AJA FS8 Hybrid SDI/IP Media Processor

AJA FS8 Hybrid SDI/IP Media Processor

The AJA FS8 is a high-density hybrid SDI/IP media processor that combines frame synchronization, video conversion, HDR and SDR processing, 3D LUT color management, audio processing, delay management, metadata handling, and SMPTE ST 2110 IP gateway capabilities in a single 1RU chassis.

Designed for professional broadcast, live sports, cine-live production, production trucks, flypacks, studios, live venues, and remote production, FS8 helps normalize and prepare SDI and IP video signals for reliable, standards-compliant production workflows.

FS8 provides eight independent HD video processors or up to four UHD video processors, with flexible 12G-SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 connectivity. Its routing matrix, professional audio processing, PTP timing, HDR conversion, frame-rate conversion, and extensive control options make it a flexible platform for modern SDI, IP, and hybrid production environments.

Key Features

• Hybrid SDI/IP media processor in a space-efficient 1RU chassis
• Up to 8 channels of HD video processing or 4 channels of 4K/UHD processing
• 16x16 SDI I/O with up to 12G-SDI connectivity
• Supports SMPTE ST 2110 video, audio, and ancillary data
• Up to 4 UHD or 8 HD ST 2110-20 streams
• ST 2022-7 network redundancy support
• 4K/UHD/2K/HD up, down, and cross-conversion
• Frame synchronization and frame-rate conversion
• HDR, SDR, and Wide Color Gamut processing
• 33-point 3D LUT processing with tetrahedral interpolation
• User and Dynamic 3D LUT support
• Colorfront, NBCU, and BBC HLG LUT options
• Up to 60 frames of HD video delay and 30 frames in UHD
• Ultra-low-latency processing of less than half a video frame
• 459x448 mono audio matrix
• Dante, MADI, embedded SDI, and ST 2110-30 audio support
• PTP, analog blackburst, and tri-level genlock
• NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 compatibility
• REST API and Ember+ control
• Built-in test signal generator with SDR/HDR patterns and text overlay
• Region of Interest scaling, cropping, and positioning
• Video layering and matte generation
• Real-time video preview, audio meters, and system monitoring
• Browser-based web UI with node-based processing pipeline
• Dual redundant power supplies
• Five-year warranty

Hybrid SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 Processing

AJA FS8 provides a bridge between traditional SDI infrastructure and SMPTE ST 2110 IP production workflows. Signals can enter through SDI or ST 2110, pass through frame synchronization and video processing, and then be routed to SDI and/or IP outputs.

FS8 can operate entirely within an SDI environment, within an ST 2110 IP environment, or as a hybrid gateway between the two. This flexibility allows production facilities to introduce IP video workflows while continuing to use existing SDI equipment.

Four SFP28 cages provide connectivity for 10GigE or 25GigE SFPs, with support for ST 2110-20 video and ST 2022-7 redundancy. PTP timing and NMOS control help integrate FS8 into standards-based IP production networks.

12G-SDI and Flexible Video I/O

FS8 offers up to 16x16 SDI I/O, including eight 12G-SDI BNC inputs and outputs plus eight additional SDI connections through optional HD-BNC or fiber SFPs.

The system supports:

• 12G-SDI
• 4K/UHD
• 2K
• HD
• Up/down/cross-conversion
• Frame synchronization
• Frame-rate conversion
• SDI and ST 2110 routing
• Ancillary data processing

The flexible I/O architecture allows any input to be routed to any processing channel and any output, providing extensive flexibility for complex production environments.

4K/UHD and HD Video Processing

FS8 features eight independent video processors that can be configured for HD or UHD workflows. Up to eight HD video processors can operate independently, while UHD processing uses two video processors per channel to provide up to four 4K/UHD processing channels.

Each processor can perform a range of operations including frame synchronization, scaling, conversion, HDR processing, color management, layering, and delay.

Video Processing Capabilities

• 4K/UHD/2K/HD up-conversion
• 4K/UHD/2K/HD down-conversion
• HD cross-conversion
• Frame synchronization
• Frame-rate conversion
• Region of Interest scaling
• Crop and image positioning
• Multi-layer video processing
• Matte generation
• Ancillary data grooming
• HDR/SDR conversion
• 3D LUT processing
• Broadcast legalizing

HDR, SDR, and Wide Color Gamut Processing

FS8 provides real-time HDR, SDR, and Wide Color Gamut processing for live production workflows that require consistent color and dynamic-range management.

Each video processor can independently apply color transforms, allowing a single source to be processed into different HDR and SDR deliverables. Sources can also be routed to multiple video processors for coordinated processing before being sent to SDI and/or ST 2110 outputs.

FS8 supports:

• HDR to SDR conversion
• SDR to HDR conversion
• Wide Color Gamut processing
• 33-point 3D LUT processing
• User 3D LUTs
• Dynamic 3D LUTs
• RGB color correction
• Proc Amp adjustments
• HDR metadata configuration
• YUV/RGB legalizer

Optional licensed processing includes Colorfront Engine and BBC HLG LUTs, while NBCU LUTs are also supported.

3D LUT and Live Color Management

FS8 provides 33-point 3D LUT processors with tetrahedral interpolation for professional color workflows. User LUTs can be loaded directly, while Dynamic LUT support enables real-time control through compatible third-party applications.

For live camera matching, grading, and look management, FS8 provides integration points for professional color-management workflows, including Pomfort Livegrade. Per-channel Proc Amp and RGB color correction provide additional control for refining camera looks and matching sources during live production.

Frame Synchronization and Timing

Reliable timing is essential when combining cameras, replay servers, graphics systems, production switchers, and IP video sources. FS8 provides frame synchronization for aligning asynchronous or untimed signals to house reference or PTP timing.

Engineers can configure horizontal, vertical, and frame-delay adjustments to align signals throughout a production chain.

FS8 provides:

• Up to 60 frames of configurable HD video delay
• Up to 30 frames of configurable UHD video delay
• Less than half a video frame of ultra-low-latency processing
• PTP timing
• Analog blackburst reference
• Tri-level sync
• Configurable analog reference output
• Timing comparator for input/output alignment

The extended frame-delay capability can also help synchronize production elements with longer processing paths, including augmented reality and other graphics-intensive workflows.

Frame-Rate Conversion

FS8 provides frame-rate conversion for SDI, IP, and hybrid production environments. Its processing architecture can convert between supported frame rates while maintaining synchronization to the incoming reference or PTP timing.

This makes FS8 useful when production systems need to combine sources operating at different frame rates or standards.

Powerful Audio Processing and Routing

FS8 includes a large 459x448 mono audio matrix for routing and processing audio from SDI embedded audio, MADI, Dante, and SMPTE ST 2110-30 sources.

Audio processing capabilities include:

• Up to 459 audio inputs
• Up to 448 audio outputs
• Embedded SDI audio
• MADI audio
• Dante audio
• ST 2110-30 audio
• Sample rate conversion
• Per-channel audio delay
• Level and gain adjustment
• Phase adjustment
• Audio downmixing
• Mute controls
• Test tone generation

Each audio input can provide sample-rate conversion and up to 250 ms of delay, while audio outputs provide additional delay management for synchronizing audio with processed video.

Dante, MADI, and ST 2110-30 Audio

FS8 extends its audio capabilities beyond traditional embedded SDI audio with Dante and SMPTE ST 2110-30 IP audio.

Dual Dante network connections provide primary and secondary network connectivity with support for up to 64x64 Dante audio channels. Dante audio can be managed using Audinate software, while support for PTPv2, AES67, RAVENNA, and ST 2110-30 helps accommodate professional IP audio environments.

MADI connectivity provides up to 128x128 audio routing, while ST 2110-30 provides network-based audio connectivity alongside ST 2110-20 video.

SMPTE ST 2110 and IP Gateway

FS8 is designed for standards-based IP production with support for SMPTE ST 2110-10, ST 2110-20, ST 2110-21, ST 2110-30, and ST 2110-40.

In hybrid operating modes, FS8 can function as an SDI/IP gateway, allowing production teams to move video, audio, and ancillary data between SDI and ST 2110 systems.

IP capabilities include:

• Up to 4 UHD or 8 HD ST 2110-20 streams
• ST 2022-7 redundancy
• 10GbE and 25GbE SFP28 connectivity
• PTPv2 / ST 2059-2 timing
• NMOS IS-04 discovery and registration
• NMOS IS-05 connection management
• Ember+ control
• Network validation tools
• Packet capture
• SDP viewing and troubleshooting
• Network operational statistics

Flexible Operating Modes

FS8 provides operating modes designed for different production infrastructures.

• SDI Only Mode provides access to the full 16x16 12G-SDI architecture, making it suitable for facilities operating primarily with SDI equipment.
• Hybrid 1 Mode combines eight SDI BNC connections with up to eight HD or four UHD ST 2110 streams.
• Hybrid 2 Mode provides hybrid connectivity using optional SDI SFPs for fiber or HD-BNC connectivity alongside ST 2110 IP I/O.

These modes allow FS8 to adapt to facilities at different stages of the transition from SDI to IP production.

Region of Interest Scaling and Video Layering

FS8 includes image-shaping tools for cropping, scaling, positioning, and creating regions of interest. Engineers can shrink or zoom an image, select a specific region for scaling, crop the source, and adjust horizontal and vertical positioning.

The built-in layering engine can also combine video processors and fill unused image areas with configurable matte colors. This is useful for creating clean sidebars, letterbox areas, and masked regions after scaling.

Built-In Test and Monitoring Tools

FS8 includes tools for installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and confidence monitoring without requiring additional external sources.

The built-in test signal generator provides:

• SDR and HDR test patterns
• Moving box patterns
• Configurable user text overlays
• Audio tone generators
• Per-processor test signals

The front-panel color LCD provides real-time video preview, audio meters, system status, and PTP monitoring. A browser-based interface provides deeper configuration and control through an intuitive visual node-based processing pipeline.

Remote Control, Automation, and Presets

FS8 includes a web-based user interface designed to make complex SDI and IP signal processing easier to configure and manage. Engineers can visualize processing paths, monitor video and audio, and configure individual processing stages from a web browser.

System, Video Processor, Audio Processor, IP Configuration, and 3D LUT presets can be saved and recalled to speed up deployment and simplify repeatable configurations.

For automation and third-party control, FS8 provides an OpenAPI-based REST API along with Ember+ support. Integration options are available for external control systems and applications, including CyanView, Skaarhoj, and Pomfort.

1RU Design for Professional Production

Despite its extensive processing, routing, and connectivity capabilities, FS8 fits into a 1RU rackmount chassis, helping conserve rack space in broadcast facilities, production trucks, flypacks, studios, and remote production systems.

Dual redundant power supplies support continuous operation in mission-critical environments.

AJA FS8 Hybrid SDI/IP Media Processor

The AJA FS8 combines high-density video processing, frame synchronization, 12G-SDI connectivity, SMPTE ST 2110 IP gateway functionality, HDR and SDR conversion, 3D LUT color management, audio routing, timing control, and flexible signal management in a single professional media processor.

For production environments that need to connect SDI and IP infrastructure while maintaining precise timing, predictable video standards, professional audio routing, and flexible HDR/color workflows, FS8 provides a centralized platform for managing complex video and audio signal paths.

General

• Frame Synchronization
• Up, Down, Cross Conversion
• Frame Rate Conversion
• Motion-Adaptive Deinterlacer
• Proc Amp Controls
• Color Corrector
• Color Transforms
• Legalizer
• Freeze (Manual or on Input Signal Loss)
• Matte Generator for Background Fill
• Test Signal Generator, SDR and HDR Patterns, Moving Box, Text Overlay
• Nominal Video Delay: 2 Frames
• Adjustable Delay (0-30 Frames UHD, 0-60 Frames HD) with H and V Timing Vontrols in Pixels and Lines

Display

• Panel Type: LCD
• Touchscreen: No
• Features    
  • Backlit Button Keypad
  • 2 x Rotary/Push Knobs
  • LED Alarm Indicators  

Inputs/Outputs

• USB I/O: 1 x Micro-USB Female Input
• Video I/O    
  • 8x BNC (12G-SDI) Input
  • 8x BNC (12G-SDI) Output
  • 8x SFP (12G-SDI) Input/Output
  • 1x HDMI Input
  • 1x HDMI Output
• Audio I/O    
  • 2x DIN MADI Input
  • 2x DIN MADI Output
  • 2x RJ45 Dante Input/Output
  • 4x SFP Input/Output
• Ethernet: 1 x RJ45 Control Port
• Sync    
  • 1 x BNC Input (Blackburst or Tri-Level Sync)
  • 1 x BNC Output (Blackburst or Tri-Level Sync - Configurable)
• Resolutions    
  • 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
  • 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
  • 2048 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
  • 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps
  • 1920 x 1080PsF at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps
  • 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94/60 fps
  • 1280 x 720p at 50/59.94/60 fps
• Video: HDR Conversions: HDR to HDR, HDR to SDR, SDR to HDR
• Colorimetry: BT.709, BT.2020
• Audio    
  • 459 x 448 Mono Audio Matrix, Route 1 to 1, 1 to Many
  • Inputs: 256 SDI Embedded, 128 SMPTE 2110-30, 64 Dante, 128 MADI, 4 Stereo Mixdowns (8-Channels), 3 Tone Generators
  • Outputs: 128 from Vid Procs (to SDI Embedded and ST 2110-30 Streams), 64 Dante, 128 MADI
  • Input Adjustment Controls per Channel: Gain +18 to -18 dB in 0.5 dB Steps
  • Phase Invert
  • Delay: 0 sec to +0.25 sec in 20.8 us Steps
  • 4 x Independent 5.1 or 7.1 to Stereo Mixdown Processors with Gain Adjust
  • High-Quality Sample Rate Conversion Supported on All Audio Inputs
  • SRC Bypass for Non-PCM Audio (i.e. Dolby E, AC-3)
  • Output Adjustment Controls per Channel: Gain +18 to -18 dB in 0.5 dB Steps
  • Phase Invert
  • Delay: 0 sec to +0.25 sec in 20.8 us Steps

Power

• Power Source: AC Input (Built-In)
• AC Input Power: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power Consumption    
• 70 W (Typical)
• 90 W (Maximum)

Physical

• Mounting: 4x Rack Screws
• Color: Gray
• Operating Conditions: 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C at 10 to 90% Humidity
• Storage Conditions: -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C at 10 to 90% Humidity
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 16 x 1.75" / 444.5 x 406.4 x 44.45 mm
• Weight: 7.9 lb / 3.6 kg

• AJA FS8 Hybrid SDI/IP Media Processor
• Warranty: Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty