AJA Debuts Two New Mini-Converter Products at NAB 2009

Hi5-3G and HDP2 Deliver AJA Reliability and Performance for Increased Video and Audio Format Support.

Las Vegas, NV.—AJA Video Systems,, the leading manufacturer of professional video interface and conversion solutions, is releasing two new Mini-Converters at NAB 2009, the Hi5-3G and the HDP2. These Mini-Converters are designed both for the broadcast and post-production display markets and provide support for a wide array of the latest video and audio formats. These new converters will be showcased at the AJA booth SL2513 during the NAB conference, April 20-23, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Hi5-3G converts 3G-SDI, dual or single-link HD-SDI, or SD-SDI to HDMI v1.3a for driving HDMI monitors. HDMI v1.3a capability with Deep Color support at 30 and 36 bits per pixel provides integration with the latest 10-bit monitors. Audio is supported in the HDMI output allowing a convenient single cable audio/video connection. The Hi5-3G provides 2-channel RCA style audio outputs for separate audio monitoring if needed.

The HDP2 is a miniature HD/SD-SDI to DVI-D converter for digital display devices, such as LCD, DLP, and Plasma monitors or projectors. Using a very high quality scaling engine and de-interlacer, the HDP2 will automatically size 4:3 or 16:9 video inputs to many DVI-D monitors. For appropriate monitor configurations, scaling is automatically 1-to-1—for example, displaying 1920x1080 video on a WUXGA (1920x1200) monitor. The HDP2 will also automatically adapt the input frame rate for monitor compatibility. In addition, the HDP2 provides 2-channel audio monitoring and a looping output of the SDI input. The HDP2 is designed for general monitoring, and is perfect for use in applications such as general post-production reference monitoring, client monitoring, presentation, projection, corporate displays, kiosk applications, and much more. The HDP2 also supports HDMI v1.3a Deep Color (with a DVI to HDMI adapter). In the HDMI mode, Deep Color is supported at 30/36 bits per pixel with 8-channel audio. HDP2 replaces the hugely popular HDP.

Both the Hi5-3G and the HDP2 provide USB connectivity to allow for easy PC/Mac setup and field upgrades, and are backed by AJA’s five-year warranty.

“We’ve been making many of the industry’s most popular video converter products for over fifteen years and our Mini-Converters are known for their great price/performance ratio,” said Nick Rashby, President, AJA Video Systems. “With these two new Mini-Converters we’re building new and unique functionality that responds directly to our customer’s demands.”

Hi5-3G has an MSRP of $690, and HDP2 also has an MSRP of $690. Both products will be available in May via AJA’s worldwide network of channel partners.