AJA introduces Desktop Software and SDK v16.2 with 12-bit RGB workflow enhancements
AJA Video Systems has unveiled Desktop Software v16.2 for all Kona, Io and T-Tap Pro products, in addition to AJA SDK v16.2 for developer partners. The release introduces a wide range of workflow enhancements, including the latest macOS support; new OBS Studio compatibility; improved 12-bit, 444, RGB workflows for 4K/UltraHD; upgraded LUT functionality; new codec and special playback support in Control Room; and expanded multichannel audio. The release also underpins the launch of Io X3, the newest addition to AJA’s Io line-up of Thunderbolt 3 connected mobile capture and output devices.
Desktop Software v16.2 is available now as a free download from the AJA website and includes support for macOS Monterey and Windows 11. Once Desktop Software is installed on a system running OBS Studio v27.2 or later, select AJA devices will be immediately available for multi- or single-channel capture and switching up to 4K/UltraHD 30p and 2K/HD 60p.
OBS Project core contributor Colin Edwards shared: “With the release of the new AJA plug-in for OBS Studio, users have even more choices for integrating OBS into professional broadcast workflows. This plug-in sets a new standard for reliability and customisation when working with broadcast hardware.”
Desktop Software v16.2 is also said to enable greater flexibility and more accurate, vivid 4K/UltraHD colour workflows, courtesy of new 12-bit, 4:4:4, RGB firmware for Kona 5 and Corvid 44 12G, with support for a full 12-bit pipeline across capture to colour space conversion and output. This functionality is backed by an upgrade to the .cube format for all 12-bit and 10-bit LUT capabilities, bringing greater compatibility between AJA hardware and third-party colour and mastering applications.
Workflow options with included AJA Control Room software are expanded through the addition of H.264 and H.265 capture and playback up to 2K/HD 60p, including timecode and closed captioning support, and further provide compatibility with mobile devices, PCs and AJA Ki Pro Go media.
This release also includes new deep memory buffer capabilities for Control Room to maintain steady playback in the event that storage or network bottlenecks interrupt the flow of data from storage to the video output host. With the introduction of Io X3, a new MultiView feature allows up to four incoming SDI sources to be monitored on a single external HDMI monitor, providing a confidence view for multi-channel workflows with OBS Studio and Telestream Wirecast.
In addition to the traditional AJA Developer Program enrolment, AJA’s SDK v16.2 is also now available via open source, offering multiple options for developers looking to incorporate AJA technologies into product design and development.
SDK v16.2 also introduces a host of new features, including 64/32 audio channel support with Kona 5, Corvid 44 12G, Corvid 88 and Corvid 44, enabling users to ingest and output up to 64 discrete audio channels across multiple SDI links, useful for the latest 8K workflows that require 22.2 audio mastering.