AJA T-TAP Pro Installation manual

T-TAP Pro

Thunderbolt 3 to 12G-SDI/HDMI

Installation and Operation Guide

Version 16.0r1
Published March 24, 2021

Notices

Trademarks

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.

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™, V2Analog™ and
V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2021 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 [phone]

FAX [phone]

Web https://www.aja.com

Support Email [e-mail]

Sales Email [e-mail]

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Contents

Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Video Signal Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

AJA Software & Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Cable Connections, Controls, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Audio Output Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Audio Level Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Audio Gain Control Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Power Connection Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Thunderbolt 3 Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

SDI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

HDMI Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Power Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Bitle Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Chapter 2 – Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Unpacking T-TAP Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Power Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Heat Dissipation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Installing T-TAP Pro Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

macOS Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Updating T-TAP Pro Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 3 – Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using T-TAP Pro with Professional Video /Audio Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

AJA Control Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

AJA Control Panel, Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Default Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

T-TAP Pro Audio Monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Control Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Format Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SDI Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

HDMI Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

HDR Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Video Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Audio Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Audio Mixer Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Info Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

T-TAP Pro Pro Tech Specs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

T-TAP Pro Thunderbolt 3 to 12G-SDI/HDMI v16.0r1 3 www.aja.com

Chapter 1 – Introduction

Overview

T-TAP Pro is a simple, high-quality device to output video from Thunderbolt™
enabled computers, with AJA’s broad, bullet-proof application compatibility. It is
a mobile device that can easily output pristine 4K, UltraHD or HD signals from a
wide selection of editorial, graphics, color and audio software packages. It taps
the flexibility of the widely available Thunderbolt 3 port, which is common on
modern Apple and PC workstations and laptops.

T-TAP Pro features the latest 12G-SDI and HDMI v2.0 connectivity for working with
4K or UltraHD over a single cable, allowing you to easily output deep color, high
frame rate, and HDR imagery to a wide range of pro and consumer monitors and
devices, all at the highest 10- and 12-bit uncompressed quality.

Audio support is extensive, with up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio and 8
channels on HDMI. The integrated headphone jack provides easy monitoring of
any two audio tracks, and the front panel VU meters give you a quick visual guide
of your audio levels.

Because T-TAP Pro's internal 12G signal processing requires more power than the
Thunderbolt bus can provide, an external power supply is required and provided.

Like all AJA Desktop products, T-TAP Pro is compatible with a huge range of
creative applications for editorial, audio production, graphics, and much more. All
of this is powered by AJA’s highly respected Desktop software, with field proven
drivers and application plug-ins.

Features

• One Thunderbolt 3 port

• One 12G SDI output

• One HDMI v2.0 output

• 16-Channel SDI embedded audio output

• 8-Channel HDMI embedded audio output

• One stereo audio output 1/8" TRS

• Front panel audio meters

• Assignable function front panel volume knob, able to control audio
monitoring or embedded audio output levels

• External power supply provided

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Video Signal Formats

The Video Signal Formats supported by T-TAP Pro are listed in ("Appendix A

Specifications" on page 32).

AJA Software & Utilities

AJA’s T-TAP Pro software and hardware were developed for powerful integrated
video/audio monitoring, editing, and production with a variety of 3rd-party
software. With T-TAP Pro and a qualified computer, you have the ultimate system
for standard and high definition 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 Pro products.

Two retail packages are available, one for Mac and one for Windows.

Mac and Windows Packages

These packages include:

Firmware

Firmware, otherwise referred to as a bit file or the card's 'personality', refers to
very low level code that defines the capabilities of the hardware. It is important
to always update to the firmware recommended following install of new, or older
versions of software.

Drivers

AJA device drivers for the host system OS provide tightly integrated hardware/
software operation.

AJA Control Panel

The Control Panel provides:

• Source selection and control of your AJA hardware.

NOTE: For T-TAP Pro, AJA Control Panel functions are centered around output settings.

• 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 products.

NOTE: For T-TAP Pro, capture is not supported via AJA Control Room.

AJA System Test

AJA 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

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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 (or simulation) is to fill your storage disk to 80% and

then test capture at the highest data rate you will use.

3rd-Party Plug-ins

Plug-ins for popular 3rd-party Professional Video Applications from Adobe, Avid,
Apple, Telestream, and others.

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.

See the Release Notes for you AJA Card or Device, available on the AJA website
and also installed with the software package, for minimum and recommended
system requirements including OS, CPU, RAM, and GPU.

NOTE: Also see Software Vendor system requirements for GPU recommendations and

additional hardware requirements and recommendations.

NOTE: For large scale installations with shared storage, IP, or for very high performance

requirements, AJA recommends consultation with an experienced system
integrator. A consultant will be able to assist with many important variables.

Cable Connections, Controls, and Indicators

Figure 1. T-TAP Pro Front View

Stereo Audio Output

1/8” TRS

SafeBoot Button

Audio Output Connector

Audio Gain

Control Knob

Power/Connection Status LEDAudio VU Meter LEDs

A 1/8 inch TRS connector is available for monitoring two channels of audio,
selectable in channel pairs using the Control Panel application. Typically used
with a pair of headphones.

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Audio Level Meter

The Audio Level Meter in the center of the front panel indicates the sum of
whatever sources are being played out to the HDMI and SDI embedded audio
video output; i.e. NLE timeline and mix of host system audio output (if applicable).

The meter's LEDs are colored to indicate the amount below 0dBfs when averaged
over a one millisecond time interval.

dBfs LED Color and Location

-2 db Red LED 1 (top)

-12 db Yellow LED 2

-20 db Yellow LED 1

-30 db Green LED 4

-40 db Green LED 3

-50 db Green LED 2

-60 db Green LED 1 (bottom)

NOTE: These audio level meters are for guidance only. Third-party audio metering

should be employed when doing critical audio editing and mixing.

Audio Gain Control Knob

The front panel volume knob can be assigned one of two different functions,
via the AJA Control Room application. This encoder spins freely, without max/
min limits. The gain increases to max, and then returns to zero after a complete
rotation.

• The knob's default function is to simply adjust the audio level being sent to
the T-TAP Pro's front panel audio output connector (headphone jack). The
embedded audio being output by T-TAP Pro is always indicated on its front
panel VU meters, which in this situation will not be changed by your knob
adjustment.

• Alternatively, the knob can be assigned to adjust the level of the embedded
audio being sent out the T-TAP Pro's rear SDI and HDMI connectors. In this
situation the front panel VU meters will report your level changes. An example
of using this feature would be to trim the level of the embedded audio output
because it was increased after mixing in a computer originated audio source.

NOTE: Since the headphone output is derived from the master level, adjusting the

embedded audio levels will also affect the levels driven to the front panel analog
audio output.

Power Connection Status LED

This LED indicates the current connection status of your T-TAP Pro.

• OFF: No power detected

• AMBER SOLID: Power is on but Thunderbolt is not live (e.g. Thunderbolt ports
disabled in host, BIOS settings)

• AMBER BLINKING: Thunderbolt is awake but no PCIe connection to host (e.g.
device hasn’t been whitelisted by the Thunderbolt software running on host)

• GREEN BLINKING: Thunderbolt is awake, PCIe is connected, but device doesn’t
see the NTV2 Driver (This shows up on Windows where the AJA driver has
been restricted from talking to peripherals – security setting error, or because
the AJA software is not installed on the host)

• GREEN SOLID: Thunderbolt is communicating properly.

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Figure 2. T-TAP Pro Rear View

Power

Status LED

Thunderbolt 3 Port

The high speed of Thunderbolt allows connection to peripheral devices while
achieving PCI Express performance.

NOTE: T-TAP Pro cannot be powered through its Thunderbolt port (insufficient power).

AJA's T-TAP Pro is designed to utilize the full bandwidth provided by Thunderbolt

3. Use a certified, high-quality Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect your AJA device to
the host computer. The cable should have a Thunderbolt logo and the number 3
on it. Passive cables can be up to 1.6 feet (0.5m) maximum length. Active cables
up to 6.5 feet (2m) can also be used.

If you choose to attach T-TAP Pro to a Thunderbolt 2 host machine, there are
adapters available on the market, with perhaps Apple's being the most commonly
used. That said, you may find situations where the lack of a Thunderbolt 3 host
system will limit what workflows you are able to support with T-TAP Pro.

DC Power Port

HDMI v2.0 Output SDI-12G Output

Thunderbolt 3

Port

Bitle

Status LED

SDI Output

A BNC connector is provided on T-TAP Pro for one 12G-SDI output. This output
also supports up to 16 channels of embedded 24-bit digital audio.

HDMI Output

An HDMI v2.0 connector on the T-TAP Pro provides output of HDMI compatible
video and up to 8-channels of embedded audio. If you have a source with 16
audio channels, you can select to output channels 1-8 or 9-16 via HDMI.

HDCP is not supported on the output. The HDMI output supports standard HDMI
cables only.

Power Status LED

• OFF: No power detected

• GREEN: The unit is receiving power

Bitfile Status LED

This indicates whether T-TAP Pro is running the main bitfile, or the safeboot
failsafe recovery bitfile.

• GREEN: FPGA is loaded and running the main bitfile (normal operation)

• RED: FPGA loaded and running failsafe bitfile

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Power Connector

Power to the T-TAP Pro provided by an external power supply module (provided)
that accepts a 110-240VAC, 50/60Hz power input and supplies +12 VDC.

IM PORTANT: The T-TAP Pro power connector has a latch, similar to an Ethernet

connector. Depress the latch (facing the top of the device) before disconnecting
the power cable from the unit.

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DVR with SDI Inputs

Video Output with

Embedded Audio

4K HDMI Monitor

AC Power Supply

HDMISDI

Laptop Computer with

Thunderbolt Connectivity

Thunderbolt 3 Cable

Chapter 2 – Installation

Unpacking T-TAP Pro

As you unpack T-TAP Pro, carefully examine the unit to ensure that nothing was
damaged during shipment. If you find any damage, immediately notify the
shipping service and supply them with a complete description of the damage.
AJA will repair or replace damaged units. If you find shipping damage, contact
your AJA dealer or distributor for details on how to have your T-TAP Pro repaired
or replaced. Save packing materials and the shipping box. If you ever require
service or move your system, use the packaging materials and box for safe
shipment.

Installation Procedure

1. Unpack the T-TAP Pro shipping box (see above).

2. Ensure that your editing or streaming application software has been
installed on your computer.

3. Install the latest AJA T-TAP Pro software on your computer.

4. Connect your T-TAP Pro to its power supply unit, and connect the power
cord to mains AC, using the provided cables.

NOTE: T-TAP Pro cannot be powered by its Thunderbolt connection (insufficient bus

power).

Figure 3. Typical T-TAP Pro Laptop System Connections

5. Connect your T-TAP Pro 's Thunderbolt 3 port to your computer via a
Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included). Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adaptors can be
used, with reduced throughput.

6. Connect T-TAP Pro's SDI and/or HDMI outputs to your downstream
equipment, as required for your workow.

7. If desired, connect a pair of headphones or other audio monitoring device
to the T-TAP Pro's front panel Audio Out connector.

8. Power cycle your computer while your T-TAP Pro remains powered up with
its Thunderbolt cable connected to your computer.

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9. Launch the AJA Control Panel application. It should recognize the
connected T-TAP Pro and it should be fully functional as long as it is
properly cabled and powered.

NOTE: If after installation the T-TAP Pro's right front panel LED is blinking green, you

can try disconnecting and reconnecting the Thunderbolt cable, or with the
Thunderbolt cable connected power cycle your computer.

Power Requirements

• Input Voltage: 110-240VAC, 50/60Hz

• Power supply and cables provided.

Heat Dissipation

To provide silent operation, T-TAP Pro uses its metal case to pass internal heat to
the outside air. The case will get hot to the touch, but not in excess of UL spec
(140 F). The rubber feet on the bottom are designed for increased air flow.

CAUTION: T-TAP Pro should not be stacked with other equipment, be covered or installed

in a way that inhibits air flow, or be exposed to additional heat.

Installing T-TAP Pro Software

Go to the AJA website and download the latest AJA software installer, which
includes a package of all the current software for AJA’s KONA, Io, and T-TAP Pro
products, including the AJA Control Panel and AJA Control Room applications.

https://www.aja.com/en/support/downloads/

System software updates may occasionally become available on our website
(www.aja.com). We recommend checking occasionally for both software updates
and additional product information.

NOTE: If your computer has previously had another video capture or multimedia device

installed, ensure you uninstall any related software before installing the AJA
software package. This will prevent any hardware or software conflicts.

Before installing the AJA software installer package, ensure that your editing
application is installed as detailed in its user documentation. You cannot use
T-TAP Pro 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.

macOS Installations

macOS High Sierra (10.13), macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15) and
macOS Big Sur (11.x) all have security requirements that may present dialogs
during installation. Please refer to the Release Notes for guidance.

Updating T-TAP Pro Firmware

When you update your T-TAP Pro software by downloading new versions from
the AJA website, it is possible that some versions may also require a firmware
update to update the software stored in non-volatile memory. Always carefully
read the release notes that accompany each version to be installed. The release
notes will spell out all required software and hardware necessary to ensure a
successful update of your T-TAP Pro.

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Follow these instructions when a firmware update is required:

1. Connect T-TAP Pro to a computer that has the AJA Software package
installed.

NOTE: Only connect one AJA device to your computer when updating firmware.

2. Open the AJA Control Panel application, then go to the Firmware screen.

3. Select the desired rmware version and click Install.

4. After the install completes, power cycle your T-TAP Pro (for example, by
unplugging and reconnecting the power supply).

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Chapter 3 – Operation

Using T-TAP Pro with Professional Video /Audio Software

Once you’ve installed all the AJA software as detailed in Chapter 2, you’ll find the
AJA Control Panel application in your Applications folder.

AJA Control Panel Overview

The AJA Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual
window showing how the T-TAP Pro interface is currently configured, and that
allows you to make changes. Current settings—both those you changed and
those you didn’t—can be saved as a snapshot for recall at anytime. This lets you
save settings associated with all your frequent tasks; then as you switch tasks you
don’t have to spend extra time resetting interface configurations—just load the
previously saved settings for each task.

One thing you’ll notice instantly about the Control Panel is that it represents a
block diagram of how the unit is configured. The current status, output settings,
and many other details can be viewed as a color-coded block diagram in the
Control Panel.

To ensure you make the most of the software, launch the AJA Control Panel
application and look at its display. Then refer to the “Basics” described here
to fully understand what you’re seeing and learn how to view and change the
T-TAP Pro system configuration.

Following are some basic definitions you should know.

Block Diagram Area

The top area of the Control Panel shows a visual picture representing the
processing (if any) that’s currently occurring, including outputs, and system
status. Lines between the framebuffer, and outputs show a video path. Where
there are no lines, it shows there is no connection; this can be because an
appropriate output isn’t selected (such as PsF for HDMI).

Icon objects on the block diagram screen (output icons, frame buffer, etc.—also
called “widgets”—indicate their status by color (explained later) and can be
clicked for context-sensitive information and choices. (These same choices can
also be made from the Control Panel screens.)

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