UDC Mini-Converter
Up/Down/Cross-Converter
Installation and Operation Guide
Version 2.7r1
Published May 1, 2018
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
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trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
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V2Analog™ and V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2018 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
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Contents
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Video Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Conversion Mode Discussion and Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Upconvert Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Downconvert Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SD Aspect Ratio Convert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
User Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using DIP Switches to Control the UDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DIP Switch Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
DIP Switches 4 & 5 (FMT0, FMT1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 2 – Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Acquiring Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Installing Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Running Mini-Cong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operating Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tabbed Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Video Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HDMI Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Audio Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Update Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
UDC Tech Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Limited Warranty on Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Governing Law and Language; Your Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
UDC Mini-Converter v2.7r1 3 www.aja.com
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
The UDC is a broadcast quality Up/Down/Cross Mini-Converter that can convert
between 3G-A, HD, and SD video formats. Borrowing from AJA’s industry leading
conversion technology used in our model FS2, the UDC provides very high
quality conversions at a low price. The UDC also supports 16-channel embedded
SDI audio. I/Os include 3G, HD, and SD-SDI Input and Output, HDMI output,
and 2-channel RCA-style audio output. The UDC can be controlled by local
DIP switches with additional control available via USB and AJA’s Mini-Config
application. A Reference Input allows the video output to be timed to a local
reference.
Video Formats
The UDC does not convert frame rates—it works with the input frame rate.
The only exception is a 3:2 function where 23.98 is converted to 59.94 (and 24
is converted to 60). If a reference is provided, it must be in the same frame rate
hierarchy as the input video (e.g., 23.98/29.97/59.94, 25/50, or 24/30/60).
Features
• Converts between SD, HD, and 3G HD formats
NOTE: UDC converts 3G-A formats only. It does not input or output 3G-B.
• Supports 1080p 50, 60
• Very high quality conversions
• 16-channel embedded SDI audio input
• 16-channel embedded SDI audio output
• 8-channel HDMI output audio
• 2-channel RCA-style analog outputs at -10dBV (nominal)
• Reference Input
• Congurable via DIP switch or USB port and supplied Mini-Cong software
• Uses universal input +5V power supply AJA model DWP-U-R1 (included)
• 5-year warranty
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Block Diagram
Video with Embedded Audio
HDMI 1.4a Output
and other Functions
SDI Output
Figure 1. UDC Mini-Converter, Simplified Block Diagram
SDI Input
Reference Input
SDI Receiver
Genlock
SDI Output
Up,
Down,
and
Cross
Converter
Video
Audio
HDMI
Transmitter
with Embedded
Audio
(connect to PC or Mac)
Selects 8 or 10-bit Video
I/O Connections
Figure 2. UDC Mini-Converter
SDI Input
BNC
Lock LED
Reference
Input
USB Port
DC Power
Input
USB Port
Audio
D/A
2-Channel
Analog Audio
Monitor Output
HDMI
Output
Connector
Unbalanced
Analog Audio
Outputs
(2 RCA Jacks)
Connector
NOTE: The Lock LED indicates valid input video by color. Green is SD video, red is HD
video, amber is 3G video, off is no input.
Conversion Mode Discussion and Examples
Upconvert Mode
The UDC allows you to select the type of Upconversion performed on an SD
source input. This mode is in effect only when the input is SD (525i or 625i) and
the selected output format is HD (720p, 1080i, or 1080p).
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Figure 3. Upconvert Mode Examples
Upconvert Illustrations
4:3 Upconverts To These displays on 16:9
4
Full Screen
3
4:3 Pillar
LB to Full
14:9 Pillar
16
9
Selection Description
• Full Screen – 4x3 image is stretched horizontally to ll a 16x9 frame.
• 4x3 Pillar – 4x3 image at center screen with black sidebars.
• LB to Full – 4x3 letterboxed image is scaled to t horizontally in a 16x9 frame.
Black bars top and bottom are cropped o.
• 14x9 Pillar (default) – 4x3 image is scaled to create a 14x9 image with black
sidebars and slightly cropping top and bottom of original image.
• Wide Zoom – A combination of scaling and stretching is used to t to a 16x9
frame. Slight cropping of top and bottom and a small aspect ratio change.
Downconvert Mode
This mode determines the type of Downconversion performed on the
selected HD source input. See the following Downconvert Illustrations for
Downconversion examples. This mode is in effect only when the input is HD
(720p, 1080i, or 1080p) and the selected output format is SD (525i or 625i).
Wide Zoom
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Figure 4. Downconvert Mode Example
Downconvert Illustrations
16:9 Downconverts To These displays on 4:3
16
9
4
Letterbox
3
Crop
Anamorphic
14:9
Selection Description
• Letterbox – Image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area,
with the aspect ratio preserved.
• Crop (default) – Image is cropped to t new screen size.
• Anamorphic – HD image is converted to full-screen SD with a 16x9 aspect ratio
(anamorphic).
• 14:9 – Image is reduced slightly with aspect ratio preserved. Black is added top
and bottom, and the left and right sides are cropped.
• Auto AFD – Automatically selects the best Downconvert mode based on the
input video's Active Format Description (AFD) code.
Active Format Description (AFD) codes are carried in the vertical ancillary
(VANC) portion of HD SDI video signals, specified in SMPTE 2016 as follows:
“AFD information is intended to guide DTV receivers and/or intermediate
professional video equipment regarding the display of video of one aspect
ratio on a display of another aspect ratio.”
In the UDC Downconverter, the AFD code on the video input can be used
to guide the Downconverter in choosing which mode to use to best display
the important content of the16:9 HD input video on the 4:3 SD output. For
example, if the input AFD code is 10 (Full Frame), it means that the input video
has important picture information throughout the full 16:9 frame, so the
Downconverter should use Letterbox mode to be sure none of the content
is cropped off. An AFD code of 9 (Pillarbox) says that the input video only has
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content within the center 4:3 area of the picture (usually because it originally
came from an Upconverted SD signal) so the Downconverter Crop mode
would be the best choice. There are 16 possible HD AFD codes, of which 8 are
in common use. The UDC does not process or use SD AFD codes.
SD Aspect Ratio Convert
This mode selects the type of SD-to-SD Aspect Ratio Conversion (ARC) performed
on an incoming selected SD source. This mode is in effect only when the input
and output are both SD (525i or 625i). (In Europe 16:9 anamorphic video is also
known as “wide screen” video.)
Figure 5. SD Aspect Ratio Conversion Examples
SD Aspect Ratio Conversion Illustrations
4:3 Converts To These displays on 4:3
4
3
Off
(no conversion)
Letterbox
H Crop
Pillarbox
V Crop
14:9
Selection Descriptions
• O–Turns aspect ratio conversion O.
• Letterbox–Converts 16:9 Anamorphic video to Letterbox video.
• H Crop–Converts 16:9 Anamorphic video to 4:3 Standard video (crops left and
right edges of video).
• Pillarbox–Converts 4:3 Standard video to 16:9 Anamorphic video.
• V Crop–Converts Letterbox video to 16:9 Anamorphic video.
• 14:9–Converts 16:9 Anamorphic video to 14:9 Cropped video.
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Installation
Typically, UDC installation consists of the following steps:
1. Ensure the converter is disconnected from power.
2. Connect video equipment to the converter BNCs and HDMI connector.
3. Connect audio equipment to RCA connectors (optional)
4. Apply power to the converter (AJA power supply included).
5. The converter will now run using the default factory settings. If you wish to
User Controls
The UDC can be used right out of the box for many applications, since it is
designed to recognize inputs and perform standard actions automatically.
However, you can also manually configure the UDC using either of two methods:
One of the DIP switches is a “Local/Remote” switch. When in the “Local” mode,
the remaining DIP switches support a subset of the user controls. When in the
“Remote” mode, the normal Mini-Converter non-volatile registers control the unit
(as last set).
Refer to "Chapter 2 Operation" on page 11 for information about controlling the
UDC with Mini-Config. Instructions for DIP switch settings are presented below.
alter the factory settings, you’ll need to:
• Install the AJA Mini-Cong software on your computer
• Attach the converter via USB
• Make your changes using Mini-Cong setup screens.
• This process is detailed in "Chapter 2 Operation" on page 11.
• Mini-Cong software application supplied for PCs and Macs
• DIP switches accessible via a cutout on the back of the UDC case
Using DIP Switches to Control the UDC
Figure 6. DIP Switches
In addition to the Mini-Config application, you can also control the unit via an
8-switch DIP, accessible through a cut-out in the bottom of the unit.
The default positions are shown in Figure 6. The default settings result in an
output of 1080i59.94 with NTSC related inputs and 1080i50 with PAL related
inputs.
For 1080p23.98/1080psf23.98 inputs, the input can be converted to 720p23.98,
1080p23.98, 1080i59.94, or 1080p59.94. The latter two would use the 3:2 DIP
switch to add 3:2 pulldown.
The compliance label, found on the back of the UDC, lists the DIP switch settings.
NOTE: HDMI monitors may not support all frame rates or "pSF" formats.
NOTE: UDC converts 3G-A formats only. It does not input or output 3G-B.
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DIP Switch Settings
The functions of the DIP switches and what they control are described in the
following tables.
Table 1. DIP Switch Setting Descriptions
SWITCH FUNCTION DIP Set LEFT (default) DIP Set RIGHT
1 Control Selects LOCAL (DIP), and
2 HD/SD Selects HD output mode. Selects SD output mode.
3 1080/720 (HD mode only) Selects 1080 output. Selects 720 output.
4 & 5 Alternate HD formats. These two DIP switches (FMT0, FMT1) act together to select
6 3:2 Conversion (23.98/24
inputs only)
7 Up Conversion Sets upconversion to Sidebar
8 Down Conversion Sets downconversion to
Selects REMOTE (Mini-Cong),
blocks Mini-Cong control.
When in “Local” mode, the
remaining DIP switches will
support a subset of the user
controls.
alternate HD output formats. Zero (0) is Left position, one (1) is
Right position.
See Table 2 below for setting information.
3:2 conversion is OFF.
A 23.98/24 fps input results in
a 23.98/24 fps output.
(SIDEB).
Letterbox (LTRBX).
and disables DIP switches 2-8.
When in “Remote” mode, the
normal Mini-Cong nonvolatile registers (as last set),
control the unit.
3:2 conversion is ON.
A 23.98/24 fps input results in
either a 29.97/30 or 59.94/60
fps output.
Sets upconversion to Full
screen (FULL).
Sets downconversion to Full
screen (FULL).
DIP Switches 4 & 5 (FMT0, FMT1)
DIP switches 4 and 5 together select alternate HD formats. Switches 1 and 2 can
also affect the HD output format. In the table below an X indicates a “Don’t Care”
setting.
Table 2. Output Formats for DIP Switch 2,3, 4, & 5 Settings
SW2
HD/SD
Left Left Left Left 1080i 25/29.97/30
Left Left Left Right 1080pSF
Left Left Right Left 1080p 50/59.94/60
Left Left Right Right 1080p
Left Right X Left 720p 50/59.94/60
Left Right X Right 720p
Right X X X 525i/625i
SW3
1080/720
SW 4
FMT0
SW 5
FMT1
Output
23.98/24/25/29.97/30
23.98/24/25/29.97/30
23.98/24/25/29.97/30
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Chapter 2 – Operation
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Config
Your AJA Mini-Converter can be used right out of the box for some applications
since it is designed to recognize inputs and perform standard actions
automatically by default. However, to use its full capability, you must use AJA’s
Mini-Config software application for PCs and Macs. This same application can be
used to update to new Mini-Converter software released by AJA.
NOTE: DIP switch 1 must be ON (Remote, Right) to permit Mini-Config control of the unit.
Acquiring Mini-Config
AJA’s Mini-Config application is available for download from the AJA website.
To download the latest Mini-Config package, which includes the Mini-Config
application, Mini-Converter firmware, and documentation, go to:
https://www.aja.com/products/mini-converters/mini-config-software
Select either the Windows or Mac icon to download the desired version.
Mini-Converter Documentation
Included with the Mini-Config package is a complete set of documentation for
all Mini-Converters supported by Mini-Config. A .PDF of the Installation and
Operation Guide for the currently connected Mini-Converter can be accessed from
the Mini-Config UI via the Help/Manual drop-down menu.
Documentation for all AJA Mini-Converters that use Mini-Config can also be
accessed directly in the Mini-Config download package Documentation folder,
and via the Documentation icon available on the Mac installer.
Documentation (and firmware) included with the Mini-Config application are the
versions available at the time of distribution. However, Mini-Converter software,
firmware and documentation are updated regularly, so newer versions may exist.
To download the latest documentation for an individual Mini-Converter, go to:
https://www.aja.com/category/mini-converters
and navigate to the Support web page of that Mini-Converter.
Installing Mini-Config
PC Installation
To install Mini-Config on a Windows PC:
1. Download the application from the AJA website (select the Windows icon
on the Mini-Cong Support web page).
2. Open the AJA_MiniCong.zip le
3. Double-click on the MiniInstaller.msi le.
4. A Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation.
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