AJA Ki Pro

AJA Ki Pro

Portable Digital File Recorder

AJA Ki Pro Brochure
Ki Pro Installation and Operating Manual, version 2.0
Ki Pro Quick Start Manual
Video
Ki Pro FAQs
Accessories
Ki Pro Training Videos
Go to ZGC Webstore to order

Post-production redefined...during production

Everyone from broadcasters to indie filmmakers can probably agree on one thing: the possible choices for image acquisition are daunting. Different cameras, different formats, different recording media and different compression schemes. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to simplify acquisition so that virtually any camera could record the same format and resolution? Solution—the AJA Ki Pro Family, consisting of the Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini.
The AJA Ki Pro is a tapeless video recording device that records high-quality Apple ProRes 422 QuickTime files onto computer-friendly Storage Module media. Because it features SD/HD-SDI, HDMI, and analog inputs, you can interface with virtually any type of camera you might own or rent. Enjoy monitoring flexibility through Ki Pro's numerous simultaneous outputs, connecting to both professional and consumer monitors. Ki Pro is portable and rugged; designed for real production environments. With the optional exo-skeleton it can sit below your camera—out of the way of your battery adapters, wireless mics and other accessories. Offering up/down/cross-conversion and a multitude of connections, integration with your other production gear is seamless.
The AJA Ki Pro Mini is similar to the Ki Pro, but instead of Storage Modules, it uses high-speed CompactFlash cards, emphasizing portability for roles where size matters and conversion and I/O option diversity aren't needed.

All Ki Pros are intuitive to operate. Alongside the camera, the familiar VTR-like buttons provide immediate controls for basic operation.
From a distance, use a web browser via ethernet to control operations from a laptop. The standard Ki Pro can even be controlled via Wireless 802.11 with an iPhone or computer.

A revolution in production and post

Eliminate the cost and inconvenience of logging and capturing footage. Ki Pro produces Apple ProRes 422 QuickTime files that are ready for immediate use within Final Cut Studio [(Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes (LT), Apple ProRes (Proxy) and Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) supported]. Simply connect the media to a host computer and begin editing. Unify cameras and formats with one superior 10-bit full-raster codec—Apple ProRes 422. The standard Ki Pro features cross-conversion so you can have a 720p camera produce a 1080i recording to match your other camera... or vice versa. And if you've got high-quality SD cameras, it can even help you extend their use since it also up-converts SD camera signals to HD recordings.

No more digitizing
No more worrying about which camera to use
High-quality ready-to-edit video

Ki Pro in the field

All Ki Pros are portable and rugged; designed for production environments. Powered through an industry standard 4-pin XLR, you have flexible AC and battery options.
The Ki Pro Mini is ultra-compact, designed to fit battery accessory plates, hot- shoe adapters and other camera add-ons—especially when used with the optional mounting plate. The standard Ki Pro offers an optional exo-skeleton for use with your camera and tripod—complete with sliding baseplate and slots for 15mm rods.

Ki Pro connects

Capture the full quality of your camera by tapping the direct uncompressed camera output. Connect any digital camera via SDI or HDMI to Ki Pro recorders. Balanced audio connectors, LTC input/output, and even LANC, are provided. On the standard Ki Pro add component analog and unbalanced audio connections. By bypassing tape or media compression, Ki Pro can produce better picture quality than the camera does using it's own recording media.

Ki Pro and Final Cut Studio

From acquisition to delivery, use the codec at the core of Apple's Final Cut Studio suite of applications. All Ki Pros support an Apple file-based workflow by recording standard Apple ProRes 422 QuickTime files on industry standard media. On Ki Pro Mini, record to standard Compact Flash (CF) cards. On the standard Ki Pro, record to a removable HDD Storage Module containing a hard disk drive (standard) or an optional SSD Storage Module with a solid state disk. When removed, the Storage Module functions as a standard bus-powered FireWire 800 drive. If bus power is not available, the Storage Module has a standard DC power connector for a user-supplied AC power adapter.

Ki Pro

Click to view larger

Ki Pro Overview Video (click to play)

Ki Pro FAQs

Q: Can Ki Pro Storage Modules be powered off of FireWire bus power? Are there any limitations?

A: Please note that the following item does not affect Intel-based Mac Pro or MacBook Pro users:

Ki Pro Storage Modules can normally be connected to Apple computers and powered solely by the FireWire 800 port via bus power. However, on some older PowerPC G5 computers, the power provided by the computer is in excess of what the Storage Module’s FIreWire 800 port can handle. To avoid the risk of damaging the Storage Module, the use of older PowerPC G5 computers is not recommended. If the Storage Module must be used with a PowerPC G5 computer, then the use of the Storage Module power supply is strongly recommended. The power supply should be connected to the Storage Module and then the Storage Module may be connected to the PowerPC G5 via FireWire.

Q: Can Ki Pro play back non-Apple ProRes QuickTime files?

A: Ki Pro supports the playback of Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), Apple ProRes (LT) and Apple ProRes (Proxy) QuickTime files with appropriate 24-bit 48kHz audio in formats and frame rates noted as supported by the latest firmware release. Files created in other codecs or at other frame rates or frame sizes will not result in playback if placed in the "AJA" folder on the Ki Pro Storage Module. Placing non-Apple ProRes QuickTime files in the "AJA" folder can lead to problematic issues when attempting "Play All" operation of clips; if media other than Apple ProRes QuickTime files must be kept on the Ki Pro Storage Module, they should be placed outside of the "AJA" folder on the drive.

Q: How do I configure my web browser for Ki Pro remote access?

A: Since the AJA Ki Pro web user interface will generally be on a private network, AJA recommends disabling pop-up window blocking for your web browser. Certain confirmation task prompts, such as the one for "delete clip", may be blocked as they can be interpreted by some browsers as a pop-up.

Accessories

Ki Pro Product includes:

Ki Pro
Ki Pro HDD Storage Module
AC Adapter 110/220 with 4-pin XLR connector

Exo-skeleton – provides a surrounding chassis for the Ki Pro that can both mount to a tripod and provide a mount for camera on top; this combination allows convenient access to controls.
Ki Pro SSD Storage Module – although the Ki Pro comes standard with a removable HDD Storage Module, an optional SSD Storage Module is also available. The Ki Pro Solid State Storage Module (SSD) is recommended for mobile environments where shock-proof sturdiness may be needed. The Ki Pro SSD Storage Module offers the ultimate in media reliability.
Ki Pro Hard Drive Storage Module – although Ki Pro comes with one removable HDD Storage Module standard, you can buy extras and simply swap them as needed.
Ki Pro Rod Accessory Kit – this kit adds endplates to the Exo-skeleton so you can attach two user-supplied 15mm camera accessory rods. The endplates have knobs for adjusting the height of the rod brackets relative to the camera, as well as a set of knobs for securing the rods in the brackets.
AJA Lens Tap Cable Accessory – allows Ki Pro to connect between the lens tap control connector on a lens and camera body, thereby intercepting the lens control signals for use in simple start/stop Ki Pro recording operations.

For additional information, go to the AJA website
Go to ZGC Webstore to order