Chapter 1: Introduction; Overview - AJA Ki PRO rack Operation Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

Overview

Ki Pro Rack v4.2
Ki Pro Rack satisfies the broadcast video requirement for a compact, 1 RU rack-mounted
digital video recorder designed for creating "ready-to-edit" professional digital video
files. Supporting a file-based workflow, Ki Pro Rack records Apple ProRes 422 or Avid
DNxHD files on industry-standard media. Features include analog and digital audio/
video I/O and recording to 2x removable SATA storage modules. When removed, the
storage modules function as standard FireWire 800 drives.
With Ki Pro Rack you can acquire video using the same codecs that you use for editing—
Apple ProRes 422 or Avid DNxHD. Ki Pro Rack supports all four types of Apple ProRes 422
(including HQ, LT and Proxy) as well as Avid DNxHD 220x, Avid DNxHD 145 and for 1080p
formats, Avid DNxHD 36. Ki Pro Rack simplifies the link between production and post by
acquiring on the best codecs for use with Apple Final Cut Pro X or Avid Media Composer
from virtually any SDI or HDMI camera, regardless of format. With its extensive analog
and digital connectivity, virtually any video and audio source can feed into Ki Pro Rack,
and 10-bit realtime up/down/cross conversion, allows you to record in the format you
want to edit and deliver.
Internally, Ki Pro Rack natively supports the Apple ProRes 422 or Avid DNxHD codecs in
hardware, allowing realtime capture directly to QuickTime files. In fact, while the camera
is recording to its own tape or file-based memory, Ki Pro Rack can simultaneously capture
the media as ProRes or DNxHD so it's instantly ready to edit when the removable storage
module is connected to a computer. With this kind of flexibility, you can save time, steps,
and get your project done quicker and with the highest quality.
Like AJA's famous KONA and other Ki Pro products, Ki Pro Rack offers unparalleled
connectivity. Within its 1 RU form factor, Ki Pro Rack offers SD/HD analog I/O, SD/HD
digital I/O, HDMI I/O, two channels of balanced analog audio I/O, RS-422 machine control,
and LTC timecode in/out.
Control options are also varied and flexible. An Ethernet 10/100/1000 LAN connection via
an RJ45 connector allows remote control and configuration from a Mac or PC web
browser.
This manual covers installation and operation of Ki Pro Rack and its options.
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