AJA KONA 5.0 - Manual (Page 29)

1
19 Installation & Hardware Configuration — Installing the KONA Card
Computer Requirements for KONA Cards
For the most up-to-date computer system requirements for KONA, consult the AJA
website:
http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-system-configuration.php
AJA Data Rate
Calculator
Application for
Windows AJA offers a Data Rate Calculator utility for KONA users as a resource for configuring
systems and determining storage requirements. This application calculates data rates and
storage requirements for a given video size, format, and frame rate and is available for
download at:
http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-3-3x.php
(See Utilities and Optional ajashare at the bottom of the webpage.)
Note: Note: It is the storage vendor’s responsibility to maintain sustained playback.
Many benchmark utilities show a speed test in an ideal setting but will not sustain
that data rate for sequential data reads/writes as required in a true video editing
environment. Use the calculator to determine the data rate required and then
proceed to the system test described below.
AJA KONA System
Test KONA System Test is available on the AJA website at:
http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-3-3x.php
(See Utilities and Optional ajashare at the bottom of the webpage.) KONA System Test
is a Windows utility for measuring system performance with AJA KONA Video Capture
cards. The application includes disk drive speed tests and video data copy (DMA) speeds.
The disk speed tests differ from standard disk I/O performance applications in that they
specifically test the system under conditions typically encountered with video capture,
playback, and editing.
Note: Note: Most of the disk performance tests are generic and don’t require an AJA
KONA Video Capture card. The DMA performance tests do require a KONA card and
AJA KONA Driver software to operate.
We suggest the best test is to fill your storage disk to 80% and then test capture at the
highest data rate you will use. Use Machina Capture Status display to monitor lost frames
(“Capture Controls” on page 53).
Installing the KONA Card
1. Place the PC in a well-lit convenient area, where you will have easy access to the
chassis access door.
2. Touch the outside of the PC to discharge any static electricity in your body.
Remove the power cable from the back of the PC.
3. Open the PC to gain access to the card slots as described in your Workstation User
Manual.
4. Remove the KONA card from its protective anti-static bag; place the card on top of
the bag.
5. To install the KONA card and RAID controller card (SCSI or Fibre Channel), refer to
the AJA website for the latest installation updates at:
http://www.aja.com/support/kona/kona-system-configuration.php
Because of hardware and software changes, AJA engineers are constantly testing and
grading workstation performance. The AJA website is your best source of up-to-date
approved workstation configurations.