Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 13, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
#100913_kipromini
Bryce Button from AJA explained the creation of the Ki Pro Mini to us in the following words: “We wanted finally to make the 10-bit, file-based workflow mobile – and built the KiPro Mini so that it handles ProRes 422, is about the size of a battery pack and can be attached anywhere.”
#100913_aja_brycebutton
The 10-bit/4:2:2 flash recorder can do almost everything its big brother, the Ki Pro, can do. However, it is considerably more manageable and is therefore intended to be capable of recording on all cameras without doubling the weight – especially of mobile camera systems.
Apple’s ProRes 422 is used as the recording format, which then comes from the camera via SD/HD SDI and HDMI I/O and takes the data from two XLR audio connections with it. The XLRs can switch between line and microphone, and their levels can also be monitored on the device. Digitally, not just two but eight channels are available, as embedded audio via SDI and HDMI.
One of the nicest features on the KiPro Mini is a plate. Not a hard drive, but a solid aluminium plate with holes and slots for almost all connections. This makes it possible to attach the recorder to practically every device, from flash connections and battery bays to rechargeable-battery connections and other useful production equipment. The Ki Pro Mini is expected to ship from October, at a price of 1,995 dollars.
In addition, AJA is introducing a new Hi5-3D mini-converter for stereo-3D monitoring. The 3G/HD-SDI-to-HDMI 1.4a/SDI converter enables simple 3D playback on monitors and projectors. The dual 3G input can be delivered in various multiplexing methods, in genuine 3D HDMI (1.4a). The Hi5-3D also corrects the rotation caused by the design of the stereo rig in one step. The little helper costs around 500 US dollars.
The KONA-3G capture card is intended to take care of the files later in the process. 10-bit video is output and captured uncompressed via 3G/HD/SD SDI I/O or HDMI 1.4a. Output is even possible on consumer 3D displays. The stated price is approximately 2,000 US dollars.
