IP25-R, UDC-4K and BRIDGE LIVE 12G-4 make it simpler to handle a wider range of connectivity types, resolutions, frame rates, formats and protocols for broadcast, production and AV.
The new products and updates that AJA introduced at IBC 2025 simplify signal flow management across broadcast, production and proAV environments. The IP25-R Mini-Converter connects SMPTE ST 2110 networks with 4K SDI/HDMI infrastructures, and BRIDGE LIVE 12G-4 brings multi-channel UltraHD support to the BRIDGE LIVE line of IP video devices.
The AJA UDC-4K, a further new Mini-Converter, is valuable for its flexibility factor. Made for broadcast, production and AV users who need to handle a diverse range of signals and equipment in the field, UDC-4K is 4K-capable up to 4K60p. It features frame synchronization functionality and both 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connectivity, giving users the options needed to accommodate many types of signal conversion workflows. With an integrated Distribution Amplifier (DA), it takes a single video input signal, amplifies it or reclocks it, and distributes it to multiple outputs without affecting quality or signal strength.
As well as a video scaler and frame rate converter, UDC-4K is an up/down/cross-converter, moving signals between different resolutions, formats and frame rates to ensure compatibility between all the equipment in a production. Built for 12-bit conversion, it bridges the gap between 4K, UHD, 2K, and HD video resolutions across SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs.
Synchronisation
UDC-4K can scale smoothly between HD and 4K/UltraHD, including, and meanwhile its frame rate conversion makes sure that audio and video signals remain in sync. The UDC-4K has a built-in EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) emulator that captures EDID information from the monitor and makes it available to the video source, regardless of cable types or other conditions.
A monitor supplies EDID information to describe its capabilities to the source, such as manufacturing information, resolution and frequencies supported, and detailed signal timings for native resolutions. With this information, the source can then deliver a video signal that the monitor will support. The emulator also allows up to 100 frames of configurable audio delay used to bring audio and video back into sync, to keep everything in time.
HDR Signal Management
The UDC-4K’s 10 and 12-bit signal processing support is required for correct HDR signalling management, with SDI VPID and HDMI Infoframe pass-through to address bottlenecks in HDR productions. By showing input status and including override capabilities, the SDI VPID (Video Payload Identifier describing the video format) and HDMI HDR Infoframe metadata help users manage HDR signalling.
An integrated colour LCD display and button control panel allow access to each parameter without needing a dedicated configuration computer, which saves teams time and reduces cabling. If preferred, operators can use the free AJA Mini-Config application, which shows the settings that are on the front panel display.
Active cooling and front-to-back airflow improve reliability, useful in unpredictable temperature conditions. Housed in a compact aluminum enclosure, up to three units can be mounted side-by-side on a single 1RU shelf.
IP25-R – Hybrid Baseband/IP Infrastructures
Among AJA’s other new devices shown at IBC is the IP25-R Mini-Converter. As more productions and installs adopt hybrid baseband/IP infrastructures, IP25-R can be used to de-encapsulate SMPTE ST 2110 video, audio and ancillary data with frame-accurate synchronisation for output to baseband 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 devices. It handles SMPTE ST 2110 signal conversion to HDMI 2.0 for confidence monitoring, playout and routing.
IP25-R includes dual 10/25GbE network ports, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, and four 12G-SDI BNC outputs, and can deliver low latency video up to 4K DCI (4096x2160p60) with complex HDR metadata handling.
BRIDGE LIVE 12G-4 – Multi-Camera UHD IP Video Workflows
Built for multi-camera/source UltraHD IP video workflows, the new BRIDGE LIVE 12G-4 decreases per-channel video costs through its support for varied, high-density IP workflows. It is useful in applications ranging from synchronous, multi-channel video transport and contribution, to backhaul, direct-to-audience streaming, remote production and distribution encoding.
Its 4x bi-directional 12G-SDI ports and encoding, decoding and transcoding capabilities are packed into a compact, 1RU enclosure. Broadcast, production and AV teams can use this device to convert video between SDI and industry-standard IP video codecs and protocols, such as H.264, H.265, NDI, SRT, RTMP and HLS.
Desktop Software v17.6 for KONA IP25
AJA KONA IP25
AJA has also been developing the v17.6 update for the free Desktop Software for AJA's KONA IP25, an I/O card with 10/25GbE network connectivity supporting multichannel UltraHD and uncompressed bi-directional SMPTE ST 2110 workflows. With this upgrade, the card will include Video+Key playout/TX according to SMPTE ST 2110-20:2022, a standard for combining program video with keyed graphics and titles.
The upcoming release also adds support to KONA IP25 for 4K video up to 4:4:4 12-bit, and selectable modes for multiple ST 2110-30 audio streams per video. These modes allows routing for up to 16 channels. New IGMPv3 (Internet Group Management Protocol) with Source Specific Multicasting will implement Layer 3 network support, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) will enhance media reliability over long-distance IP transport. Desktop Software v17.6 will be available soon as a free download from the AJA Support Page.
The UDC-4K, IP25-R and BRIDGE LIVE 12G-4 will also be available soon. www.aja.com
