At NAB AJA released a number of innovative new products including a baby brother to the Io HD; a new budget Kona LHi and the very interesting Ki Pro direct-to-ProRes recorder. For PC Users they released the Xena LHi with support for Adobe CS 4 Production Premium.

Ki Pro

The Ki Pro Portable Digital Disk Recorder is a tapeless device that records files to the Apple ProRes 422 codec directly from the camera. It has extensive analog and digital input so that virtually any source can be into Ki Pro to record to 10 bit ProRes 422 that is immediately available in Final Cut Pro without conversion.

The Ki Pro can record hours of full raster, 10 bit, ProRes media to a removable storage module with built-in FireWire 800 or to 34mm Expresscard Flash modules The Ki Pro includes real-time conversion from SD to HD, or both directions between 720 and 1080 in 10 bit quality. Cameras can connect via SDI, HDMI or any analog camera with multiple input options.

It includes built-in WiFi and Ethernet for full control via a web-browser, including the web browser on the iPhone. The Ki Pro is priced at $3995 and is expected to ship in June.

Kona LHi and Xena LHi

Essentially the same card but with optimization for OS X (Kona LHi) and Windows (Xena LHi) these new cards set new price/performance benchmarks for AJA. They include 3G SDI single-link and uncompressed capture and playback for SD and HD with a full complement of analog input and output.

Key features include:

• 3G HD/SD SDI input/output with 10 bit uncompressed input and output

• HDMI v1.3a input/output w/Deep Color at 30/36 bits per pixel

• 12-bit SD/HD analog component or SD composite/YC I/O

• 10-bit Hardware-based realtime up/down/cross-conversions

• DVCPRO HD hardware acceleration

• HDV hardware acceleration

• Dynamic RT hardware acceleration

• 2-ch balanced XLR AES digital audio and 2-ch balanced XLR analog audio input/output

• 8-ch SDI embedded audio input/output

• HD/SD Genlock and RS-422 machine control

• LTC Input (on Reference input)

• Support for Final Cut Studio applications, Adobe applications and more

• Breakout cables standard, affordable KLHi-Box breakout box optional

• 3-year international warranty

The KONA LHi is available immediately for $1495. The optional KLHi-Box breakout box also available now for $349. While stocks last the Kona LHe is available for $1295, a $500 saving. The Kona 3 remains available for those who need dual-link HD-SDI and 2K support.

Two years ago AJA released the Io HD, which provides almost every input and output that you could possibly want with direct-to-ProRes capture. The Io Express offers a similar (but smaller) feature set for portable capture to a laptop or (optionally) to a desktop on both OS X and Windows. Unlike the Io HD, the Io Express does not convert to ProRes in hardware. It sends uncompressed video to the laptop via a ExpressCard interface, like the Matrox MXO 2.

Io Express Features:

• Interfaces with MacBook Pro and Windows laptops for input/output of popular file-based formats

• HD/SD SDI input and output

• HDMI 1.3a input and output, with Deep Color support at 30 and 36 bit per pixel

• HD/SD Component video output

• 2-Channel RCA audio output

• LTC I/O (selectable LTC Input/Reference Video Input)

• RS422 machine control

• Powerful and proven KONA or XENA drivers

• Compatible with Apple Final Cut Studio, Adobe CS4, and more

• Small, highly portable case design, one rackunit tall, half rackunit wide

• 4-pin XLR power for AC or battery operation

• 3-meter PCIe tether cable

• PCIe Mac Pro / workstation interface option available

• AJA 3-year international warranty

The Io Express will be available in Q3 of 2009 for $995.

AJA added new mini-converters to their product line: the Hi5-3G and the HDP2:

The Hi5-3G converts 3G-SDI, dual or single-link HD-SDI, or SD-SDI to HDMI v1.3a for driving HDMI monitors. HDMI v1.3a capability with Deep Color support at 30 and 36 bits per pixel is fully compatible with the latest 10-bit monitors. Audio is supported in the HDMI output allowing a convenient single cable audio/video connection. The Hi5-3G provides 2-channel RCA style audio outputs for separate audio monitoring if needed. The Hi5-3G will be available in May for US$690.

The HDP2 is a miniature HD/SD-SDI to DVI-D converter for digital display devices, such as LCD, DLP, and Plasma monitors or projectors. Using a very high quality scaling engine and de-interlacer, the HDP2 will automatically size 4:3 or 16:9 video inputs to DVI-D monitors. The HDP2 automatically adapt sthe input frame rate for monitor compatibility. In addition, the HDP2 provides 2-channel audio monitoring and a looping output of the SDI input. The HDP2 is designed for general post-production reference monitoring, client monitoring, presentation, projection, corporate displays, kiosk applications, etc. The HDP2 also supports HDMI v1.3a Deep Color (with a DVI to HDMI adapter). In the HDMI mode, Deep Color is supported at 30/36 bits per pixel with 8-channel audio. HDP2 replaces the hugely popular HDP. The Hi5-3G will be available in May for US$690.

A special report by Philip Hodgetts. For analysis and commentary check my blog.