KONA LHe support
FAQ
| Q: | Can I use eSata storage for HD? |
| A: | AJA has yet to find and certify an eSata 8 drive JBOD solution for 10 Bit uncompressed HD that is reliable over time with the KONA cards. We continue to look for a capable solution. |
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| Q: | My audio is intermittent or drops out completely with edit to tape. What can I do? |
| A: | 1) Go to FCP Audio Video Settings -> Device Control Presets (tab). Click on [edit] (edit the current Kona device control preset). Ensure the number of audio channels listed in ?Audio Mapping? matches the number of audio channels of the sequence.
2) Create a new sequence; copy the contents of the entire sequence onto the new sequence and re-try edit to tape. 3) Go to the Kona Control Panel -> Control a) Set the Default Output to Test Pattern or Mac Desktop. b) Set the Genlock to Freerun or Ref in. 4) Be sure the VTR genlock is not set to Video In. 5) If a reference is connected to the Kona breakout box then make sure the reference loopthrough is terminated with 75-ohms. 6) Set the genlock to Freerun (no external genlock), if the problem clears then the reference generator is suspect. 7) Delete the Kona Preferences: a) Go to:/library/preferences and delete com.aja.KonaPreferences.plist. b) Go to: /users/username/library/preferences/ and delete com.aja.KonaControlPanel.plist. c) Reboot and reset the Kona Control Panel parameters. 6) Delete the QuickTime preferences: a) Go to: /users/username/library\preferences b) Delete: com.apple.quicktime.plugins.preferences.plist. c) Delete: Quicktime preferences d) Reboot. 7) Delete the FCP preferences: a) Close FCP. b) Go to: /users/username/library\preferences/ c) Delete: com.apple.FinalCutPro.plist d) Go to: /users/username/library\preferences/FCP user data/ e) Delete: FCP preferences, OBJ cache and Prof cache files. Note: FCP4.x users delete the POA cache file. f) Launch FCP and setup using a AJA Kona easy setup. 8) Be sure the Computer firmware is up to date. The current version for the Mac pro is: MP11 005C B08. To verify: Go to "About this Mac" -> More Info -> Hardware -> bottom of summary page. For older G4 and G5 computers, go to the Apple Support website to verify current firmware revision. 9) Reset the PRAM: a) Turn off computer. b) Turn on computer and immediately hold down these 4 keys: |
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| Q: | How do I configure Final Cut's Motion JPEG-A Codec? |
| A: | Read the KONA and Io Motion JPEG-A FAQ PDF. |
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| Q: | Sleep settings and Energy Saver (System Preferences)?how should it be set? |
| A: | We recommend you set the Energy Saver "Sleep" setting to "Never" for optimum operation. Also, there is no problem using the screen saver. |
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| Q: | If I ever have to, can I "un-install" my KONA LH drivers? |
| A: | Yes, the KONA 2 Installer automatically places an application called "Kona2 Uninstaller" in the "/Applications/Kona Utilities" folder on your PowerMac. Running the Kona2 Uninstaller will result in removal of all the KONA 2 driver software. |
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| Q: | The AJA monitoring playback looks choppy when capturing VHS sources. Is its capture quality okay? |
| A: | The AJA is capturing the VHS video properly with the help of its internal TBC, however the preview output shown during the capture doesn't reflect this. Instead it's showing the typical poor sync characteristic of VHS. Final Cut's canvas ? the capture window ? better reflects what is happening (athough at a lower framerate). When you playback the video after capture you'll see it was captured correctly.
Why the difference? During capture, the AJA output is set to input passthrough. This means the video output is connected directly to the live video input?so if the live source has unstable sync so will the output from AJA. The reason captures are okay and the canvas display looks fine is that the input video is also routed to the framebuffers during capture. Video that gets written into the framebuffers on AJA is re-clocked, so sync issues from unstable sources are cleaned up and the video coming out of the framebuffer looks great. The captured video and the video that QuickTime displays in the canvas is pulled from the framebuffers and thats why these are fine. |
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| Q: | What slot should I install the KONA ( PCI-X version) in? |
| A: | 1) First make sure your computer has PCI-X slots. Go to: About This Mac -> More Info -> Hardware -> Memory: If 8-memory slots are listed then the PCI slots are PCI-X. If only 4 memory slots are listed then the PCI slots are PCI-33 which is NOT compatible with the Kona. Note:The Kona-LS is the only exception.
2) Slots 2 and 3 are PCI-x (100) that are on the same bus; slot-4 is PCI-x 133. We recommend installing the RAID controller in slot-4 and the Kona in slot 2 or 3. Leave the other slot unused unless the third board is PCI-X. You can also install the Kona in slot-4 if no RAID controller is used. |
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| Q: | How should I setup the Kona for Adobe After Effects? |
| A: | After Effects does NOT automatically determine codec settings! You may have to edit your "Adobe After Effects x.x Prefs" file (where "x.x" is your current AE version, e.g. 6.5/7.0), located in your user/Library/Preferences folder. Use TextEdit to open the file (you might want to keep a copy of the original Prefs file just-in-case you make a mistake in editing), then search or scroll down to the section of the file labeled ["QuickTime 64-bit Output Codecs"]. To enable a given codec type (for example 10-bit uncompressed), look for a line of text like:"v210" = "1". For the AJA KONA 2Vuy codec there should be a line that looks like:"2Vuy" = "1". If the codec type is missing, just add the line to the list. If the codec type is listed, but is set to "0", change it to a "1" to select it. Save the "Adobe After Effects x.x Prefs" file, and then re-launch After Effects to use the new preferences.
You may also want to add the same lines to the After Effects Pref file in the ["QuickTime 64-bit Input Codecs"] section immediately preceding the Output Codecs. This will also allow you to import 16-bit RGB files from compliant codecs. To allow trillions of colors with the KONA RGB codec, add the following lines to BOTH the "QuickTime 64-bit Input Codecs" and "QuickTime 64-bit Output Codecs" section of the After Effects Preference file: "R10k" = "1" "R10g" = "1" For the Windows version of After Effects, the same lines need to be added to the "Adobe After Effects 6.5 Prefs.txt" file, located in your Documents and Settings/[username]/Application Data/Adobe/After Effects/Prefs directory. |
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| Q: | Will KONA work with a Apple 2G Fibre Host Bus Adapter? |
| A: | Yes. Please note that there are two versions of fibre interface cards:
One with a heatsink (PCI-133 version); and one without a heatsink (PCI-X compliant version). Here is how to install a 2G fibre and PCI-X version Kona in a G5 computer: 1) The heatsink version should go in slot-4, KONA in slot 2 or 3. 2) The non-heatsink version should go in slot 2 or 3 and the KONA in slot-4. Note: Do not install any other PCI cards into free PCI-X slot (2 or 3); it may slow down the PCI-X bus which could cause the fibre or KONA 2 to malfunction. |
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| Q: | Does the KONA perform VariCam duplicate frame removal? |
| A: | The KONA board and drivers will handle VariCam duplicate frame removal during capture via the KONA board's uncompressed HD-SDI input for any "shooting" frame rate (it skips over any extra frames). However, Final Cut Pro can only capture video at the standard video frame rates as determined in the Capture Preset Editor dialog: 60, 59.94, 30. 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98, and 15 fps. So, for example, if you want to shoot and edit your movie at 12 fps, VariCam could capture it, and KONA 2 could digitize it, but you wouldn't have a way to get FCP to make 12 fps clips or sequences.
When your "shooting" frame rate is the same as your "playback" frame rate, you can use the KONA Easy Setup that matches. For example, if you are shooting at 23.98 fps and your intent is to capture/edit/playback the clip at 23.98 fps, then you can use the "AJA Kona 720p 23.98 Varicam" or "AJA Kona 720p 23.98 DVCProHD Varicam" Easy Setups and the card will automatically skip the duplicate VariCam frames and ONLY capture the 23.98 active frames/sec. Use the "... Varicam" setup if you want to capture Uncompressed 8-bit clips, and use the "... DVCProHD Varicam" setup if you want to capture DVCProHD compressed clips. If you are deliberately over/under cranking the shooting rate in order to get a slow/fast motion effect (for example: shooting a clip at 48 fps with the intent to play it back at 1/2 speed in a 24 fps sequence), then you should use the "AJA Kona: 720p 59.94 DVCProHD" Easy Setup to capture ALL of the frames (active + duplicates) - then process the resulting clip using the software Frame Rate Converter with a target frame rate of 23.98. The KONA board extracts the VariCam flags from the RP-188 stream during capture and inserts them into the captured DVCProHD stream where the FRC can find them. Note that this ONLY works if you are capturing using DVCProHD compression. The KONA board doesn't do the slow/fast motion processing - this can only be done by the Frame Rate Converter using the VariCam flag bits inside the DVCProHD-compressed clips. You can download the FRC plug-in from Pansonic's website. |
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| Q: | When I edit to tape, FCP displays an error of 'incompatible compression settings' and says to change the sequence settings to match the output. What should I do? |
| A: | Here is the workaround:
1) First select the sequence that you would like to ETT from the FCP timeline window. 2) Go to the FCP browser and drag this sequence a drop onto the ETT window overlay on either Insert or Assemble Edit. |
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| Q: | The FCP Canvas and Viewer ?still frame? during playback. What can be done to prevent this? |
| A: | 1) Go to FCP system settings-> Effects handling: Make sure all codecs are set to Final Cut Pro.
2) Go to FCP Audio Video settings -> A/V devices: Make sure "mirror on desktop" is checked on playback. 3) The sequence codec (compressor) is set to a codec not supported by the Kona. 4) The AJA sequence settings have been altered. 5) The video playback setting in FCP audio video settings does not match the sequence setting. Note: Only use a AJA 10-bit setting if the sequence is uncompressed 10-bits otherwise use a AJA 8-bit setting. 6) Delete the FCP Preferences: a) Close FCP b) Go to: /users/username/library/preferences/FCP user data/ c) Delete: FCP Preferences, OBJ cache and Prof Cache files. Note: POA cache for FCP 4.5 users. d) Go to: /users/username/library/preferences/ e) Delete: com.apple.FinalCutPro.plist f) Launch FCP and setup with a AJA easy setup. |
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| Q: | How does the Io RS-422 Machine control work? I'm working with a Panasonic DVCPro deck that has a 9 pin Remote input and an RS-232C input. Does the AJA connect directly to any of these and does it transfer timecode and deck control to FCP? |
| A: | Yes it does; however since your deck has an RS232 port instead of an RS422 port, you will need an RS422 to RS232 adapter. Here is an example of one: http://www.addenda.com/rs2324.htm
You also need to go to FCP audio video settings -> device control presets, and then click on [edit] and change the protocol to Panasonic RS232. Note: the Io has built-in support for RS422; however, the Keyspan USB to RS422 adapter that Apple recommends may also work. |
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| Q: | Is KONA LS/LH/2/3 compatible with Io? |
| A: | KONA LS/LH/2/3 works great with Io. You can have both drivers installed on the same Mac and they support the same standard definiton Apple codecs. Inside Final Cut Pro, the Easy Setups for Io and KONA are labeled accordingly so you can tell which is appropriate for use. |
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| Q: | Can I input a phantom-powered audio source into the XENA/KONA-LS/LH/Io? (Some professional audio sources supply 48 Volts at the connector, usually referred to as "phantom power.") |
| A: | No, applying phantom-powered audio sources can cause permanent damage to the products audio circuits. The same holds true when connecting the XENA/KONA-LS/LH/Io to a mixer mic input with phantom power left on. We highly recommend connecting to the mixer line input instead. |
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| Q: | How can I test playback on my RAID if I don't have a source? |
| A: | Here's how to test your RAID with a real clip:
1) Set up your project with a KONA/Io easy setup ( type [control] [q] for easy setup menu; make sure the "show all checkbox" is checked). 2) Create a new sequence ( [apple] [n] ). A new sequence will appear in the FCP browser. 3) In the FCP browser, double-click on the sequence; the new sequence will appear in the FCP timeline window. 4) Click on the Effects (tab) in the FCP browser. 5) Go to the Video Generators folder, and drag the appropriate Bars and Tone effect onto the new sequence. 6) Go to the Video Filters -> Video folder and drag the Timecode Generator Effect onto the video track of the new sequence (burned in timecode). 7) From the FCP menu bar, go to FILE -> EXPORT -> QUICKTIME MOVIE. 8) Give it a name and make sure the rendered clip is stored on the RAID. 9) From the FCP menu bar, go to FILE -> IMPORT, and select the clip that you exported in step 8. 10) Create a new sequence and drag the new bars and tone clip onto the sequence. 11) Make sure the clip plays back smoothly without dropping or skipping frames (jumping TC). |
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| Q: | My monitor only supports standard definition, and yet my KONA LH/2/3 Mac Desktop is set to high definition. How can I change the KONA LH/2/3 desktop resolution to standard definition when I can't see the display menu on my KONA LH/2/3 monitor? |
| A: | 1) Go to KONA Control Panel -> Control and set the default output to Macintosh Desktop.
2) Go to KONA Control Panel -> Format and set Secondary to 525i29.97 (NTSC) or 625i25 (PAL) 3) Go to KONA Control Panel -> Digital or Analog output and set to secondary (invokes the Downconverter). 4) Go to OSX System Preferences Displays -> Arrangement and arrange the KONA display to how it is physically arranged to the Mac Display(s). 5) Go to OSX System Preferences Displays -> Display and check the "Show Displays in Menu Bar" checkbox. 6) Move the cursor over to the KONA desktop display menu and select either 720 x 486 (NTSC) or 720 x 576. 7) Set "Number of Recent Modes" to 5 or 10. 8) You can now change the KONA desktop resolution to high or standard definition by clicking on the display icon from the main Mac display menu bar. |
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| Q: | I get audio out of KONA with FCP canvas playback, but not with FCP viewer playback. Why? |
| A: | Go to the FCP sequence (timeline window), control-click below the a1/a2 source markers, and select -> RESET PANEL. |
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| Q: | Is KONA compatible with Io? |
| A: | KONA works great with Io. You can have both drivers installed on the same Mac. Inside Final Cut Pro, the Easy Setups for Io and KONA LS/LH/2/3 are labeled so you can tell which is appropriate for use. Both the Io and the Kona use the same standard definition codecs therefore there is no problem switching products during a project.
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| Q: | What is the correct "Frame Offset" I should use in Final Cut Pro to adjust for latency through Kona? |
| A: | In order to compensate for the latency you need to change the Playback Frame Offset in Final Cut Pro HD ( System Settings > Playback Control > Frame Offset) to a value of ?0?. |
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| Q: | The AJA Control Panel reports the Kona as not installed or missing. |
| A: | Make sure the correct Kona driver is installed.
* Use v2.x for FCP 5.0.x * Use v3.4 for FCP 5.1.x * Use v4.0 for FCP 6.0.x The drivers are located at: com.aja.com under support -> software downloads. To reinstall a driver: 1) Go to: /library/receipts and delete the AJA Kona pkg files. 2) Go to: /applications/AJA Utilities and run the Uninstaller. 3) Install the appropriate Kona driver. |
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| Q: | How do I use KONA cards with 8-bit QuickTime files digitized earlier with legacy Blackmagic Decklink or Pinnacle Cinewave products? |
| A: | AJA provides a 2Vuy codec for users that want to work with 8-bit QuickTime files that were digitized with legacy Blackmagic Decklink or Pinnacle Cinewave products. Note: This codec is not an RT supported codec for use with Apple Final Cut Pro Dynamic RT effects. |
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