14 DAY TRIAL // Although I can't certainly say I am all that familiar with professional video capture cards, after all these type off solutions are not build for the average Joe out there, Aja's Kona 3G certainly feels like something apart as it comes with a HDMI 1.4a output for stereographic monitoring to consumer 3D displays as well as real-time transcoding support for 2K resolution video content.
This allows for 3D content to be watched on regular 3D enabled consumer monitors and HDTVs, Aja's offering also coming with 8-channel AES digital audio I/O support and 16-channel SDI embedded audio input/output.
Real-time hardware-based up-, down- and cross-conversion is also possible from and to a wide range of SD and HD formats, the Kona 3G supporting even 2K resolution (2048x1556) videos, an impressive feat to say the least.
Supporting both Macs and PCs, Kona 3G can extend its connectivity further using an optional K3G-Box, this 19-inch, 1RU rack-mountable breakout box coming with additional 8 AES audio channels, 2-channel RCA analog audio monitoring jacks and looping BNC Genlock reference connectors, a really useful piece of kit for video professional that work with a wide range of input sources.
As far as software support is concerned the Kona 3G features seamless integration with Apple Final Cut Studio, Adobe CS5, Apple ProRes 422 and ProRes 4444 on the Mac side, PC users benefiting from integration with Adobe CS5, Sony Vegas, Autodesk Combustion, to name just a few of the applications compatible.
“Our Kona family of products has long set the standard for performance and reliability in professional video I/O, and the Kona 3G carries that tradition,” said Aja President Nick Rashby.
“Kona 3G is the highest-end offering in our Kona line and provides our customers with incredible flexibility supporting everything from SD to 2K, 3D, 3G SDI and more to suit the demands of today’s multi-camera, multi-format project workflows.”
All of these features can be had for $1995, Kona's 3G retail pricing, while the K3G-Box is available for $395, a OK price point considering the wide range of I/O connectors it brings to the Kona 3G.