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.

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.

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.

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).

Specifications

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:

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)