Using integrated hardware processing, the KONA 4 PCI-E Video I/O Card from AJA can ingest and output 4K resolution video at up to 60 fps. With that resolution, you can view the details of your production natively on a 4K monitor. Along with 4K resolutions, the KONA 4 supports uncompressed 1080p I/O with 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 color subsampling. The KONA 4 can simultaneously input and output uncompressed video via its 3G-SDI ports. Two ports accept the video input while the other two can drive a professional display or output to a recording deck.
The hardware processing also allows for up, down, and cross-conversion. Usually to unify project resolution, footage must be converted or rendered in software to match it to the project. With its internal hardware scaler, the KONA 4 can unify the resolutions of the video clips in your project without prior rendering. In addition to conversion, the KONA's internal processing can overlay graphics on a video stream for quick keying.
Additional Connectivity
An included 60-pin breakout cable provides additional inputs and outputs for AES/EBU digital audio, LTC, reference, analog component video, and RS-422 machine control. Also included are a 4-BNC to mini-BNC Link cable and an HDMI to mini-HDMI cable. The KONA 4 can also be used in a rackmount configuration with the optional K3G Breakout Box. The K3G fits in a standard 19" rack space and has connections to take advantage of all the I/O the KONA 4 has to offer.
4K High Frame Rate (HFR) Support
The KONA 4 supports 50p and 60p at up to 4K resolutions. 4K can be input or output by using all four BNC connections for broadcast and professional hardware, or the HDMI port to connect to 4K computer monitors or consumer hardware such as televisions.
Versatile Integration
KONA 4 supports both Windows and Linux, providing 4K and multi-channel power for a wide range of applications. Mac support will be made available in the future.
Hardware Keying
The built-in hardware downstream keyer allows graphics and images to be overlaid on the input video to the card for overlays. The hardware processing provides the necessary computing power to create a key quickly without prior rendering.
Hardware Conversion
The KONA 4 performs hardware up, down, cross-conversion to unify resolutions. Hardware conversion simplifies workflows and eliminates the need to adjust resolution using software. If your project is in 1080p resolution and you have standard definition NTSC content, the internal scaler will process and up-convert the NTSC footage to match the 1080p resolution of the project. If the NTSC footage has a different aspect ratio (4:3), you can choose how you want the KONA 4 to process it. It can be processed with letterboxing, or anamorphic stretching to fit the 16:9 HD frame. Because this conversion is done with the KONA's hardware, it happens in real time, so no prior rendering is needed.
