AJA Io X3 Installation And Operation Manual
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AJA Io X3 Installation And Operation Manual

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Io X3
Capture, Display, Convert
Installation and Operation Manual
Version 16.2
Published January 24, 2022

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Summary of Contents for AJA Io X3

  • Page 1 Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert Installation and Operation Manual Version 16.2 Published January 24, 2022...

  • Page 2: Notices

    AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with recorder, router, software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Function Screens ........17 Io X3 Audio Monitoring........18 AJA Control Panel Function Screens .
  • Page 4 Index........61 Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1 - Introduction

    Chapter 1 – Introduction Overview AJA Io X3 is perfect for high quality HDR or SDR work with HD/2K signals or files up to 60p. Connecting with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable and providing a second Thunderbolt connector for flexibility, Io X3's compact and quiet form factor is ideal for on set, in the studio, at an event or in the edit suite.

  • Page 6: Video Formats

    "Appendix A Specifications" on page Io X3 Audio Io X3 provides up to 16 channels of SDI embedded audio, and up to eight channels of embedded HDMI audio. Eight channels of analog audio I/O is supported via a DB25 industry standard Tascam style audio breakout cable. The eight analog audio channels can be configured as either Ch 1-8 input, Ch 1-8 output, Ch1-4 input with Ch 5-8 output or, Ch 1-4 output with Ch 5-8 input.

  • Page 7: System Requirements

    Apple, OBS, Telestream, and others. System Requirements NOTE: On macOS, the Io X3 supports Apple’s M1 chip, as well as earlier Intel processors. AJA Video recommends that your system meet minimum hardware and software requirements to achieve a satisfactory level of performance. Updates to system requirements are subject to change.

  • Page 8: Chapter 2 - Installation

    Despite a regulatory need to label one of these ports as downstream, the Io X3 actually has a fully symetric Thunderbolt implementation. Either port can be used for either an upstream or downstream connection.
  • Page 9 Reference Video A dedicatec BNC connector provides reference Input. Supplying a reference signal to the Reference input allows you to synchronize Io X3 outputs to your house analog reference video signal (or black burst). When connecting a reference video source, the locking signal should be the same as the input format. It is possible in some circumstances to use an alternate format video signal as long as the basic frame rate is compatible.

  • Page 10: Installing Software

    NLE application, it is best practice to have installed and run the software at least once on your workstation. Next, install the AJA software package. If at a later date you add any Io X3 supported applications that require drivers, you must run the AJA install program again to install them.

  • Page 11: Chapter 3 - Io X3 Operation

    Analog). • During Playback - The sum of whatever sources are being played out via the AJA hardware; i.e. NLE timeline and mix of host system audio output (if applicable). The meter's LEDs are colored to indicate the amount below 0dBfs when averaged...

  • Page 12: Status Led

    Capture Mode - Used for capturing video/audio signals that are coming into the Io X3 from an external source to create video files on the computer using AJA Control Room or an NLE, live streaming from a third party application, or just for display on the Io X3 outputs.
  • Page 13 Figure 2. Io X3 Control Panel User Interface Framebu er Format (Primary) Currently Selected Function Controlling Screen Application Outputs Inputs Operating Mode Parameter Controls Some controlling applications can switch the card's mode from Playback to Capture, and vice-versa. When Control Panel is not being controlled by an external application, you can change the operating mode in the Control Panel Control Screen using the Default State settings.
  • Page 14 Figure 3. Context Sensitive Menu Color Meanings All items in the AJA Control Panel block diagram are color-coded to show what is happening in real time. This applies to both icons and text. These colors indicate: Blue - Video is same format as the Device Format (framebuffer)

  • Page 15: Controlling Application

    Controlling Application It is important to understand that the computer can contain many applications that can use the AJA device (as you switch from window to window) and it may not always be obvious which currently controls it. Figure 5. Control Panel In Use Message (in red) In the top right corner, the Control Panel displays the name of the application controlling the unit.

  • Page 16: Presets

    • Local Preference - A preference stored from the last AJA device's Control Panel settings to be used on next startup of AJA Control Panel. This occurs on next restoration of the default state (triggered by start up of host CPU, startup of the AJA device, or when a third-party application releases the AJA device).

  • Page 17: Function Screens

    NOTE: Clicking on the AJA Control Panel Erase All Prefs button does NOT delete an existing Global Preference file from this location. Function Screens Listed below are the function screens for Io X3 and what they are used for. Table 1. Io X3 Function Screens Screen...

  • Page 18: Io X3 Audio Monitoring

    You can also listen to Io X3 Input concurrently with your NLE. This is useful if you need to listen out for the readiness of talent, or the presence of some other feed, whilst you continue to work.
  • Page 19 Any level adjustments to Capture or Audio Punch In / Voice Over to Timeline recording operations will either need to be made upstream of the AJA input, or else via adjustments within the main NLE application (e.g. via a pass through mix tool).

  • Page 20: Aja Control Panel Function Screens

    • Hold Last App - This selection directs Io X3 to hold and output the last frame of video from the last application to control Io X3. This can be helpful when operating in an environment where you’re switching back and forth between...
  • Page 21 Loaded graphic files are retained for redisplay if another test pattern is selected, and even if Io X3 is power cycled. NOTE: A loaded graphics file will not be scaled to fit. If it’s smaller than the current frame buffer format,Io X3 will center it in the frame.

  • Page 22: Format Screen

    Video Format This pull-down menu shows the currently selected Device format. If you select an alternate value using the pull-down, it will change the format used by Io X3’s framebuffer. When a change is made via the Video Format pull-down or by clicking an icon and selecting a new format via a contextual menu, the block diagram will change to reflect the new format.

  • Page 23: Input Select Screen

    NOTE: The AJA Control Panel software uses the abbreviation “sf” instead of “PsF” when referring to “progressive segmented frame” formats. In the manual and in other literature you may see either of these acronyms used interchangeably. Visually, it is easier to recognize: •...
  • Page 24 • 9-10 to 1-2 • 11-12 to 1-2 • 13-14 to 1-2 • 15-16 to 1-2 NOTE: This setting does not affect the embedded audio being sent to the Io X3's BNC or HDMI output connectors. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...

  • Page 25: Sdi Output Screen

    SDI 3 (the shape to be cut out from the video, which will appear as a black and white image/matte). Using the second Io X3 output as an Alpha Channel key, with the video output, may be useful for feeding production switchers, DVEs or other professional video equipment.
  • Page 26 • Auto - The AJA device will attempt to automatically set the output monitor into the best color space and bit depth regardless of EDID of the output monitor.

  • Page 27: Hdmi Screen

    • Device Format - Outputs the selected SD/HD input to the HDMI's output. • MultiView - Used to create a multi-viewer confidence display of up to four independent HD input signals on the Io X3's HDMI output. The HDMI monitor must be capable of UltraHD. Dotted input lines on the screen indicate MulitView mode is active.
  • Page 28 • Auto Detect - Selects the appropriate color space depending on signal. • Auto Set - (best quality) The AJA device will attempt to automatically set the output monitor into the best color space and bit depth that matches the user's application needs regardless of EDID of the output monitor.

  • Page 29: Hdr Screens

    4 is moved to channel 3's location. • Unchecked - HDMI audio retains the original 3 and 4 channel locations. RGB Range Choose from: • SMPTE • Full HDR Screens Figure 8. HDR Capture Screen Tab Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 30 HDR metadata saved with your captured video, and the Io X3's HDMI and SDI outputs while in Capture mode. The HDR Playback tab settings affect what HDR metatdata is included on the Io X3's HDMI and SDI outputs while in Playback mode.
  • Page 31 • Range: 1 cd/m2 to 65535 cd/m2. • Step size: 1 cd/m2. HDR Playback Settings The HDR Playback tab settings are identical to the HDR Capture settings, but affect the Io X3's HDMI and SDI outputs. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...

  • Page 32: Video Setup Screen

    Video Setup Screen The Video Setup screen shows various other settings which will affect how video inputs and outputs behave, and how Io X3 interacts with some software applications. Video Setup Progressive Pref This feature is used to default the hardware to use either p or PsF output over SDI when it has not been specified by the application.

  • Page 33: Audio Setup Screen

    • Gamma 1.8 VANC Checkbox When checked, the VANC checkbox tells the Io X3 to capture and process any ancillary data in the SDI stream. This can include different types of metadata. Applications such as Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro will not capture or output this data through the Io X3 if this box is not checked.

  • Page 34: Audio Mixer Screens

    • 8-In Delay In and Out Here you can set up to 6 frames (in tenths of a frame) of delay for the AJA device’s audio input and output. The AJA Control Panel delays all audio outputs—SDI, HDMI, and Analog. This feature is useful in compensating for the processing delay of a video monitor when audio is being monitored directly from the Io X3 (for example, when an audio mixer is connected to the DB25 analog audio inputs).
  • Page 35 During capture operations, the Capture tab is used for your monitoring experience. Controls in each tab are only in effect when Io X3 is in the correct operating mode, as determined by the controlling application or the Control Panel application's Default State setting.

  • Page 36: Audio Mixer Capture Monitor Mode Screen

    Capture tab only. This way when you exit NLE Capture and return to regular editing, the Playback tab settings will be applied and your host system audio monitoring will resume. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...

  • Page 37: Audio Mixer Playback Monitor Mode Screen

    • Analog - The Analog Audio being received on the Io X3, DB-25 connector. • HDMI - The embedded audio being received on the Io X3 HDMI In connector. • SDI Ch 1-16 - The embedded audio being received on the Io X3 SDI In connectors.
  • Page 38 NLE file. Any actual recording level adjustments to Capture or Audio Punch In / Voice Over to Timeline operations will either need to be made upstream of the AJA input, or else via adjustments within the main NLE application (e.g. via a pass through mix tool).

  • Page 39: Ds Keyer Screen

    DS Keyer Screen The Io X3 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.
  • Page 40 Audio Out • Frame Buffer - Select audio out to be routed from the Frame Buffer. • Audio In - Select audio out to be routed from the Io X3’s selected input(s). Graphic File This pulldown allows you to choose from any recently accessed file or select a new file (“Load File...”), which then brings up a file dialogue.

  • Page 41: Lut Screen

    The LUT screen allows you to create a custom 10-bit color look up table (LUT) on the Io X3 output, for matching a production "look" on a specific display. These custom LUTs can also be exported as .cube files for use with supported AJA devices and compatible professional applications.
  • Page 42 Export feature lets you take the custom LUT with you and re-import it to another system or location for consistency. Reset Clicking on the Reset button resets the currently selected LUT Type to its default values (not active for a User LUT file). Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 43 Once the LUT file is created, you can upload it with the following steps: 1. Before loading a LUT, make sure you are using an RGB/RGBA frame buffer format, and that you have a AJA Video Device that supports LUTs. 2. Open AJA Control Panel and select the “LUT” pane.

  • Page 44: Timecode Screen

    Timecode Screen The Timecode screen is used to select the timecode stream read for applications that use it (for example, in AJA Control Room when the Timecode Source preference is set to “Control Panel Setting” that application will read the selected stream).

  • Page 45: Presets Screen

    For monitoring a variable framerate (VFR) timecode (such as Varicam), you may wish to check the User-bits box. If you set this checkbox, Io X3 will detect and interpret the user-bits and display them next to the checkbox. You will see the original framerate (30 fps in the figure below) followed by the adjusted frame padding (two digits reporting discarded and retained frame padding).
  • Page 46 Default Use Preference file with the changed settings. NOTE: Clicking on the AJA Control Panel Erase All Prefs button does NOT delete an existing Global Preference file from that shared location. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2...

  • Page 47: Firmware Screen

    Note the Installation message shown below. Figure 14. Update Completed You will be required to power-cycle your Io X3 and computer to finish the update. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...

  • Page 48: Info Screen

    Info Screen The Info Screen shows the 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 X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2...

  • Page 49: Appendix A - Specifications

    • SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics • 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 Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 50 • 1x BNC LTC input (dedicated) • 1x BNC LTC output (dedicated) Reference • 1x BNC (dedicated) • Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V) • Nonterminating Electrical Interface • Thunderbolt 3 (2x) Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 51 Analog Audio Figure 15. DB-25 Analog Audio Connector Pinouts G - +G - +G - +G - +G - +G - +G - +G - + G = Ground +/- = Balanced Pair Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...

  • Page 52: Appendix B - Safety And Compliance

    AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BULGARIA, CYPRUS, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, IRELAND, ITALY, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, MALTA, NETHERLANDS, POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SPAIN, SWEDEN, UNITED KINGDOM, ICELAND, LICHTENSTEIN, NORWAY, SWITZERLAND Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 53 For more information about where you can drop off your waste for recycling, please contact your local authority, or where you purchased your product. Korea KCC Compliance Statement Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 54 Aviso! Leia e siga todos os avisos e instruções assinalados no produto ou incluídos na documentação. Avviso! Leggere e seguire tutti gli avvisi e le istruzioni presenti sul prodotto o inclusi nella documentazione. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 55 Aviso! Desconecte este dispositivo da tomada durante trovoadas ou quando não é utilizado durante longos períodos de tempo. Avviso! Utilizzare soltanto i collegamenti e gli accessori specificati e/o venduti dal produttore, quali il treppiedi e l'esoscheletro. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 56 Advertência! Não abra o chassi. Não há internamente nenhuma peça que permita manutenção pelo usuário. Abrir o chassi anula a garantia, a menos que a abertura seja realizada por uma central de serviços da AJA ou por um local autorizado. Avvertenza! Non aprire lo chassis. All’interno non ci sono parti riparabili dall’utente.
  • Page 57 è stato rovesciato del liquido è stato rovesciato o qualche oggetto è caduto nel dispositivo, il dispositivo è stato esposto a pioggia o umidità, non funziona correttamente o è caduto Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 58 CA tipo brick. Advertência! Remova os cabos CA de alimentação brick da rede elétrica ao mover a unidade. Avvertenza! Scollegare il cavo dell’alimentatore quando si sposta l’unità. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 59 Avviso! Proteggere il cavo di alimentazione in modo che nessuno ci cammini sopra e che non venga schiacciato soprattutto in corrispondenza delle spine e del punto in cui esce dal dispositivo. Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 60 If the Customer brings a valid claim under this limited warranty for a hardware product or storage module (hereafter, a “product”) during the applicable warranty period, AJA Video will, at its sole option and as the Customer’s sole remedy for breach of the above warranty, provide one of the following remedies: •...
  • Page 61 Control Panel Restart Services 15 Save 46 Info Screen 48 Control Room 6 Preset Files Storage Location 16, 46 Input/Output Icon 14 Control Screen 20 Presets 16 Input/Output Icons 14 Cross-Conversion 23 Presets Screen 45 Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...
  • Page 62 Uploading Custom User LUT file 43 User Bits 45 VANC Checkbox 33 Variable Framerate (VFR) 45 Video+Key 25 Video Format 22 Video In 21 Video Input 24 Video Path 13 Video Setup Screen 32 Io X3 Capture, Display, Convert v16.2 www.aja.com...

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