AJA Io XT With Thunderbolt Technology Is Now Available

January 26, 2012 | Filed under: Featured,Gadgets | Posted by: Sam Turker

Pro video hardware maker AJA Video Systems is now shipping a professional I/O box called the Io XT with dual Thunderbolt ports, 10-bit up-, down- and cross-conversion in hardware, uncompressed capture, monitoring and mastering, eight-channel SDI audio I/O, analog component and composite output, HDMI input and output (including 3D) and 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 HD and SD formats among other features. The dual T ports allow for daisy-chaining with other TB peripherals.

The extra Thunderbolt port allows users to connect the Io XT to a TB-equipped Mac and pass video directly through to TB-compatible storage systems or high-resolution displays via single interface. The box can unify disparate formats through its hardware-based conversion abilities and supports Apple ProRes, DVCProHD, CineForm, Avid DNxHD and other codecs. The unit features front-panel LED VU meters and headphone output with level control for monitoring. It’s compatible with most NLE video-editing systems and video formats, including stereoscopic 3D.

The unit includes two 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs and outputs; single-link SDI 4:2:2 and dual-link SDI 4:4:4 support; eight-channel balanced analog audio output (requires an optional D-25 cable), RS-422 port, 4-pin XLR power (AC adapter included) and a BNC port used as selectable Reference In/LTC In and one for LTC output. The unit includes AJA’s Control Room standalone software if needed.

The Io XT can be used with desktops or notebooks such as the TB-equipped MacBook Pro. It is backed with a three-year warranty and is available now through AJA’s network of resellers for $1,495.