www.aja.com Published: 1/16/12 Installation and Operation Guide 1 1 B e c a u s e i t m a t t e r s .
Trademarks AJA®, KONA®,Ki Pro® and XENA® are registered trademarks of AJA Video, Inc., Because it Matters™, Io HD™, Io XT™, Io Express™, and Io™ are trademarks of AJA Video, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, FireWire and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Final Cut Pro, QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Acknowledgment Regarding THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY AJA VIDEO IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. AJA VIDEO AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Front Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FCC Emission Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 1: Introduction Edge Shot Photo Here Overview AJA's Io XT provides professional-grade I/O for high-end computers using a Thunderbolt interface with 10Gbps available bandwidth. Io XT is the ideal portable companion for lightning-fast video capture, playback and up/down/cross conversion. Designed for today’s workflows, Io XT provides a new interface for video Pro's working with 10-bit uncompressed, Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD, stereoscopic 3D workflows, and more.
2 Features: • Two Thunderbolt ports (supports pass-through/”daisy-chaining”) • Two SD-SDI, HD-SDI, HSDL, and 3G HD-SDI inputs and outputs • Single link SDI 4:2:2 or 4:4:4; Dual-link SDI 4:4:4/HSDL support • HDMI Input and Output (including output for stereoscopic monitoring to consumer 3D displays) • Analog component/composite output, 10-bit • Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit upconversion • Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit downconversion • Broadcast quality hardware based 10-bit crossconvers
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Overview Crossconversion is high-quality hardware-based, providing capability to streamline dailies and offers true broadcast picture quality in realtime. Because these functions are in hardware, they are available full time, all the time—with no CPU load. Such conversions are useful for cost effective monitoring, making standard definition dubs of an HD project, or upconverting from a standard definition FCP project to an HD deliverable.
4 The following Video Signal Formats are supported by Io XT. Standard Def. HD 720 HD 1080 2K 525i @ 29.97 fps 720p @ 50 fps 1080i @ 25 fps 2K1080p23.98 625i @ 25 fps 720p @ 59.94 fps 1080i @ 29.97 fps 2K1080p24 720p @ 60 fps 1080i @ 30 fps 2K1080p25 720p @ 23.98 fps 1080PsF @ 23.98 fps 2K1080sf23.98 720p @ 25 fps 1080PsF @ 24 fps 2K1080sf24 1080PsF @ 25 fps 2K1080sf25 1080PsF @ 29.97 fps 1080PsF @ 30 fps 1080P @ 23.98 fps 1080P @ 24 fps 1080P @ 25 fps 1080P @ 29.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Overview When using the Final Cut Pro 7 HDV codec, the Io XT advanced scaling engine takes the native frame (long GOP 1440 HD) and outputs it via hardware-in real time. Precision AJA circuitry re-sizes the video to full-raster 1920 x 1080, providing instantaneous playback of HDV captured by Final Cut Pro 7 for both monitoring and recording.
6 What’s In The Box? As you unpack the shipping box(es), carefully examine the contents. Ensure you received everything and that nothing was damaged during shipment. If you find any damage, immediately notify the shipping service and supply them with a complete description of the damage. AJA will repair or replace damaged items. If you find shipping damage, contact your AJA dealer or distributor for details on how to have your Io XT repaired or replaced. Save packing materials and the shipping box.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — System Requirements System Requirements AJA recommends machines with dedicated GPUs as opposed to "built into the motherboard" GPUs. Built in GPU models such as the MacBook Air are still in testing and have not yet been approved for use with Io XT. Below are the current tested and approved Apple models along with representative system configurations for use alongside Io XT.
8 Cable Connections Io XT connections are made directly to the unit’s rear connector plate. Eight audio output channels are available through the Tascam-style DB25 connector. Io XT Connectors Connector Descriptions— Io XT & Cables HD/SD SDI Input and Output BNC connectors are provided on Io XT for two HD/SD-SDI inputs and two HD/SD-SDI outputs. The input and output support video and embedded 24-bit digital audio.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Cable Connections RS422 Machine Control A female DE-9 connector on Io XT 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 XT features a group of 3 BNC connectors for output of component, composite and Y/C functions.
10 Caution! The Io XT can host other devices from its second Thunderbolt connection; however, caution should be used before unplugging the Io XT when other items, such as storage arrays, are attached to the Io XT. Unplugging Io XT will cause these devices to go off line since they will be disconnected from the computer. In This Manual Chapter 1 is the introduction you’re reading, listing features, box contents, and system requirements.
Chapter 2: Installation & Configuration Installation Overview The installation and set up of an Io XT 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 later in this chapter.) 2. If not previously installed on your Thunderbolt equipped Macintosh, ensure that appropriate application software such as Final Cut Pro 7, Avid Media Composer, or Adobe Premiere 5.
12 Connecting to your Computer 1. With your computer off, connect a Thunderbolt cable to one of the two Thunderbolt ports 2. Connect the other Thunderbolt port to storage or other desired peripherals. 3. Assemble the Power Adapter and cable and connect to the Io XT 12V Power connector. 4. Connect your desired Video I/O, Audio monitoring, reference, and machine control cables. (Refer to Cabling the System following.) 5. Connect the Power Supply to AC power and turn on Io XT using the front power switch.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Cabling the System Cabling the System Typical System Your system may differ depending on VTRs, audio monitoring, and video monitoring. 1. If desired, connect your house reference sync to the Io XT Ref/LTC connector (BNC). The second Io XT Ref Loop connector (if used in Pass through mode) can be connected to the VTR or terminated with a 75-ohm terminator. If instead using LTC timecode input, connect to the Ref/LTC input. 2.
14 Typical Thunderbolt Compatible Laptop System Connections
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Cabling the System 15 Installing Io XT Software Go to the AJA website and download the latest Io XT driver software and any AJA plugins for 3rd-part applications (such as Adobe CS5.5). All of these software installers can be found here: http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php If you don’t have an appropriate internet connection, use the CD-ROM supplied with the Io XT system to install necessary software drivers.
16 5. When you launch the installer, you’ll see a series of installer screens. Initial Installer Screen 6. Click Continue to begin installation. 7. The next screen lets you know that the installer will check your Mac to ensure it has the hardware and software resources required (see Minimum Requirements in Chapter 1).
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Cabling the System 8. Read and agree to the Software License Agreement. 1 Io XT Software License Agreement Screen 9. 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.
18 10.At the next screen, select the “Io XT Setups” checkbox if you’re using Final Cut Pro versions prior to 10. Check any 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. If you’re using Final Cut Pro X or other 3rd-party applications, you can uncheck the “Io XT Setups” checkbox before clicking Continue.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Cabling the System 1 Installer Screen, Space Reminder Authenticate prior to Installing Software 12.The system will prompt you for your system name and password before writing to disk. Enter your information and click Install Software to continue. 13.Next, the system will display a reminder that you’ll have to Restart the Mac after installation concludes. Click Continue Installation.
20 Installer Screen, Reminder about Restarting Installation Status Messages are Displayed (while installation takes place) 14.The installer runs and puts all the necessary Io XT drivers and software on the desired hard drive. When it has completed installation, a final screen will be displayed announcing that “software was successfully installed.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Genlock and Your System 1 Installation Status Messages are Displayed (while installation takes place) 15.Click the Restart button to complete the installation procedure. The system will perform software restart. 16.Finally, install any AJA plug-ins required for 3rd-party software. These will have to be downloaded from the AJA website: http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.
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Chapter 3: Operation Using Io XT with Professional Video /Audio Software After you install the Io XT software and any AJA plug-ins to support your choice of 3rd-party 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.com/support/io/io-xt.
24 AJA Control Panel Overview The AJA Io XT Control Panel is a software application that provides a simple visual window showing how the Io XT interface is currently configured, and that allows you to make changes. Settings—both those you changed and those you didn’t— can be saved as a snapshot for recall at anytime.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — AJA Control Panel Overview 25 Framebuffer Format (Primary Format) Currently selected Tab Screen Outputs: SDI, HDMI and Analog 1 Inputs Tab Screen Choices – Click One to Edit/View a Topic AJA Control Panel, Block Diagram Framebuffer—The framebuffer is the “engine” in Io XT where active video operations take place using Final Cut Pro, other 3rd-party applications, or even Io XT itself.
26 Secondary Format—Any format other than the currently selected Primary Format, is a secondary format. As described previously, this means that either the Inputs or Outputs are somehow different from the framebuffer’s assigned format (i.e., the “Primary Format”). This can be seen at a glance because the color will be different than blue.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — AJA Control Panel Overview 27 Info: displays status information and firmware version # of the Io XT and how it is installed in the host Macintosh. This information is generally intended for troubleshooting/support. 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, any up/down/cross conversion, reference source, and system status.
28 Control Panel Operation Control Tab Screen The Io XT can be controlled by various software applications running on a host Mac. The Control Tab is where you select how the Io XT directs video and is used by application software. This screen also provides control for configuring output timing with regard to external reference video and horizontal/vertical delay. At the top of the Control screen it will show the current Default Output and the application currently controlling the Io XT.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Input Pass through: this selection directs Io XT to route video from its selected input through the card for processing and output. When this selection is in effect, all Primary/Secondary Format selections are available for selection in controlling the output. This in effect makes the Io XT a converter when used in conjunction with the AJA Control Panel application and a Mac.
30 Format Tab Screen The Formats screen shows the video format currently in use by the Io XT framebuffer (called the Primary Format) and allows you to change it. All throughout the Control Panel, choices are always presented based on what Io XT can do with the signals available and the inputs/outputs selected.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Io XT Formats include: 525i 23.98 525i 29.97 625i 25 720p 23.98 720p50 720p 59.94 720p 60 1080i 25 1080i 29.97 1080i 30 1080sf 23.98 1080sf 24 1080sf 25 1080sf 29.97 1080sf 30 1080p23.98 1080p24 1080p25 1080p29.97 1080p30 1080p50a 1080p59.94a 1080p60a 1080p50b 1080p59.94b 1080p60b 2K1080p23.98 2K1080p24 2K1080p25 2K1080sf23.
32 SD to SD—this pulldown is for SD to SD aspect ratio conversion. Letterbox: this transforms SD anamorphic material to a letterboxed image.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Input Select Tab Screen On the Inputs screen you can view the currently selected video and audio input sources and map audio sources to the channels supported by Final Cut Pro (more on this later). Two information panes in the screen are provided: Video Input and Audio Input.
34 SDI Output Tab Screen The SDI Output tab shows the current settings for both of the SDI outputs. Because the outputs can be configured independently, one output may be the Primary format and the other output may be the Secondary format. If an input/output has no video, it will be indicated on the block diagram (“No Video”).
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Dual Stream Options: Dual Link—output (SMPTE 372M) using SDI 1 and SDI 1 in concert. 3Gb—output (SMPTE 424M) using a single-link transport. HDMI Tab Screen The Io XT’s HDMI input and output are shown and configured at this tab screen. 1 AJA Io XT HDMI, HDMI Tab HDMI Output Settings—the Source pulldown menu allows you to select either the primary video format (framebuffer) or a secondary one (up/down/crossconversion).
36 Analog Out Tab Screen Io XT provides a high-quality analog component or composite + Y/C output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for that analog output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired (format and black-level). AJA Control Panel, Analog Out Tab Analog Out Tab Screen Settings Analog Output—select Primary or Secondary (any conversion applied) for the analog output; if a conversion is applied, you’ll see the conversion icon appear on the block diagram.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Video Setup Tab Screen Io XT provides a high-quality analog component or composite output, generally used for monitoring. This screen shows the current settings for that analog video output, and allows you to re-configure it when desired. 1 AJA Control Panel, Video Setup Tab Setup Tab Screen Settings Analog Black Level—choices available for Black Level are the two Composite analog formats. Choices presented are for US or Japan: 7.
38 Audio Setup Tab Screen This screen shows the current settings for the analog audio output, allowing you to re-configure it when desired. AJA Control Panel, Audio Setup Tab Audio Setup Screen Settings: Lock Audio Gain To Unity—When set, the Io XT will ignore the Final Cut Pro gain setting and set the audio gain at unity. When not set, this checkbox tells the Io XT to get the audio gain setting from Final Cut Pro.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation DS Keyer Tab Screen The Io XT has a hardware-based downstream keyer that is ideal for putting logos, “bugs” or other video material with an alpha channel on top of video being played out or printed to tape. A typical application would be putting a television station's call letters or channel over program video content. Keyed video can be from the Io XT internal Frame Buffer (from storage, video In, etc.
40 Matte Color: only available when the pulldown “Frame Buffer over Matte” or “Graphic over Matte” are selected-pressing this button brings up a color selection dialog. The dialog provides a variety of ways to select a matte color including a color wheel, color picker (choose from a location anywhere on the computer screen), numeric sliders, swatches, “crayons”, and spectrums. The matte chosen will be used as a video background under the keyed video.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Timecode Screen Settings RP-188 Timecode —in RP-188 timecode (SMPTE 12M-2) there can be multiple timecode values in the data stream. Use this pull-down to select the one you wish to monitor. The selection will be displayed in the timecode value displayed to the right of the pull-down. User Bits—For monitoring variable framerate (VFR) timecode (such as Varicam), you 1 set this may wish to monitor the user bits embedded in the timecode.
42 Presets Screen After configuring the AJA Control Panel Tabbed 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 reconfiguration 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”.
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Control Panel Operation Info Tab Screen This Tabbed screen shows the Io XT 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.
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Appendix A: 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. Once you’ve noted problem symptoms, look through the following table and see if any of the symptoms are listed. If so, check the items listed.
30 Updating Software Check on the AJA Video website (http://www.aja.com/support/io/io-xt.php) for software updates. If any are available, download the file and read any associated instructions prior to installing the software. 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 B: Specifications Formats 525i 29.97 625i 25 720P 23.98 720p 25 720P 50 720P 59.94 720P 60 1080i 25 1080i 29.97 1080i 30 1080PsF 23.98 1080PsF 24 1080PsF 25 1080PsF 29.97 1080PsF 30 1080p 23.98 1080P 24 1080P 25 1080P 29.97 1080P 30 1080P 50 1080P 59.94 1080P 60 2K1080p23.98 2K1080p24 2K1080p25 2K1080sf23.98 2K1080sf24 2K1080sf25 Video Input Dual-rate (SD or HD) 3G SD and HD-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/296/424, 10-bits Single Link 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 (3G) Dual-link HD 4:4:4 HDMI 1.
32 Audio Input Digital: 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 8-ch, 48 KHz synchronous HDMI embedded audio (8-ch) Audio Output Digital: 24-bit SMPTE-259 SDI embedded audio, 8-ch, 48 KHz synchronous HDMI embedded audio (8-ch) Analog: 8 channel 24-bit balanced analog audio output (via DB-25 breakout cable) Headphone output (mini-TRS) with a lockable level control knob Up-Conversion Hardware 10-bit Anamorphic: full-screen Pillar box 4:3: results in a 4:3 image in center of screen with black sidebars Zoom 1
Io XT Installation and Operation Manual — Machine Control Machine Control RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol. 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows: 1............. GND 2............. RX3............. TX+ 4............. GND 5............. No Connection 6............. GND 7............. RX+ 8............. TX9............. GND Shell....... GND 1 DB25 Analog Audio Output Connection Connector Pinout The DB25 connector on the Io XT rear panel supports a TASCAM-style cable snake for balanced 8-channel analog audio.
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Appendix C: 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 commercial installation.
C-2 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.
Safety and Compliance — Korean Compliance Statement 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 1. Class A ITE この装置は、 クラスA 情報技術装置です。 この装置を家庭環境で使用すると電波妨害 を引き起こすことがあります。 この場合には使用者が適切な対策を講ずるよう要求され ることがあります。ＶＣＣＩ−Ａ This is a Class A product based on the standard of the VCCI Council (VCCI V-3/2008.04).
C-4 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.
Safety and Compliance — Before operating your AJA unit, read the 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.
C-6 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.
Safety and Compliance — Before operating your AJA unit, read the 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.
C-8 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.
Safety and Compliance — Before operating your AJA unit, read the Caution! For correct performance, always power up the Io XT before starting your computer and power down your computer before powering down the Io XT. Attention! Pour obtenir de bonnes performances, allumez toujours Io XT avant de démarrer l'ordinateur et éteignez ce dernier avant d'éteindre Io XT.
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