AJA KONA 4 PCI-E Video I/O Card

AJA KONA 4 Overview

The AJA KONA 4 PCI-E Video I/O Card can input and output 4K resolution video at up to 60 frames per second thanks to integrated hardware processing. You can see your production’s details in their native resolution on a 4K monitor with that resolution. The KONA 4 supports uncompressed 1080p I/O with 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 color subsampling in addition to 4K resolutions. Through its 3G-SDI ports, the KONA 4 can simultaneously input and output uncompressed video. While two of the ports can be used to drive a professional display or output to a recording deck, the other two accept video input.

Up, down, and cross-conversion
Up, down, and cross-conversion are also possible thanks to the hardware processing. Typically, video needs to be converted or rendered in software to match it to the project in order to standardize project resolution. Without the need for previous rendering, the KONA 4’s internal hardware scaler allows it to harmonize the resolutions of the video clips in your project. Apart from conversion, the internal processing of the KONA allows for fast keying by superimposing graphics on a video stream.

Additional Connectivity

Additional inputs and outputs for AES/EBU digital audio, LTC, reference, analog component video, and RS-422 machine control are provided by a 60-pin breakout cable that is included. A 4-BNC to mini-BNC Link cable and an HDMI to mini-HDMI cable are also included. The optional K3G Breakout Box allows the KONA 4 to be utilized in a rackmount configuration as well. The K3G has connections to utilize all of the I/O that the KONA 4 has to offer and it fits in a typical 19″ rack space.

4K High Frame Rate (HFR) Support

Up to 4K resolutions in 50p and 60p are supported by the KONA 4. All four of the BNC connectors can be used for 4K input or output for broadcast and professional gear, or the HDMI port can be used to connect to 4K computer monitors or consumer gear like 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 input video to the card for overlays can have graphics and images overlaid on it thanks to the integrated hardware downstream keyer. The computational capacity required to quickly generate a key without prior rendering is provided by the hardware processing.

Hardware Conversion

To harmonize resolutions, the KONA 4 uses hardware up-, down-, and cross-conversion. Workflows are made simpler by hardware conversion, which also removes the need for software resolution adjustments. The internal scaler will process and up-convert the standard definition NTSC footage to match the 1080p resolution of the project if it is in standard definition and you have 1080p resolution content. Should the NTSC video have a different aspect ratio (4:3), you can select the processing method that the KONA 4 should use. To fit the 16:9 HD frame, it can be processed using letterboxing or anamorphic stretching. There is no need for earlier rendering because this conversion is done in real time using the hardware of the KONA.