www.aja.com Published: 12/28/12 Installation and Operation Guide 11 B e c a u s e i t m a t t e r s .
ii Trademarks AJA®, KONA®, Ki Pro®, KUMO®, and XENA® and are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Io Express™, Io HD™, Io™, and Because It Matters™ are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire, iPod, iPod Touch, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Limited Warranty Limited Warranty AJA Video warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If a product proves to be defective during this warranty period, AJA Video, at its option, will either repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product.
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Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Contents Contents Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Info Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Who is Controlling Io Express? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Introduction Edge Shot Photo Here Overview Io Express is the perfect cross-platform, Mac or PC, interface for anyone who needs an inexpensive monitoring and mastering solution when working with Apple ProRes Formats, XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, and more. Portable and simple to use, Io Express is ideal for filebased workflows. Features The Io Express package includes the following features: • HD/SD-SDI input and output • HDMI 1.
2 Accepted Inputs • HD/SD SDI Video with embedded audio • HDMI Video with embedded audio Note: Encoding of Apple ProRes is available only on Apple computers. Apple ProRes can be played back on a PC with the appropriate QuickTime Windows decoder. Using Multiple AJA Products Starting with KONA, Io HD, and Io Express v7.5, more than one AJA product can be used with your host computer. Using the AJA Control Panel, you can choose which installed product an application uses for input/output.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Features About Primary & Secondary Video Formats In Io Express operation, the Primary Format is the media format written to disk and used in your project. The Secondary format is that which may be input for capture or output from Io Express to VTRs or other devices. Down-conversion may be applied to an input or on output. The Primary Format menu allows you to select the video format used in your current project.
4 Io Express Down-conversion Options: The table below contains the available Io Express down-conversion options. Primary Video Format Secondary Format Options 1280x720 @ 23.976p 720x486 @ 29.97i 1280x720 @ 25.00p 720x576 @ 25.00i 1280x720 @ 29.97p 720x486 @ 29.97i 1280x720 @ 50.00p 720x576 @ 25.00i 1280x720 @ 59.94p 720x486 @ 29.97i 1920x1080 @ 23.976sF 720x486 @ 29.97i 1920x1080 @ 25.00sF 720x576 @ 25.00i 1920x1080 @ 29.97sF 720x486 @ 29.97i 1920x1080 @ 25.00i 720x576 @ 25.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — What’s In The Box? 5 on CD, including the AJA Control Panel, drivers for the card itself, and all files necessary for thirdparty application support (software application not included). Software for Windows AJA Software for Windows brings high quality HD and SD video and audio to a Windows workstation with Io Express.
6 • Io Express. • PCIe Tether Cable. • PCIe adapter (for desktop computer) or Expresscard34 (for laptop computer) depending on the Io Express model purchased. • Read Me First Notice—Contains late-breaking news and/or errata related to Io Express and the documentation. Registration Sheet—allows you to register your card by mail or online (details provided). Note: Io Express comes with either an Expresscard/34 adapter or a PCIe adapter card depending on the model purchased.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cable Connections HDMI Input and Output Two HDMI connectors on the Io Express provide input and output of HDMI compatible video and multi-channel embedded audio (8 channels). HDMI v1.3a capability at 30 bits per pixel allows full support of the latest 10-bit monitors. HDCP is not supported on either input or output. Io Express HDMI output does not have HDCP, and input sources having HDCP are not supported.
8 In This Manual Chapter 1 is the introduction you’re reading, listing features, box contents, and system requirements. Chapter 2 provides complete instructions for installing and configuring the AJA Io Express. The user is guided through unpacking, cabling the Io Express, installing Io Express Mac or Windows Software, then getting it up and running. Important configuration information is also provided on video settings and use of genlock/external reference.
Chapter 2: Installation Installation Overview The installation and set up of an Io Express is very simple. The steps of installation and configuration are discussed here and summarized as follows: 1. Unpack the shipping box (see “What’s In The Box?” on page 5.) 2. If not previously installed on your Mac Pro or Windows workstation, ensure that appropriate application software such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro is installed as detailed in its user documentation.
10 Connecting to your Computer 1. With your computer off, install the PCIe adapter card (desktop) or Express card (laptop). Caution: Always have power off when connecting any device to the PCIe bus. Note: Refer to your PC manufacturer’s documentation for installing a PCIe card or Express card. 2. Connect the PCIe tether cable between Io Express PCIe port and the PCIe adapter. 3. Assemble the Power Adapter and cable and connect to the Io Express 12V Power connector. 4.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Cabling the System Typical System This figure shows typical system interconnections for a system with digital A/V sources. Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video monitoring. 1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the Io Express Ref/LTC connector (BNC). The second Io Express Ref Loop connector (if used in Pass through mode) can be connected to the VTR or terminated with a 75-ohm terminator.
12 VTR with SDI Inputs/Outputs Reference Monitors Unbalanced Audio In/Out to Monitors HD/SD-SDI Video I/O with Embedded Audio RS422 Machine Control HDMI Monitor Adapter Installed Inside Mac External Reference (Blackburst) or LTC Input PCIe Adapter and cable (supplied) POWER CMPTR Storage RAID Apple Mac Pro w/OSX or Windows PC w/ XP/Vista/7 Computer Monitor Typical Desktop System Connections Installing Io Express Software First ensure that your third-party editing applications are installed as
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System 13 System software updates may occasionally become available to AJA Io Express owners on our website (www.aja.com). We recommend checking occasionally for both software updates and additional product information. Note: If your workstation has previously had another video capture or multimedia card installed, ensure you remove the card and/or uninstall any related software before installing Io Express.
14 Note: Files ending in the “.pkg” and “.mpkg” suffix are OS X installer files. These launch the OS X installer and tell it where and what to install on your system. 3. Double-click the package to log on and begin software installation. 4. The system will respond by asking you to authenticate who you are as currently defined on your OS X user profile.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System 15 1 System Check Installer Screen 9. Read and agree to the Software License Agreement. Io Express Software License Agreement Screen 10.The next screen shows all the available drives on the Mac Pro. Click on the drive that contains your system files (Apple default is “Macintosh HD”). A green arrow will point to the drive you’ve selected. Click the Continue button to proceed with installation.
16 11.At the next screen, select the Easy Setups that you want to use (or all of them) and then click the Continue button to place the software on the drive you previously selected. Installer Screen, Select Easy Setups to be Installed 12.A system prompt will pop up with a reminder that OS X must be restarted after installation. Click the Continue Installation button to proceed. Restart OS X Reminder Prompt 13.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Windows Software Installation Locate the AJA Windows Software download file or CD packaged with your system and follow the procedure below to install the required software on the host system. There are two versions of AJA Windows Software installation—for 32-bit workstations and 64-bit Vista workstations. The 32-bit software is designated “-x86” (for 32-bit processors) and “-x64” (for 64-bit processors).
18 License Agreement Read the Windows Software license agreement and click “Yes” to accept. You will be asked to choose the type of installation you would like to perform. Installation Type If you don’t have all the AJA Windows Software supported Adobe Production Studio products installed on your workstation, you may choose to perform a Custom installation (default) and select only the software necessary for your applications. If you use the entire collection, use the “Complete” installation.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System The following screens depict the more elaborate Custom installation. Shown below are the toplevel directory of options. Click (+/-) to expand or contract. 1 Top-level Installation Item Selection You may deselect any Item for installation by using the pulldown to make it unavailable.
20 Use second level options to choose the specific drivers and plugins you would like installed. Custom Selection Second-level Options Disabled selections are marked with a red X. Before clicking Next to install, you can verify your disk space availability by clicking the Disk Usage button. Workstation Disk Usage Display To return to the installation click OK.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Cabling the System Click Next to begin the installation. 1 Installation Progress Screen. When the installer has completed copying the AJA Windows Software to disk, you will see a standard Windows Logo test warning. Click on the “Continue Anyway” button to finish the installation. When the installation is completed, a final screen will be displayed announcing that “Setup has finished installing AJA Windows Software on your computer.
22 Re-Installation & Repair If you have problems running your newly installed pluggins or need to re-install for added applications, you can relaunch the install package and access the following window. Note: Always uninstall AJA Windows Software before installing a new version.
Chapter 3: Operation Using Io Express with Professional Video /Audio Software After you install the Io Express software and any AJA plug-ins to support your choice of 3rdparty software, you’re then ready to begin capturing and playing back video and audio. Go here to look for AJA plug-ins and documentation for your favorite 3rd-party software applications: http://www.aja.
24 Block Diagram Screen—The top area of the AJA Control Panel shows a visual picture representing the processing (if any) that’s currently occurring, including inputs/outputs, reference source, and system status. Lines between inputs, the framebuffer, and outputs, show a video path. Where there are no lines, it shows there is no connection; this can be because an input or output isn’t selected. The lines will also show whether the outputs are video or video + key.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Framebuffer—The framebuffer is the “engine” in Io Express where active video operations take place using 3rd-party editing applications, or even Io Express itself. The framebuffer has a format (called the “Primary Format” and color space that it follows, as defined in the AJA Control Panel or via external application software.
26 Color Meanings—All items in the IO Express Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show what is happening in realtime. This applies to both icons and text.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Control Screen 27 The Io Express can be controlled by various software applications running on a host computer. The Control Screen is where you select how the Io Express directs video used by application software. This screen also provides control for configuring output timing for external reference video and horizontal/vertical delay.
28 Control Screen, Default Io Express Output Pulldown Menu Choices available and their meaning are: Input Passthrough: this selection directs Io Express to route video from its selected input through the card for output. When this selection is in effect, all Primary selections are available for selection in controlling the output. Test Pattern: this selection directs Io Express to output a choice of preset patterns— when no other QuickTime application is using Io Express.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Playback Timing (greyed-out when in Input Passthrough) Genlock (Freerun, Ref In, Input 1, or Input 2)—Selects how Io Express will synchronize program video: Freerun: in this mode, Io Express generates video without an external reference source Ref In: directs Io Express to use the Ref Video source for sync (usually an analog black burst video signal) Video: directs Io Express to use whichever video input source has been selected in t
30 Format Screen Settings Video Format—This pull-down menu shows the currently selected format. This pull-down appears in both the Primary Format area of the Formats screen and the Secondary Format area (if present). If you select an alternate value in the Primary Format using the pull-down, it will change the format used by Io Express’s framebuffer. Video Format can only be changed when the Control Screen menu has the setting “Input Pass through”.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Input Select Screen On the Input Select screen, you can view the currently selected video and audio input sources and map audio sources to the channels supported by your capture application (more on this later). Two information panes in the screen are provided: Video Input and Audio Input.
32 Audio Input—This pulldown menu allows you to choose where the audio comes from. Io Express supports up to 8 channels of embedded digital audio, so you can choose from the 16 channels that can be embedded in SDI, and pick which to bring in (from the group 1-8 or 9-16). If your application supports only two channels of audio, you will select which two channels from the 8 selected embedded will be mapped to the two designated channels (1 & 2).
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel SDI Out Screen The SDI Out screen shows the current setting for both the SDI and HDMI outputs. If an input/ output has no video, it will be indicated on the block diagram (“No Video”). 1 Io Express Control Panel, Digital Out Screen SDI Out Screen Settings Information that can appear includes the following items.
34 HDMI Screen The Io Express’s HDMI input and output are shown and configured at this screen. The HDMI input pane shows if an HDMI input source has been detected and locked on, showing the format found. HDMI Screen HDMI Screen Settings HDMI Output—Pulldowns are provided for configuring the video output range, color space and number of embedded audio channels (2 or the maximum 8) for the HDMI output.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Analog Out Screen Io Express provides a high-quality analog component or composite output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for that analog output, and allows you to reconfigure it when desired. 1 Analog Out Screen Analog Out Screen Settings Select menu—you can select either the Primary or Secondary format (downconvert) for the Analog output.
36 Video Setup Screen Io Express provides a high-quality analog component or composite output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for black level setup for the analog video output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired. Video Setup Screen QuickTime Video Output Filter—The QuickTime Video Output Display Filter is designed to help manage the comprehensive list of video outputs that may be available to applications.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Audio Setup Screen The Audio Setup This screen shows the current settings for that analog audio output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired. 1 Audio Setup Screen Audio Setup Screen Settings Lock Audio Gain To Unity—When set, the Io Express will ignore the third-party application’s gain setting and set the audio gain at unity.
38 Conversion Screen This screen allows you to select codec options such as whether a pause stops on a full frame or a single field (jitter compensation) and 24 to 30 fps padding patterns. AJA Control Panel Conversion Screen 3-2 Pulldown—the value selected in this pulldown is used whenever, due to format selection, you’ve chosen to do 24 frames-per-second to 30 conversion where extra fields will be added to pad the existing ones.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Video Out, Pause On—these two choices determine what happens when your editing application is paused in stop mode: Full Frame: both fields are displayed resulting in some jitter while paused. Single Field: a single field is displayed, showing no flicker (useful when color correcting or whenever the flickering would be a distraction).
40 Timecode Screen The timecode is used for both monitoring the RP-188 timecode embedded in the digital data stream and for selecting a timecode offset (if required) for the attached VTR (connected to the RS-422 port)—and sent during assemble-edit mode. Note: SMPTE 12M-2 is the updated name and specification for what was RP-188. Timecode Screen Timecode Screen Settings RP-188 Timecode —in RP-188 timecode (SMPTE 12M-2) there can be multiple timecode values in the data stream.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Io Express Control Panel, Timecode Pulldown Menu Use QuickTime Timecode—when checked, this directs Io Express to output timecode from the QuickTime timecode track in playback. When not checked, Io Express uses the Output Timecode Offset value plus the number of frames into the movie. Note: not all QuickTime applications use or support timecode tracks—so sometimes the QuickTime timecode is missing or not meaningful.
42 After configuring the AJA Control Panel screens, you can then save all your settings as a snapshot for later recall—called a preset. In this way, you can organize presets for all your typical tasks, eliminating time-robbing manual re-configuration each time. To save a preset, simply go to the Presets screen and click “Save Preset”. A dialog will be presented asking you for a name; enter a meaningful name and click “OK”. Thereafter the preset will be available under the Control Panel “Presets” list.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Firmware Screen Use the Firmware screen to access the firmware install screen. Click install to erase current firmware and load the firmware version contained in your current driver installation. Note the Installation message shown below. 1 Firmware Update You will be required to power-cycle your computer and Io XT to finish the update.
44 Info Screen This screen shows the Io Express software files that have been installed on your system. This information may be needed if you talk to an AJA Customer Service representative to determine if files are missing or need updating.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Using the AJA Control Panel Who is Controlling Io Express? There are times when you might have several Quicktime applications open at one time, and each of these might want to output their video thru the Io Express video output. Io Express is very flexible and most applications perform the necessary housekeeping so they work correctly when they're active and when they're not.
46 Using 8-bit Versus 10-bit Video While both 8- and 10-bit uncompressed video are capable of providing excellent quality broadcast video, 10-bit represents a significantly higher quality and is preferable in many situations. Because 10-bit video has four times the numerical precision of 8-bit, it has a signal-to-noise ratio 12 dB higher than 8-bit video. Visually, in 8-bit video compared to 10-bit video, you will notice a substantial difference.
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting If You Run Into Problems One useful way to find the source of problems is to isolate your system to the smallest size where the problem still occurs and then note all the symptoms. This serves to eliminate areas not involved in the problem and makes finding the problem easier. If You Run Into Problems One useful way to find the source of problems is to isolate your system to the smallest size where the problem still occurs and then note all the symptoms.
48 Updating Software Check on the AJA Video website for software updates: http://www.aja.com/en/support/io/mac/io-express/ If any are available, download the file and read any associated instructions prior to installing the software. Contacting Support When calling for support, first check over your system configuration and ensure everything is connected properly. Even if you cannot find the cause of the problem, having this information at hand will help when you call AJA Customer Support for help.
Appendix A: Specifications Formats • 525i 29.97 • 625i 25 • 720P 50, 59.94, 60 • 1080i 25, 29.97, 30 • 1080PsF 23.98, 24 • 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 Video Input • SD/HD SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 8- or 10-bit • Single Link 4:2:2 (1 x BNC) • HDMI v1.3 30 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.25 Gbps, SD, HD, 1080p-50/60 Video Output Digital • SD/HD SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 8- or 10-bit • Single Link 4:2:2 (1 x BNC) • HDMI v1.3 30 bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 2.
50 Audio Input Digital • 8-channel, 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 48kHz sample rate, Synchronous • 8-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48kHz sample rate, Synchronous Audio Output Digital • 8-channel, 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 48kHz sample rate, Synchronous • 8-channel, 24-bit HDMI embedded audio, 48kHz sample rate, Synchronous Audio Output Analog • 2-channel 24-bit unbalanced audio (via RCA jack) Reference Input or LTC Input • 1 BNC assignable to Reference video or LTC input • Refer
Appendix B: Safety & Compliance Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices Class A Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commericial installation.
52 European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Regulatory Compliance This equipment may be operated in the countries that comprise the member countries of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Korean Compliance Korean Compliance Statement 1 Taiwan Compliance Statement This is a Class A product based on the standard of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) CNS 13438, Class A. Japanese Compliance Statement This is a Class A product based on the standard of the VCCI Council (VCCI V-3/2008.04).
54 Before operating your AJA unit, read the instructions in this document Warning! Read and follow all warning notices and instructions marked on the product or included in the documentation. Avertissement ! Lisez et conformez-vous à tous les avis et instructions d'avertissement indiqués sur le produit ou dans la documentation. Warnung! Lesen und befolgen Sie die Warnhinweise und Anweisungen, die auf dem Produkt angebracht oder in der Dokumentation enthalten sind.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA Warning! Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Avertissement ! N'installez pas l'appareil près d'une source de chaleur telle que des radiateurs, des bouches d'air de chauffage, des fourneaux ou d'autres appareils (amplificateurs compris) qui produisent de la chaleur.
56 Achtung! Dies ist ein Gerät der Klasse A. Bei Einsatz des Geräts in Wohngebieten kann es Störungen des Radio- und Fernsehempfangs verursachen. In diesem Fall muss der Benutzer alle notwendigen Maßnahmen ergreifen, die möglicherweise nötig sind, um die Störungen auf eigene Rechnung zu beheben. ¡Precaución! Este es un producto clase A.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Before operating your AJA Warning! Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
58 Avertissement ! Protégez le cordon d'alimentation pour que l'on ne marche pas dessus ou qu'on le pince, en particulier au niveau des prises mâles, des réceptacles de convenance, et à l'endroit où il sort de l'appareil. Warnung! Es muss verhindert werden, auf das Netzanschlusskabel zu treten oder dieses zu knicken, besonders an den Steckern, den Steckerbuchsen und an dem Punkt, an dem das Kabel aus dem Gerät heraustritt.
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Index Index Symbols .
4 Installer Screen 14 Installing Io Software 12 K KONA 2 Software 12 KONA 2 will synchronize program video 29 L Linear 39 Log On Authenticate Prompt 14 M Machine Control 7 Machine Control, pinout 50 Manual 8 minimum hardware and software requirements 6 Monitor Audio 38 Mountain Lion 13 Multiple AJA Products 2 O OS X installer files 14 P Presets 42 Primary Format 25 Primary format 7 Primary/Secondary conversion XENA 2K 4 problem symptoms 47 Problems, what to do 47 problems, what to do if you encoun
Io Express Installation and Operation Guide — Index Y Y/R-Y/B-Y 7 Yellow 26 YPbPr 7 YUV 7 YUV-RGB Conversion 39 1 5
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