KONA 4

Overview

KONA 4 is a powerful 4-channel video and audio desktop I/O card with unparalleled features for handling everything from SD to HD, 2K, and 4K with full 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 sampling for fantastic image clarity and 12-bit support. For HDR* workflows, KONA 4 supports HDR10+, HLG, PQ, and Dolby Vision for rich color delivery over SDI and/or HDMI. It works with AJA's Control Room, Control Panel software, and SDK tools, providing support for leading content creation applications, such as Adobe® Premiere® Pro, Apple® Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer®, FilmLight products, and more. KONA 4 has the power for the work you do today and into the future.

*Application Dependent

Features

4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/SD up to 50/60p
4x bidirectional 3G-SDI spigots with 16-channel embedded audio
HDMI 1.4b monitoring with 8-channel embedded audio, plus 4K to HD downsampling
RGB 4:4:4 12-bit and YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit HFR workflows supported
10-bit LUT support (.cube)
Real time up, down, cross-conversion (HD/SD)
4K Closed Caption Support
VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry, and Luminance via SDI
PQ, HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision Support
HDR Metadata Capture and Auto Playback Detection
Includes support for the Apple M1 chip
Compatible with OBS Studio, vMix, Telestream Wirecast, Adobe Creative Suite, Apple FCP, Avid Media Composer, and much more.
Includes support for the new Apple M1 chip
Included breakout cable for Ref (Analog or Tri-level), LTC, RS-422, 8-ch AES/EBU
Extend external connectivity with K3G-BOX breakout box
Three year warranty

Professional Connectivity

KONA 4 features bi-directional 3G-SDI connections that can be used for input and output. 16-Channels of embedded audio over SDI for multi-channel audio work and HDMI 2.0b monitoring output. LTC I/O, Genlock input, RS-422 control, configurable 3 x BNC SD/HD analog video output and 8-channel AES audio I/O with the K3G-Box all allow KONA 4 to integrate into a variety of workflows from HDR to HFR, 4K to Multi-Channel HD for streaming and more.

Apple M1 Chip Support

Desktop Software v16.1 and above is optimized for the Apple M1 chip with native support for AJA macOS drivers, application plug-ins, AJA Control Room, AJA Control Panel, AJA System Test and AJA NMOS software.

HDR

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, provides the ability to display a wider and richer range of colors, much brighter whites, and much deeper, darker blacks than standard signals allow. This gives your imagery a more ‘dynamic’ look and allows for natural true to life colors to be communicated to your audience.

KONA 4 HDR workflows can also benefit from AJA's Control Room application and it's companion, AJA Control Panel, which comes complete with built-in HDR test patterns.

AJA Control Room provides VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance transfer characteristics over SDI, bringing flexible output options to your KONA 4. HDMI ports that were already HDR compatible will work simultaneously, for HDR output via both SDI and HDMI.

AJA Control Room software adds support for HDR metadata capture from an incoming SDI or HDMI signal. The captured .mov video file will have embedded HDR metadata, allowing the file to be played back at its intended dynamic range.

AJA Control Room software also provides the KONA 4 with HDR Auto Playback Detection. Embedded HDR metadata in a recorded .mov file, is read and used to automatically set the HDR format on the monitor(s) connected to the KONA 4 HDMI and/or SDI outputs. Support for file-based .mov HDR outputs with metadata from Adobe Premiere Pro/Adobe Media Encoder HDR files is also available. Screening those rendered outputs is a simple and hi-quality experience with AJA Control Room. Every frame is presented in its full-quality, at the timing intended, and with the proper HDR format set correctly and automatically.

4K Closed Caption Support

AJA Control Room

Supports CEA-608 or 608-in-708 via ANC extraction firmware

Avid & Adobe Plugins

All SMPTE-291 (ANC) based captions supported
Adobe Premiere supports native 708 if the raw data is available. For instance in the Adobe plug-ins we handle the case where Premiere hands us full 708 data, we just pass it through to the device
Avid Media Composer supports active video ANC (line 21) or ANC via ANC extractor/inserter (up to UHD/4K)

Workflow

Connect your digital sources via 3G-SDI to KONA 4 for capture to a wide variety of formats.

Monitor via HDMI output (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision* and HDR10+*), and master to destinations using high quality professional SDI outputs, machine control and analog or tri-level reference.

*Dolby Vision and HDR10+ integration available when using the AJA SDK.

Download Workflow

Powerful

KONA 4’s extensive 4K support allows output directly from editing systems to 4K projectors or monitors, including HFR support at 50/60 fps and 4K HDMI output to support the latest UltraHD monitors, allowing editors and clients to view full resolution 4K images as they work.

KONA 4 also supports AJA Raw capture at up to 120 fps via 4x 3G-SDI connections. Create beautiful and detailed slow motion with an engaging cinematic feel via AJA Control Room.

High Frame Rate support

KONA 4 has the power to support 4K High Frame Rate (HFR) at 50p and 60p for the most demanding 4K and UltraHD workflows.

4K HDMI output

The HDMI output is capable of displaying 4K/UltraHD via HDMI to many of the latest UltraHD monitors, making full-resolution monitoring affordable while stil maintaining pristine image quality.

AR support with Unreal Engine 4.22

Capture real time footage with KONA 4 over SDI from high quality cameras, meld your footage with your virtual environment created by the Unreal Engine and send it back out in real time to air - a growing need for broadcasters, augmented reality (AR) needs and more.

Digital film makers also benefit with these new workflows: On set, enhance your live action VFX work with the ability to see a full composite live during the course of the shoot. This results in fewer reshoots, the ability for actors to understand the virtual environment they are working within for stronger performances and ultimately leads to a range of efficiencies and cost savings with the added benefit of a smoother transition into post production.

Quick Start Guide on using KONA 4 with Unreal Engine

Hardware Keying

The built-in hardware downstream keyer allows graphics and images to be overlaid on the input video to the card for easy overlays.

Legendary Support

AJA Technical Support is recognized as one of the best in the industry and provided at no additional charge. Our support team will work with you to solve any issues you might encounter and ensure you are up and running as quickly as possible.

Extend your Connectivity with K3G-Box

The optional K3G-Box breakout box and cables allow KONA 4 to integrate easily into rack environments, enabling quick access to all video and audio connections without having to get at the back of the tower computer.

Additional K3G-Box functionality over the standard breakout cable comes in the form of eight additional AES audio channels, 2-channel RCA analog audio monitoring jacks, and looping BNC Genlock reference connectors.

View Connections

Apple Mac Pro Compatible

AJA offers full compatibility for the Apple Mac Pro, including support for AJA Control Room with Metal compatibility as well as extensive support for a range of applications. macOS support for 12.x (Monterey), 11.0 (Big Sur), 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave) is also offered with KONA 4.

For productions handling high resolution workflows all the way up to 4K, KONA 4 is a perfect video and audio I/O companion.

KONA 4 Operating System Compatibilites

macOS 13.x (Ventura), macOS 13.x (Monterey), macOS 11.x (Big Sur), macOS 10.15 (Catalina), macOS 10.14 (Mojave), and macOS 10.13 (High Sierra).
Linux Ubuntu support for 20.04 LTS, 18.04 LTS.
Linux Redhat/CentOS (8) and (7) support.
Windows 11, 10 and updates

Applications Compatibility

AJA Desktop products offer unparalleled workflow compatibility with a range of software applications, that spans production, post, and delivery and more. Please click here for compatibility information.

AJA DataCalc

AJA DataCalc is a mobile OS application for iOS, iPadOS and Android, offering two modes for storage and time calculations based upon raster, frame rate and codec choices.

DataCalc - Calculate your storage needs before capture.

TimeCalc – Calculate the run time of materials you can capture by storage size.

Share results with your team straight from the application.

Download from the App Store

Download from Google Play

Industry Leading Support

AJA’s technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your KONA installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.

KONA products are covered by a generous three year warranty. Please see the individual Product’s Manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.

Tech Specs

Print Tech Specs

Video Formats

(4K) 4096 x 2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
(UltraHD) 3840 x 2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
(2K) 2048 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
(2K) 2048 x 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25
(HD) 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
(HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 720p 23.98*, 24*, 25*, 29.97*, 30*, 50, 59.94, 60
(SD) 625i 50
(SD) 525i 23.98*, 59.94

*These formats are dependent on specific software functionality and are not normal over the wire formats.

Video Input Digital

3G-SDI, SMPTE 425
- RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
1.5G-SDI, SMPTE 292M
- Single Link HD-SDI YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
- Dual Link RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, Dual Link YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
- YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit

*Bit depth support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.

Video Output Digital

3G-SDI, SMPTE 425
- RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
1.5G-SDI, SMPTE 292M
- Single Link HD-SDI YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
- Dual Link RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, Dual Link YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
- YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
HDMI v1.4b
- 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps
- 2K, HD, and SD with HFR support up to 60p 4:2:2 10-bit
- 4K/UltraHD with LFR support up to 60p 4:2:2 10-bit and HFR support up to 60p 4:2:0 8-bit

*Bit depth support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.

HDR

SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance
HDMI: HDR10 Support - HDR Infoframe metadata, compatible with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3
HDMI: HLG Support - compatible with HDMI 2.0b/CTA-861-G

Note: HDR support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.

Video Output Analog

Composite/S-Video (Y/C) (1x BNC/2 x BNC+adapter)
NTSC, NTSCJ, PAL
Component (3x BNC)
HD: YPbPr, RGB
SD: YPbPr, RGB (component mode)
SMPTE/EBU N10, Betacam 525 line, Betacam 525J, RGB
12-bit D/A, 8x oversampling
+/- .2 dB to 5.0 MHz Y frequency response
+/- .2 dB to 1 MHz C frequency response
5% 2T pulse response
<1% Diff Phase
<1% Diff Gain
<1% ns Y/C delay inequity

Audio Input Digital

16-channel, 16 and 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
16-channel, 16 and 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous (via 8x BNC on optional K3G-Box)
8-channel, 16 and 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous or nonsynchronous, internal sample rate conversion (via 4x BNC on breakout cable)

Audio Output Digital

16-channel, 16 and 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
16-channel, 16 and 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous (via 8x BNC on optional K3G-Box)
8-channel, 16 and 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
8-channel, 16 and 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous or nonsynchronous, internal sample rate conversion (via 4x BNC on breakout cable)

Downstream Keyer

Supports graphics up to 2K/HD with alpha channel over video, matte or framebuffer, or framebuffer content over incoming video or matte

SD to SD Aspect Ratio Conversion

Letterbox: This transforms SD anamorphic material to a letterboxed image
H Crop: Will produce a horizontally stretched effect on the image; transforms anamorphic SD to full frame
SD Pillarbox: Will produce an image in the center of the screen with black borders on the left and right sides and an anamorphized image in the center
V Crop: Will transform SD letterbox material to an anamorphic image

Timecode

LTC timecode input and output (via 1x BNC each)

Reference Input

Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V) or HD Tri-Level Sync (1V) (via breakout cable or optional K3G-Box)
Reference input is terminated into 75 ohms when Genlock is set to Ref In on optional K3G-Box, also terminated on supplied breakout cable.

Electrical Interface

8-lane PCIe 2.0

Machine Control

RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol (via breakout cable or optional K3G-Box)
9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:

1	GND
2	RX-
3	TX+
4	GND
5	No Connection
6	GND
7	RX+
8	TX-
9	GND
Shell	GND

Size (w x d x h)

0.75" x 6.9" x 5.0" (19.05 x 175.26 x 127.00 mm)

Weight

0.7 lb (0.4 kg)

Power

22W typical, 24W maximum

Environment

Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)

Contact Support

180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 USA
Phone: +1-530-271-3190, Fax: +1-530-271-3140
Email: support@aja.com

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Powerful Integration. Professional Connectivity.