www.aja.com Published: 4/10/12 Installation and Operation Guide 11 B e c a u s e i t m a t t e r s .
ii Trademarks AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro®, KUMO®, and XENA® and are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Io Express™, Io HD™, Io™, and Because It Matters™ are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire, iPod, iPod Touch, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Limited Warranty Limited Warranty AJA Video warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If a product proves to be defective during this warranty period, AJA Video, at its option, will either repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product.
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Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Contents Contents Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Firmware Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Who is Controlling Io Express? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Introduction Edge Shot Photo Here Overview Io Express is the perfect cross-platform, Mac or PC, interface for anyone who needs an inexpensive monitoring and mastering solution when working with Apple ProRes Formats, XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, and more. Portable and simple to use, Io Express is ideal for filebased workflows. Features The Io Express package includes the following features: • HD/SD-SDI input and output • HDMI 1.
2 Accepted Inputs • HD/SD SDI Video with embedded audio • HDMI Video with embedded audio Note: Encoding of Apple ProRes is available only on Apple computers. Apple ProRes can be played back on a PC with the appropriate QuickTime Windows decoder. Using Multiple AJA Products Starting with KONA, Io HD, and Io Express v7.5, more than one AJA product can be used with your host computer.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Features Output from the Primary Format, you must select an output signal with (O) for output only. Convert Mode Convert Mode allows selection of a conversion mode for down conversion between Highdefinition and Standard-definition formats. The choices offered depend on the AJA capture device present and the Primary and Secondary format chosen. Io Express supports down conversion plus SD-to-SD aspect ratio conversions.
4 Io Express Down-conversion Options: The table below contains the available Io Express down-conversion options. Primary Video Format Secondary Format Options 1280x720 @ 23.976p 720x486 @ 29.97i 1280x720 @ 25.00p 720x576 @ 25.00i 1280x720 @ 29.97p 720x486 @ 29.97i 1280x720 @ 50.00p 720x576 @ 25.00i 1280x720 @ 59.94p 720x486 @ 29.97i 1920x1080 @ 23.976sF 720x486 @ 29.97i 1920x1080 @ 25.00sF 720x576 @ 25.00i 1920x1080 @ 29.97sF 720x486 @ 29.97i 1920x1080 @ 25.00i 720x576 @ 25.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — What’s In The Box? Software for Windows 5 AJA Software for Windows brings high quality HD and SD video and audio to a Windows workstation with Io Express. With Io Express’s professional features, you can run these Windows platform applications (application software not included): • Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 • Adobe After Effects CS5 • Adobe Photoshop CS5 • Autodesk Combustion • Eyeon Fusion • Sony Vegas 9.
6 • PCIe adapter (for desktop computer) or Expresscard34 (for laptop computer) depending on the Io Express model purchased. • Read Me First Notice—Contains late-breaking news and/or errata related to Io Express and the documentation. Registration Sheet—allows you to register your card by mail or online (details provided). Note: Io Express comes with either an Expresscard/34 adapter or a PCIe adapter card depending on the model purchased.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cable Connections Cable Connections Io Express connections are made directly to the unit’s rear connector plate. SDI Input HDMI v1.3a Input LTC/ Reference Input RS422 Machine Control 1 Power Supply Connector Analog Audio Output Composite/ Component Video Output HDMI v1.
8 Component Video Output (with Composite and Y/C functions) Io Express features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component, composite and Y/C functions. The signals are labelled on the BNC connectors on the rear panel of Io Express. A Note About YPbPr—Component Video, or YPbPr, has been given several names over time. YUV, Y/R-Y/B-Y, and YCbCr, are just some examples. Although these various formats have some differences in levels, they are all basically the same.
Chapter 2: Installation Installation Overview The installation and set up of an Io Express is very simple. The steps of installation and configuration are discussed here and summarized as follows: 1. Unpack the shipping box (see “What’s In The Box?” on page 5.) 2. If not previously installed on your Mac Pro or Windows workstation, ensure that appropriate application software such as Final Cut Pro 7 or Adobe Premiere Pro is installed as detailed in its user documentation.
10 Connecting to your Computer 1. With your computer off, install the PCIe adapter card (desktop) or Express card (laptop). Caution: Always have power off when connecting any device to the PCIe bus. Note: Refer to your PC manufacturer’s documentation for installing a PCIe card or Express card. 2. Connect the PCIe tether cable between Io Express PCIe port and the PCIe adapter. 3. Assemble the Power Adapter and cable and connect to the Io Express 12V Power connector. 4.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Cabling the System Typical System This figure shows typical system interconnections for a system with digital A/V sources. Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video monitoring. 1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the Io Express Ref/LTC connector (BNC). The second Io Express Ref Loop connector (if used in Pass through mode) can be connected to the VTR or terminated with a 75-ohm terminator.
12 VTR with SDI Inputs/Outputs Reference Monitors Unbalanced Audio In/Out to Monitors HD/SD-SDI Video I/O with Embedded Audio RS422 Machine Control HDMI Monitor Adapter Installed Inside Mac External Reference (Blackburst) or LTC Input PCIe Adapter and cable (supplied) POWER CMPTR Storage RAID Apple Mac Pro w/OSX or Windows PC w/ XP/Vista/7 Typical Desktop System Connections Computer Monitor
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System 13 Installing Io Express Software First ensure that Final Cut Pro 7 or Adobe applications are installed as detailed in their user documentation. These applications must be installed and have been run at least once prior to installing AJA Io Express software. Next, go to the AJA website to download the latest Io Express software.
14 Log On Authenticate Prompt 5. Click on the OK button after entering a valid user and password. 6. The installer will launch and you’ll see a series of installer screens. Initial Installer Screen 7. Click Continue to begin installation. 8. The next screen lets you know that the installer will check your Mac to ensure it has the hardware and software resources required (see Minimum Requirements in Chapter 1).
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System 15 1 System Check Installer Screen 9. Read and agree to the Software License Agreement. Io Express Software License Agreement Screen 10.The next screen shows all the available drives on the Mac Pro. Click on the drive that contains your system files (Apple default is “Macintosh HD”). A green arrow will point to the drive you’ve selected. Click the Continue button to proceed with installation.
16 11.At the next screen, select the Easy Setups that you want to use (or all of them) and then click the Continue button to place the software on the drive you previously selected. Installer Screen, Select Easy Setups to be Installed 12.A system prompt will pop up with a reminder that OS X must be restarted after installation. Click the Continue Installation button to proceed. Restart OS X Reminder Prompt 13.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Windows Software Installation Locate the AJA Windows Software download file or CD packaged with your system and follow the procedure below to install the required software on the host system. There are two versions of AJA Windows Software installation—for 32-bit workstations and 64-bit Vista workstations. The 32-bit software is designated “-x86” (for 32-bit processors) and “-x64” (for 64-bit processors).
18 License Agreement Read the Windows Software license agreement and click “Yes” to accept. You will be asked to choose the type of installation you would like to perform. Installation Type If you don’t have all the AJA Windows Software supported Adobe Production Studio products installed on your workstation, you may choose to perform a Custom installation (default) and select only the software necessary for your applications. If you use the entire collection, use the “Complete” installation.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System The following screens depict the more elaborate Custom installation. Shown below are the toplevel directory of options. Click (+/-) to expand or contract. 1 Top-level Installation Item Selection You may deselect any Item for installation by using the pulldown to make it unavailable.
20 Use second level options to choose the specific drivers and plugins you would like installed. Custom Selection Second-level Options Disabled selections are marked with a red X. Before clicking Next to install, you can verify your disk space availability by clicking the Disk Usage button. Workstation Disk Usage Display To return to the installation click OK.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Click Next to begin the installation. 1 Installation Progress Screen. When the installer has completed copying the AJA Windows Software to disk, you will see a standard Windows Logo test warning. Click on the “Continue Anyway” button to finish the installation. When the installation is completed, a final screen will be displayed announcing that “Setup has finished installing AJA Windows Software on your computer.
22 Re-Installation & Repair If you have problems running your newly installed pluggins or need to re-install for added applications, you can relaunch the install package and access the following window. Note: Always uninstall AJA Windows Software before installing a new version.
Chapter 3: Operation Using KONA 3G with Professional Video /Audio Software After you install the KONA 3G software and any AJA plug-ins to support your choice of 3rdparty software, you’re then ready to begin capturing and playing back video and audio. Go here to look for AJA plug-ins and documentation for your favorite 3rd-party software applications: http://www.aja.com/support/konaNEW/kona-3g.
24 Multiple AJA Devices If you have more than one AJA device installed in a workstation, you will see a device pulldown menu in the top-left corner of the control panel screen. See “Using Multiple AJA Products” on page 2 for details. Block Diagram Screen—The top area of the Control Panel shows a visual picture representing the processing (if any) that’s currently occurring, including inputs/outputs, reference source, and system status. Lines between inputs, the framebuffer, and outputs, show a video path.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Primary Format—The video format currently assigned to Io Express. This is the format that the framebuffer will use and is shown in the Control Panel using the color blue. All icons in blue are the same as the Primary Format used by the framebuffer. Also any text descriptions in the block diagram that appear in blue also indicate that something is in the primary format.
26 HDMI: configure the HDMI I/O Analog Out: configure the component/composite analog output Video Setup: configures Video such as composite black level. Audio Setup: configures Audio options such as analog audio monitor level. Conversion: used to select codec options such as whether a pause stops on a full frame or a single field (jitter shown or not) and 24 to 30 fps padding patterns.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel 27 1 Control Tab, Default Io Express Output Pulldown Menu Choices available and their meaning are: Input Passthrough: this selection directs Io Express to route video from its selected input through the card for output. When this selection is in effect, all Primary selections are available for selection in controlling the output.
28 Playback Timing (greyed-out when in Input Passthrough) Genlock (Freerun, Ref In, Input 1, or Input 2)—Selects how Io Express will synchronize program video: Freerun: in this mode, Io Express generates video without an external reference source Ref In: directs Io Express to use the Ref Video source for sync (usually an analog black burst video signal) Video: directs Io Express to use whichever video input source has been selected in the Inputs tab window for sync Note: When the Io Express goes into captu
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Format Screen Settings Video Format—This pull-down menu shows the currently selected format. This pull-down appears in both the Primary Format area of the Formats screen and the Secondary Format area (if present). If you select an alternate value in the Primary Format using the pull-down, it will change the format used by Io Express’s framebuffer.
30 Input Select Screen On the Input Select screen, you can view the currently selected video and audio input sources and map audio sources to the channels supported by your capture application (more on this later). Two information panes in the screen are provided: Video Input and Audio Input. Input Select Tab Input Screen Settings Video Input—these pulldown menus allow you to see and change what's currently selected and the video format that Io HD has detected (if any).
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Audio Input—This pulldown menu allows you to choose where the audio comes from. Io Express supports up to 8 channels of embedded digital audio, so you can choose from the 16 channels that can be embedded in SDI, and pick which to bring in (from the group 1-8 or 9-16).
32 SDI Out Screen The SDI Out screen shows the current setting for both the SDI and HDMI outputs. If an input/ output has no video, it will be indicated on the block diagram (“No Video”). Io Express Control Panel, Digital Out Tab SDI Out Screen Settings Information that can appear includes the following items. You can view the current setting or click on another to change to it: Primary—when selected, this indicates that the SDI output is set to the same format as the framebuffer.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel HDMI Tab Screen The Io Express’s HDMI input and output are shown and configured at this tab screen. The HDMI input pane shows if an HDMI input source has been detected and locked on, showing the format found. 1 HDMI Tab HDMI Tab Screen Settings HDMI Output—Pulldowns are provided for configuring the video output range, color space and number of embedded audio channels (2 or the maximum 8) for the HDMI output.
34 Analog Out Screen Io Express provides a high-quality analog component or composite output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for that analog output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired. Analog Out Tab Analog Out Screen Settings Select menu—you can select either the Primary or Secondary format (downconvert) for the Analog output. Analog Format—choices in the Analog Format pulldown menu vary depending upon the Analog Output video standard.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Video Setup Screen Io Express provides a high-quality analog component or composite output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for black level setup for the analog video output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired.
36 Audio Setup Screen The Audio Setup This screen shows the current settings for that analog audio output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired. Audio Setup Tab Audio Setup Screen Settings Lock Audio Gain To Unity—When set, Io Express will ignore the Final Cut Pro 7 gain setting and set the audio gain at unity. When not set, this checkbox tells Io Express to get the audio gain setting from Final Cut Pro 7.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Conversion Screen This screen offers controls that determine how Io Express behaves under Final Cut Pro 7. 1 Codec Tab Codec Screen Settings 24-30 FPS Conversion—the value selected in this pulldown is used whenever, due to format selection, you’ve chosen to do 24 frames-per-second to 30 conversion where extra fields will be added to pad the existing ones.
38 Timecode Screen In Final Cut Pro 7, timecode always comes from RS-422. In other applications (such as VTR Xchange), timecode can come from any source and this is where you select that source. The timecode screen is used for both monitoring the RP-188 timecode embedded in the digital data stream and for selecting a timecode offset on output (if desired). Settings for the output section of the tab can be used to create window burn superimposed timecode outputs.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel 1 Io Express Control Panel, Timecode Pulldown Menu Use QuickTime Timecode—when checked, this directs Io Express to output timecode from the QuickTime timecode track in playback. When not checked, Io Express uses the Output Timecode Offset value plus the number of frames into the movie. Note: not all QuickTime applications use or support timecode tracks—so sometimes the QuickTime timecode is missing or not meaningful.
40 After configuring the AJA Control Panel Tabbed screens, you can then save all your settings as a snapshot for later recall—called a preset. In this way, you can organize presets for all your typical tasks, eliminating time-robbing manual re-configuration each time. To save a preset, simply go to the Presets screen and click “Save Preset”. A dialog will be presented asking you for a name; enter a meaningful name and click “OK”.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Firmware Tab Screen Use the Firmware tab to access the firmware install screen. Click install to erase current firmware and load the firmware version contained in your current driver installation. Note the Installation message shown below. 1 Firmware Update You will be required to power-cycle your computer and Io XT to finish the update.
42 Info Screen This Tabbed screen shows the Io Express software files that have been installed on your system. This information may be needed if you talk to an AJA Customer Service representative to determine if files are missing or need updating.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Who is Controlling Io Express? There are times when you might have several Quicktime applications open at one time, and each of these might want to output their video thru the Io Express video output. Io Express is very flexible and most applications perform the necessary housekeeping so they work correctly when they're active and when they're not.
44 Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video While both 8- and 10-bit uncompressed video are capable of providing excellent quality broadcast video, 10-bit represents a significantly higher quality and is preferable in many situations. Because 10-bit video has four times the numerical precision of 8-bit, it has a signal-to-noise ratio 12 dB higher than 8-bit video. Visually, in 8-bit video compared to 10-bit video, you will notice a substantial difference.
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting If You Run Into Problems One useful way to find the source of problems is to isolate your system to the smallest size where the problem still occurs and then note all the symptoms. This serves to eliminate areas not involved in the problem and makes finding the problem easier. Once you’ve noted problem symptoms, look through the following table and see if any of the symptoms are listed. If so, check the items listed.
46 Symptom Check Changes made to Final Cut’s configuration aren’t remembered or you need to force a change to them. Under some circumstances, Final Cut Pro may need to be initialized back to the factory default state as it was when you installed it. The easiest way to do this is to locate Final Cut’s preference file and discard it. To do so, follow this procedure: 1. Locate the file named “Final Cut Pro x.x Preferences”.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Support If the problem is an AJA Video Io Express issue, then contact AJA Video Customer Support using one of the methods listed below: Contacting by Mail Address: 180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA. 95945 USA Telephone: 1.800.251.4224 or 1.530.274.2048 Fax: 1.530.274.9442 Web: http://www.aja.com Support Email: support@aja.com Apple Resources Apple provides a large amount of support information online at their support website.
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Appendix A: Specifications Formats 525i 29.97 625i 25 720p 50 720p 59.94 720p 60 1080i 25 1080i 29.97 1080i 30 1080PsF 23.98 1080PsF 24 1080P 23.98 1080P 24 1080P 25 1080P 29.97 1080P 30 Video Input Digital: 8- or 10-bit HD/SD SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 1 BNC HDMI v1.3, 30 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps, SD, HD Digital: HD/SD SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 1 BNC HDMI v1.3, 30 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.
50 Reference Input Color Black or Tri-level sync LTC Input (on Reference input) Machine Control RS-422, Sony-style DE-9 connector.
Appendix B: Safety & Compliance Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices Class A Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commericial installation.
52 European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Regulatory Compliance This equipment may be operated in the countries that comprise the member countries of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Korean Compliance Korean Compliance Statement 1 Taiwan Compliance Statement This is a Class A product based on the standard of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) CNS 13438, Class A. Japanese Compliance Statement This is a Class A product based on the standard of the VCCI Council (VCCI V-3/2008.04).
54 Translated caution statements, warning conventions and warning messages The following caution statements, warning conventions, and warning messages apply to this product and manual. Warning Symbol Hazard Warning Caution Symbol Before operating your AJA unit, read the instructions in this document Warning! Read and follow all warning notices and instructions marked on the product or included in the documentation.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA Warning! Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Avertissement ! Ne bloquez aucune ouverture de ventilation. Suivez les instructions du fabricant lors de l'installation. Warnung! Die Lüftungsöffnungen dürfen nicht blockiert werden. Nur gemäß den Anweisungen des Herstellers installieren. ¡Advertencia! No bloquee ninguna de las aberturas de la ventilación.
56 foi derramado líquido ou caíram objectos sobre o dispositivo, quando o dispositivo foi exposto à chuva ou à humidade, quando não funciona normalmente ou quando foi deixado cair. Avviso! Fare riferimento al personale qualificato per tutti gli interventi di assistenza.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA Avviso! Alta tensione. Questa situazione o condizione può causare lesioni a causa di scosse elettriche. Warning! Only use attachments and accessories specified and/or sold by the manufacturer. Avertissement ! Utilisez seulement les attaches et accessoires spécifiés et/ou vendus par le fabricant. Warnung! Verwenden Sie nur Zusatzgeräte und Zubehör angegeben und / oder verkauft wurde durch den Hersteller.
58 Warnung! Da der Netzstecker als Trennvorrichtung dient, muss er stets zugänglich und funktionsfähig sein. ¡Advertencia! Puesto que el enchufe de la red eléctrica se utiliza como dispositivo de desconexión, debe seguir siendo fácilmente accesible y operable. Aviso! Dado que a ficha principal é utilizada como a desconexão para o dispositivo, esta deve manter-se prontamente acessível e funcional.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA Warnung! Öffnen Sie das Gehäuse nicht. Keine der Geräteteile können vom Benutzer gewartet werden. Durch das Öffnen des Gehäuses wird die Garantie hinfällig, es sei denn, solche Wartungsarbeiten werden in einem AJA-Service-Center oder einem lizenzierten Betrieb vorgenommen. ¡Advertencia! No abra el chasis. El interior no contiene piezas reparables por el usuario.
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Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Index Index Control Screen 35, 36 Control Screen Settings 26 Conversion Icons, Control Panel Conversion Options 2K 4 customer service 45 Symbols .
62 K KONA 2 Software 13 KONA 2 will synchronize program video 28 L Lock Input Audio Gain To Unity 36 Log On Authenticate Prompt 14 M Machine Control 7 Machine Control, pinout 50 Manual 8 minimum hardware and software requirements 6 Monitor Audio 36, 37 Multiple AJA Products 2 O OS X installer files 13 P pinout, RS-422 D-connector 50 Presets 40 Primary Format 24 Primary format 8 Primary/Secondary conversion XENA 2K 4 primary/secondary formats Machina 3 problem symptoms 45 Problems, what to do 45 probl
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Index Yellow 25 YPbPr 8 YUV 8 1 63
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