AJA Corvid 44 8-lane PCIe 2.0, Fanless Version Without Cables, SH

AJA Corvid 44 8-Lane PCIe 2.0 Video I/O Card

The AJA Corvid 44 is a flexible multi-format 8-lane PCIe 2.0 video I/O card designed for professional broadcast, live production, post-production, and other medium-density video workflows. It provides up to four simultaneous SDI input or output streams on a single PCIe card.

With four bidirectional 3G-SDI connections, Corvid 44 supports 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD video up to 50/60p. It also provides 12-bit RGB 4:4:4, 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2, embedded audio, mixer/keyer capabilities, HDR support, synchronization, and RS-422 device control.

Key Features

• 8-Lane PCIe 2.0 Video I/O Card
• 4x Bidirectional 3G-SDI Connections
• 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD up to 50/60p
• Up to 64 Channels of Embedded SDI Audio
• 12-Bit RGB 4:4:4 and 10-Bit YCbCr 4:2:2
• 2x Independent Mixer/Keyer Widgets
• PQ, HLG, and Dolby Vision Support
• HDR Metadata Capture and Auto Playback Detection
• LTC and Reference Input
• RS-422 Device Control
• Full-Height and Low-Profile Models
• Apple Silicon Support

Flexible Multi-Format SDI I/O

Each BNC connection on the AJA Corvid 44 can be programmed as either an SDI input or output. Individual connections can support different video formats as long as they use the same clock timing.

SDI connections can also be linked for dual-link or 4K/UltraHD workflows, giving developers flexibility when building professional video applications with multiple simultaneous SDI streams.

4K and High Frame Rate Support

Corvid 44 supports 4K (4096 x 2160) and UltraHD (3840 x 2160) high frame rate workflows at 48p, 50p, and 60p. It also supports multiple 720p and 1080p HD inputs and outputs at frame rates up to 50p and 60p.

This combination of multi-format and high frame rate support makes the Corvid 44 suitable for demanding broadcast, live production, and video processing applications.

Professional Color and HDR Support

Corvid 44 supports advanced color and HDR workflows, including:

• RGB 4:4:4 12-bit
• YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit HFR
• SDR and HDR transfer characteristics
• PQ, HLG, and Dolby Vision
• VPID signaling for transfer characteristics, colorimetry, and luminance
• 4K closed caption support
• HDR metadata capture and automatic playback detection

Dual Mixer and Keyer Support

Two independent Mixer/Keyer widgets provide additional flexibility for video mixing and keying within supported developer applications. This makes Corvid 44 well suited for broadcast graphics, live production, and other workflows requiring multiple layers or keyed video.

64-Channel Embedded Audio

Four independent 16-channel, 48 kHz SDI embedded audio I/O engines provide extensive audio handling capabilities. Each 3G-SDI connection supports 16 channels of embedded audio, with up to 64 discrete audio channels available across multiple SDI connections.

AJA Control Room Metadata Toolset

The AJA Control Room Metadata Toolset supports SDI workflows containing metadata such as SCTE-104 and Dolby Vision metadata. Metadata can be captured and exported to a sidecar file.

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

Unreal Engine and Virtual Production

Corvid 44 supports real-time workflows with Unreal Engine, allowing SDI footage from high-quality cameras to be captured, combined with virtual environments, and sent back out in real time.

These workflows can support augmented reality, virtual production, and on-set visual effects applications by allowing production teams to view live composites during filming.

LTC and Reference Input

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

These synchronization capabilities help Corvid 44 fit into professional broadcast and production environments.

RS-422 Device Control

A built-in RS-422 connection provides control of external devices for frame-accurate ingest and layoff workflows.

Depending on the Corvid 44 model configuration, RS-422 is available through an external connection on the full-size model or an internal connection on the low-profile model.

Full-Height and Low-Profile Options

Corvid 44 is available in full-height and half-height/low-profile configurations, allowing system builders to select the form factor appropriate for their PCIe chassis and installation requirements.

Apple Silicon Support

Corvid 44 includes support for Apple silicon, providing compatibility with supported modern Mac-based professional video workflows.

Professional Support and Warranty

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

• Video Formats
  • (4K) 4096 x 2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95 A/B, 48 A/B, 50 A/B, 59.94 A/B, 60 A/B
  • (UltraHD) 3840 x 2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 48 A/B, 50 A/B, 59.94 A/B, 60 A/B
  • (2K) 2048 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95 A/B, 48 A/B, 50 A/B, 59.94 A/B, 60 A/B
  • (2K) 2048 x 1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95 A/B, 48 A/B, 50 A/B, 59.94 A/B, 60 A/B
  • (HD) 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50 A/B, 59.94 A/B, 60 A/B
  • (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
• Video Input Digital
  • 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.
• Video Output Digital
  • 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.
• HDR SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance 
• Audio Input Digital: 16-Channel 24-bit SDI embedded, 48 kHz synchronous
• Audio Output Digital: 16-Channel 24-bit SDI embedded, 48 kHz synchronous
• Reference: Analog Color Black or HD Tri-level sync
• BNC
  • 4x 3G-SDI
  • Din 1.0/2.3
• Electrical Interface: 4-lane PCIe 3.0
• Size (w x d x h): 0.88" x 7.25" x 4.88" (22.36 × 184.15 × 123.96 mm)
• Weight: 0.4 lb (0.2 kg)
• Power: 17W typical, 20W maximum
• Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
• Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 70 C (-40 to 158 F)
• Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
• Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)
• Airflow across the board if the fan is removed:
• 100LFM @25deg C or lower, computer chassis must have vented opening to exterior, immediately adjacent to PCIe shield (heatsink side), to permit 100LFM across heatsink