AJA KONA X

AJA KONA X Ultra-Low Latency Video Capture Card

AJA KONA X Ultra-Low Latency Video Capture Card

AJA KONA X

  • Ultra-Low Latency Video Capture Card
  • 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
  • 4K Closed Caption Support
$3,695.00
Ships in 2-4 Weeks

The AJA KONA X is a high-performance 4-lane PCIe 3.0 card designed for ultra-low latency video capture and playback. It is ideal for a wide range of applications including media and entertainment, live production, and OEM development. With its bi-directional dual, full-size BNC 12G-SDI and dual HDMI 2.0 connections, KONA X offers a comprehensive range of I/O capabilities to fulfill various demands.

KONA X is a versatile device that supports various color spaces such as 4K/UltraHD, 2K/HD, and SD, ensuring exceptional image quality. With its compatibility for 10-bit 4:2:2, 4:4:4, and 12-bit color spaces, KONA X delivers pristine visuals. Additionally, it provides the convenience of 12G-SDI and full-size HDMI 2.0 ports for seamless ingestion and output. The bidirectional 12G-SDI ports offer great flexibility for capture and simultaneous pass-through. With the right software, it also enables multi-channel capture and streaming.

KONA X is powered by AJA's Control Room and Control Panel software, offering compatibility with popular content creation applications like Adobe® Premiere® Pro, Apple® Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer®, FilmLight, OBS Studio, vMix, and many others. KONA X is compatible with AJA's multi-platform Developer SDK, enhancing its versatility.

KONA X: The Ultimate Choice for HDR Workflows with HDR10+, HLG, PQ, and Dolby Vision Support over SDI and HDMI

Experience the power of KONA X, the ultimate solution for all your work needs today and in the long run.

One of the standout features of KONA X is its built-in Streaming DMA. This feature allows users to achieve extremely low latency, even for important video I/O tasks. Whether it's for AI-assisted processes, gaming, AR graphics, overlays, or any other tasks that demand instant performance, KONA X delivers exceptional results. The KONA X backplane offers robust and full-size I/O, making installation easier and ensuring extended card longevity. With visible status LEDs, users can easily connect and receive status reports. The In-Firmware MicroController enables AJA Developer Partners to maximize the card's potential for various applications. Additionally, the KONA X can be easily programmed and configured using the AJA SDK on Windows, Linux, and macOS, utilizing a familiar toolset. If you are looking for applications that demand advanced audio, LTC, RS-422, and other features, consider opting for the KONA Xpand break-out board. This optional board can be easily installed in a nearby PCIe slot.

KONA X maximizes the benefits of AJA's Desktop Software, incorporating the latest v17 update. This update includes notable enhancements like enhanced closed caption support, optimized performance for Apple silicon systems, Rocky Linux compatibility, and additional features. AJA Desktop Software: The Ultimate Solution for macOS, Windows, and Linux Looking for a powerful and dependable software solution? Look no further than AJA Desktop Software. With its wide compatibility across macOS, Windows, and Linux, this software is designed to meet the needs of creative professionals. One of the standout features of AJA Desktop Software is its extensive range of application plug-ins. These plug-ins are specifically tailored to work seamlessly with the most popular creative tools on the market. Whether you're using Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Apple Final Cut Pro, among others, AJA Desktop Software has you covered. Don't settle for subpar software. Choose AJA Desktop Software for a robust and reliable experience. Download it today and unlock the full potential of your creative projects. The AJA Control Room, Control Panel, and System Test applications are included in the package.

The feature highlights of KONA X include:

  • Experience Ultra-Low Latency and Stream Seamlessly with Built-In Streaming DMA: The DMA operation efficiently facilitates data transfer between the video I/O and KONA X user buffer, effectively bypassing the need for KONA X on-card memory. This feature enables users to achieve ultra-low latencies, making it ideal for eSports and live production settings. It ensures seamless synchronization of AR graphics and graphical overlays, as well as lightning-fast response times for viewer interactions. Virtual production is a cutting-edge technique that ensures seamless synchronization between camera tracking, LED wall, and game engine. This technology is particularly useful in broadcast applications, as it simplifies the management of dynamic video content.
  • KONA X offers versatile connectivity with VESA HDMI I/O support, featuring dual full-size BNC and 12G-SDI bi-directional connections. Additionally, it includes dual full-size HDMI 2.0 connections, with one for input and one for output, further enhancing its connectivity options. Capture and playback of various HDMI formats is made possible with VESA HDMI I/O compatibility, as the video subsystem timing is flexible and adaptable.
  • Firmware Microcontroller: Unlocking Ultra-Low Latency and Advanced Functionality for KONA X Users and OEM Developers With the Firmware Microcontroller feature, KONA X users and OEM developers can now execute code directly on the card, enabling them to achieve unparalleled ultra-low latency and access advanced functionality. This capability is particularly valuable as it allows for the execution of critical operations even before the complete booting of the system that houses the card.
  • Introducing the Optional KONA Xpand Break-out-Board for Enhanced Performance Introducing the KONA X PCIe I/O Expansion Board for Enhanced Connectivity The main features of the KONA Xpand breakout board include two channels of balanced analog audio via a user-supplied DB15 to XLR cable, Bi-level/Tri-level Video Reference through BNC, eight channels of unbalanced AES/EBU audio via a Breakout Cable with BNC connectors, LTC In/Out through a Breakout Cable with BNC connectors, and RS-422 connectivity through a Breakout Cable with DB-9 connectors.
Specs
Ethernet
  • (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 (PRELIMINARY)
  • UL94 V-0 flammability requirements
  • RoHS 3, WEEE, and REACH compliant
  • 62368-1 safety standards
  • NRTL and/or T-mark license for AJA SDK Developers
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) IEEE 1588-2008
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