AJA KONA 3G installation Guide

www.aja.com

Installation and Operation

Guide

Because it matters.

Published: 4/10/12

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Trademarks

AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro
Express™, Io HD
logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire, iPod, iPod Touch, Mac, and Macintosh are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
holders.

Notice

Copyright © 2012 AJA Video, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in this manual is subject to
change without notice. No part of the document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form,
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, without the
express written permission of AJA Inc.

Contacting Support

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

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:

FCC Emission Information

®,

™,

Io™, and Because It Matters™ are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Apple, the Apple

KUMO

®,

and XENA® and are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc, Io

[e-mail]

Limited Warranty

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.

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

Installation and Operation Manual — Limited Warranty

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.

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KONA 3G Installation and Operation Guide for Mac & PC — Contents

Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1: Introduction

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

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Supported Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Understanding Typical Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PhotoJPEG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

DV (DV25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

DV50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

DVCPRO HD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

HDV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 (SD or HD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

AJA KONA10-bit Log RGB and RGB Codecs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

AJA KONA10-bit Log RGB and RGB Codecs as related to a 2K Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 HQ (SD or HD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Understanding Disk Storage Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Using the Standard Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Using The Breakout Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

About BNC and Mini-Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connector Descriptions—Cables and K3G-Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

In This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Chapter 2: Installation

Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

AJA KONA System Test and Data Rate Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Shipping Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Installing the KONA 3G Card into a MacPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Installing the KONA Card in a Windows PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Cabling the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

System Video/Audio Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Installing KONA 3G Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Installing KONA Software for Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Installing KONA Software for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Re-Installation & Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Updating KONA 3G Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Genlock and Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Chapter 3: Operation

Using KONA 3G with Professional Video /Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Control Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Control Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Format Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Input Select Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

SDI Output Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

HDMI Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Analog Out Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Video Setup Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Audio Setup Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Conversion Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

DS Keyer Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Timecode Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Firmware Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Format Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

4K Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

SDI Output Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

HDMI Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Analog Output Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Video Setup Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Downstream Keyer Tab in 4K Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Firmware Tab for Standard Firmware Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Saving Your Control Panel Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Who is Controlling KONA? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using Multiple AJA Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Notes on using multiple AJA Products: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting

If You Run Into Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Appendix A: Specifications

Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Video Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Up-Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Down-Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Cross-Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

SD to SD Aspect Ratio Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Reference Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

KONA 3G Installation and Operation Guide for Mac & PC — Contents

Longitudinal Time Code (LTC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Machine Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Index

1

3

4

Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction

The AJA KONA 3G provides the highest quality whether working with SD, HD, Dual Link HD, or
3G signals. KONA 3G even supports 2K digital cinema and film resolutions and now offers a 4K
capture and playback mode for the highest resolution possible. AJA drivers deliver extensive
codec and media support within all professional 3rd-party Video applications. KONA 3G offers:

• 3D workflow support – discrete left and right eye output in SDI and HDMI 1.4a

• 4K I/O mode with support for capture andplayout in both YCbCr and RGB

Note: In 4K Mode, all four mini-BNC connectors are used either for inputs
(when a 4K capture application controls the card) or for outputs. 4K requires
bootup from its own alternate firmware image, see

page 60

• Hardware-based upconversion from SD to HD; hardware-based downconversion from HD

to SD; and HD to HD crossconversion between 720 and 1080 HD formats

• DVCProHD and HDV hardware scaling support

KONA 3G is designed to be the ultimate capture and playback card. AJA provided software
utilities and applications deliver leading features for broadcasters and filmmakers.

A state of the art PCI-Express card, KONA 3G plugs into a PCI-e expansion slot in PCI-Express
enabled computers. The card comes with software that allows it to work seamlessly with third­party capture/edit/compositing applications and other QuickTime-based applications to
provide a professional broadcast quality editing suite, corporate/industrial video center, or
high-powered desktop video setup—or anything in between. Included is a cable set that can
be connected to a variety of SD, HD, Dual Link,3G, and 2K capable equipment. For even easier
connectivity, an optional K3G-Box rack mountable breakout box is available and ships with it's
own multi-connector cables.This manual covers the installation of the KONA 3G, the optional
K3G-Box, and provides an overview of AJA’s Control Panel software.

. For details on 4K Mode operation, see “Using 4K Mode” on page 62

“Firmware Tab Screen” on

1

1

1

2

Features

The KONA 3G card offers many unique features for optimum quality, ease of use, and
support for a wide variety of post production workflows. 3G features include:

• SD-SDI, HD-SDI, Dual Link HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs

• HDMI 1.4a output for stereoscopic monitoring to consumer 3D displays

• 2K support that includes 2048x1556 and 2048x1080 formats

• 4K capture and playout (see “Video Formats” on page 77)

• x4 Lane PCI-Express Bus Interface

• DVCProHD hardware scaling acceleration

• HDV hardware scaling acceleration

• Dynamic RT Extreme hardware acceleration

• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit upconversion

• Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit downconversion

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

1080)

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

letterbox, etc.)

• 12-bit HD component analog video and SD analog component or composite and s-

video output

• 10-bit HD/SD Video+Key Output

• HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer

• LTC (longitudinal timecode) input/output

8-channel 24-bit, 48kHz digital AES/EBU audio

• 16 channels of SDI embedded digital audio

• RS-422 control via 9 pin

• Genlock input with optional looping capability via the K3G- Box (terminated on the

supplied breakout cable)

• Standard 2 meter length connection cables including HDMI mini to HDMI output

cable.

3D Stereoscopic Workflow

KONA 3G offers you the simplest path through 3D stereoscopic workflows.

Through SDI, you can output Discrete Left and Right Eye feeds with a simple Stereo button
choice in the AJA control panel. Additionally, muxed stereo output is possible using a single
SDI output. AJA hardware and software works in close collaboration with CineForm's
Neo3D software tools and CineForm codec to allow stereoscopic editorial and viewing
when working with applications like Final Cut Pro 7 or Adobe's CS5.5.

Through it's HDMI 1.4a output, KONA 3G makes it possible to connect to affordable 3D­capable monitors for stereoscopic monitoring.

Broadcast-Quality Conversion

KONA 3G features hardware-based full 10-bit broadcast quality motion adaptive SD to HD
upconversion, HD to SD downconversion and HD to HD crossconversion. The quality of the
conversion features found in the KONA 3G is virtually identical to AJA's award winning
stand-alone converter products used throughout the post production market. The KONA

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — Features

3G built-in upconverter uses a a full 10-bit path, fully motion adaptive de-interlacing, and
large multi-point digital interpolators. Downconversion uses large multi-point digital
interpolators, anti-alias filtering and interpolation.

Crossconversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to streamline
dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in realtime. Because these functions are in
hardware 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 3G Audio

KONA 3G supports 8-channel 24-bit 48kHz AES audio via BNC connections on the
supplied breakout cable—or with the optional K3G-Box,16-channels of AES audio.

KONA 3G’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, 32­96kHz, and then convert it to 24-bit 48kHZ audio, locked to internal KONA 3G video.
Sample rate conversion is done at very high quality (over 120db THD).

1

Dual Link

KONA 3G supports Dual Link HD-SDI (4:4:4). KONA 3G supports the ingest and output of
SMPTE-372M compliant 4:4:4 RGB video and high-bandwidth 4:2:2 1080p 50, 1080p

59.94, and 1080p 60 at 10-bit.

3

2K Workflow Support

The KONA 3G 2K path offers potentially significant cost and labor savings over a tape­based approach to a 2K workflow. In a unique development for customers on Mac or PC
platforms, users can go straight from telecine to disk with 2K media and eliminate steps
requiring the use of tape stock and then the digitizing of those tapes for the nonlinear
editor. 2K telecine to KONA 3G saves time and steps in the process by directly and
simultaneously creating 2K DPX files and 2K QuickTime. Material can be played out at 2K
via HSDL (High Speed Data Link), offering further synergy with other 2K products, such as
projectors or DDRs, currently available in the market.

Additionally, KONA 3G allows 2K files to be viewed on HD 1080PsF supported video
monitors, lowering the price barrier for recording to tape and viewing 2K material. This
1080 HD playout can be down-converted to SD in real time, giving the 2K DI pipeline a
powerful solution for multi-format video playout of 2K material.

By generating 2K DPX files during the digitize phase, different parts of the process (for
example, delivery of full-resolution media of shots intended for visual effects) can be
done much earlier. Offline editing can be done in Final Cut Pro 7 and with the flexibility of
Final Cut Pro 7 and QuickTime, even a 2K online is possible.

4K Mode Capture and Playout

In 4K Mode, KONA 3G offers 4K capture and playback in both YCbCr and RGB.

When using a capture application that supports 4K geometry, the 3G maps connectors
SDI1 through SDI 4 as inputs for 4K video.

When 4K playout is selected, the four SDI connectors are remapped as outputs for driving
the four quadrants of a 4K display. A large number of 4K formats are supported for this
emerging workflow; see the specifications (“Video Formats” on page 77) for supported 4K
formats.

Hardware-based Acceleration

Final Cut Pro 7 users will likely notice the DVCPROHD, HDV, and Apple RT Extreme
hardware acceleration provided by KONA 3G. This hardware acceleration was developed

4

in close cooperation with Apple. How does KONA 3G accelerate DVCPROHD, HDV, and
Apple RT Effects? A precision hardware scalar in KONA 3G does what the Apple computer's
processor would otherwise have to do, scale less than full-raster HD (DVCProHD and HDV)
to full-raster size, thus speeding up the system considerably—and doing this scaling at full
10-bit broadcast quality.

When using the Final Cut Pro 7 HDV codec, the KONA 3G advanced scaling engine takes the
native frame (long GOP 1440 HD) and outputs it via hardware-in real time. Precision AJA
circuitry re-sizes the video to full-raster 1920 x 1080, providing instantaneous playback of
HDV captured by Final Cut Pro 7 for both monitoring and recording.

Unlike the DV25 format, which can preview in realtime natively via Final Cut Pro 7, the MPEG
structure of HDV is much more complex. Fortunately, KONA 3G can provide real time
monitoring and playback to both HD and SD monitors and decks via the realtime hardware
scaler and down-converter on board.

In addition to speeding up Final Cut Pro 7 Dynamic RT by using the KONA scalar, multiple
frame size RT (1/4 size or full size)—a Final Cut Pro 7 feature—also benefits from KONA 3G.
The frame count and image size are dynamically changed during file playback, so you don't
get the “un-rendered” message in Final Cut Pro 7.

Internal HD/SD Hardware Downstream Keyer

KONA 3G provides a powerful hardware keyer that can place graphic files with an alpha
channel over video in a selectable matte or the contents of the card's framebuffer from a
software application (AJA TV / Apple's Final Cut Pro 7 / AJA's VTR Xchange). 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. For example, you can load a QuickTime clip that has an alpha­channel (a flying logo generated in the Animation codec) into AJA TV and then place it over
live video coming into the card and then passing both on to a VTR for recording or
broadcast.

Supported
Software

• AJA Control Panel for audio/video source selection, conversion and control of KONA

3G within the overall MacOS or Windows environment (Input Pass-through)

• AJA QuickTime™ Drivers for tightly integrated hardware/software operation

• AJA Utilities: AJA TV, VTR Xchange, AJA System Test, AJA DataCalc, AJA

QTtoDPXtranslator, and AJA DPXtoQTtranslator.

Understanding Typical Workflows

KONA 3G allows more post production workflow flexibility than ever before . A variety of
formats, frame rates, and codecs for capture and editorial manipulation are available. KONA
3G hardware has a full array of connectors for interfacing with VTRs, DDRs and other
devices—with all outputs active simultaneously. Capture can range from compressed DV to
uncompressed dual-link, 3G HD or 2K. Media can be stored on disk as:

• offline quality at low bit-rates

• on-line quality at moderate bit-rates

• or with the highest quality 8- or 10-bit uncompressed quality.

As quality and codecs improve, the lines between offline and online are blurring. For
example, with the development of the DVCPRO HD codec, native HD editing in the codec
became possible, providing very high-quality (true HD) editing at very low data rates—in
some cases lower than 6 MB/sec. The benefits are clear when compared to 100MB/sec and
higher for uncompressed HD formats.

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — Understanding Typical

Following are summaries of the most common codecs used in various workflows, providing
data rates and relative quality levels. Some workflows require a RAID array and some will work
using the host Apple computer's internal system drive (as noted where supported).

PhotoJPEG Data rate: approximately 1-3 MB/second (megabyte per second) standard definition or high

definition—supported by internal system drive

Quality: Very Good

The PhotoJPEG codec offers excellent compressed media for near on-line quality at low data
rates. PhotoJPEG can use full-raster 4:2:2 sampling. Final Cut Pro 7 allows quality adjustment
using a slider. To effectively encode to PhotoJPEG when capturing HD, the quality slider should
not be set past 35% for HD. It should be set higher for SD formats. KONA 3G allows PhotoJPEG
monitoring and output in both SD and HD and can capture from almost any HD or SD input,
directly to PhotoJPEG media.

1

DV (DV25) Data rate: 3+ MB/second standard definition only—supported by internal system drive

Quality: Good

DV is commonly input to an Apple computer via FireWire. KONA 3G can capture directly to DV
compressed media from an uncompressed SDI source. For devices without FireWire (IEEE1394 or
i.Link) connections, this allows the user to capture to this low data rate/good-quality codec.
While DV does offer good quality, it has lower chroma resolution compared to DV50, JPEG, or
uncompressed. The KONA 3G can convert DV projects to Uncompressed, in real time, for
monitoring and output even if the footage is not captured using the KONA 3G.

5

DV50 Data rate: 6+ MB/second standard definition only—supported by internal system drive

Quality: Very Good

Final Cut Pro 7 also supports the Panasonic DV50 standard definition codec. DV50 is a 4:2:2
compressed format and has higher chroma resolution than DV25. As with DV25, KONA 3G can
convert DV50 projects to uncompressed, in real time, for monitoring and output. KONA 3G can
capture from its SDI input, directly to DV50 compression.

DVCPRO HD Data rate: 6 to 14 MB/second high definition—supported by internal system drive

Quality: Excellent

KONA 3G has hardware support for capture from HD-SDI to the DVCPRO HD codec. KONA 3G's
hardware also takes some of the DVCPRO HD codec processing load off the CPU, allowing more
computer processor time for Dynamic RT effects in Final Cut Pro 7.

HDV Data rate: 2+ MB/second high definition—supported by internal system drive

Quality: Very Good to Excellent

While the structure of HDV (Long GOP MPEG2) makes it nearly impossible to ingest in realtime,
you can use KONA 3G to convert HDV projects to uncompressed-in real time on playback-for
monitoring and output.

6

Uncompressed
8-bit 4:2:2 (SD or
HD)

Uncompressed
10-bit 4:2:2

AJA KONA10-bit
Log RGB and RGB
Codecs

Data rate: 21 MB/second for standard definition or 100 to 125 MB/sec for high definition—
external storage recommended

Quality: Excellent (broadcast quality)

Capturing uncompressed produces clearly defined video, at full-raster size and 4:2:2 chroma
sampling. Using uncompressed maintains high quality from capture through effects
rendering. Final Cut Pro 7 supports RT with uncompressed media using RT Extreme. KONA 3G
supports capture of uncompressed media through its SDI input. Uncompressed media can be
output from all of the KONA 3G outputs simultaneously.

Data rate: 28 MB/second standard definition, or 133-166 MB/second high definition

Quality: Excellent (broadcast quality)

Offering all the benefits noted for 8-bit uncompressed, 10-bit additionally offers higher color
specificity for compositing and color correction. With Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 media, video
quality is second-to-none, at any price point, for non-linear post production.

Data rate: 200 to 300+ MB/second high definition and 2K; 4K 200 to 850MB/second

Quality: Excellent (highest quality available)

Offering all the benefits noted previously for 10-bit uncompressed 4:2:2, Dual Link 4:4:4 video
using 2 HD-SDI channels and 3G 4:4:4 using one SDI channel provide full-color resolution and
luminance. The term “4:4:4” refers to the ratio of sampling frequencies used to define the RGB
components of a video signal. In this ratio, the red, green and blue components receive equal
specificity, providing increased quality over 4:2:2 where chroma sub-sampling occurs. 4:4:4 is
particularly useful for:

AJA KONA10-bit
Log RGB and RGB
Codecs as related to
a 2K Workflow

• film related digital intermediate work, and

• the highest level compositing and color correction.

Data rate: For 2048x1556 2K:

• When seen as a QuickTime movie at 23.98fps with a raster of 2048x1556, the data rate is

300MB/second (approximately).

• When seen as a single frame DPX file with a 2048x1556 raster, the size is roughly 12+MB/

frame.

• 2K uncompressed media necessitates the use of high-performance SCSI

or Fibre Channel drive arrays.

Quality: Excellent, with additional cost and labor savings over traditional 2K workflows.

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — What’s In The Box?

7

Apple ProRes 422
and Apple ProRes
422 HQ (SD or HD)

What’s In The Box?

Data rate: Approximately 18 MB/second ProRes 422, Approximately 31 MB/second ProRes 422
HQ— supported by internal system drive or attached storage

Quality: Excellent (broadcast quality)

Captured media is virtually indistinguishable from pristine uncompressed sources. Better yet,
ProRes maintains the quality during editing, surviving multiple encoding/decoding generations
without degradation. It was designed by Apple for editing, not as a transmission/distribution
codec as are most popular codecs. Advantages include:

• Full-size 1920-by-1080 and 1280-by-720 HD resolutions.

• Full-size 720-by-486 and 720-by-576 SD resolutions.

• 4:2:2 chroma sampling providing precise compositing and blending at sharp saturated-

color boundaries.

• 10-bit sample depth preserving subtle gradients of 10-bit sources (perfect for green-screen

compositing, graphics or color correction) with no visible banding artifacts.

1

• One frame-only encoding ensuring consistent quality in every frame and no artifacts from

complex motion.

• Variable bit-rate (VBR) encoding (“Smart” encoding) analyzes the image and allocates more

bits to complex frames.

• Low data rate requirements make for more storage options and require less drive space to

store high-quality video.

When you unpack your AJA KONA 3G, you’ll find the following components:

• AJA KONA 3G Software and Documentation CD-ROM—this CD contains the software

installer to place KONA 3G drivers and the Control Panel on your computer. Due to the
pace of innovation, it is best to install the latest driver version from the AJA website:

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

• Install the software as discussed in this manual in Chapter 3: Installation and Configuration.

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

• KONA 3G 4-Lane PCI-Express card.

• Cable, HDMI mini-to-HDMI output

• Cable, KONA 3G SDI In/Out—mini-connectors on the card (technically called “1.0/2.3

connectors”) connect to full-size BNCs for ease of use and compatibility with professional
equipment.

• Cable, AES BNC digital audio connectors, RS422, and Reference Input.

• Read Me First Notice, Registration sheet, and any other late-breaking news and/or errata

related to KONA 3G.

Please save all packaging for shipping the KONA 3G should you wish to do so when moving or
sending it in for service.

8

HDMI to HDMI mini cable

2 meters

Read Me First Notice

and Registration Sheet

Standard Cable Set

Installation Software CD

Installation and Operation Manual
in electronic form on the CD (PDF)

AJA KONA 3G

PCI-Express

Card

SDI cable

SDI Out1/Link A BNC

Reference Input BNC

LTC Output BNC

LTC Input BNC

Audio Input BNCs

Channels 1-8

(2 channels/connector)

Audio Output BNCs

Channels 1-8

(2 channels/connector)

RS422

Machine Control

(9-pin)

3 BNCs (Analog Out Connections):

In SD Can be Congured for

Component,

Composite,

or S-Video

In HD Can Only Be Component

SDI Out2/Link B BNC

SDI In1/Link A BNC

SDI In2/Link B BNC

KON A 3G Shi ppi ng Box C ont ents

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

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — System Requirements

9

Understanding Disk
Storage Methods

To e ns ur e pe r for mance and quality, the disk storage system used with the MacPro or PC
computer must be able to meet the demands of the media.

For uncompressed SD, AJA recommends that at a minimum, the disk storage system must be
able to provide and maintain a consistent 50 MB/sec transfer rate from the computer to disk
(read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and peripherals that can provide this
level of performance.

For uncompressed single link HD, AJA recommends that at a minimum, the disk storage system
must be able to provide and maintain a consistent 200 MB/sec transfer rate from the computer
to disk (read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and peripherals that can
provide this level of performance.

For uncompressed dual link HD and 2K, AJA recommends that at a minimum, the disk storage
system must be able to provide and maintain in excess of 300 MB/sec transfer rate from the
computer to disk (read/write). There are a variety of system configurations and peripherals that
can provide this level of performance.

KONA 3G users wishing to configure a storage for a syste
benchmark numbers alone do not necessarily reflect the performance of a drive solution. Other
factors, like drive seek time and controller cache also affect performance especially with regard
to the bandwidth requirements of SD, HD, dual link HD and 2K files.

m should also be aware that raw

1

About RAIDs

Redundant Array of Independent Disks, or RAID, is a group of hard drives that appears to the
host computer as a single high-speed storage unit. RAID systems increase storage capacity and
provide the performance, reliability, and data protection needed for video production, that is
not be possible from a single hard drive. Drives inside the RAID array operate simultaneously,
increasing overall throughput. RAID configurations can be comprised of:

• Striping data across multiple drives for storage performance (RAID 0).

• Mirroring for redundancy (RAID 1).

• Parity for data protection (such as RAID 5).

Most RAID configurations, or RAID levels, combine these to provide a balance of protection and
performance.

Striping divides a drive into data blocks, or stripes, that are distributed across an array of
physical drives. Striping a set of disks improves performance because each drive operates
concurrently. However, striping alone, known as RAID level 0, offers no data protection.

Mirroring involves writing identical copies of all data to a pair of physical drives. This results in
very high data reliability: If one drive fails, the data is still available on the remaining disk drive.
However, it also results in a storage efficiency of only 50 percent, because two physical drives are
required to achieve a single drive's capacity. Mirroring alone is known as RAID level 1.

Parity provides data protection without requiring complete duplication of the drive contents. In
the event of a drive failure, parity information can be used with data on surviving drives to
reconstruct the contents of a failed drive. Parity data can be stored on a dedicated drive, as in
RAID 3, or distributed across an array of drives, as in RAID 5. Parity provides much greater
storage efficiency than mirroring-up to 85 percent for a set of seven drives.

10

Software For Striping

AJA recommends the Disk Utility software provided by Apple with OS X for creating and
striping RAIDs, including 3rd-party, SCSI and Fibre Channel RAIDs. This utility can be found in
Macintosh HD/Applications/Utilities, where “Macintosh HD” is the name of the system drive.

Storage Example: AJA KONA 3G for Dual Link HD and 2K resolutions

AJA can recommend the following examples of drive configurations to support certain
specified video and digital film resolutions and their associated bandwidth requirements. If a
particular drive array or manufacturer is not listed, it may simply be because AJA has no
experience with the company or a particular unit. This guide simply offers examples that AJA
has used with success when working with the specified formats listed. With any device, actual
results may vary from unit to unit and proper configuration of the drive array and any ancillary
items such as host bus adapters, software drivers and cabling is assumed.

Supports 2K, Dual Link HD, Single Link HD, SD:

• G-Technology, Inc. GSPEED-XL (4Gb Fibre Channel)

Unit must be fully populated and with a minimum 512MB cache per controller.

• InforTrend EonStor A16F-G2422 (4Gb Fibre Channel)

Unit must be fully populated and with a minimum 512MB cache per controller.

• Any drive array with comparable specifications to the above examples; 16 or more SATA

drives with 4Gb fibre channel connectivity to host and 512MB cache per controller.

Storage Capacity

No matter which storage system you choose, pick one that can scale to meet your needs over
time. Ideally, you should be able to increase storage capacity or switch to a RAID level offering
increased data protection in the future. Balance current and future storage needs with your
budget and choose accordingly.

Note: All of the following numbers are approximations based on 2 channels of 48kHz audio.

More audio channels can increase data rates. AJA also provides a freeware application
called the AJA DataCalc that can be used to help determine the amount of storage space
and bandwidth requirements needed for a selected format, frame rate, audio setting and
compression. The AJA DataCalc application is also included with version 3.3 and higher of
the KONA driver and can be found in the AJA Utilities folder which installs in the
Applications folder of the Mac OS. The AJA DataCalc application can also be downloaded
from the AJA website and used on any OSX computer.

FORMAT

SD Formats
10-bit 4:2:2 SD (NTSC/PAL) 28 101
8-bit 4:2:2 SD (NTSC/PAL) 21 76
DV50(NTSC/PAL) 7 27
DV25(NTSC/PAL) 3.6 14
Photo JPEG SD (NTSC/PAL) 2.5 9
HD Formats
10-bit 4:2:2 1080i 59.94Hz/29.97fps 166 597
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 59.94Hz/29.97fps 124 448
10-bit 4:2:2 1080i 50Hz/25fps 138 498
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 50Hz/25fps 104 373
10-bit 4:2:2 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 133 478
8-bit 4:2:2 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 100 358
10-bit 4:2:2 720P 59.94Hz or fps 133 478
8-bit 4:2:2 720P 59.94Hz or fps 100 358

Data Rate in

MB/sec

Storage

Requirement in

GB/Hour

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — Cable Connections

11

Cable Connections

FORMAT

10-bit 4:4:4 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 199 717
10-bit 4:4:4 1080PsF 25Hz/fps 207 746
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 59.94Hz/29.97fps 124 448
8-bit 4:2:2 1080i 50Hz/25fps 104 373
8-bit 4:2:2 1080PsF 23.98Hz/fps 100 358
8-bit 4:2:2 720P 59.94Hz or fps 100 358
2K Formats
10-bit 4:4:4 2048x1556PsF 23.98fps 306 1100
10-bit 4:4:4 2048x1080PsF 23.98fps 212 764
MB = MegaBytes
GB = GigaBytes

When KONA 3G is installed in an Apple desktop computer, it connects to the outside world via
either the standard cable set supplied with the board, or the optional
K3G-Box Breakout Box (using the cables and directions supplied with it). Use the cables or the
optional Breakout Box to connect your VTR, input and output sources, and external reference
video (genlock).

Data Rate in

MB/sec

Storage

Requirement in

GB/Hour

1

Using the Standard
Cables

Using The Breakout
Box

About BNC and
Mini-Connectors

KONA 3G offers you complete I/O connectivity choices. One cable provides AES/EBU digital BNC
connections and analog monitoring video connections. The other cable has 4 mini-connectors
on one end, and 4 BNCs on the other, and provides SDI connections for both single link and
dual-link SD/HD SDI/HSDL connections. Cable connections are marked on both the KONA 3G
card endplate and on the cable connectors for easy identification.

The KONA 3G Breakout Box attaches to the KONA 3G card via cables supplied with it that attach
to the back of the Box.

For additional functionality, the K3G-Box Breakout Box provides some features not present in
the standard break-out cables: 16 BNC AES output, 2 channel RCA analog audio monitoring, and
looping BNC Genlock reference connectors.

Although most video professionals are used to BNC connectors, you may not have seen them if
you've been using primarily prosumer video equipment. BNC connectors ensure a positive
connection by the act of locking the connectors together via pins in one connector that fit into
slots in the corresponding connector.

To make a BNC connection, slide the cable connector over the panel connector and then when
seated, rotate the barrel of the cable connector 90° clockwise until the connectors are locked
together. When properly locked, the cable cannot accidentally be pulled out.

12

Pins (2) on BNC Connector

Align slots in
cable connector
barrel with connector
pins, then slide it over the pins
and rotate the barrel
to lock the connectors

(connector on K3G-Box)

together

Knurled Barrel:
Pull back to release
connector.

4 Mini-connectors
on KONA 3G PC Board
endplate

The four mini-connectors found on the KONA 3G endplate are not common to most video
equipment but offer small size, ease-of-use, and high reliability. (The connectors are also
called “mini-BNCs” and “1.0/2.3 Connectors”.)

To make a connection with these connectors simply push the cable mini-connector onto the
endplate mini-connector. It will lock in place when fully seated.

To r emove a mini-connector, just grasp the knurled barrel on the connector and pull the
connector off.

Note: Do not try to remove the mini-connector by pulling on the cable itself as this action

will not remove the connector—but can stress the cable.

Connector
Descriptions—Cables
and K3G-Box

Connectors on the standard cable set are labelled as to their function for easy installation and
maintenance. Similarly, connectors on the optional Breakout Box are also labelled.

8-Channel Digital AES/EBU Audio Inputs And Outputs

When using the standard cables, BNC connections are provided for 8 digital AES/EBU audio
input/output.

The optional Breakout Box provides 16 BNC audio connections on the front panel.

Analog 2 Channel Unbalanced Audio (Breakout Box only)

On the optional K3G-Box are two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These
connectors are RCA-style phono jacks.

RS422 Machine Control

A DB9 connector provides connection to VTRs, digital disk recorders, and other devices using
RS422 device protocol. For the breakout cable the connection is male and for the breakout
box the connector is female. (Connector pinout is listed in Appendix A: Specifications.)

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — Cable Connections

SDI Input and Outputs

In Standard Mode, 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. This cable is also used
to interconnect between the KONA 3G board to the optional K3-Breakout Box.

KONA 3G offers 4 video outputs in SD and HD—2 SDI outputs that are used for both high­definition and standard-definition (SD/HD-SDI), and an analog video output (configuration of
this three BNC cluster is discussed later with regards to component, composite and Y/C). 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.
A fourth output via HDMI 4.1a is also provided.

When the KONA 3G is reconfigured for 4K Mode and a 4K format is selected, all four of the mini
BNCs are used as outputs for each of the 4K playout quadrants. There are no SDI inputs available
in 4K formats. If a format of 2K or less is selected the normal SDI inputs are available (see “Using

4K Mode” on page 62 for more information on 4K output mapping).

SDI inputs and outputs support video as well as 16-channels of embedded 24-bit digital audio.
Use SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10-bit uncompressed video input, capture and
output. If peripheral equipment has a variety of inputs/outputs, look to see if it has SDI I/O, and
use it where possible. Most high-end professional broadcast equipment supports SDI (VTRs,
cameras, media storage servers, etc.).

Note: In the past manufacturers have used separate I/O connections for standard- and high-

definition SDI because the circuits were different. On KONA 3G we use the same connectors
for both HD and SD-SDI (both input and output) due to our dual-rate chipset which
supports both HD and SD.

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13

HDMI 1.4a Monitor Output

KONA 3G offers an HDMI 1.4a output for monitoring in HDMI or DVI protocols (use DVI if you’re
outputting to a DVI monitor). The output also supports Stereo 3D output in either Side-by-Side
or Top-Bottom (Stacked) output of left-eye and right-eye signals.

Analog Monitor Out (Component HD or SD or SD Composite + Y/C)

KONA 3G features 12-bit component video output for both HD and SD. The analog component
output can be configured in a variety of ways; as a component, composite or Y/C signal. This
flexibility allows, for example, the use of an inexpensive analog input-only monitor for both HD
or SD viewing. Since the three BNC connectors share component, composite and Y/C functions,
output of component is exclusive while composite and Y/C can be output simultaneously. For Y/
C monitoring an adapter cable from dual BNC for Y/C to S-Video mini-DIN style connector is
required. For analog monitoring, a component video signal is generally regarded as higher
quality for monitoring than a composite signal.

A Note About YPbPr—Component Video, or YPbPr, has been given several names over time.

YUV, Y/R-Y/B-Y, and YCbCr, are just some examples. Although these various formats have
some differences in levels, they are all basically the same. KONA 3G uses the modern YPbPr
terminology exclusively. KONA 3G supports three different types of YPbPr: SMPTE/EBU N10,
Betacam (NTSC), and Betacam (NTSC Japan). These three formats differ in level only and are
configured in the AJA Control Panel.

A Note About RGB—Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA 3G supports it

for A/V Monitor output. However, because KONA 3G’s (and SMPTE SDI’s) native format is
YPbPr, AJA recommends the use of YPbPr whenever possible for analog monitoring.
Although component video monitors often have RGB inputs, it’s better to use YPbPr when
the monitor supports it. The YPbPr for
“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 AJA Control Panel.

mat provides “headroom” for “superwhite” and

14

In This Manual

HDMI and Analog Output in 4K Format

When the KONA 3G is in 4K Mode with a 4K format selected, the HDMI and Analog Outputs
can be selected to display one of the four 4K picture quadrants for output. A quadrant
selection menu is provided in their respective AJA Control Panel tabs. (refer to “Using 4K

Mode” on page 62).

Reference Video

A single BNC connector is standard on the KONA 3G cable (self terminating). Two BNC
connectors are standard on the breakout box (these provide loop through: if ref is not looped
out, a 75 ohm terminator should be used for the loop out connector). Reference allows you to
synchronize KONA 3G outputs to your house analog reference video signal (or black burst). If
you have a sync generator or central piece of video equipment to use for synchronizing other
video equipment in your studio, then connect its analog composite output to the KONA 3G
reference input. When KONA 3G outputs video it uses this reference signal to lock to. When
connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same format in Hz
(1080i29.97, 625i25, etc.) as the Primary format selected in the AJA Control Panel. It is possible
in some circumstances to use an alternate format video signal as long as the basic frame rate
is compatible (for example, using a 525i29.97 genlock signal to lock a system running
1080i29.97)—if the Hz coincide.

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

Chapter 2 provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the AJA KONA 3G
card. The user is guided through unpacking, installing the card into a MacPro or PC tower,
cabling the system, installing KONA 3G Mac and PC Driver Software. Information is also
provided on the use of genlock/external reference.

Chapter 3 discusses operational aspects of KONA 3G when used with the AJA Control Panel.

Chapter 4 discusses troubleshooting problems with your system and what to do when there’s
a problem you can’t solve.

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

Finally, an index section helps you rapidly find topics in the manual.

Installation Overview

The installation and set up of a KONA 3G is very simple. All of the steps of installation and
configuration are documented in this chapter, summarized as follows:

Chapter 2: Installation

1. Unpack and examine the contents of the shipping box

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

application you intend to use is installed as detailed in its user documentation. Your
application must be installed and run at least once for the KONA Easy Setups to be
installed properly. If other capture cards have been installed, the software for those
products should be removed before installing the KONA driver to avoid possible
conflicts.

3. For the KONA 3G Mac installation, AJA recommends that the card be placed in Slot 3
and the Apple Expansion Slot Utility be configured so that the slot is running at x4 lane
speed or higher. (The choice of x4, x4, x1 and x16 is ideal.) Refer to the AJA website at:

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

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

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

4. Install AJA KONA 3G software on your computer. While the CD supplied with your card
will likely have a recent version of the driver, the fast paced nature of feature releases
and updates means that visiting the AJA website for the latest driver is usually a better
choice.

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

5. Cable the system audio and video sources, VTR, audio monitor, and video monitor. If
you purchased the optional Breakout Box, then install it into an equipment rack or
place it on a desk and connect its cables to the KONA 3G card. If you're instead using
the standard cable set, then use those to connect equipment.

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

1

1

2

16

AJA KONA System
Te st an d D at a R at e
Calculation

To g ua ra nt ee maximum system performance, use KONA System Test and the AJA Data Rate
Calculator to evaluate your workstation capabilities. They are available on the AJA website
at the following support pages (See Utilities and Optional at the bottom of the webpage).

Mac:

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

PC:

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

KONA System Test

KONA System Test is a 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.

AJA Data Rate Calculator Application Version

This software application calculates data rates and storage requirements for a given video
size, format, and frame rate. It's great for both KONA and Io users as a resource for
configuring systems and determining storage requirements.

Unpacking

Shipping Box
Contents

KONA 3G is shipped with a CD containing system software for installation
and a user manual (a PDF on the CD), and three cables:

• Multi-pin to multi-connector breakout cable

• x4 BNC to 1.0/2.3 connectors cable

• HDMI Mini to HDMI audio/video output cable

If you purchased the optional K3G-Box breakout box, it ships with a multi-pin to multi-pin
cable for connecting from the KONA 3G card to the breakout box. The x4 BNC cable to 1.0/

2.3 connectors cable that shipped with the card is also needed interconnect the SDI
connectors out of the card to the breakout box. Also, the HDMI cable connects between the
3G card and the box rear panel.

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — Unpacking

HDMI to HDMI mini cable

2 meters

Read Me First Notice

and Registration Sheet

Standard Cable Set

Installation Software CD

Installation and Operation Manual
in electronic form on the CD (PDF)

AJA KONA 3G

PCI-Express

Card

SDI cable

SDI Out1/Link A BNC

Reference Input BNC

LTC Output BNC

LTC Input BNC

Audio Input BNCs

Channels 1-8

(2 channels/connector)

Audio Output BNCs

Channels 1-8

(2 channels/connector)

RS422

Machine Control

(9-pin)

3 BNCs (Analog Out Connections):

In SD Can be Congured for

Component,

Composite,

or S-Video

In HD Can Only Be Component

SDI Out2/Link B BNC

SDI In1/Link A BNC

SDI In2/Link B BNC

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17

Contents, KONA 3G Shipping Box Contents

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 3G 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.

18

Installing the KONA 3G Card into a MacPro

1. Place the computer in a well-lit area, where you will have easy access when opening

the MacPro chassis.

2. Using your hand, touch the outside of the Mac to discharge any static electricity you
have. Remove the power cable from the back of the chassis.

3. Remove the side access door and described in your Apple User Manual. Lay the
machine on its side, motherboard facing up.

4. Remove the KONA 3G card from its protective anti-static bag; place the card on top
of the bag.

5. Visually locate the PCI-Express slots inside the Mac chassis (Mac Pro photo shown on
the following page). The KONA card only requires a x4 lane PCI-Express slot, so any of
the available slots will work correctly—(slot 3 is the preferred slot on the MacPro).
Yo u sh o ul d co n fi gu re th e sl o ts w i th t he Ap pl e E xp an s io n S lo t Ut i li ty ap pl i ca ti on fo r
the MacPro so that the KONA is at x4 or better speed.

6. Remove the card-edge access cover from the desired slot where you will be inserting
the KONA 3G card. The card edge cover is secured by a tie-down bar with two
secured screws on MacPro computers; remove and set them aside for securing the
KONA 3G after installation.

7. Holding the KONA 3G card by the card edge plate and an outside edge, carefully
insert the KONA 3G card by rocking it slowly into the slot. Ensure the card edge
aligns properly with the computer's slot 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 using the screw removed earlier or with the tie-down bar
found on MacPro machines.

9. Replace the outer access door on the MacPro.

KONA 3G Card

KONA 3G Installation & Operating Guide — Installing the KONA 3G Card into

PCI-Express
Slots

Remove
Screw and
Cover Plate
and
Insert KONA
Card

Secure KONA
with Screw
Removed
Earlier

To I n st al l:

1.

2.

Slot 3 is the preferred slot
on a MacPro for KONA 3G
PCIe card installation

PCI-Express Slots

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19

Mac Pro Cardcage Access

Card Slots, PCIe Mac Pro shown here