AJA KONA LHi - Manual (Page 16)

KONA v10.5 www.aja.com 16
Each of the four outputs is independently switchable between HD and SD. For example, if
you are working in HD, you can have simultaneous HD-SDI, SD-SDI, and HD-component
analog output.
SDI inputs and outputs support video and 8-channel embedded 24-bit digital audio. Use
SDI wherever possible for the best quality 10-bit uncompressed video input, capture, and
output. If peripheral equipment has a variety of inputs/outputs, look to see if it has SDI I/
O, and use it wherever possible. Most high-end professional broadcast equipment
supports SDI (VTRs, cameras, media storage servers, etc.).
HDMI Output: An HDMI mini-connector on the KONA4/3G endplate (full-size HDMI connectors on the
K3G-Box) provides HDMI 1.4 capability, supporting 4K up to 24fps and UHD at 25/30 fps.
NOTE: KONA 3G supports SD and HD over HDMI. KONA 4 supports UHD and 4K over HDMI.
HDMI also supports multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDCP is not supported
on the output.
Analog Monitor Out puts: Both the standard I/O cable and the optional K3G-Box feature two groups of three BNC
connectors each, for input and output of component, composite and Y/C functions. The
signals are labelled on both the cable and K3G-Box connectors.
The analog component output can be switched between SD and HD. KONA 4/3G
features 12-bit component video output for both HD and SD. SD can be switched to
composite and Y/C. (The same three BNC connectors share component and Y/C
functions.) This allows use of an inexpensive analog monitor for both HD and SD work.
You can even use a composite video monitor. For Dual Link HD-SDI output, HD or SD can
be monitored through the component output. Dual Link HD can be output as 4:4:4 RGB.
Component video signals are generally higher quality than composite, but not as high-
quality as serial digital (SDI).
Note: About RGB: Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA 4/3G
supports it for A/V Monitor output. However, because the KONA 4/3G (and SMPTE
SDI’s) native format is YPbPr, AJA recommends using YPbPr when the monitor
supports it. The YPbPr format provides “headroom” for “superwhite” and
superblack”—and these video levels will be clipped when transcoding to RGB. Also,
the RGB/YPbPr transcoding involves a level translation that results in mathematical
round-off error. RGB can be configured in the Playout setup panel of the specific
application you are using with KONA 4/3G.
Note: About YPbPr: KONA 4/3G supports three different types of YPbPr:
• SMPTE/EBU N10
• Betacam (NTSC)
• Betacam (NTSC-J [Japan]).
These three formats differ in level only and can be configured in the Playout setup panel
of the specific application you are using with KONA 4/3G.
Reference Video: A single BNC on the standard KONA cable—or two BNC connectors on the K3G-Box
(looping)—allow you to synchronize KONA outputs to your house analog reference
video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync generator or central piece of video
equipment to use for synchronizing other video equipment in your studio, connect its
analog composite output here. When KONA outputs video, it locks to this reference
signal. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same
format as the Primary format selected in KONA software. It is possible in some
circumstances to use an alternate format video signal if the basic frame rate is
compatible.