Instruction manual

1
13
KONA LS/LSe Installation and Operation Manual — In This Manual
A Note About RGB—Although RGB is used less in today’s video systems, KONA LS
supports it (RGB out only). However, because KONA LS (and SMPTE SDI)
native format is YPbPr, AJA recommends the use of YPbPr whenever possible for
analog monitoring. Although component video monitors often have RGB inputs,
it’s better to use YPbPr when the monitor supports it. The YPbPr format provides
“headroom” for “superwhite” and “superblack”—and these video levels will be
clipped when transcoding to RGB. Also, the RGB/YPbPr transcoding involves a
level translation that results in mathematical round-off error. RGB can be
configured in the KONA LS Control Panel.
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.
KONA LS uses the modern YPbPr terminology exclusively. KONA LS supports
three different types of YPbPr: SMPTE/EBU N10, Betacam (NTSC), and
Betacam (NTSC Japan). These three formats differ in level only and are
configured in the KONA LS Control Panel.
Reference Video
A single BNC on the standard KONA LS cable—or two BNC connectors on KL-box
(it loops through)—allows you to synchronize KONA LS outputs to your house
analog reference video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync generator or central
piece of video equipment to use for synchronizing other video equipment in your
studio, then connect its analog composite output here. When KONA LS outputs
video it uses this reference signal to lock to. When connecting a reference video
source, the locking signal should be the same format as the Primary format selected in
the KONA LS Control Panel. It is possible in some circumstances to use an alternate
format video signal as long as the basic frame rate is compatible.
In This Manual
Chapter 1 is the introduction you’re reading, listing features, box contents, and system
requirements.
Chapter 2 gets you started with using KONA LS in a typical Video environment.
Typical workflows are discussed.
Chapter 3 provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the AJA
KONA LS card. The user is guided through unpacking, installing the card into a
PowerMac, installing KONA LS Mac Software From CD, cabling the system and
then getting it up and running. Important configuration information is also provided
on video settings and use of genlock/external reference.
Chapter 4 discusses operational aspects of KONA LS when used with Final Cut Pro.
Chapter 5 discusses troubleshooting problems with your system and what to do when
there’s a problem you can’t solve.
Appendix A presents a list of technical specifications for the product.
Appendix B gives a glossary of technical terms and acronyms used in the manual.
The remainder of the manual consists of appendices listing specifications and an index
section to help you rapidly find topics in the manual.