Viz Engine

Version 3.10 | Published April 03, 2018 ©

AJA Io 4K

Viz 3.7.1 and later supports the AJA Io 4K (Io4K), a portable size professional video and audio I/O solution.

Io4K supports 4K, UltraHD, 3G-SDI, Dual Link, HD-SDI and SD-SDI as well as UHD and HD over HDMI 1.4a for both capture and output. A dedicated, real time, always-on HD-SDI output allows Io 4K to simultaneously output to HD monitors when working at 4K or UHD resolutions, providing cost-effective monitoring options in addition to full resolution outputs.

IMPORTANT! All possible modes of operation for the AJA Io 4K is currently not supported by Viz Engine, see Configuration.

This section contains information on the following topics:

See Also

images/download/attachments/27018871/videocardreference_ajaio4k_front.png

Overview and Connectors

Io4K supports your current SD and HD SDI workflow and also provides support for future UltraHD and 4K (with downscaling, if needed) with frame rates up to 50p/60p whenever the need arises.

Embedded 16-channel SDI and 8-channel HDMI audio are supported as well as analog audio outputs via a standard DB-25 connection. Stereo monitoring is also possible with 2 x RCA outputs and a front panel mini-TRS headphone jack.

images/download/attachments/27018871/u16ui4th.bmp

Configuration

IMPORTANT! Currently 4K and HDMI output is not supported. Support for this will be considered in future Viz Engine releases. For 1080P only Level A for 3G is supported.

This section contain information about the following subjects:

Audio configuration

Embedded audio is supported, always with 16 channels in and out. However, mixer settings are active, and respected. Example: if the user requests only two-channel output, the remaining 14 channels will be silent.

Video Configuration

The six BNC connectors on the back of the Io4K are labeled [LTC OUT], [LTC IN/REF IN] and [SDI 1 to 4] as indicated in the picture below:

images/download/attachments/27018871/4dw71sec.bmp
The default configuration is:

Viz Reference

Io4K BNC Connector

Live Input 1

SDI 1

Live Input 2

SDI 2

Fill Output exits from:

SDI 3

Key Output exits from:

SDI 4

Genlock

[REF IN]

If Live Input 2 is inactive in the configuration, SDI 2 will be enabled for preview output.

Configuration Utilities

Vizrt includes two configuration utilities from AJA:

  • cables.exe This utility shows the current topology running: inputs, outputs, color space conversion, fill and key paths. Firmware and driver version information is also accessible. Screen-shots of cables.exe usage showing two typical topologies (A: two video inputs and B: one video and one preview) are shown below

Example A- topology using two video inputs:

images/download/attachments/27018871/laj6yt0b.bmp
Example B- One video input, one preview:

images/download/attachments/27018871/hl45xlf9.bmp

  • watcher.exe This utility shows register settings. You may also write out a status log file. The auto-circulate engine is also observable. This utility is mostly of value for support specialists.

Firmware Upgrade

Only do an upgrade of Io4K firmware if instructed to do so by Vizrt or AJA support. All files for firmware upgrade will be provided in a separate directory, typically supplied as a zip-archive. To install the firmware:

  1. Open a command window.

  2. cd to the directory where the firmware upgrade files are located. Make sure no other programs are running that could interfere with the firmware upgrade.

  3. Install the firmware, in this example named IO_XT_4K_13.bit, using the ntv2firmwareinstaller utility. Example: ntv2firmwareinstaller -f IO_XT_4K_13.bit

  4. The window will then pause for a few minutes. When the firmware upgrade is complete, the command line program will ask for a return key press to exit. Please be patient, the firmware upgrade can take 3 to 6 minutes or more, depending on hardware.

  5. Power-cycle the Io4K and reboot the computer to make sure the upgraded firmware configuration is active.

AJA Io 4K Features and Specifications

The Io4K features and specifications as provided by the manufacturer are provided for your reference below.

Configuration describes the modes of operation Viz Engine supports.

Features:

  • 4 x bi-directional 3G-SDI

  • 4K/UHD HDMI I/O

  • Simultaneous SDI and HDMI outputs

  • Real time 4K to HD down-conversion for HD-SDI and HDMI monitoring

  • 10-bit high-quality 4:2:2, 4:4:4 and High Frame Rate work-flow support

  • Two Thunderbolt 2 ports

  • Use with any Thunderbolt 2 system for up to 4K at 10-bit quality and up to 50p/60p

  • Backwards compatible with existing Thunderbolt hosts

  • 16-channel embedded audio on SDI

  • 8-channel embedded audio on HDMI

  • DB-25 analog audio output connector

  • XLR 12V power for battery or AC use

  • RS-422 VTR control, Reference, LTC Input

  • Headphone jack and level control for mobile environments

Technical Specifications

For the full technical specifications, visit the manufacturers website at www.aja.com - Io4K Tech Specs.

Configuration History

The AJA Io 4K requires Viz Engine 3.7.1 or higher, with the following driver and firmware:

  • Driver version 12.0.0.123

  • Firmware version 13