User Manual

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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. The HDMI input is designed to support long
cable runs—up to 100 ft. when using 22 or 24AWG HDMI cable, or up to 50 ft. using 28 or
30AWG HDMI cable. The HDMI output supports standard HDMI cables only.
The AJA Control Panel allows selection and adjustment of some HDMI parameters.
Analog 2-Channel Unbalanced Audio Output
Io Express provides two analog output connectors, one for each channel. These connectors are
RCA-style phono jacks.
RS422 Machine Control
A female DE-9 connector on Io Express provides connection for VTRs, camcorders, disk media
servers, and other devices using RS422 SMPTE (Sony) protocol. (Connector pinout is listed in
Appendix A: Specifications.)
Component Video Output (with Composite and Y/C functions)
Io Express features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component, composite and
Y/C functions. The signals are labelled on the BNC connectors on the rear panel of Io Express.
A Note About YPbPr—Component Video, or YPbPr, has been given several names over time.
YUV, Y/R-Y/B-Y, and YCbCr, are just some examples. Although these various formats have
some differences in levels, they are all basically the same. Io Express uses the modern YPbPr
terminology exclusively. Io Express supports three different types of YPbPr: SMPTE/EBU
N10, Betacam (NTSC), and Betacam (NTSC Japan). These three formats differ in level only
and are configured in the Mac System via the Io Express Control Panel.
Reference Video and LTC Input
Two BNC connectors on Io Express provide reference Input and Output. The Reference Video
input can also be used for LTC input. The selection of Reference (sync) or LTC is set using the
Io Express Control Panel.
In Video Pass-through mode, these connectors are effectively loop-through. Supplying
reference signal to the Reference input allows you to synchronize Io Express outputs to your
house analog reference video signal (or black burst). If you have a sync generator or central
piece of video equipment to use for synchronizing other video equipment in your studio, then
connect its analog composite output here. When Io Express outputs video, it uses this reference
signal for locking. When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the
same format as the Primary format selected in the Io Express Control Panel. It is possible in some
circumstances to use an alternate format video signal as long as the basic frame rate is
compatible.