AJA introduces new Io X3 and upgrades Desktop Software to version 16.2

The Io X3, a professional video and audio I/O device with Thunderbolt 3 connection, and the version 16.2 of Desktop Software, a solution for managing KONA, Io and T-TAP Pro products, are added to the AJA portfolio.

AJA has announced the Io X3, a solution that delivers HDR or SDR 2K/HD capture and output over 3G-SDI et HDMI, and streamlines high-quality HDR I/O up to 2K/HD 60p on compatible Thunderbolt 3 equipped Mac or PC hosts running professional video and audio applications.

Whether working remotely, on set or in a studio, Io X3 provides a mobile solution for single, dual and multi-channel SDI workflows, delivering “pristine” 2K/HD/SD I/O with HDR directly from any modern laptop or computer. With four independent inputs for OBSC et Wirecast workflows, along with simultaneous MultiView monitoring for each source, Io X3 also presents itself as a suitable solution for streaming environments.

More key features of the Io X3 are its eight switchable analogue audio ports, allowing users to switch between eight input or output channels, or split connectivity between four inputs and four outputs; its 3.5″ analogue audio connection, for connecting headphones directly; the inclusion of up to 16 channels of audio on each SDI port, and 8 channels on HDMI; and its small footprint, which allows it to be easily placed side-by-side in a rack for studio, mobile unit or video support needs, allowing users to benefit from up to eight channels of up to 2K/HD/SD I/O in a 1RU.

Io X3, in data

• Dual Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports connect to modern Mac or PC laptops and desktop workstations.
• HDR support via SDI and HDMI ports
• Four bi-directional 3G-SDI connections support single, dual or multi-link workflows up to 2K/HD 10-bit p60 YCbCr or 12-bit p30 RGB
• HDMI 1.4b I/O up to 2K/HD p60 10-bit YCbCr or p30 12-bit RGB; HDR implementation via 2.0 specification
• MultiViewer functionality to display up to four inputs for streaming workflows on a single HDMI reference monitor
• Support for the latest macOS Monterey et Windows 11 on both Apple and Intel M1 chip-based systems
• Optional rack mount kit for side-by-side rack mounting of two devices, allowing up to eight channels of HD I/O in 1RU
• Eight-channel analogue audio I/O via a DB25 connection
• Analogue audio ports are switchable between input and output, allowing users to switch between eight channels of input or output, or split connectivity between four inputs and four outputs
• Up to 16 channels of embedded audio on each SDI port, and up to 8 channels on HDMI
• 3.5mm stereo analogue audio connection for headphones
• Dedicated reference, TLC input et LTC output connections
• RS-422 control port for tape-based workflows
• Quiet operation for critical monitoring environments where silence is required
• Includes proven AJA drivers and software plug-ins, with support for Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud, Avid Media Composer, Telestream Wirecast, OBS, and many others
• AJA’s three-year warranty and technical support

Desktop Software v16.2

Beyond Io X3, AJA has introduced Desktop Software v16.2, which introduces a wide range of workflow enhancements, including the latest macOS support; new OBS Studio support; improved 12-bit, 444, RGB workflows for 4K/UltraHD; updated LUT functionality; new codec and special playback support in Control Room; and expanded multichannel audio.

One of the key features of Desktop Software v16.2 is its integration with OBS Studio v27.2. Once the AJA solution is installed on a system running OBS, AJA devices will be immediately available for multi-channel or single-channel capture and switching up to 4K/UltraHD 30p et 2K/HD 60p.

Desktop Software v16.2 also enables greater flexibility and more accurate and vivid 4K/UltraHD colour workflows, courtesy of new 12-bit, 4:4:4:4 RGB firmware for KONA 5 and Corvid 44 12G, with support for a full 12-bit pipeline through capture to colour space conversion and output. This functionality is backed by an updated .cube format for all 12-bit and 10-bit LUT capabilities, bringing greater compatibility between AJA hardware and third-party colour and mastering applications. Workflow options with the included AJA Control Room software are expanded with the addition of H.264 and H.265 capture and playback up to 2K/HD 60p, including support for timecode and closed captioning, and also provide seamless compatibility with mobile devices, PCs et AJA Ki Pro GO media.

In addition, this release also includes new deep memory buffering capabilities for the control room to maintain consistent playback in the event that storage or network bottlenecks interrupt the flow of data from storage to the video output host.

SDK v16.2 also introduces a number of new features, including 64/32 channel audio support with KONA 5, Corvid 44 12G, Corvid 88 and Corvid 44, allowing users to ingest and output up to 64 discrete audio channels over multiple SDI links, suitable for the latest 8K workflows requiring 22.2 audio mastering.

Desktop Software v16.2, in details

• Support for macOS Monterey et Windows 11
• Multi-channel support with OBS Studio (v2.27 onwards) up to 4K/UltraHD 30p and 2K/HD 60p for KONA 5, KONA 4, KONA HDMI, Io 4K Plus, Io X3 and T-TAP Pro
• Enhanced 12-bit, 4:4:4:4, RGB 4K/UltraHD firmware for KONA 5 and Corvid 44 12G
• 12-bit LUT support et .cube LUT compatibility enhancements for AJA Control Panel
• H.264 et H.265 capture and playback for AJA Control Room
• Deep memory buffers for sustained playback for AJA Control Room
• MultiView on HDMI output, offering viewing of multiple sources on one monitor, via SDK v16.2 and KONA 5
• Access to the core AJA SDK for the open source developer community
• 64/32-channel audio support for KONA 5, Corvid 44 12G, Corvid 88 and Corvid 44