Aja Mini KiPro at DVinfo.net

David Parks · September 10th, 2010, 12:58 PM

News - AJA Video Systems

I think this is a game changer. For $2,000 you can record 4:2:2 Pro Res. HDMI and HD-SDI.
Sweet.

Perrone Ford · September 10th, 2010, 01:21 PM

Yep. I agree.

Fair price, commodity media, excellent codec, SDI/HDMI connectivity.

The next 12 months is going to be VERY fun for consumers and very stressful for numerous vendors.

Brad Owens · September 10th, 2010, 02:04 PM

I'm excited about this as well. I'm in a position to upgrade my whole kit so waiting about a year looks exciting. I have a funny feeling a few of these will be in my kit.

FYI, for those interested, here's a promo video.

Daniel Caruso · September 11th, 2010, 10:28 PM

looks interesting. i have some questions maybe someone can clarify. first im unsure if this is a legitament question or not, but what would be the mbps in a unit like this(comparing to the nanoflash).

second, i am unsure as to what gets recorded via the hdsdi out. does the unit have to support the frame rate and resolution in order to record? for example, if i have variable frame rates and say shoot 2 fps at 1080p, will it still be able to be recorded on the unit through hdsdi? thanks for the help.

Jon Thorn · September 11th, 2010, 11:47 PM

Daniel C. - Ki Pro Mini is designed to support the same flavors of ProRes that the original Ki Pro product supports: Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) up to 220Mbps as well as the lower data rate versions of Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (LT) and Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy). All recordings are 10-bit 4:2:2 in terms of color specificity.

Ki Pro Mini does have to support the frame rate and resolution output from the camera to be able to record it. Unlike the full size Ki Pro, the Ki Pro Mini does not feature up/down/crossconversions so if you feed it 1080i 25 or 1080i 29.97 or 720p 50 or 720p 59.94, that is what it would record. Some 720p framerates within larger frame rates (like 720p 23.98 within 720p 59.94) are supported, but not just any frame rate within a larger one will be accepted by the device.

Hope this information is helpful. I have to get back to the IBC tradeshow now.

Jon Thorn
Product Manager
AJA Video Systems, Inc.
California

Daniel Caruso · September 12th, 2010, 09:14 AM

yes thank jon, very helpful. and excuse my ignorance, but when you say up to 220mbps, this means that within the apple prores codec, the mbps or quality can be altered of different values?(much like the nanoflash). thanks again!

Larry Kelly · September 12th, 2010, 11:23 AM

It was mentioned in the video that this unit could be used with HVX200, is this a slip or is there some way to achieve this?

(edit) Ah, watched watched the video again and realized that he was referring to the kipro, not the mini.

Jon Thorn · September 12th, 2010, 02:38 PM

Daniel C. - Apple ProRes, in it's various forms, is an I-frame, variable bit rate codec. This means that the ceiling for Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) is at 220Mbps. "Regular" Apple ProRes 422 is at a maximum of 145Mbps (which personally I think is the sweet spot as it's a relatively low data rate, but extremely good quality).

For more detailed information on Apple ProRes compression, you should read Apple's whitepaper on the topic as it's very informative:
http://images.apple.com/finalcutstud..._July_2009.pdf

Larry K. - Yes, Val's experience spoken about in the video - in that particular context - is with the original Ki Pro product which features component analog allowing you to connect to the Panasonic AG-HVX200.

Regards,
Jon Thorn
Product Manager
AJA Video Systems, Inc.

Olakunle Olanrewaju · September 13th, 2010, 04:16 AM

Pls pardon for my Ignorance! is it possible to use apple prores on window based premiere pro cs4. I am really impressed with the mini kipro but afraid of the workflow on window based system.

Len Capristo · September 13th, 2010, 01:48 PM

Jon -

Is this essentially a competitor to the Nano Flash? If so, how does AJA compare the two.

Steve Phillipps · September 13th, 2010, 01:50 PM

Do a search for recent threads on DVInfo about the 2. Yes they are competitors - AJA have had the Ki Pro for some time now and it's quite large just like the Flash XDR, while the new Ki Pro Mini is small around the same size (ish) as the Nanoflash. The AJA is cheaper, the Nano arguably a bit more versatile? Quality wise I'd guess there'd not be much in it, both would be well above any broadcast standard you could currently need.
Steve

Zach Love · September 13th, 2010, 03:17 PM

I'm excited by it, and really glad to see it does CF.

Between my Sony Z7U & Canon 7D I already have some CF cards, and the new Canon XF cameras use the format too I think these cards will just get cheaper & better.

I also like to see that for $2k & some change (or a bit more for the Nano Flash) I can transform my HDV camera into a more robust format when I have the need for a better codec. Though I haven't had the need yet to purchase something of higher quality, I like to see the competition between AJA & Convergent, as consumers I think we're winning big.

Steve Phillipps · September 13th, 2010, 04:18 PM

Agreed Zach - bear in mind that with these high data rates only certain speed of CF cards will work, so you may or may not just be able to use the ones you already have. But still, even buying new CF cards is not expensive, certainly a positive point of these units is the use of "consumer" media.
Steve

Dan Brockett · September 14th, 2010, 08:55 PM

If you have never owned an Aja product, they are just outstanding. Great products and the best customer service in the business. I have owned the Aja Kona 3 since 2006 and nothing but top notch support from Aja. The KiPro Mini will be a ground breaking recorder and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Dan Brockett

Arnt Mollan · November 3rd, 2010, 07:45 AM

Is the Aja KP Mini able to to some seconds of prerecording?

September 10th, 2010, 12:58 PM	#1
David Parks Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 789	Aja Mini KiPro News - AJA Video Systems I think this is a game changer. For $2,000 you can record 4:2:2 Pro Res. HDMI and HD-SDI. Sweet. __________________ David Parks: DP/Editor: Jacobs Aerospace at NASA Johnson Space Center https://www.youtube.com/user/JacobsESCG

September 10th, 2010, 01:21 PM	#2
Perrone Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4,100	Yep. I agree. Fair price, commodity media, excellent codec, SDI/HDMI connectivity. The next 12 months is going to be VERY fun for consumers and very stressful for numerous vendors. __________________ DVX100, PMW-EX1, Canon 550D, FigRig, Dell Octocore, Avid MC4/5, MB Looks, RedCineX, Matrox MX02 mini, GTech RAID, Edirol R-4, Senn. G2 Evo, Countryman, Moles and Lowels.

September 10th, 2010, 02:04 PM	#3
Brad Owens Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 44	I'm excited about this as well. I'm in a position to upgrade my whole kit so waiting about a year looks exciting. I have a funny feeling a few of these will be in my kit. FYI, for those interested, here's a promo video. AJA KiPro MINI on Vimeo

September 13th, 2010, 03:17 PM	#12
Zach Love Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 944	I'm excited by it, and really glad to see it does CF. Between my Sony Z7U & Canon 7D I already have some CF cards, and the new Canon XF cameras use the format too I think these cards will just get cheaper & better. I also like to see that for $2k & some change (or a bit more for the Nano Flash) I can transform my HDV camera into a more robust format when I have the need for a better codec. Though I haven't had the need yet to purchase something of higher quality, I like to see the competition between AJA & Convergent, as consumers I think we're winning big. __________________ Nothing says you're a serious video maker like S-VHS

September 14th, 2010, 08:55 PM	#14
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	If you have never owned an Aja product... If you have never owned an Aja product, they are just outstanding. Great products and the best customer service in the business. I have owned the Aja Kona 3 since 2006 and nothing but top notch support from Aja. The KiPro Mini will be a ground breaking recorder and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Dan Brockett

September 11th, 2010, 10:28 PM	#4
Daniel Caruso Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Posts: 90	looks interesting. i have some questions maybe someone can clarify. first im unsure if this is a legitament question or not, but what would be the mbps in a unit like this(comparing to the nanoflash). second, i am unsure as to what gets recorded via the hdsdi out. does the unit have to support the frame rate and resolution in order to record? for example, if i have variable frame rates and say shoot 2 fps at 1080p, will it still be able to be recorded on the unit through hdsdi? thanks for the help.

September 11th, 2010, 11:47 PM	#5
Jon Thorn AJA Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grass Valley, CA Posts: 252	Daniel C. - Ki Pro Mini is designed to support the same flavors of ProRes that the original Ki Pro product supports: Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) up to 220Mbps as well as the lower data rate versions of Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (LT) and Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy). All recordings are 10-bit 4:2:2 in terms of color specificity. Ki Pro Mini does have to support the frame rate and resolution output from the camera to be able to record it. Unlike the full size Ki Pro, the Ki Pro Mini does not feature up/down/crossconversions so if you feed it 1080i 25 or 1080i 29.97 or 720p 50 or 720p 59.94, that is what it would record. Some 720p framerates within larger frame rates (like 720p 23.98 within 720p 59.94) are supported, but not just any frame rate within a larger one will be accepted by the device. Hope this information is helpful. I have to get back to the IBC tradeshow now. Jon Thorn Product Manager AJA Video Systems, Inc. California

September 12th, 2010, 09:14 AM	#6
Daniel Caruso Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Posts: 90	yes thank jon, very helpful. and excuse my ignorance, but when you say up to 220mbps, this means that within the apple prores codec, the mbps or quality can be altered of different values?(much like the nanoflash). thanks again!

September 12th, 2010, 11:23 AM	#7
Larry Kelly Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 61	It was mentioned in the video that this unit could be used with HVX200, is this a slip or is there some way to achieve this? (edit) Ah, watched watched the video again and realized that he was referring to the kipro, not the mini.

September 12th, 2010, 02:38 PM	#8
Jon Thorn AJA Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Grass Valley, CA Posts: 252	Daniel C. - Apple ProRes, in it's various forms, is an I-frame, variable bit rate codec. This means that the ceiling for Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) is at 220Mbps. "Regular" Apple ProRes 422 is at a maximum of 145Mbps (which personally I think is the sweet spot as it's a relatively low data rate, but extremely good quality). For more detailed information on Apple ProRes compression, you should read Apple's whitepaper on the topic as it's very informative: http://images.apple.com/finalcutstud..._July_2009.pdf Larry K. - Yes, Val's experience spoken about in the video - in that particular context - is with the original Ki Pro product which features component analog allowing you to connect to the Panasonic AG-HVX200. Regards, Jon Thorn Product Manager AJA Video Systems, Inc.

September 13th, 2010, 04:16 AM	#9
Olakunle Olanrewaju Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ibadan, Nigeria Posts: 103	Pls pardon for my Ignorance! is it possible to use apple prores on window based premiere pro cs4. I am really impressed with the mini kipro but afraid of the workflow on window based system.

September 13th, 2010, 01:48 PM	#10
Len Capristo Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 38	Jon - Is this essentially a competitor to the Nano Flash? If so, how does AJA compare the two.

September 13th, 2010, 01:50 PM	#11
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Do a search for recent threads on DVInfo about the 2. Yes they are competitors - AJA have had the Ki Pro for some time now and it's quite large just like the Flash XDR, while the new Ki Pro Mini is small around the same size (ish) as the Nanoflash. The AJA is cheaper, the Nano arguably a bit more versatile? Quality wise I'd guess there'd not be much in it, both would be well above any broadcast standard you could currently need. Steve

September 13th, 2010, 04:18 PM	#13
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Agreed Zach - bear in mind that with these high data rates only certain speed of CF cards will work, so you may or may not just be able to use the ones you already have. But still, even buying new CF cards is not expensive, certainly a positive point of these units is the use of "consumer" media. Steve

November 3rd, 2010, 07:45 AM	#15
Arnt Mollan Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 87	Prerecording Is the Aja KP Mini able to to some seconds of prerecording? __________________ Arnt Mollan www.mollanmedia.com