AJA Video Systems is previewing products in development featuring Thunderbolt technology for new high frame rate 2K 3D, 4K, and 5K workflows, and portable HD connectivity at its NAB exhibit booth SL4420.
"Video formats and connectivity options are always improving, and at AJA we consistently strive to implement next-gen technology, delivering the tools our customers need today and anticipating those they'll need in the future," says AJA president Nick Rashby. "We're very excited to preview our high-end 4K and 5K workflows, and demonstrate our support for the new Thunderbolt technology as we work to integrate them into our product line."
Codenamed "Riker," AJA's multi-format I/O technology for everything from SD to 5K workflows, is designed to address rapidly changing I/O and processing requirements via its unique modular architecture. Riker offers an arbitrary hardware scalar that enables users to scale up or down any sized raster (up to 5K) in real time at full quality.
Riker connects to its host via high-speed, 8-lane PCIe 2.0, over a 3-meter tether cable. AJA's new technology provides high bandwidth, easily handling high frame rate 2K stereo 3D at up to 60Hz per eye, and 4K stereo 3D at 24/30Hz per eye. Riker delivers I/O, processing, and scaling on the Mac and PC for complex multi-format 5K/4K/2K and HD/Dual-link/SD workflows.
AJA is also demonstrating support for the all-new Thunderbolt technology-based HD/SD I/O with the recently introduced MacBook Pro line. Developed by Intel and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt technology is designed to provide simple, yet powerful one-cable ,plug-in connectivity for 3G, HD/SD-SDI, and HDMI workflows.
Codenamed "Phaser", AJA's upcoming product supports HDMI 1.3a input and HDMI 1.4 output for stereo playback and provides 10-bit up/down/cross-conversions, with RS422 device control and professional reference/LTC I/O, in a highly portable design.
"Riker" and "Phaser" are technology previews only. Products supporting this technology are currently in development and will be announced soon.