver. The application includes:
• System Disk Test
• AJA Device Test
• Disk + Device Test
• System Report
The application tests Read and Write, Capture and Playback speeds tests in both Megabytes per second and Frames per second. The disk speed tests differ from standard disk I/O performance applications in that they specifically test the system under conditions typically encountered with video capture, playback, and editing.
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.
As you unpack your shipment, carefully examine the contents. Ensure you received everything and that nothing was damaged during shipping. 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 KONA card repaired or replaced.
NOTE: 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.
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Shipping Box Contents

Your KONA shipment includes:
• KONA 1, KONA 4, or KONA 5 PCI-Express card
• Associated cables for the KONA card (see below)
KONA 4 Cables
Provided with the KONA 4 card are:
• HDMI mini-to-HDMI output cable
• KONA 4 SDI In/Out adapter—small 4x DIN 1.0/2.3 sliding sleeve connectors on the adapter cable are used to connect the KONA card to full-size BNCs for ease of use and compatibility with professional equipment
KONA 3G-Box Cables for KONA 4
If you purchased the optional K3G-Box breakout box, it ships with a multi-pin to multi-pin cable for connecting from the KONA 4 card to the breakout box. The 4x BNC cable to DIN 1.0/2.3 connectors cable that shipped with the card is needed to connect the SDI connectors out of the card to the breakout box. Also, the HDMI cable connects between the KONA 4 card and the box rear panel.
NOTE: KONA 4 breakout cables cannot be used with KONA 5 cards, and vice versa.
KONA 5 Cables
Provided with the KONA 5 card are:
• 1x multi-pin breakout cable, 6 feet
• 5x HD-BNC (twist lock) to full-size BNC adapter cables

Installing the KONA Card

Figure 11. KONA 4 Card Example
The KONA card can be installed into a PC chassis, legacy Mac Pro chassis with PCIe slots, or into a Thunderbolt PCIe external chassis.
IM PORTANT: The KONA 5 card requires ATX power. For customers who wish to use a
Thunderbolt 3 expansion chassis, the chassis must provide ATX connectivity and adequate power.
1. Turn off power to the host chassis.
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2. Touch the outside of the chassis to discharge any body static.
3. Remove the power cable from the back of the chassis.
4. Open the chassis.
5. Locate a recommended PCIe slot (see "Optimum PCIe Slot Placement" on
page 16 for more information).
6. Remove the backplate from the PCIe slot.
7. Touch the chassis to discharge any body static.
8. Remove the KONA card from its anti-static bag.
9. Carefully insert the card by rocking it slowly into the slot. Ensure the card aligns properly with the slot opening and is fully seated.
10. (KONA 5 card only) Connect an ATX power cable from the host motherboard to the rear of the KONA 5 card.
Figure 12. KONA 5 Only, ATX Power Connection
PC Internal ATX Power Connector 1, 2, 3 = +12v 4, 5, 6 = COM (Molex p/n 45559-0002)
11. Secure the card in the chassis.
12. Close the chassis.
13. Power up the chassis.
NOTE: Always put a RAID controller and KONA on separate PCIe buses. This improves
performance by reducing bus contention.
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Cabling the System

KONA 5 Example Cable Connections

Figure 13. Typical KONA 5 System Connections, 4K Mode
LTC Output BNC
LTC Input BNC
AES Audio Input BNCs Ch1-8 (2 channels/
connector)
Audio Output
BNCs Ch1-8 (2 channels/
connector)
AES
Professional 12G-SDI
Video Camera
Reference
Input
HDMI Display for 4K/UltraHD with
Deep Color, HDR, HFR
12G-SDI Video
12G-SDI Video
Production Switcher
Multi-pin KONA Card Connector
HDMI Output Cable
12G-SDI Video
1
3
4
R
BNC Adapter SDI cables
Workstation Computer
KONA 5 Card
(in computer)
with Video Editing
Application Installed
Computer
Monitor
RS-422 Machine
Control (9-pin)
Digital VTR with SDI In/Out
Reference
Input
Video Display for
2K/HD
Downconvert
3G-SDI Video
Reference
Input
Genlock Reference
In the KONA 5 system example above operating in 4K Mode, a single link 12G-SDI camera signal is received by the KONA 5 card, sent to a 12G-SDI video production switcher, and simultaneously downconverted to 3G-SDI for recording to a digital VTR.
1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the KONA 5 Ref BNC on the card (labeled "R"). This is a terminated reference input.
2. Connect an HDMI monitor to the KONA 5 card's HDMI output connector.
3. Connect the 9-pin machine control cable on the supplied breakout cable to your VTR’s RS-422 control port.
4. Connect the KONA 5's SDI 1 BNC to the SDI output of the camera, using one of the provided mini-to-full size BNC adaptor cable provided.
5. Connect the KONA 5's SDI 3 BNC to the production switcher. This will provide the full 12G signal received by the KONA card to the switcher.
6. Connect the KONA 5's SDI 4 BNC to the input an HD SDI digital video recorder. This will provide a downconverted camera signal to the recorder.
7. Connect an HDMI or SDI monitor directly to an output of the digital video recorder. Eight or sixteen channnels of embedded audio are supported, so the VTR must be congured accordingly.
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Figure 14. Typical KONA 5 System Connections, 8K Mode
PA System
4x 12G-SDI V ideo
LTC Output BNC
(not used)
LTC Input BNC
(not used)
AES Audio Input
BNCs Ch1-8
(not used)
RS-422
(not used)
AES Audio Ouput
BNCs Ch1-8 (2 channels/
connector)
8K Cinema Projector
In the KONA 5 system example above operating in 8K Mode, an 8K ProRes video file is played back with the AJA Control Room application, and sent to a cinema projector using four 12G-SDI signals. Eight channels of AES embedded audio from that file are also routed to the facility PA system.

KONA 4 Example Cable Connections

Figure 15. Typical KONA 4 System Connections
3 Output BNCs (Analog Connections):
Analog
Monitor
SD can be congured for Component, Composite, or S-Video. HD only Component.
Multi-pin KONA Card Connector
Multi-pin KONA Card Connector
1 2 3 4
BNC Adapter
SDI cables
KONA 5 Card
(in computer)
KONA 4 Card
(in computer)
Workstation
Computer with
AJA Control Room
Workstation Computer
with Video Editing
Application Installed
Computer
Monitor
Computer
Monitor
Genlock Reference
Mics and
Digital Audio Mixer
AES Audio Out to Monitor System
Optional
AES Audio Input BNCs Ch1-8 (2 channels/connector)
AES Audio Output BNCs Ch1-8 (2 channels/connector)
Reference Input BNC
LTC Output BNC
LTC Input BNC
HDMI Output Cable
HDMI Monitor
BNC Adapter SDI cable
SDI Video with Embedded Audio In/Out
In the KONA 4 system example above, the KONA card's inputs and outputs are connected to an SDI digital video recorder, to an analog video monitor, and to an HDMI monitor, and AES digital audio can also be input to the recorder, and be output to an audio monitoring system.
1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the KONA 4 Ref Loop connector (BNC). On the standard breakout cable this is a terminated reference input.
2. Connect an HDMI monitor to the KONA 4 card, using the provided mini-to­full size HDMI adaptor cable. Alternatively, you can connect an analog video monitor to the KONA 4 Analog Video Out BNC connectors for a low cost monitoring solution.
Digital VTR with SDI In/Out
RS-422 Machine Control (9-pin)
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3. Connect the 9-pin machine control cable on the supplied breakout cable to your VTR’s RS-422 control port.
4. Connect two SDI cables between KONA 4 and your digital VTR, one from KONA 4 SDI In to the VTR SDI Out, and one from KONA 4 SDI Out (1 or 2) to the VTR SDI In. The KONA 4 SDI connections have embedded audio (16-channels) so the VTR must be congured accordingly. These connections will be made via the small DIN 1.0/2.3 sleeve connectors to full size BNC cable or via the optional K3G-Box.
5. If you have an AES/EBU-ready audio monitoring system, then connect up to eight channels of AES/EBU output from KONA 4’s BNC connectors: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8, to the monitoring system AES/EBU inputs. (Sixteen AES audio channels are available when connected to the optional K3G-Box).

K3G-Box for KONA 4

The optional K3G-Box for KONA 4 offers convenient connector access and additional functionality, and can be easily rack mounted or placed on top of a broadcast monitor or editing desk.
Figure 16. K3G-Box Model Breakout Box (front view)
AES/EBU Audio In
Channels 1 through 16
Longitudinal
Time Code
(LTC)
RS422
Machine
Control
Channels 1 through 16
All AES/EBU audio connectors have two channels
per connector
Figure 17. K3G-Box Model Breakout Box (rear view)
KONA 4
Host
Connector
KONA 4 to K3G-Box Connections
Connectors on the standard cable set are labeled for their function for easy installation and maintenance. Connectors on the optional K3G-Box (breakout box) are similarly labeled. Connect the K3G-Box to the KONA 4 card using the provided adaptor cables.
• A multi-pin host connector attaches the K3G-Box to the KONA 4 card, using the provided multi-pin cable.
• Four full size 3G-SDI BNC connectors on the K3-Box rear panel connect to the KONA 4 card's four SDI connectors with the provided DIN to BNC adapter cable. These signals are routed to the K3-Box's four front panel SDI-
HDMI
Out
SDI Ports 1 through 4AES/EBU Audio Out
SDI Ports
1 through 4
Video Monitor Out
Component/
Composite
Video Output
HDMI Output
from KONA 4
Mini-HDMI connector
External
Reference
(loop)
Analog Audio
Output
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BNC connectors. The 3G-SDI inputs and outputs each support 16-channel embedded 24-bit digital audio.
• Eight BNC connections are provided for AES/EBU audio input/output, carrying two channels each, for a total of 16 channels in and out. (The standard breakout cable supports a total of 8 AES channels in and out.)
• Two analog audio RCA-style unbalanced audio phono output jacks.
• A female RS-422 9-pin D connector is available to control an external device using RS-422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol.
• A full size HDMI connector on the rear panel of the K3G-Box connects to the HDMI mini-connector on the KONA 4 card with the provided mini-to-full size adapter cable. The HDMI output signal from the KONA 4 card is then routed to the full size HDMI connector on the front of the K3G-Box. The HDMI output supports up to 8 channels of embedded 24-bit digital audio (HDCP is not supported).
• Three BNC connectors are available for the output of component, composite or Y/C analog video. KONA 4 features 12-bit component video output for both HD and SD. SD can be switched between composite and Y/C. 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).
• Two looping reference BNC connectors allow you to synchronize KONA 4 outputs to your house analog reference video signal (or black burst). If you do not loop through the reference, the second connector should be terminated with a 75-ohm terminator.

KONA 1 Example Cable Connections

Figure 18. Typical KONA 1 System Connections
RS-422 Machine
Control (9-pin)
KONA 1 supports simultaneous HD/SD SDI video input and output using full sized BNC connectors on the card. No breakout cable is required.
Digital VTR with SDI Out
Reference
Input

Installing KONA Software

NOTE: Always uninstall previous versions of KONA software before updating your
software.
RS-422 Connection
Genlock Reference
KONA 1 Card
(in computer)
3G-SDI
Video
HD/SD-SDI Display
Workstation Computer
with Video Editing
Application Installed
Computer
Monitor

Download

Go to the AJA website and download the latest KONA driver software containing the AJA Control Panel application:
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https://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads/
System software updates may occasionally become available to AJA KONA owners on our website. 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 KONA This will prevent any hardware or software conflicts.

Software Package Installation and Re-installation

Before installing the KONA software package, ensure that your capture/editing application is installed as detailed in its user documentation. You cannot use KONA with a third-party application until the application has been installed and run at least once on your workstation. Next, install the AJA software package.
If you add KONA 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.

Firmware Update Procedure

After the AJA Software Package has been installed on a computer with your AJA hardware installed, the firmware on that AJA device can be updated if a newer version of firmware is included with that software package.
1. Open the AJA Control Panel application.
2. If more than one AJA device is connected, choose the device you want to update by selecting its name from the drop-down menu at the top of the screen.
3. Go to the Control Panel Firmware Screen.
4. Select the rmware version (if multiple versions exist) in the Desired dropdown.
5. Click on Install. Messages appear and when nished, rmware update completed messages are shown (Figure 19).
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Figure 19. Update Completed Messages
6. Click Shut Down to power down the computer.
7. Restart the computer.
8. Open AJA Control Panel. The AJA hardware with the updated rmware should be recognized by the Control Panel application.

Firmware Versions

KONA 5 supports two different versions of firmware that have different capabilities. One version of firmware can be installed at a time.
• 4K Mode—Supports 4K (4096x2160), UltraHD (3840x2160), 2K, HD, SD at 12-bit, 10-bit, and 8 bit with the appropriate 12G-SDI (SMPTE-2082), 6G-SDI (SMPTE-2081), 3G-SDI & 1.5G-SDI links. One channel of 12G-SDI is available for input on SDI 1 and output on SDI 3.
• 8K Mode—supports 8K (8192x4320) and UltraHD2 (7680x4320) over four 12G-SDI links at 10-bit and 8-bit. Also supports 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD over single 12G link.
KONA 4 supports two different versions of firmware that have different capabilities. One version of firmware can be installed at a time.
• UFC Mode—Supports SD, HD, and 2K formats (allows up/down/cross­conversion)
• 4K Mode—Supports SD, HD, 2K and UltraHD (3840x2160) and 4K (4096x2160) formats (disables up/down/cross-conversion)
NOTE: KONA 1 currently supports a single firmware version.
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Chapter 3 – Operation

AJA Control Panel Overview

The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual showing how the KONA hardware is currently configured and allows you to make changes. You can change signal input and output parameters and define the video processing that will be performed.
The AJA software installer automatically installs the Control Panel application on your computer.
Control Panel Screens Used In This Manual
NOTE: KONA 4 and KONA 5 Control Panel functions are virtually the same. KONA 4
Control Panel screen shots are predominately used for this discussion.

AJA Control Panel Operating Modes

AJA Control Panel has two fundamental operating modes.
Playback Mode - Used for playing back video files from the computer, usually
with a non-linear editing application (NLE) or AJA Control Room, through the KONA card to that card’s video/audio outputs for viewing and/or external recording.
Capture Mode - Used for capturing video/audio signals that are coming into
the KONA card from an external source to create video files on the computer using AJA Control Room or an NLE, or just for display on the KONA outputs. This mode is also used for stand-alone video display or conversion when Control Panel is being used without an external controlling application.
The current KONA operating mode is reported on the Control Panel UI screen, below the block diagram (see Figure 20 on page 26).

AJA Control Panel User Interface

The AJA Control Panel user interface includes a visual block diagram of the unit’s current configuration. The current status, input and output settings, and many other details are depicted in the color-coded block diagram. Below this block diagram are various controls for changing operating parameters, which will vary depending on which function screen has been selected.
The left side of the AJA Control Panel provides a navigation list of available function screens. Clicking on a link (or alternatively, a related element in the block diagram) displays a function screen corresponding to that topic.
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Framebuer Format (Primary)
Figure 20. AJA Control Panel, Block Diagram and Controls
Currently
Selected
Function Screen
Inputs
Parameter
Controls
Controlling Application
Outputs
Operating
Mode
Some controlling applications can switch the card's mode from Playback to Capture, and vice-versa. When Control Panel is not being controlled by an external application, you can change the operating mode in the Control Panel Control Screen using the Default Output settings.
• Selecting Input Passthrough sets the card to Capture Mode
• Selecting either Color Bars or Hold Last App sets the card to Playback Mode
See "Default Output" on page 33 for more information
Block Diagram Area
The top block diagram area of the Control Panel screen is a visual representation of the processing, if any, that’s currently occurring, including inputs/outputs, reference source, and system status. Lines between inputs, the framebuffer, and outputs, show a video path. Where there are no lines, there is no connection; this can be because an input or output isn’t selected in the Input Select menu. The lines will also show whether the outputs are video or video + key.
You can click any of the function screen selection links in the left column to view its current settings or click on an icon to call up its related settings screen. You can also right-click or Control-click to see context-sensitive information and choices.
Figure 21. Context Sensitive Menu
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Color Meanings
All items in the AJA Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show what is happening in real time. This applies to both icons and text. These colors indicate:
Blue
Video is same format as the Primary Format (framebuffer)
Green
Indicates that KONA is performing an active change to the video making it different from the Primary Format (e.g., down-conversion).
Yellow
Reference video (black burst or other reference source)
Red
The selected operation cannot be performed
Input/Output Icons
The input and output icons are triangles that together with their color show all the input and outputs and their status (selected, not selected, input present or not, format, etc.). A complete video path is shown when inputs and outputs are connected with lines going to/from the framebuffer.
Figure 22. Input/Output Icons
Framebuffer
The framebuffer is the “engine” where your third-party applications interface with the AJA device. The framebuffer has a format (called the “Primary Format”) and color space that it follows, as defined in the linked menu screens or via external application software. The “Secondary Format” is a selection for format conversion.
Primary Format
The Primary Format is the media format written to disk and used in your project. This is the format that the framebuffer will use and is shown in the Control Panel using the color blue. It is the format that the third-party application software will either receive from the AJA hardware, or is sending to the hardware. All icons in blue are the same as the Primary Format used by the framebuffer. Also any text descriptions in the block diagram that appear in blue indicate that something is in the primary format. For example:
• If the input and output icons are blue, you know that the same format is used throughout the video path. No format conversion is being performed.
• If the input or output icon colors differ (blue input and green output icons for example), you know that a format conversion is being performed.
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