AJA Corvid 44 12G-SDI, Short Bracket, Passive Cooling, HDBNC

AJA Corvid 44 12G 8-Lane PCIe 3.0 Video I/O Card

The AJA Corvid 44 12G is a compact, high-performance 8-lane PCIe 3.0 video I/O card designed for demanding broadcast, live production, post-production, and professional video workflows. With four bidirectional 12G-SDI HD-BNC connections, Corvid 44 12G delivers flexible SDI capture, output, and simultaneous pass-through for 8K, 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD applications.

Supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 workflows with up to 12-bit color, Corvid 44 12G provides high-bandwidth video I/O over 12G-SDI with backward compatibility for 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 1.5G-SDI. Multiple configurations are available, including full-height and low-profile models with active or passive cooling.

Key Features

• 8-lane PCIe 3.0 professional video I/O card
• Four bidirectional 12G-SDI HD-BNC connections
• Supports 8K, UltraHD2, 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
• Multi-channel 4K support up to 50/60p
• 8K input and output using quad 12G-SDI
• Backward compatible with 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 1.5G-SDI
• RGB 4:4:4 12-bit support for 4K/UltraHD
• YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit high-frame-rate support
• Up to 12-bit LUT support using .cube files
• 16-channel embedded audio per SDI connection
• HDR support including PQ, HLG, and Dolby Vision
• HDR metadata capture and automatic playback detection
• VPID signaling for SDR/HDR transfer characteristics, colorimetry, and luminance
• Built-in hardware downstream keyer
• 4K closed caption support
• Dynamic FPGA firmware reconfiguration
• Reference/LTC input on the card
• RS-422 support
• Full-height and low-profile configurations
• Active or passive cooling options
• Apple silicon support

12G-SDI Multi-Format PCIe Video I/O

Corvid 44 12G features four bidirectional 12G-SDI connections for flexible professional video input and output. The four SDI ports can be configured for a wide range of workflows, including 8K, 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD.

For 8K workflows, quad 12G-SDI connections provide the bandwidth needed for high-resolution input and output. 4K and UltraHD I/O can be achieved using a single 12G-SDI or 6G-SDI connection, or quad 3G-SDI connections. 2K and HD workflows can use single-link or dual-link SDI while supporting simultaneous capture and monitoring.

8K, 4K, and High Frame Rate Support

Corvid 44 12G supports 8K (8192 x 4320) and UltraHD2 (7680 x 4320) high-frame-rate workflows up to 50/60p. Film frame rates of 23.98, 24, 47.95, and 48p are also supported across 8K, 4K, and 2K workflows.

High-frame-rate support extends to multiple 4K, UltraHD, 1080p, and 720p HD inputs and outputs up to 50/60p, providing flexibility for both current production systems and future high-resolution workflows.

10-Bit and 12-Bit Color Workflows

Corvid 44 12G supports professional RGB 4:4:4 12-bit workflows for 4K and UltraHD, along with YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit high-frame-rate workflows.

Up to 12-bit LUTs using .cube files are supported, making the card suitable for demanding color-critical applications and professional video processing systems.

HDR and Metadata Support

Corvid 44 12G supports advanced HDR workflows including PQ, HLG, and Dolby Vision. VPID signaling provides SDR/HDR transfer characteristics, colorimetry, and luminance information over SDI.

HDR metadata can be captured with automatic playback detection. The AJA Control Room Metadata Toolset also supports SDI metadata such as SCTE-104 and Dolby Vision metadata, allowing metadata to be captured and exported to a sidecar file.

AJA Control Room can export metadata synchronized with media on a per-frame basis. Metadata toolset functionality is available on macOS and Windows.

Hardware Keying

The built-in hardware downstream keyer allows graphics and images to be overlaid on incoming video in real time. This provides hardware-based keying for live production, broadcast, and other professional video applications.

Unreal Engine and Virtual Production

Corvid 44 12G supports real-time workflows with Unreal Engine. Capture camera footage over SDI, combine it with a virtual environment created in Unreal Engine, and send the resulting composite back out in real time.

These workflows can benefit broadcasters, augmented reality applications, virtual production, and digital filmmaking. On-set teams can preview live-action and virtual effects composites during production, helping reduce reshoots and streamline the transition to post-production.

Reference, LTC, and RS-422

Corvid 44 12G provides an external, switchable LTC/Reference input on the back of the card, supporting analog black burst and tri-level sync. A second LTC input is available through an internal header.

RS-422 is available as an external connection on the full-height configuration or through an internal connection on the low-profile configuration. RS-422 enables control of external devices for frame-accurate ingest and layoff workflows.

Embedded Audio and Flexible Cooling

Each of the four 12G-SDI connections supports 16 channels of embedded audio, providing up to 64 channels across the four connections. The card also supports 32-channel configurations for 8K workflows.

Corvid 44 12G is available in configurations with either active or passive cooling, as well as full-height or low-profile form factors, allowing system builders to select the configuration that fits their installation requirements.

Dynamic FPGA Firmware and Apple Silicon Support

Dynamic FPGA firmware reconfiguration provides flexibility for evolving video I/O and processing requirements. Corvid 44 12G also includes support for Apple silicon, making it suitable for modern professional video systems.

Professional AJA Support and Warranty

AJA provides technical support for Corvid installation, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting. Corvid products are covered by a three-year warranty.

• Video Formats
  • (8K) 8192 x 4320p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD2) 7680 x 4320p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (4K) 4096 x 2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840 x 2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048 x 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25
  • (HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94
  • Note: High Frame Rate and 8K/UltraHD2 capabilities are dependent on host system attributes. Not all systems and configurations will support all frame rates and raster sizes.
• Video Inputs Digital
  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082, 12-bit*, 10-bit
  • 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
  • Dual Link RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, Dual link YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit 
  • *Bit depth support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.
  • Note: Corvid 44 12G SDI connectors are HD BNC
• Video Outputs Digital
  • 12G-SDI*, SMPTE-2082, 12-bit*, 10-bit 
  • 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 
  • Dual Link RGB 4:4:4 12-bit*, Dual Link YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit 
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C 
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit 
  • *Bit depth support is application dependent. Check with your software manufacturer for compatibility.
  • Note: Corvid 44 12G SDI connectors are HD BNC
• SDI I/O
  • SDI connections are bidirectional
  • 2K/HD, capture and monitoring is simultaneous
  • 4K/UltraHD with 12G-SDI, capture and monitoring is simultaneous.  
  • 4K/UltraHD with 3G-SDI, all four connections must be used for either Input or Output. 
  • 8K/UltraHD2 with 12G-SDI, connections must be used for either Input or Output. 
  • Note: When connections are configured for 12G-SDI or 6G-SDI, only UltraHD/4K/UltraHD2/8K formats are supported.
• Audio Inputs Digital: 16-channel, 24 and 16-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
• Audio Outputs Digital: 16-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
• Downstream Keyer: Supports graphics with alpha channel over video, matte or framebuffer, or framebuffer content over incoming video or matte up to UltraHD/4K
• Reference
  • Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V) or HD Tri-Level Sync (1V) via 1x HD-BNC on PCIe bracket
  • Reference input is terminated into 75 ohms when Genlock is set to Ref In
• Timecode
  • LTC timecode input via 2-pin header on PCIe card [both short (low profile) and tall (full height) models]
  • LTC timecode input via HD-BNC Ref In connector (switchable) on PCIe bracket [tall (full height) models only]
• Electrical Interface: 8-lane PCIe 3.0
• Machine Controls:
  • RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol via header on PCIe card [both short (low profile) and tall (full height) models]
  • RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol via port on PCIe bracket connected to header via DB9 cable [tall (full height) models only]
  • 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:
  • 1: GND
  • 2: RX-
  • 3: TX+
  • 4: GND
  • 5: No Connection
  • 6: GND
  • 7: RX+
  • 8: TX-
  • 9: GND
  • Shell: GND
• Noise
  • <50dBA (A-weighted at 1m in free air) [models with active cooling (fan)]
  • Ultra quiet (virtually silent) [models with passive* cooling (no fan)]
  • Passive cooling requires in-host/chassis air-flow minimum of 150 LFM (linear feet per minute) at 30 C
• Size (w x d x h)
  • 0.75" x 7.0" x 3.15" (19 x 178 x 80 mm) [short (low profile) models]
  • 0.75" x 7.0" x 4.75" (19 x 178 x 121 mm) [tall (full height) models]
• Weight
  • PCIe Card:  0.6 lbs (0.3 kg)
  • Cables (all combined): 0.6 lbs (0.3 kg
• Power
  • 25W typical, 32W maximum
  • PC Internal ATX Power Connector (Molex p/n 45559-0002)
  • Note: Unlike other Corvid cards, Corvid 44 12G can use either PCIe power from a 6 pin ATX connector, or via the PCIe slot.
• 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)

• AJA Corvid 44 12G-SDI Card
• 5 x Mini-BNC to Full-Size BNC Cable
• Warranty: Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty