AJA KONA X 4K/UltraHD PCIe Video I/O Card with 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0

AJA KONA X 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Ultra-Low-Latency PCIe Card

The AJA KONA X is a professional PCIe video I/O card designed for ultra-low-latency 4K/UltraHD production, broadcast, virtual production, augmented reality (AR), and AI-driven video workflows. Featuring two bidirectional 12G-SDI connections and dedicated HDMI 2.0 input and output, KONA X provides flexible video capture, playback, and pass-through in a compact 4-lane PCIe 3.0 card.

With support for GPUDirect RDMA, compatible software can transfer video data directly between the video I/O and computer memory, bypassing the card's onboard memory to help minimize latency. This makes KONA X well suited to demanding applications where real-time processing, precise synchronization, and responsive graphics are essential.

Key Features

• 4-lane PCIe 3.0 video I/O card
• Supports 4K/UltraHD, 2K/HD, and SD formats up to 50/60p
• Two bidirectional 12G-SDI BNC connections
• Full-size HDMI 2.0 input and output
• Ultra-low-latency workflows with GPUDirect RDMA support in compatible applications
• 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 and 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 video support
• HDR support including HDR10, HLG, PQ, and Dolby Vision
• Up to 16 channels of embedded audio over SDI
• Up to eight channels of embedded audio over HDMI
• Hardware downstream keyer for real-time graphics and image overlays up to 4K/UltraHD
• VPID signaling and HDR metadata capture and playback features
• 4K closed-captioning support
• Compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and other supported applications
• Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux Ubuntu/Rocky, subject to software version compatibility
• Three-year manufacturer warranty

Ultra-Low-Latency Video I/O with GPUDirect RDMA

KONA X is engineered for workflows where every frame and fraction of a second matters. GPUDirect RDMA enables supported applications to move video data directly between the video I/O subsystem and computer memory, bypassing the card's onboard memory.

Depending on the software and system configuration, this can reduce latency and simplify real-time video processing. It is particularly useful for live sports graphics, esports, interactive production, AI-assisted video processing, and virtual environments where video must move quickly between capture, processing, and output.

Flexible 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Connectivity

Two bidirectional 12G-SDI BNC connections provide flexible video input and output options for professional production equipment. Depending on the application and configuration, these connections can support capture, pass-through, and multi-channel workflows.

Dedicated full-size HDMI 2.0 input and output add connectivity for compatible cameras, displays, and other HDMI equipment. KONA X supports a broad range of video formats and timing configurations, helping accommodate varied production requirements.

Audio support includes up to 16 channels of embedded audio over SDI and up to eight channels over HDMI.

4K Video and High-Quality Color

KONA X supports 4K/UltraHD, 2K/HD, and SD workflows, with formats up to 50/60p. Its video capabilities include 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 and 12-bit RGB 4:4:4, providing flexibility for high-quality capture, playback, compositing, and finishing.

These capabilities make the card suitable for broadcast, post-production, live events, and demanding graphics workflows where image quality and format flexibility are important.

HDR Production and Metadata Support

KONA X supports HDR workflows using HDR10, HLG, PQ, and Dolby Vision. It can deliver HDR over SDI and HDMI, with features for managing HDR signaling and metadata.

With compatible AJA software, users can capture HDR metadata from incoming SDI or HDMI signals and support automatic HDR format detection during playback. VPID signaling provides information about transfer characteristics, colorimetry, and luminance over SDI.

These capabilities help maintain the intended appearance of HDR content throughout production, monitoring, and delivery workflows.

Virtual Production and Augmented Reality

KONA X supports real-time camera integration with virtual environments created in applications such as Unreal Engine. Live camera footage can be combined with virtual scenes and returned to air, supporting virtual production, augmented reality graphics, and on-set visual effects.

For live sports and esports, low-latency video processing helps synchronize camera footage with graphical overlays and interactive elements. This can improve responsiveness in workflows where timing and alignment are critical.

Real-Time Hardware Keying

The built-in hardware downstream keyer enables graphics and images to be overlaid on incoming video in real time, with support for overlays up to 4K/UltraHD. This is useful for live production, branded graphics, virtual sets, and other workflows that combine video with visual elements.

Software Compatibility and Developer Support

KONA X works with AJA Control Room and AJA Control Panel software and supports leading professional video applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.

For custom workflows and OEM development, the AJA Developer SDK provides access to video I/O functionality across supported Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms, including Apple silicon systems. An in-firmware microcontroller also enables limited customization for supported OEM applications.

Expandable Connectivity with Optional KONA Xpand

The optional AJA KONA Xpand breakout board adds connections for workflows requiring additional reference, audio, timecode, and machine-control I/O. It provides bi-level/tri-level video reference, RS-422 machine control, LTC input and output, eight channels of AES/EBU audio I/O through the included breakout cable, and two channels of balanced analog audio I/O using a separately supplied DB-15-to-XLR cable.

KONA Xpand is an optional accessory and is not included with the standard KONA X card unless specified in the bundle.

Applications

• Broadcast and live television production
• Live sports and esports graphics
• Virtual production and augmented reality
• Real-time video processing and AI workflows
• 4K/UltraHD capture, playback, and monitoring
• HDR production and post-production
• On-set visual effects and compositing
• OEM video systems and custom software development

• SDI Video Formats
  • (4K) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94
• HDMI Video Formats
  • (4K CEA) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K CEA) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1600x1200p 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1280x1024p 60
  • (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1024x768p 60
  • (VESA DMT) 800x600p 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94
  • (VESA DMT) 640 x 480p 60
  • Note: Additional VESA (DMT) formats supported for certain applications
• Video Inputs Digital
  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082, 12-bit, 10-bit
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • 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  
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
  • HDMI v2.0
  • 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 6 Gbps per color component
  • 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • Connectors are full size BNC / full size HDMI
  • HDMI Inputs and Outputs support VESA (DMT) rasters at limited rates
• Video Outputs Digital
  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082*, 12-bit, 10-bit
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • 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
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
  • HDMI v2.0
  • 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 6 Gbps per color component
  • 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • Connectors are full-size BNC / full-size HDMI
  • HDMI Input and Output support VESA rasters
  • *Compliant with subsets of specification for supported formats
• HDR
  • SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry, and Luminance
  • HDMI: HDR10 Support - HDR Infoframe metadata, compatible with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3
  • HDMI: HLG Support - compatible with HDMI 2.0b/CTA-861-G
• SDI I/O (via PCIe Bracket)
  • 2x full-size 12G-SDI connections
  • SDI connections are bidirectional
  • Single channel SDI capture (plus simultaneous SDI pass-through monitoring)
  • Single channel SDI output
• HDMI I/O (via PCIe Bracket)
  • 2x full-size (Type A) HDMI 2.0 connections
  • HDMI connections are unidirectional (1x Input, 1x Output)
  • Single channel HDMI input
  • Single channel HDMI output
• HDMI Monitoring for SDI Inputs
  • HDMI output connector supports
  • Single channel SDI source monitoring
• Video I/O Performance: Capable of two channel 4K p60 capture or playback
• Audio Inputs Digital
  • 16-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous• 8-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 16 and 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous or nonsynchronous, internal sample rate conversion (via 4x BNC on breakout cable )
  • Note: Audio I/O is available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card connector  
• Audio Input Analog
  • 2-channel, 24 and 16-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using industry standard 2x XLR on DB-25 breakout cable (cable not included)
  • +24 dBu full scale digital (0 dBFS)
  • +/- 0.2 dB 20 to 20 kHz frequency response
  • Note: Requires the optional KONA Xpand card
• Audio Outputs Digital
  • 16-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous
  • 8-channel, 16 and 24-bit AES/EBU audio, 48 kHz sample rate, synchronous or nonsynchronous, internal sample rate conversion (via 4x BNC on breakout cable)
  • Note: AES audio requires the optional KONA Xpand card.  SDI and HDMI audio do not require the Xpand card.
• Audio Output Analog
  • 2-channel, 24-bit D/A analog audio, 48 kHz sample rate, balanced, using  2x XLR
  • +24 dBu full scale digital (0 dBFS)
  • +/- 0.2 dB 20 to 20 kHz frequency response
  • Note: Requires the optional KONA Xpand card
• Downstream Keyer: Supports graphics up to 4K/UltraHD with alpha channel over video, matte or framebuffer, or framebuffer content over incoming video or matte
  • Reference
  • Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V) or HD Tri-Level Sync (1V)
  • Reference input is terminated into 75 ohms when Genlock is set to Ref In
  • Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card
• Timecode
  • LTC timecode input
  • LTC timecode output
  • Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card, or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card
• Electrical Interface: PCIe Gen 3x4
• Machine Control
  • RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol
  • 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) <40-45dBA preferred (Phase 01 )>
  • Fan is rated at 33.1dBA
• Regulatory Compliance
  • RoHS 3
  • IEC 62368-1: 2014 2nd Edition safety standard
• Size (w x d x h)
  • Passive Configuration (no fan): 190.5 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (7.5" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
  • Active Configuration (with fan): 247.7 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (9.75" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
  • Xpand Card: 108.0 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (4.25" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
• Weight
  • PCIe Card: Active (with fan): 290.3g (10.2oz), Passive (no fan): 217.7g (7.7oz)
  • Xpand Card: 90.7g (3.2oz)
• Power
  • 20W typical with 16W on +12V and 4W on +3.3V
  • PC Internal or PCi Aux Power Connector: Molex part number 45558-0003
  • Note: Card can utilize PCIe power from a 6 pin PCi 2x3 Aux Power connector or the PCIe slot
• Environment
  • 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 KONA X 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Ultralow-Latency PCIe Card
• Warranty: Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty