AJA Ki Pro ND Portable ProRes File Recorder (No Drive)

The AJA Ki Pro ND Portable ProRes File Recorder (No Drive) by AJA is combine the power of a file-based recorder with the familiar controls of a tape deck that easily goes anywhere.

Ki Pro’s RS-422 control allows it to be connected to editing systems, external controllers and even other tape decks, allowing it to fulfil the functions of a traditional VTR. Editing systems can perform assemble edits direct to the Ki Pro’s Storage Module, often faster than rendering to ProRes files within an editing system. Ki Pro’s RS422 connection can also be used to directly capture tape-based media into Ki Pro as ProRes footage ready for editing or archiving.

Ki Pro’s comprehensive array of analog and digital connections let’s you effortlessly bridge formats and sources within your workflow, ingesting footage to a common format and outputting to numerous simultaneous monitor outputs. Offering AJA’s high-quality up/down/cross conversion and a multitude of connections, integration with your other production gear is seamless.

For control and configuration, Ki Pro can connect to your data network by Ethernet cable or wireless 802.11 and accessed via web browser on any networked computer, or even with an iPhone. Multiple Ki Pro units can be linked together and controlled from a single interface for gang recording, status monitoring and playback.

The original ProRes recorder

Ki Pro established a new paradigm in tapeless recording. Revolutionizing how footage tracks from production to editorial, Ki Pro captures Apple ProRes 422 files direct from the source, which can then be used in most editing systems without the need for additional import or transcoding steps. Just remove the Storage Module from the Ki Pro, connect direct to the editing computer and once the files are transferred they are immediately ready for use in the NLE software.

Unify formats – speed workflows

Offering AJA's high-quality up/down/cross conversion and a multitude of connections, integration with your other production gear is seamless. Ki Pro let's you effortlessly bridge formats and sources within your workflow, ingesting footage to a common format and outputting to numerous simultaneous monitor outputs.

Connected to a camera or used as an on set VTR, Ki Pro units unify source material to a single file format that can be used by most major editing systems without additional transcoding, streamlining the edit process and facilitating savings in time and resources.

RS-422 Control

Ki Pro's RS-422 control allows it to be easily integrated with editing systems, external controllers and even other tape decks, allowing it to fulfill the functions of a traditional VTR. Systems can perform assemble edits direct to the Ki Pro's Storage Module, often faster than rendering to ProRes files within an editing system.

Ki Pro's RS-422 connection can also be used to directly capture tape-based media into Ki Pro as ProRes footage ready for editing or archiving.

10-bit, full raster recording

Big on quality - but not on file size. Recording 10-bit, full raster files, Ki Pro Mini gives you high quality images that easily stand up to post processing requirements - and client scrutiny.

Compared to 8-bit recording devices, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording provides greater dynamic range, giving a superior representation of the original scene and allowing for more flexibility in post production when adjusting color and balance.

By utilizing efficient ProRes codecs, file sizes are kept in check so you won't need to blow your production budget on extra storage.

Connectivity

Ki Pro's extensive connectivity ensures it can interface with virtually any gear you might have in your production workflow. The packed rear connections include SDI, HDMI, component analog, balanced and unbalanced audio connectors, LTC input/output, and even LANC.

Reliable storage media

Ki Pro capture 10-bit footage direct to reliable AJA Storage Modules, available in spinning disk or SSD variants that connect directly to your editing system via a built-in FireWire 800 connection. Backed by a 1-year warranty, AJA Storage Modules are engineered with reinforced connections and thoroughly tested, ready for intensive use. Record times are longer than standard tapes as well, minimizing the number of media changes needed.

Remote configuration and operation

On set or in a machine room, Ki Pro models are equipped for advanced remote control and configuration.

On the set, Ki Pro requires minimal direct user interaction. Record start/stop operation can be triggered automatically by detecting information in the SDI signal or by using a separate LANC control on properly equipped cameras.

In a networked environment, Ethernet connectivity of Ki Pro hardware allows control and configuration to be performed via standard web browser. Multiple Ki Pro units can all be controlled from a single interface for group operation.

Simple controls and setup

Just like a traditional tape deck, each Ki Pro features straightforward dedicated Record, Play, Rewind and FastForward buttons - making the transition easy with minimal training time. The current status of the system and all configuration information is clearly displayed on the built-in screen.

The embedded OS uses a fast, flat menu structure that allows full configuration to be done directly on the device with no need to connect to a laptop to access operational parameters.

Ethernet file transfer

Because of its network connectivity, media can be copied to and from Ki Pro over the Ethernet connection. This allows for fast file transfers without the need to physically remove the media from the Ki Pro, which can be especially useful in larger facilities and can cut down on machine room traffic by eliminating the number of people that have to be in the machine room.