AJA Video Systems today announced Corvid Ultra, the latest product in AJA’s Corvid family of OEM technologies, delivering superior I/O, processing and scaling for complex, multi-format 4K/2K and HD/Dual-link/SD workflows. Corvid Ultra is part of AJA’s OEM program available to partners to incorporate into software applications or hardware systems to facilitate high-bandwidth / high frame rate performance using AJA’s proven technology.

Corvid Ultra was first previewed as a technology demonstration codenamed “Riker” at NAB 2011, and features support for 2K and 4K DI workflows as well as high-quality scaling capabilities for all resolutions. With support for high frame rates (48p and 60p), 4K and stereoscopic workflows, onboard debayering support and two expandable card bays, Corvid Ultra provides maximum performance for the most critical applications. Corvid Ultra works with a host computer via its incredibly fast 8-lane PCIe 2.0 interface card, which tethers to the 2RU Corvid Ultra chassis via a 3-meter high-speed PCIe cable.

Corvid Ultra’s new TruScale™ arbitrary scaling engine option allows high-quality up or down scaling of any raster from tiny web video up to and 4K. TruScale is real-time and keyframeable, allowing motion video to be efficiently resized while maintaining pristine image quality. It also enables many new and exciting workflows including real-time pan-and-scan of 4K to HD. Corvid Ultra can be expanded with up to two TruScale cards for multi-stream scaling of up to 4K images.

“With the rising demand in 4K filmmaking, several of our OEM partners have approached us asking about a solution to handle the incredible bandwidth required,” said Nick Rashby, President, AJA Video Systems. “The combination of Corvid Ultra’s TruScale™ arbitrary hardware scaler, support for high-framerate 2K and 4K, and the capability to process RAW camera data in real time has generated a lot of excitement from our OEM partners. We’re thrilled to see all of the new workflows the Corvid Ultra is enabling.”

Corvid Ultra Features:

• Realtime 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 SD, HD, 2K, 4K I/O support
• 3G-SDI I/O – including 48p and 60p support (4:2:2 output)
• HDMI 1.4 output up to 4K, or up to 2K stereoscopic
• AJA TruScale™ realtime scaling option
• 1D and 3D LUT support
• Hardware-based debayering support
• Half-Float frame buffer support
• Two expansion slots for additional I/O or TruScale™ processing options

“We’re pleased that with AJA’s Corvid Ultra technology, we can deliver real-time 4K high-frame rate 60P playback to our On-Set Dailies customers,” said Aron Jaszberenyi, managing director of Colorfront. “AJA’s professional video solutions provide robust, powerful and cost-effective video output for our On-Set Dailies and Express Dailies products. With support for AJA solutions, we can offer a flexible range of options all delivering optimal performance to fit our customers’ diverse workflow requirements.”

In addition to Corvid Ultra, AJA also introduces Corvid 24. Building on the success of the Corvid 22 video I/O card for OEM partners, Corvid 24 is the next step in multi-channel video and audio I/O supporting up to4 independent channels of video and embedded audio capture or output all on a single PCIe card, with bypass relays and “watchdog” timers. All four connections can also be used to support full 4K I/O for maximum flexibility. Corvid 24 is available now for AJA OEM partners at a US MSRP of $1895.

Corvid Ultra will be available soon at a US MSRP of $7995 (with PCIe card and cable) with the TruScale(TM) option card available soon at a US MSRP of $3495. For a complete set of features and technical specifications, please visit www.aja.com.

AJA also introduces Corvid 24. Building on the success of the Corvid 22 video I/O card for OEM partners, Corvid 24 is the next step in multi-channel video and audio I/O supporting up to 4 independent channels of video and embedded audio capture or output all on a single PCIe card. All four connections can also be used to support full 4K I/O for maximum flexibility. Corvid 24 is available now for AJA OEM partners at a US MSRP of $1895.

About AJA Video Systems, Inc.

Since 1993, AJA Video has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality and cost-effective digital video interface, conversion and desktop solutions supporting the professional broadcast and post-production markets. With headquarters in Grass Valley, California, AJA maintains an extensive sales channel of dealers and systems integrators around the world. For further information, please see our website www.aja.com.