The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2023, always a hotspot for broadcasting innovation, has seen its fair share of exciting launches. Yet, amidst the plethora of announcements, AJA Video’s unveiling of their latest product, the Kona X card, stood out as a significant highlight.
At the bustling event, we caught up with Abe Abt, Senior Product Consultant at AJA Video. “IBC has been phenomenal for us,” Abt said, exuding enthusiasm. “After a brief hiatus, our second year back in Amsterdam has been non-stop, and we’re thrilled to showcase our innovations to both familiar faces and newcomers.”
When asked about the kind of footfall they experienced, Abe Abt was quick to point out the gravity of the event for serious business. “While browsers are always present, IBC proves invaluable for us in engaging with developer and engineering clients. These are the folks who ask the tough questions, ensuring we’re always on our toes.”
The crown jewel of AJA Video’s presentation was undoubtedly the Kona X. Abt likened its release to launching a new iPhone. “The Kona X is our fastest card ever,” he explained, “Its unique subframe latency feature captures visuals line by line, making the transfer to software applications in under a framework of latency.”
But the innovations didn’t stop there. This advanced board boasts the latest connectivity – from 12G-SDI input and output to HDMI 2.0. Unique to this product is its design tailored for the medical industry, leading to its sibling, the Kona XM. Abt delved deeper into this, noting, “Given its intent for medical usage, we’ve ensured it meets the rigorous IEC 60601-1 standards. This isn’t just a testament to its safety but highlights how robust and reliable this board is.”
Not forgetting the finer details, the Kona X’s HDMI interface supports basis spec resolutions. Abt elaborated, “For the first time, we’re handling resolutions typically seen in computer outputs, like 1920×1200 or 2560×1440.”
Adjacent to their main attraction, the Kona Xpand was also on display. Designed as a complement to the Kona card, it caters to specific connectivity needs. Whether it’s a discrete audio interface requirement or an RS422, the Kona Xpand ensures that AJA Video’s solutions remain holistic.
As IBC 2023 progresses, industry professionals are bound to see more breakthroughs. Still, AJA Video’s Kona X has undoubtedly set a high bar, reaffirming the company’s reputation for blending innovation with reliability.