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 the lowest latencies possible with support for GPUDirect RDMA, 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.

*Application dependent
Note: KONA X and KONA Xpand image text rotated for clarity

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
• In-Firmware Microcontroller allows for limited customization of card firmware via SDK (contact AJA SDK Support for more information)
• 4K Closed Caption Support
• VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance via SDI
• PQ, HLG, HDR10, 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
• *Please see Tech Specs for supported VESA formats. Additional VESA formats are supported, please contact AJA support for further information.

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 GPUDirect RDMA
With GPUDirect RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access), the RDMA 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 extremely low latencies and a much simpler method of dealing with dynamic video.

Virtual Production Workflow
The latest connectivity combined with ultra-low latency 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.

Download Workflow

AR Support with Unreal Engine
Capture real time footage with KONA X over SDI from high quality cameras, meld your footage with your virtual environment created by the Unreal Engine, and send it back out in real time to air - a growing need for broadcasters, augmented reality (AR), virtual production and more.

Digital filmmakers also benefit from these new workflows: on-set, enhance your live action VFX work with the ability to see a full composite live during the course of the shoot. This results in fewer reshoots, the ability for actors to understand the virtual environment they are working within for stronger performances, and ultimately leads to a range of efficiencies and cost savings with the added benefit of a smoother transition into postproduction.

Augmented Reality (AR) Sports Workflow
KONA X and application software that supports ultra-low latency allows users to achieve the lowest latencies possible, which is important for eSports and live production environments, where the synchronization of AR graphics and graphical overlays and split-second reaction times for viewer interactions are required.

This workflow diagram illustrates KONA X being used on a live sports broadcast for realtime graphics insertion and overlays.

Download Workflow

Hardware Keying
The combination of KONA X's built-in hardware downstream keyer and ultra-low latency allows graphics and images up to 4K/UltraHD to be easily overlaid on the input video in real time.

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).

$665 US MSRP*

Applications Compatibility
AJA Desktop products offer unparalleled workflow compatibility with a range of software applications that span production, post, and delivery, and more.

NLE / VFX Software Support
The latest AJA Desktop Software advances 4K workflows with KONA X by providing native support for 4K video in Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer plus many other applications. KONA X offers broad video format support, providing a powerful I/O tool for Sports, eSports, Virtual Production, and other cutting-edge workflows.

HDR NLE / VFX Software Support
AJA Desktop Software supports HDR across many third party professional video software applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer. Take advantage of HLG, PQ, HDR10 workflows in broadcast and post, and work between 709, BT2020, and P3 with ease.

HDR
HDR (High Dynamic Range) provides the ability to display a wider and richer range of colors, much brighter whites, and much deeper, darker blacks than standard signals allow. This gives your imagery a more ‘dynamic’ look and allows for natural true to life colors to be communicated to your audience.

KONA X HDR workflows can also benefit from AJA's Control Room application and its companion AJA Control Panel, which comes complete with built-in HDR test patterns.

AJA Control Room provides VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry, and Luminance transfer characteristics over SDI, bringing flexible output options to your workflow. KONA X provides simultaneous HDR output via both SDI and HDMI.

AJA Control Room software adds support for HDR metadata capture from an incoming SDI or HDMI signal. The captured .mov video file will have embedded HDR metadata, allowing the file to be played back at its intended dynamic range.

AJA Control Room software also provides the KONA X with HDR Auto Playback Detection. Embedded HDR metadata in a recorded .mov file is read and used to automatically set the HDR format on the monitor(s) connected to the KONA X HDMI and/or SDI outputs. Support for file based .mov HDR outputs with metadata from Adobe Premiere Pro/Adobe Media Encoder HDR files is also available. Screening those rendered outputs is a simple and high quality experience with AJA Control Room. Every frame is presented in its full quality, at the timing intended, and with the proper HDR format set correctly and automatically.

Explore more of our HDR Solutions here:

HDR Solutions

4K Closed Captioning Support
AJA Control Room software • Supports CEA-608 or 608-in-708 via ANC extraction firmware.
Supplied Avid & Adobe Plugins • All SMPTE-291 (ANC) based captions supported.

• Adobe Premiere Pro supports native 708 if the raw data is available. For instance in the Adobe plug-ins we handle the case where Premiere hands us full 708 data, we just pass it through to the device.
• Avid Media Composer supports active video ANC (line 21) or ANC via ANC extractor/inserter (up to UltraHD/4K).

AJA Developer SDK
Developers who wish to use AJA’s world class SDK (Software Development Kit) can choose between two different methods to gain access and start putting their creativity to work with this rich, deep, and powerful set of video technologies. AJA’s SDK is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, including support for the latest Apple silicon.

For the quickest and easiest way to get up and running with the core AJA SDK, we recommend the AJA Open Source Developer path, which is under the MIT license and hosted via GitLab.

For access to the AJA SDK, including AJA proprietary technologies and world class support, we recommend the AJA Developer Program path. This is accessed via the dedicated AJA SDK Developer page and requires signup and approval.

It is entirely possible for a developer to begin on the AJA Open Source Developer path, and, if necessary, in the future, apply to enroll in the AJA Developer Program path.

In-Firmware Microcontroller
AJA OEM Developers can run select code directly on KONA X with its In-Firmware Microcontroller for functionality that might need to exist before the system containing the card fully boots. Contact AJA SDK support for more information.

Apple silicon Support
AJA Desktop Software is optimized for the latest Apple silicon with native support for AJA macOS drivers, application plug-ins, AJA Control Room, AJA Control Panel, and AJA System Test.

KONA X Operating Systems Compatibility
Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux Ubuntu / Rocky. Please see Release Notes for details and version information which can be found in the Downloads, Software tab.

Tech Specs:
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
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
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 )
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
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)
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
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
Timecode: LTC timecode input; LTC timecode output
Electrical Interface: PCIe Gen 3x4
Machine Control: RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol; 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:
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
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)