Re: XDCAM workflows using AJA Kona LHi

Hello, Krzysztof.

First, let's discuss what the Kona does not do. It does not output DV over firewire, it does not make your render times go any faster, and it does not speed up your rt very much (it can sometimes take thin raster formats and scale them to full raster HD, taking that load off of your computer, but it's not a magnanimous rt booster).

Now, let's discuss what the LHi does do. The LHI is a hardware based capture and output card that allows up down and cross conversion on input and output. It will play almost any file format that is supported in real time by FCP. You can use the hard ware down conversion to go from HD formats up to 1080p60 down to SD. It does this over professional uncompressed base band video connection such as analog component, SDI (switchable HD/SD/3gb), or even composite and S-video, and with the introduction of the LHi, you know have HDMI 1.3a at your disposal.

If you are not getting any rt from XDCam material, this not due to the Kona. It is obvious that you have something else set up incorrectly. Have you used FCP before or is this your first go around? XDCam, while light weight in terms of file size, is a processor hog. When adding nay effects or motion control to the XDCam codec, rendering can become very longdue to the Long GOP structure of the codec. If you don't know what Long GOP is I suggest you read up on it. You might want to consider bring your XDCam footage in to an i frame based codec such as ProRes as it will be a lot easier to work with the footage when it comes to effects, and color correction. If you are planning to use Color at all, this transcoding process will be imparitive.

Now, how did you set up your system? Please include slot numbers and versions of everything including FCP, OS and Kona drivers/firmware.

Jeremy