These devices facilitate ultra-low latency transfer and management of 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/VESA Dante video and audio over a 1 GigE Dante AV network to and from 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0 devices. The update, available for free download, enhances the functionality of these devices with several improvements driven by user feedback, meeting the evolving needs of AV professionals and allowing for seamless integration of high-quality, visually lossless video in varied AV-over-IP setups.

Enhanced HDR Support and New Features One of the key additions in Dante AV 4K v1.1 is the support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) workflows, a feature increasingly in demand in broadcasting, production, and professional AV. This update ensures smooth transmission of HDR signals and provides users with the ability to modify HDR metadata on the received outputs. Additionally, the update brings in support for the Ref In input on the AJA Dante AV 4K-R, enabling synchronization of the 4K-R output with other baseband device outputs and sources using devices like the AJA GEN 10 HD/SD sync generator. Another notable enhancement is the activation of a second locking ethernet port (Eth2), allowing for simpler network expansions without the need for additional direct ethernet connections to the switch.

Cropping and Scaling, 4K and 8K Workflow Validation The new update introduces cropping and scaling features for the 4K-R, enabling easy scaling from 4K to UHD and downscaling from UHD to HD, with options for Auto, Native, and Crop 4K to UHD/Scale UHD to HD. Dante AV 4K v1.1 also supports certain 4K and 8K 4×4 workflows, verifying that signals from AJA 4K-T can be distributed to four 4K-Rs in sync and in time – a critical aspect in live production scenarios. The update also adds support for 3G Level B 4:2:2 10-bit high frame rate.

Integration with Dante Domain Manager This update brings added compatibility with Audinate’s Dante Domain Manager, available through global resellers. This compatibility allows AJA 4K-R and 4K-T users to utilize the solution’s API for controlling Dante through touch panels, monitoring status, and automating workflows, enhancing the overall efficiency and user experience.

Industry Feedback and Future Outlook Audinate’s Senior Product Manager, Wim Roose, commented on the update, highlighting AJA’s significant contribution to the Dante AV family. He expressed enthusiasm about how customers globally are adopting AJA Dante AV 4K-T and 4K-R for Dante audio and synchronized, high-quality, ultra-low latency networked video. Roose is excited about this new update, coming less than a year after the product’s launch, and looks forward to continuing the partnership with AJA to advance IP workflows in the pro AV and media sectors.

AJA’s President, Nick Rashby, shared insights on the evolving landscape of video over IP, noting the wide variation in workflows depending on the approach. Rashby emphasized AJA’s commitment to continually introduce new features to the 4K-R and 4K-T models, providing users with necessary tools to realize their visions. He expressed eagerness to see how users will utilize the plethora of new features offered by the Dante AV 4K v1.1 update.