Aja Video Systems Kona IP25

The KONA IP25 is a cutting-edge 8-lane PCIe Gen 4.0 SMPTE ST 2110 IP I/O card, providing a seamless bridge between traditional SDI workflows and IP-based media networks. Specifically engineered to support broadcast-quality, uncompressed video transmission, it ensures high-speed and low-latency media handling, making it an essential tool for modern IP video infrastructures.

At the heart of the KONA IP25 are its dual SFP28 cages, which support both 10 GigE and 25 GigE connections. These high-bandwidth interfaces enable the transmission and reception of multiple uncompressed video streams in resolutions up to UltraHD 3840x2160p at 60fps. The KONA IP25 supports bidirectional video, handling up to 2 input (Rx) and 2 output (Tx) streams simultaneously. These streams can be configured in 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 at 2048x1080p or 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 at UltraHD resolutions, ensuring uncompromised video quality. This flexibility in resolution and color space allows the KONA IP25 to cater to a wide variety of professional use cases, from live broadcasting to post-production and visual effects.

In addition to video, the KONA IP25 fully supports SMPTE ST 2110-30 audio, handling up to 16 channels of 24-bit audio per stream, synchronized at 48kHz. This robust audio capability ensures that video and audio streams remain perfectly in sync throughout the workflow, offering both fidelity and reliability in live production environments. SMPTE ST 2110-40 support allows for the transport of ancillary data such as closed captions, subtitles, and timecode, providing a complete media workflow solution.

One of the standout features of the KONA IP25 is its robust redundancy support via SMPTE ST 2022-7. This feature ensures that both input and output streams are duplicated over the two 25 GigE SFP connections, providing hitless redundancy. In case of any network failure or packet loss on one link, the media stream continues uninterrupted on the second link, guaranteeing maximum uptime and reliability—crucial in broadcast and live event environments.

The KONA IP25 also incorporates advanced timing and synchronization technologies. It features onboard Precision Time Protocol (PTP) version 2 (ST 2059-2) for precise clock synchronization across IP networks. PTPv2 is essential for ensuring the smooth transmission of video and audio streams across the network, particularly in complex, multi-camera live productions. The card's control interfaces support both In-Band (via media network SFPs) and Out-of-Band (via a 1 GigE RJ-45 control network), giving users flexibility in configuring and managing their SMPTE ST 2110 infrastructure.

For creative professionals, the KONA IP25 integrates seamlessly with leading industry software. Its support for popular video editing, compositing, and streaming applications, such as Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, and OBS Studio, ensures that users can continue working with their favorite tools without interruption. AJA’s Desktop Software suite enhances this compatibility, providing a feature-rich environment for capture, playback, and I/O configuration. The AJA Control Room application allows for comprehensive capture and playout workflows, while AJA Control Panel provides users with detailed I/O settings, giving them full control over their media streams.

For developers, the KONA IP25 offers extensive development opportunities via the AJA SDK (Software Development Kit). The same SDK that supports traditional SDI KONA cards can also be used with the KONA IP25, making it easy for developers to create custom applications or integrate ST 2110 support into existing systems. With support across macOS, Windows, and Linux, developers can build solutions that are compatible with a broad range of operating environments. The SDK supports features such as NMOS control (IS-04 and IS-05), providing a foundation for creating advanced, software-defined media networks.

The KONA IP25 is also equipped with powerful keying capabilities, supporting downstream keying of UltraHD graphics with alpha channels over video, or matte content. This allows users to overlay graphics, titles, or other media elements on live video feeds—ideal for broadcast graphics, weather displays, or live event overlays.

AJA’s renowned build quality ensures that the KONA IP25 meets the demands of professional environments. Its power-efficient design consumes just 40W (50W maximum), and it features a low-noise fan rated at 33.1 dBA, making it suitable for noise-sensitive production environments. The card is also compliant with RoHS 3 and the IEC 62368-1:2014 2nd Edition safety standard, ensuring that it meets the latest regulatory requirements.

In summary, the KONA IP25 represents the future of SMPTE ST 2110 workflows, offering comprehensive support for uncompressed video, audio, and ancillary data. Its high-speed Ethernet interfaces, redundancy features, and support for industry-leading software make it an invaluable tool for broadcasters, production houses, and developers transitioning to IP-based workflows.