Ki Pro Rack

Ki Pro Rack

File Based 1RU Recorder and Player

$3,581 US MSRP*

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

Ki Pro Rack

Overview

Tech Specs

Options

Downloads

Digital Recorders

Overview

The power of Ki Pro in a 1RU format, the perfect fit for your file based workflow.

With a wealth of professional connections including SDI and HDMI, Ki Pro Rack will fit right into your existing cabling and routing system. Ki Pro Rack also features AJA’s industry leading conversion technology, enabling you to perform broadcast quality up, down, cross-conversion during recording or playback without the need for additional conversion hardware.

Features

  • HD/SD Recorder and Player
  • Record and playback Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD files
  • SDI, HDMI, and Component Video I/O
  • AES (BNC) and analog (XLR) audio I/O
  • 2x KiStor media bays with Ki Protect
  • Balanced XLR analog audio inputs, mic/line/48v switchable
  • Multi-channel embedded SDI and HDMI audio
  • Up, down, cross-conversion built-in
  • REF, LTC, RP-188 and RS-422 support
  • REST interface
  • Front panel button controls
  • Easy to use web UI, configure and control from standard web browsers
  • Compact 1RU design
  • Three year warranty

Transition to File Based Workflows

For video facilities transitioning from tape to file based workflows for recording and playback, Ki Pro Rack offers high quality, 'ready-to-edit' file capture, designed to get material from source to editorial as quickly as possible.

With a wealth of professional connections, Ki Pro Rack will fit right into your existing cabling and routing system and record 10-bit Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD files direct to removable hard disk or SSD Storage Modules, eliminating the need for time-consuming logging and capturing. The files can be used in most editing systems without the need for additional transcoding or importing processes.

Unify Formats -
Speed Workflows

AJA's high quality up, down, cross-conversion makes it easy to unify SD, 720p, and 1080i and create a single desired format for your project. The multitude of video and audio connections such as SDI, HDMI and analog make integrating Ki Pro Rack with other production equipment easy.

RS-422 Control

RS-422 control allows Ki Pro Rack to integrate easily with supported editing systems and external controllers allowing it to fulfill several of the functions of a traditional VTR. Supported NLEs can even perform assemble edits directly to the Ki Pro Rack.

Ki Pro Rack’s RS-422 control can also be used to link a traditional VTR with Ki Pro Rack for direct editing control. Use the editing controls on properly equipped VTRs to control Ki Pro Rack for machine to machine transfer of video and audio. This allows tape footage to be captured directly as files on Ki Pro Rack without the need for a separate edit controller.

10-bit, Full Raster Recording

Big on quality - but not on file size. Recording 10-bit, full raster files, Ki Pro Rack gives you high quality images that easily stand up to post processing requirements - and client scrutiny.

Compared to 8-bit recording devices, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording (when supported by the codec) provides better quantization, giving a superior representation of the original scene and allowing for more flexibility in postproduction when adjusting color and balance.

By utilizing efficient ProRes and DNxHD codecs, file sizes are kept in check so you won't need to blow your production budget on extra storage.

Reliable Storage Media

Ki Pro Rack captures directly to reliable AJA KiStor media. KiStor media are available as HDDs or SSDs in a variety of capacities to best suit the demands of your production environment. KiStor modules also feature built-in USB 3.0 connectivity for direct connection to your editing system using standard interfaces. 

Utilizing the rollover recording capability with the dual media drive bays, recording can start on one media module and seamlessly continue onto the second module once the first has reached capacity. This makes Ki Pro Rack ideal for long form recording needs while maintaining incredibly image high quality.

Familiar Controls
and Operation

Anyone familiar with the operation of a tape deck will feel immediately comfortable when working with Ki Pro Rack.

Just like a traditional tape deck, Ki Pro Rack features straightforward and dedicated transport buttons - record, play, stop, rewind, fast forward - making the device easy to operate with minimal training time. The current status of the system and key configuration information is clearly displayed on the built-in screen. Additional operational information can be found in the STATUS menu which can be accessed even when recording or playing back.

The Ki Pro Rack operating system offers users a flat menu structure that is easy to navigate with menu parameters presented in clear and understandable language.

Automation

Ki Pro Rack goes beyond traditional tape decks with sophisticated play out and automation capabilities. Because Ki Pro Rack is file based, any clip can be instantly queued up and played either from the front panel or via the built-in Ethernet connection - with no seek time. Complete developer tools are available, allowing advanced users to script and automate Ki Pro Rack and other Ethernet equipped AJA products for custom applications.

Closed Captioning Support

If you need to record or playout video with Closed Captioning embedded, 
Ki Pro Rack is fully compatible with your needs.

Ki Pro Rack recognizes CEA-708 within incoming SDI Inputs and encodes
the Closed Captioning to your Apple ProRes recorded file. Upon playback, you can utilize the Closed Captioning within a recorded file over Ki Pro Rack's SDI outputs.

Professional Connections

The video and audio connections on the rear panel of the Ki Pro Rack offer the same standard connectors found on traditional tape decks, allowing Ki Pro Rack to integrate easily with your current cabling and routing. The rear connections include SDI, HDMI, component analog, AES and analog XLR balanced audio, LTC, RS-422 and LAN.

Ethernet File Transfer

Utilizing the LAN network functionality, media can be copied to and from the Ki Pro Rack over the Ethernet connection. This allows for fast file transfers without the need to physically remove the media from the Ki Pro Rack, which can be especially useful in larger facilities and cuts down dramatically on the number of people that have to enter the machine room, minimizing the risk of unintentional interference with equipment.

Remote Configuration and Operation

In a truck or a machine room, Ki Pro Rack is equipped for advanced remote control and configuration. With a standard Ethernet LAN connection to a host computer and any web browser, all Ki Pro Rack parameter settings, clip selection and transport controls can be controlled; no additional or special software installation is required on the host computer. Multiple Ki Pro Rack units can even be controlled from a single web interface making Ki Pro Rack an ideal solution for multi-camera recordings.

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 Ki Pro installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.

Ki Pro 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

Tech Specs are subject to change.

Print Tech Specs

Video Formats

  • 1080i 25, 29.97, 30
  • 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25*, 29.97* 
  • 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97
  • 720p 23.98*, 25*, 29.97*, 50, 59.94, 60 
  • 625i 25
  • 525i 29.97

 

*25 and 29.97 require a valid camera source and the use of the Record Type>PsF selection

Codec Support

  • Apple ProRes 422
  • Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
  • Apple ProRes 422 (LT)
  • Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy)
  • Avid DNxHD HQX (220x)
  • Avid DNxHD SQ (145)
  • Avid DNxHD LD (36), only provides support for the 1080p format

Removable Storage

  • AJA KiStor modules - 2 slots with rollover recording

Video Input Digital

  • SD/HD SDI, SMPTE-259/292, 10-bit
  • Single Link 4:2:2 (2 x BNC, input selection in software)
  • HDMI v1.3

Video Output Digital

  • SD/HD SDI, SMPTE-259/292
  • Single Link 4:2:2 10-bit (1 x BNC)
  • HDMI v1.3

 

Note: HDMI requires 1080i, 720p or 1080p to be active; HDMI does not provide support for PsF

Video Input Analog

  • SD/HD Component (3 x BNC)
  • SMPTE/EBU N10, Betacam 525 line, Betacam 525J
  • 12-bit A/D, 2 x oversampling
  • +/- .25dB to 5.5 mHz Y frequency response
  • +/- .25dB to 2.5 mHz C frequency response
  • .5% 2T pulse response
  • <2 ns Y/C delay inequity, or Composite (1 x BNC – CVBS on Y)

Video Output Analog

  • Component (3 x BNC)
  • NTSC, NTSCJ, PAL
  • HD: YPbPr, RGB
  • SD: YPbPr, RGB (component mode)
  • SMPTE/EBU N10, Betacam 525 line, Betacam 525J, RGB
  • 12-bit D/A, 8 x oversampling
  • +/- .2dB to 5.5 mHz Y frequency response
  • +/- .2dB to 2.5 mHz C frequency response
  • .5% 2T pulse response
  • <1 ns Y/C delay inequity, or Composite (1 x BNC – CVBS on Y)
  • +/- .2dB to 5.0 mHz Y frequency response
  • +/- .2dB to 1 mHz C frequency response
  • <1% Diff Phase
  • <1% Diff Gain

Audio Input Digital

  • 8-channel, 24-bit SMPTE-272/299 SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous or nonsynchronous, internal sample rate conversion (4 x BNC)

Audio Input Analog

  • 2-channel, 24-bit A/D analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced (2 x XLR)
  • +24 dBu full scale digital
  • +/- 0.2 dB 20Hz to 20 kHz frequency response (Note: Line or Mic selection via CONFIG menu parameters)

Audio Output Digital

  • 8-channel, 24-bit SMPTE-272/299 SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 24-bit AES/EBU audio, synchronous or nonsynchronous, internal sample rate conversion (4 x BNC)

Audio Output Analog

  • 2-channel, 24-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced (2 x XLR)
  • +24 dBu full scale digital (0dbFS)
  • +/- 0.2 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
  • Stereo unbalanced headphone (1 x 3.5mm mini jack)

Up-Conversion

  • Hardware 10-bit
  • Anamorphic: fullscreen
  • Pillarbox 4:3: results in a 4:3 image in center of screen with black sidebars
  • Zoom 14:9: results in a 4:3 image zoomed slightly to fill a 14:9 image with black side bars
  • Zoom Letterbox: results in image zoomed to fill fullscreen
  • Zoom Wide: results in a combination of zoom and horizontal stretch to fill a 16:9 screen; this setting can introduce a small aspect ratio change

Down-Conversion

  • Hardware 10-bit
  • Anamorphic: fullscreen
  • Letterbox: image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area with the aspect ratio preserved
  • Crop: image is cropped to fit new screen size

Cross-Conversion

  • Hardware 10-bit
  • 1080i to 720p
  • 720p to 1080i

Timecode

  • SDI RP188/SMPTE 12M via SDI BNC
  • HDMI (when used with compatible cameras)
  • LTC Input (1x BNC)
  • LTC output (1x BNC) (Note: active during playback not during record or EE)

Reference Input

  • External, 2x BNC
  • Looping, nonterminating
  • Blackburst or tri-level sync

Network Interface

  • 10/100/1000 Ethernet (RJ-45)
  • Embedded web server for remote control

User Interface

  • 2x 20 character display, with dedicated buttons

Closed Captioning Support

  • CEA-708, CEA-608

Machine Control

  • RS-422, 1x DE-9 female connector, Sony 9-pin protocol
  • 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:

 

1

GND

2

TX-

3

RX+

4

GND

5

No Connection

6

GND

7

TX+

8

RX-

9

GND

Shell

GND

Size (w x d x h)

  • 19.0" x 12.5" x 1.75" (482.6mm x 317.5mm x 44.5mm) 

Weight

  • 7.3 lb (3.4 kg)

Power

  • 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz, dual, redundant power supplies, 40W typical

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)

Options

Ki Pro Rack lets you record edit-friendly HD ProRes files directly to removable KiStor Media. Once removed from the Ki Pro Rack, the KiStor can be inserted in the AJA KiStor Dock which connects directly to your computer via Thunderbolt™ or USB3, allowing you to rapidly transfer ProRes files that are ready for use immediately in your non-linear editing system.

KiStor Modules

KiStor Storage Modules use thoroughly tested media and are backed by a 1-year warranty. KiStor Storage Modules are also engineered with the rigors of production use in mind; not only are robust housings used for the media, but connectors rated for multiple insertions and removals are used, unlike bare HDD or SSD connectors that are not engineered for repeated use. Additionally, KiStor modules can be formatted in the device making it a true stand alone recorder; connecting the media to a host computer to format media is not necessary.

More Information

Direct Link

This firmware v6.9 is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the Release Notes for complete details.

Please also refer to the Ki Stor compatibility document under Documents for the latest information on Ki Stor drives and compatibility with firmware v6.9.

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

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With current Windows OS versions, you may need to install the following driver so that the SATA connection in the KiStor Dock operates as expected in Windows.

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This is an updated version of the Ki Pro Python API with modules for automatically discovering, reading and writing all supported Ki Pro Mini and Ki Pro Rack parameters via Python scripting. Inline documentation and examples have been included for accessing discovered parameters and valid values by name.

Please Note: These materials are intended for users who have web programming or scripting skills. They are not intended for the general Ki Pro user. These files are for use with Ki Pro Mini and Ki Pro Rack ONLY.

Mirrors

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This file contains the latest version of the Ki Pro Mini and Ki Pro Rack REST Automation scripts. These scripts are provided for developers who prefer to use REST for communication and control of AJA devices. This is separate and independent from the Python API.

Please Note: These materials are intended for users who have web programming or scripting skills. They are not intended for the general Ki Pro user. These files are for use with Ki Pro Mini and Ki Pro Rack ONLY.

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This firmware v6.8 is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the Release Notes for complete details.

Please also refer to the Ki Stor compatibility document under Documents for the latest information on Ki Stor drives and compatibility with firmware v6.8

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

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This firmware v6.7 is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the Release Notes for complete details.

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

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This firmware v6.5.1 is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the Release Notes for complete details.

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

Mirrors

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This firmware v6.5.0 is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the Release Notes for complete details.

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

Mirrors

Download

Direct Link

This firmware version is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the Release Notes for complete details.

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

Mirrors

Download

Direct Link

This firmware version is the latest maintenance release for Ki Pro Rack. Please read the release notes for complete details.

The Ki Pro Rack manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro Rack support area as well as within the .zip archive.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

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This firmware version for the Ki Pro Rack updates the web UI to be compatible with Safari 7.  Earlier versions of the Ki Pro Rack firmware and web UI may not respond as expected when used with Safari 7.  If you are planning on using Safari 7, you should update to this firmware version.

Important: To perform the update, you will need to use a web browser other than Safari, such as Firefox or Chrome.

The Ki Pro Rack Installation and User Manual is available in the Manual section of the Ki Pro support area as well as within the .zip archive.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

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This firmware version adds the ability to read start/stop metadata from ARRI Alexa cameras, Panasonic AG- AF100 series cameras, Sony PMW-F3 camera and certain Canon HDMI cameras. Additional improvements have been included in this version as well. The .zip archive contains new software, manual, and release notes.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

Mirrors

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This is the initial release version of Ki Pro Rack firmware. The .zip archive contains the release software, manual, and release notes.

Note: AJA recommends a Factory Reset under the CONFIG menu prior to updating firmware.

Mirrors

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This version of the Ki Pro automation API includes all-new Python modules for automatically discovering, reading and writing all supported Ki Pro parameters. Inline documentation and examples have been included for accessing discovered parameters and valid values by name.

Please Note: These materials are intended for users who have web programming or scripting skills. They are not intended for the general Ki Pro user.

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Ki Pro Rack Installation and Operation Manual, Version 6.9

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This file contains the latest version of the AJA REST Automation scripts. These scripts are provided for developers who prefer to use REST to communicate and control AJA devices. This is separate and independent from the Python API.

Please Note: These materials are intended for users who have web programming or scripting skills. They are not intended for the general user. These files are for use with Ki Pro Mini, Ki Pro Rack, FS1, and FS2 ONLY.

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Please download the PDF for information on Ki Stor media compatibility with Ki Pro Rack v6.9

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The AJA Ki Pro Encoding Guide v1.0 offers a guide to the encoding requirements of video with audio for compatible playback using Ki Pro devices. It lists the supported raster, frame rates, containers and codecs as well as a number of caveats. The guide is applicable for Ki Pro Ultra 12G, Ki Pro Ultra, Ki Pro Ultra Plus, and Ki Pro Rack.

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AJA REST API Developer Guide offers an overview of REST features and parameters for remote control of AJA Products as applicable.

The Guide further offers product specific REST information and commands for the following products:

  • HELO
  • HELO Plus
  • Ki Pro GO
  • Ki Pro Ultra 12G
  • Ki Pro Ultra Plus
  • Ki Pro Ultra
  • Ki Pro Rack

To access code snippets and .md files for AJA REST control, please visit https://www.aja.com/support/rest-api

 

 

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Please download the PDF for information on AJA and QuickTime 7 for Windows as of May 2016.

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Software License Agreement

Contact Support

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

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