www.aja.com Published: 4/10/12 Installation and Operation Guide 1 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 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 XT Installation and Operation Guide — Limited Warranty THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY AJA VIDEO IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. AJA VIDEO AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Contents Contents Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Appendix A: Specifications Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Video Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Video Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Introduction Edge Shot Photo Here Overview AJA's Io XT provides professional-grade I/O for high-end computers using a Thunderbolt interface with 10Gbps available bandwidth. Io XT is the ideal portable companion for lightning-fast video capture, playback and up/down/cross conversion. Designed for today’s workflows, Io XT provides a new interface for video Pro's working with 10-bit uncompressed, Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, stereoscopic 3D workflows, and more.
2 Features: • Two Thunderbolt ports (supports pass-through/”daisy-chaining”) • Two SD-SDI, HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs and outputs • Single link SDI 4:2:2 or 4:4:4; Dual-link SDI 4:4:4/HSDL support • HDMI Input and Output (including output for stereoscopic monitoring to consumer 3D displays) • Analog component/composite output, 10-bit • Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit upconversion • Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit downconversion • Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit crossconver
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Overview About Primary & Secondary Video Formats In Io XT operation, the Primary Format is the media format written to disk and used in your project. The Secondary format is that which may be input for capture or output from Io XT to VTRs or other devices. Down-conversion may be applied to an input or on output. The Primary Format menu allows you to select the video format used in your current project.
4 The following Video Signal Formats are supported by Io XT. Standard Def. HD 720 HD 1080 525i @ 29.97 fps 720p @ 50 fps 1080i @ 25 fps 625i @ 25 fps 720p @ 59.94 fps 1080i @ 29.97 fps 720p @ 60 fps 1080i @ 30 fps 720p @ 23.98 fps * 1080PsF @ 23.98 fps 720p @ 25 fps * 1080PsF @ 24 fps 1080PsF @ 25 fps 1080PsF @ 29.97 fps 1080PsF @ 30 fps 1080P @ 23.98 fps 1080P @ 24 fps 1080P @ 25 fps 1080P @ 29.97 fps 1080P @ 30 fps 1080P @ 50 fps A 1080P @ 50 fps B 1080P @ 59.94 fps A 1080P @ 59.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — What’s In The Box? 5 circuitry re- sizes the video to full-raster 1920 x 1080, providing instantaneous playback of HDV captured by Final Cut Pro 7 for both monitoring and recording. Unlike the DV25 format, which can preview in realtime natively via Final Cut Pro 7, the MPEG structure of HDV is much more complex.
6 Configuration. The CD also contains a wide variety of useful information, including this manual you’re reading (PDF format). • Io XT • 12V power adapter and power cord • Read Me First Notice—Contains late-breaking news and/or errata related to Io XT and the documentation. • Registration Sheet—allows you to register your Io XT by mail or online (details provided).
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — System Requirements System Requirements AJA Video recommends currently recommend machines with separate plug-inGPUs as opposed to "built into the motherboard" GPUs. At the time this goes to press, built in GPU models such as the MacBook Air are still in testing and have not yet been approved for use with Io XT. Below are the current tested and approved Apple models along with representative system configurations for Io XT usage.
8 Cable Connections Io XT connections are made directly to the unit’s rear connector plate. Eight audio output channels are available through the Tascam-style DB25 connector. Io XT Connectors Connector Descriptions— Io XT & Cables HD/SD SDI Input and Output BNC connectors are provided on Io XT for two HD/SD-SDI inputs and two HD/SD-SDI outputs. The input and output support video and embedded 24-bit digital audio.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — In This Manual RS422 Machine Control A female DE-9 connector on Io XT provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media servers, and other devices using RS422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. (Connector pinout is listed in Appendix A: Specifications.) Component Video Output (with Composite and Y/C functions) Io XT features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component, composite and Y/C functions.
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Chapter 2: Installation & Configuration Installation Overview The installation and set up of an Io XT 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 later in this chapter.) 2. If not previously installed on your Thunderbolt equipped Macintosh , ensure that appropriate application software such as Final Cut Pro 7 or Adobe Premiere is installed as detailed in its user documentation. 3.
12 Connecting to your Computer 1. With your computer off, connect a Thunderbolt cable to one of the two Thunderbolt ports 2. Connect the other Thunderbolt port to storage or other desired periferals. 3. Assemble the Power Adapter and cable and connect to the Io XT 12V Power connector. 4. Connect your desired Video I/O, Audio monitoring, reference, and machine control cables. (Refer to Cabling the System following.) 5. Connect the Power Supply to AC power and turn on Io XT using the front power switch.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Cabling the System Typical System Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video monitoring. 1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the Io XT Ref/LTC connector (BNC). The second Io XT Ref Loop connector (if used in Pass through mode) can be connected to the VTR or terminated with a 75-ohm terminator. If instead using LTC timecode input, connect to the Ref/LTC input. 2.
14 Installing Io XT Software Go to the AJA website and download the latest Io XT driver software. While there, also download the latest version of AJA Control Panel, and any AJA plug-ins for 3rd-part applications (such as Adobe CS5). All of these software installers can be found here: http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php If you don’t have an appropriate internet connection, use the CD-ROM supplied with the Io XT system to install necessary software drivers and the AJA Control Panel application.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System 15 5. When you launch the installer, you’ll see a series of installer screens. 1 Initial Installer Screen 6. Click Continue to begin installation. 7. 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).
16 8. Read and agree to the Software License Agreement. Io XT Software License Agreement Screen 9. 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. 10.At the next screen, select the “Io XT Setups” checkbox if you’re using Final Cut Pro 7 versions prior to 10.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System 11.The installer tells you how much room the installation will take and prompts you to click Install to begin (or go back). Click the Install button to proceed. 1 Installer Screen, Space Reminder Authenticate prior to Installing Software 12.The system will prompt you for your system name and password before writing to disk. Enter your information and click Install Software to continue.
18 13.Next, the system will display a reminder that you’ll have to Restart the Mac after installation concludes. Click Continue Installation. Installer Screen, Reminder about Restarting Installation Status Messages are Displayed (while installation takes place) 14.The installer runs and puts all the necessary Io XT drivers and software on the desired hard drive. When it has completed installation, a final screen will be displayed announcing that “software was successfully installed.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Genlock and Your System 1 Installation Success and Restart Message 15.Click the Restart button to complete the installation procedure. The system will perform software restart. 16.After installing the Io XT system driver package, install the AJA Control Panel package in the same fashion, following each screen and continuing to the next until installation completes. 17.Finally, install any AJA plug-ins required for 3rd-party software.
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Chapter 3: Operation Using Io XT with Professional Video /Audio Software After you install the Io XT software and any AJA plug-ins to support your choice of 3rd-party 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/io/io-xt.
22 AJA Control Panel Overview The AJA Io XT Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual window showing how the Io XT interface is currently configured, and that allows you to make changes. Settings—both those you changed and those you didn’t—can be saved as a snapshot for recall at anytime.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — AJA Control Panel Overview 23 Framebuffer Format (Primary Format) Currently selected Tab Screen Outputs: SDI, HDMI and Analog 1 Inputs Tab Screen Choices – Click One to Edit/View a Topic AJA Control Panel, Block Diagram Framebuffer—The framebuffer is the “engine” in Io XT where active video operations take place using Final Cut Pro 7, other 3rd-party applications, or even Io XT itself.
24 Input/Output Icons—The input and output icons are triangles that together with their color show all the input and outputs and their status (selected, not selected, input present or not, format, etc.). A complete video path is shown when inputs and outputs are connected with lines going to/from the framebuffer. Input/Output Icon Conversion Icons—when an input or output is a different standard than the framebuffer, the Io XT may be up- down- or cross-converting the signal to the selected standard.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — AJA Control Panel Overview 25 show whether the input or outputs are single inputs/outputs, video or video + key. Icon objects on the block diagram screen (input/output icons, frame buffer, etc.-also called “widgets”-indicate their status by color (explained later) and can be clicked for contextsensitive information and choices. (These same choices can also be made from the tabbed Control panel screens.
26 Control Panel Operation Control Tab Screen The Io XT can be controlled by various software applications running on a host Mac. The Control Tab is where you select how the Io XT directs video and is used by application software. This screen also provides control for configuring output timing with regard to external reference video and horizontal/vertical delay. At the top of the Control screen it will show the current Default Output and the application currently controlling the Io XT.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation routed from the SD VTR to the Io XT, configured for upconversion in the AJA Control Panel and then passed through to the HD VTR for recording. Test Pattern: this selection directs Io XT to output a choice of preset pattern when no other application is using the Io XT. You can choose from: Black, Color bars (75% or 100%), Ramp, Multiburst, Line Sweep, Multi Pattern, or Flat Field. In addition to the preset test pattern choices, a “Load File...
28 Format Tab Screen The Formats screen shows the video format currently in use by the Io XT framebuffer (called the Primary Format) and allows you to change it. All throughout the Control Panel, choices are always presented based on what Io XT can do with the signals available and the inputs/ outputs selected.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation Io XT Formats include: 525i 23.98 525i 29.97 625i 25 720p 23.98 720p50 720p 59.94 720p 60 1080i 25 1080i 29.97 1080i 30 1080sf 23.98 1080sf 24 1080sf 25 1080sf 29.97 1080sf 30 1080p23.98 1080p24 1080p25 1080p29.97 1080p30 1080p50a 1080p59.94a 1080p60a 1080p50b 1080p59.94b 1080p60b 2K1080p23.98 2K1080p24 2K1080p25 2K1080sf23.
30 SD to SD—this pulldown is for SD to SD aspect ratio conversion. Letterbox: this transforms SD anamorphic material to a letterboxed image.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation Input Select Tab Screen On the Inputs screen you can view the currently selected video and audio input sources and map audio sources to the channels supported by Final Cut Pro 7 (more on this later). Two information panes in the screen are provided: Video Input and Audio Input.
32 SDI Output Tab Screen The SDI Output tab shows the current settings for both of the SDI outputs. Because the outputs can be configured independently, one output may be the Primary format and the other output may be the Secondary format. If an input/output has no video, it will be indicated on the block diagram (“No Video”).
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation Dual Stream Options: Dual Link—output (SMPTE 372M) using SDI 1 and SDI 1 in concert. 3Gb—output (SMPTE 424M) using a single-link transport. RGB SMPTE—when selected, sets the output to RGB SMPTE range video for the SDI output. RGB Full—when selected, sets the output to RGB full range video for the SDI output. HDMI Tab Screen The Io XT’s HDMI input and output are shown and configured at this tab screen.
34 Analog Out Tab Screen Io XT provides a high-quality analog component or composite + Y/C output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for that analog output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired (format and black-level). AJA Control Panel, Analog Out Tab Analog Out Tab Screen Settings Analog Output—select Primary or Secondary (any conversion applied) for the analog output; if a conversion is applied, you’ll see the conversion icon appear on the block diagram.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation Video Setup Tab Screen Io XT provides a high-quality analog component or composite output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for that analog video output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired. 1 AJA Control Panel, Video Setup Tab Setup Tab Screen Settings Analog Black Level—choices available for Black Level are the two Composite analog formats. Choices presented are for US or Japan: 7.
36 Audio Setup Tab Screen This screen shows the current settings for the analog audio output, allowing you to reconfigure it when desired. AJA Control Panel, Audio Setup Tab Audio Setup Screen Settings: Lock Audio Gain To Unity—When set, the Io XT will ignore the Final Cut Pro 7 gain setting and set the audio gain at unity. When not set, this checkbox tells the Io XT to get the audio gain setting from Final Cut Pro 7.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation DS Keyer Tab Screen The Io XT has a hardware-based downstream keyer that is ideal for putting logos, “bugs” or other video material with an alpha channel on top of video being played out or printed to tape. A typical application would be putting a television station's call letters or channel over program video content. Keyed video can be from the Io XT internal Frame Buffer (from storage, video In, etc.
38 (choose from a location anywhere on the computer screen), numeric sliders, swatches, “crayons”, and spectrums. The matte chosen will be used as a video background under the keyed video. Foreground pre-multiplied (checkbox): use to avoid “matte lines” and improve the appearance of the foreground (key) being composited over the background. Audio Out: Frame Buffer—select audio out to be routed from the Frame Buffer. Audio In—select audio out to be routed from the Io XT’s selected input(s).
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation User Bits—For monitoring variable framerate (VFR) timecode (such as Varicam), you may wish to monitor the user bits embedded in the timecode. If you set this checkbox, KONA LHe Plus will detect and interpret the user bits and display them next to the checkbox. 1 AJA Control Panel, Timecode Tab Use QuickTime Timecode—when checked, this directs KONA to output timecode from the QuickTime timecode track.
40 Presets Screen 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 reconfiguration 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 XT Installation and Operation Guide — Control Panel Operation 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 Tab Screen This Tabbed screen shows the Io XT 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.
Appendix A: 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.
44 Updating Software Check on the AJA Video website (http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php) for software updates. If any are available, download the file and read any associated instructions prior to installing the software. Support When calling for support, first check over your system configuration and ensure everything is connected properly. Even if you cannot find the cause of the problem, having this information at hand will help when you call AJA Customer Support for help.
Appendix B: Specifications Formats 525i 29.97 625i 25 720P 23.98 720p 25 720P 50 720P 59.94 720P 60 1080i 25 1080i 29.97 1080i 30 1080PsF 23.98 1080PsF 24 1080PsF 25 1080PsF 29.97 1080PsF 30 1080p 23.98 1080P 24 1080P 25 1080P 29.97 1080P 30 1080P 50 1080P 59.94 1080P 60 Video Input Dual-rate (SD or HD) 3G SD and HD-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 10-bits Single Link 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 (3G) Dual-link HD 4:4:4 HDMI 1.
46 Audio Input Digital: 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 8-ch, 48 KHz synchronous Analog: 8 channel 24-bit balanced analog audio output (via DB-25 breakout cable) Audio Output Digital: 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 8-ch, 48 KHz synchronous Analog: 8 channel 24-bit balanced analog audio output (via DB-25 breakout cable) Up-Conversion Hardware 10-bit Anamorphic: full-screen Pillar box 4:3: results in a 4:3 image in center of screen with black sidebars Zoom 14:9: results in a 4:3 image zoomed sli
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Machine Control Machine Control RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol. 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows: 1 ............ GND 2 ............ RX3 ............ TX+ 4 ............ GND 5 ............ No Connection 6 ............ GND 7 ............ RX+ 8 ............ TX9 ............ GND Shell ......
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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 commercial installation.
50 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 XT Installation and Operation Guide — Korean Compliance Statement 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 1. Class A ITE この装置は、 クラスA 情報技術装置です。 この装置を家庭環境で使用すると電波妨害 を引き起こすことがあります。 この場合には使用者が適切な対策を講ずるよう要求され ることがあります。VCCI−A This is a Class A product based on the standard of the VCCI Council (VCCI V-3/2008.04).
52 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 XT Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA unit, ¡Advertencia! No bloquee ninguna de las aberturas de la ventilación. Instale de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Aviso! Não obstrua nenhuma das aberturas de ventilação. Instale de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Avviso! Non ostruire le aperture di ventilazione. Installare in conformità con le istruzioni del fornitore.
54 Caution! This device is a Class A product. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case users will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference at their own expense. Attention! Le périphérique est un produit de Classe A. Le fonctionnement de cet équipement dans une zone résidentielle risque de causer des interférences nuisibles, auquel cas l'utilisateur devra y remédier à ses propres frais.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA unit, 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. ¡Advertencia! Utilice solamente los accesorios y conexiones especificados y/o vendidos por el fabricante.
56 ¡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. Avviso! Poiché il cavo di alimentazione viene usato come dispositivo di sconnessione, deve rimane prontamente accessibile e operabile.
Io XT Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA unit, 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 XT Installation & Operation Guide — Symbols .
60 full-screen 29 menus, context-sensitive 25 Monitor Audio 34 monitoring, analog outputs 34 motion adaptive de-interlacing 2 G Genlock and Your System 19 Getting Help 44 Graphic File 38 graphic file, test pattern output Graphic over Frame Buffer 37 Graphic over Matte 37 Graphic over Video In 37 H I K keyed video 37 KONA 2 Software 14 KONA 3 Formats 29 L Letterbox 29 letterbox 29 Load File 38 M Machine Control 9 Machine Control, pinout 47 Manual 9 Matte 37 Matte Color 37 offset, video adjustment (
Io XT Installation & Operation Guide — Shipping Box Contents 5 sidebars 29 SMPTE protocol 9 SMPTE RP 188 39 SMPTE-372M compliant 4 4 4 RGB video 4 snapshot, Control Panel settings 40 Software 5 software files that have been installed 42 Software License Agreement Screen 16 Software on a PowerMac G4 or Xserve Server 14 software updates 44 software, 3rd-party 21 Sony 9 Support 44 support 44 Symptoms, problem 43 sync generator 9 synchronizing other video equipment 9 system configuration, Control Panel 22 Sys
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