KONA X

KONA X

Next Generation Video I/O with Streaming DMA

$3695 US MSRP*

* Plus any applicable tariffs. Pricing is for US only. International pricing will vary.

KONA X

Overview

Tech Specs

Downloads

Desktop I/O

Overview

Designed from the ground up to support next-generation AI and AR workflows, KONA X is a 4-lane, PCIe 3.0 video I/O card with two full-size, bidirectional 12G-SDI BNC connections and two full-size HDMI 2.0 connections, one for input and one for output. KONA X lets users achieve as low as sub-frame latencies with Streaming DMA (Direct Memory Access), which enables powerful real time workflows with no perceptible delay on I/O and processing crucial for implementations such as live sports and virtual production*.

Supporting 4K/UltraHD, 2K/HD, SD, 10-bit 4:2:2, 4:4:4 and 12-bit color spaces for pristine image quality, KONA X offers the flexibility to ingest and output with 12G-SDI and full-size HDMI 2.0 ports. The bidirectional 12G-SDI ports provide immense flexibility for capture and simultaneous pass-through, and with the appropriate software, multi-channel capture and streaming.

KONA X is driven by AJA's Control Room and Control Panel software, with support for leading content creation applications. KONA X is also compatible with AJA's multi-platform Developer SDK.

For HDR* workflows, KONA X supports HDR10, HLG, PQ, and Dolby Vision for rich color delivery over SDI and/or HDMI.

KONA X has the horsepower for your work today and into the future.

*Application dependent
Note: KONA X and KONA Xpand image text rotated for clarity

Features

  • 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/SD up to 50/60p
  • 2x bidirectional 12G-SDI with up to 16-channels of embedded audio
  • HDMI 2.0 input and output with up to 8-channels of embedded audio
  • RGB 4:4:4 12-bit (4K/UltraHD) workflows supported
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit and HFR workflows supported 
  • VESA HDMI I/O compatibility - the video subsystem timing is agnostic, enabling capture and playback of a myriad of HDMI formats
  • Support for Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer and much more
  • Support for OEM applications with the AJA Developer SDK and In-Firmware Microcontroller
  • 4K Closed Caption Support
  • VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance via SDI
  • PQ, HLG, HDR10 and Dolby Vision Support
  • HDR Metadata Capture and Auto Playback Detection
  • Includes support for the latest Apple silicon
  • Optional KONA Xpand board provides Bi-level / Tri-level Video Reference (BNC), LTC in/out, RS-422, 8-channels of AES/EBU audio (with included breakout cable) and 2-channels of analog audio in and out (via user supplied DB-15 to XLR cable)
  • Three year warranty

KONA X is also available in a fanless version for sound sensitive environments. Note that precautions should be taken to maintain card temperature under maximum levels.

KONA X Overview Video

Learn more about the amazing KONA X by watching this brief introductory overview video.

Watch Video

Ultra-low Latency / Streaming DMA

With Streaming DMA (Direct Memory Access), the DMA operation happens directly between the video I/O and the computer’s buffer in applications that support it, completely bypassing the on-card memory. Depending on the software application being used, this enables customers to achieve as low as sub-frame latencies and a much simpler method of dealing with dynamic video.

Virtual Production Workflow

The latest connectivity combined with up to sub-frame latency and Steaming DMA engine, makes KONA X ideal for modern virtual production environments.

This workflow diagram illustrates the KONA X, with its ultra-low latency, as a key part of a virtual production workflow.

Download Workflow

AR Support with Unreal Engine

Capture real time footage with KONA X 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), virtual production and more.

Digital filmmakers also benefit from 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 postproduction.

Augmented Reality (AR) Sports Workflow

KONA X and application software that supports Streaming DMA allows users to achieve as low as sub-frame latencies, which is important for eSports and live production environments, where the synchronization of AR graphics and graphical overlays and split second reaction times for viewer interactions are required.

This workflow diagram illustrates KONA X being used on a live sports broadcast for realtime graphics insertion and overlays.

Download Workflow

Hardware Keying

The combination of KONA X's built-in hardware downstream keyer and ultra-low latency allows graphics and images up to 4K/UltraHD to be easily overlaid on the input video in real time. 

KONA Xpand 
Optional Breakout Board

KONA Xpand is a PCIe card that expands the connectivity options on KONA X. It provides Bi-level/Tri-level Video Reference, as well as a 9-pin RS-422 connector for controlling a range of devices, 8-channels of unbalanced AES/EBU audio I/O, and LTC In/Out on the included breakout cable that ships with the KONA Xpand. Two channels of balanced analog audio I/O are also available (via a user supplied DB15 cable).

$595 US MSRP*

Applications Compatibility

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

NLE / VFX Software Support

The latest AJA Desktop Software advances 4K workflows with KONA X by providing native support for 4K video in Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer plus many other applications. KONA X offers broad video format support, providing a powerful I/O tool for Sports, eSports, Virtual Production, and other cutting-edge workflows.

HDR NLE / VFX Software Support

AJA Desktop Software supports HDR across many third party professional video software applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer. Take advantage of HLG, PQ, HDR10 workflows in broadcast and post, and work between 709, BT2020, and P3 with ease.

HDR

HDR (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 X HDR workflows can also benefit from AJA's Control Room application and its 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 workflow. KONA X provides simultaneous 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 X 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 X 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 high 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. 

Explore more of our HDR Solutions here:

HDR Solutions

4K Closed Captioning Support

AJA Control Room software

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

Supplied Avid & Adobe Plugins

  • All SMPTE-291 (ANC) based captions supported.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro 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 UltraHD/4K).

AJA Control Room Metadata Toolset

Metadata is the key for managing advanced workflows. AJA is bringing to market an entirely new way to harvest metadata in the SDI signal stream and export the metadata to a sidecar file.

This new feature, called AJA Control Room Metadata Toolset*, is being introduced in Desktop Software v17.1 and adds the following functionality:

  • Supports capture of any metadata type, including SCTE-104 and Dolby Vision metadata, that is part of the SDI Ancillary metadata payload.

  • Using an AJA KONA capture card that supports SDI input and the included AJA Control Room software (such as KONA 5 or KONA X), the card captures the metadata, which is then preserved in a metadata sidecar file.

  • AJA Control Room can playback the metadata to provide quality monitoring.

  • AJA Control Room can export the metadata synchronized with the media on a per-frame basis.

*macOS and Windows only

Download Workflow

AJA Developer SDK

Developers who wish to use AJA’s world class SDK (Software Development Kit) can choose between two different methods to gain access and start putting their creativity to work with this rich, deep, and powerful set of video technologies. AJA’s SDK is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, including support for the latest Apple silicon.

For the quickest and easiest way to get up and running with the core AJA SDK, we recommend the AJA Open Source Developer path, which is under the MIT license and hosted via GitLab.

For access to the AJA SDK, including AJA proprietary technologies and world class support, we recommend the AJA Developer Program path. This is accessed via the dedicated AJA SDK Developer page and requires a signed agreement.

It is entirely possible for a developer to begin on the AJA Open Source Developer path, and, if necessary, in the future, apply to enroll in the AJA Developer Program path.

In-Firmware Microcontroller

AJA OEM Developers can run code directly on KONA X with it's In-Firmware Microcontroller for supervisory and safety purposes and achieve ultra-low latency or functionality that might need to exist before the system containing the card fully boots.

Apple silicon Support

AJA Desktop Software is optimized for the latest Apple silicon with native support for AJA macOS drivers, application plug-ins, AJA Control Room, AJA Control Panel, and AJA System Test.

Apple Mac Pro Compatible

AJA offers full compatibility for the new Apple Mac Pro, including support for AJA Control Room with Metal compatibility and extensive support for various applications. Refer to the latest macOS release download release notes for supported version information.

For productions handling high resolution workflows all the way up to 4K, KONA X is a perfect companion for high performance workflows.

 

KONA X Operating Systems Compatibility

Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux Ubuntu / Rocky. Please see Release Notes for details and version information which can be found in the Downloads, Software tab.

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

SDI Video Formats

  • (4K) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94

HDMI Video Formats

  • (4K CEA) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K CEA) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1600x1200p 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1280x1024p 60
  • (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1024x768p 60
  • (VESA DMT) 800x600p 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94
  • (VESA DMT) 640 x 480p 60 

 

Note: Additional VESA (DMT) formats supported for certain applications

Video Inputs Digital

  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082, 12-bit, 10-bit
    • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p 
  • 6G-SDI, SMPTE-2081, 10-bit
  • 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  
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C 
    • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit 
  • HDMI v2.0
    • 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 6 Gbps per color component
    • 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
    • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p 
    • Connectors are full size BNC / full size HDMI
    • HDMI Inputs and Outputs support VESA (DMT) rasters at limited rates

Video Outputs Digital

  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082*, 12-bit, 10-bit
    • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • 6G-SDI, SMPTE-2081*, 10-bit
  • 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
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
    • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
  • HDMI v2.0
    • 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 6 Gbps per color component
    • 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
    • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p 
    • Connectors are full-size BNC / full-size HDMI
    • HDMI Input and Output support VESA rasters

 

*Compliant with subsets of specification for supported formats

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 

SDI I/O (via PCIe Bracket)

  • 2x full-size 12G-SDI connections
  • SDI connections are bidirectional
    • Single channel SDI capture (plus simultaneous SDI pass-through monitoring)
    • Single channel SDI output

HDMI I/O (via PCIe Bracket)

  • 2x full-size (Type A) HDMI 2.0 connections
  • HDMI connections are unidirectional (1x Input, 1x Output)
    • Single channel HDMI input 
    • Single channel HDMI output

HDMI Monitoring for SDI Inputs

  • HDMI output connector supports
    • Single channel SDI source monitoring

Video I/O Performance

  • Capable of two channel 4K p60 capture or playback

Audio Inputs Digital

  • 16-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous• 8-channel, 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 )

 

Note: Audio I/O is available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card connector  

Audio Input Analog

  • 2-channel, 24 and 16-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using industry standard 2x XLR on DB-25 breakout cable (cable not included)
  • +24 dBu full scale digital (0 dBFS)
  • +/- 0.2 dB 20 to 20 kHz frequency response

 

Note: Requires the optional KONA Xpand card

Audio Outputs Digital

  • 16-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 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)

 

Note: AES audio requires the optional KONA Xpand card.  SDI and HDMI audio do not require the Xpand card. 

Audio Output Analog

  • 2-channel, 24-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using  2x XLR
  • +24 dBu full scale digital (0 dBFS)
  • +/- 0.2 dB 20 to 20 kHz frequency response

 

Note: Requires the optional KONA Xpand card

Downstream Keyer

  • Supports graphics up to 4K/UltraHD with alpha channel over video, matte or framebuffer, or framebuffer content over incoming video or matte

Reference

  • Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V) or HD Tri-Level Sync (1V)
  • Reference input is terminated into 75 ohms when Genlock is set to Ref In

 

Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card

Timecode

  • LTC timecode input
  • LTC timecode output

 

Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card

Electrical Interface

  • PCIe Gen 3x4

Machine Control

  • RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol
  • 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

 

Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card

Noise

  • <50dBA (A-weighted at 1m in free air) <40-45dBA preferred (Phase 01 )>
  • Fan is rated at 33.1dBA

Regulatory Compliance

  • RoHS 3
  • IEC 62368-1: 2014 2nd Edition safety standard

Size (w x d x h)

  • Passive Configuration (no fan): 190.5 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (7.5" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
  • Active Configuration (with fan): 247.7 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (9.75" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
  • Xpand Card: 108.0 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (4.25" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")

Weight

  • PCIe Card: Active (with fan): 290.3g (10.2oz), Passive (no fan): 217.7g (7.7oz)
  • Xpand Card: 90.7g (3.2oz)

Power

  • 20W typical with 16W on +12V and 4W on +3.3V
  • PC Internal or PCi Aux Power Connector: Molex part number 45558-0003

 

Note: Card can utilize PCIe power from a 6 pin PCi 2x3 Aux Power connector or the PCIe slot

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)

Software License Agreement

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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