AJA Io Xpand (Kona 4 Bundle)
Thunderbolt 5 PCIe Expansion Chassis with Bundled AJA Kona 4
Designed for creative, broadcast, audio, and post-production workflows, the Io Xpand is a Thunderbolt 5 expansion solution that enables users to connect a full-height, half-length PCIe card to Mac, Windows, or Linux computers with Thunderbolt or USB4 ports. Modern laptops and small-form-factor systems deliver impressive processing power but often lack the PCIe expansion required for professional I/O, networking, storage, and media workflows. Io Xpand solves this by offering a x8 PCIe* 4.0 slot, support for single- or double-width cards, and up to 6000 MB/s bi-directional PCIe bandwidth.
This lightweight aluminium PCIe card enclosure protects the installed PCIe card in demanding production situations, while providing quiet operation under load in a temperature-controlled environment.
The Io Xpand is available with three optional KONA PCIe I/O card bundles offering cost-effective choices to match your needs. From single channel HD I/O with the KONA 1 to our flagship KONA 5, the Io Xpand bundles offer up to 4K HDR production proven solutions.
The Io Xpand brings professional PCIe connectivity to compact desktop, laptop, and workstations via Thunderbolt 5.
*x4 electrical support
Io Xpand Features
- Up to 6000 MB/s of bi-directional Thunderbolt 5 performance to the installed PCIe card
- Supports KONA and Corvid PCIe cards*
- Supports full height, ½ length, x4 Gen 4 PCIe cards
- Supports double-width PCIe cards and PCIe cards with daughter cards
- 6 pin auxiliary power connector and cable for cards requiring additional power
- Compatible with PCIe 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards
- Nearly silent operation via temperature-controlled fan
- Thunderbolt 5, 4, 3 and USB4 compatible
- Includes Thunderbolt 5 cable and securing bracket
- Thunderbolt daisy-chain via second Thunderbolt port
- Lightweight and rugged aluminium enclosure
- Windows, macOS, and Linux compatible
- Two-year warranty
*Corvid products are designed for developers, so some Desktop software features may not be available. Please contact AJA support for more information
Kona 4
KONA 4 is a powerful 8-lane PCIe 2.0 video and audio desktop I/O card with unparalleled features for handling everything from SD to HD, 2K and 4K with full 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 sampling for fantastic image clarity and 12-bit support*. For HDR workflows, KONA 4 supports HDR 10 and HLG* for rich colour delivery over HDMI. KONA 4 has the power for the work you do today and into the future. *Application Dependent.
Professional Connectivity
KONA 4 features bi-directional 3G-SDI connections that can be used for input and output. 16-Channels of embedded audio over SDI for multi-channel audio work and HDMI 2.0b monitoring output. LTC I/O, Genlock input, RS-422 control, configurable 3 x BNC SD/HD analogue video output and 8-channel AES audio I/O with the K3G-Box all allow KONA 4 to integrate into a variety of workflows from HDR to HFR, 4K to Multi-Channel HD for streaming and more.
Workflow
Connect your digital sources via 3G-SDI to KONA 4 for capture to a wide variety of formats.
Monitor via HDMI output (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision* and HDR10+*), and master to destinations using high quality professional SDI outputs, machine control and analog or tri-level reference.
*Dolby Vision and HDR10+ integration available when using the AJA SDK.
HDR
HDR or High Dynamic Range, provides the ability to display a wider and richer range of colours, much brighter whites, and much deeper, darker blacks than standard signals allow. This gives your imagery a more ‘dynamic’ look and allows for natural true to life colours to be communicated to your audience.
KONA 4 provides this support for your 4K/UltraHD/2K and HD HDR pipelines to HDMI compatible displays in software v13 by offering HDR10 support with HDR 10 Infoframe metadata, in accordance with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3 and HLG support on applicable HDMI displays. Desktop Software v13 introduces HLG support over HDMI for the latest versions of Adobe
Premiere CC.
Powerful
KONA 4’s extensive 4K support allows output directly from editing systems to 4K projectors or monitors, including HFR support at 50/60 fps and 4K HDMI output to support the latest UltraHD monitors, allowing editors and clients to view full resolution 4K images as they work.
KONA 4 also supports AJA Raw capture at up to 120 fps via 4 3G-SDI connections. Create beautiful and detailed slow motion with an engaging cinematic feel via AJA Control Room.
High Frame Rate support
KONA 4 has the power to support 4K High Frame Rate (HFR) at 50p and 60p for the most demanding 4K and UHD workflows.
4K HDMI output
The HDMI output is capable of displaying 4K/UHD via HDMI to many of the latest UltraHD monitors, making full-resolution monitoring affordable while still maintaining pristine image quality.
Integration
Supports macOS, Windows and Linux, providing incredible 4K and multi-channel power for a wide range of applications.
Extend your Connectivity with K3G-Box
The optional K3G-Box breakout box and cables allow KONA 4 to integrate easily into rack environments, enabling quick access to all video and audio connections without having to get at the back of the tower computer.
Additional K3G-Box functionality over the standard breakout cable comes in the form of eight additional AES audio channels, 2-channel RCA analogue audio monitoring jacks, and looping BNC Genlock reference connectors.
Thunderbolt Connectivity
Simple to set up and use, the Io Xpand’s Thunderbolt 5 ports (also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4) easily connect to a wide range of Apple, Windows, and Linux laptops and desktops, providing professional video and audio output from your favorite creative application.
Dual Thunderbolt 5 ports allow convenient daisy-chaining for workflow expansion.
Thunderbolt is widely available across both Mac, Windows, and Linux computers and supports the massive bandwidth needed for professional video, audio, data, and more.
Io Xpand KONA Bundles
In addition to the standalone Io Xpand, we have created bundles with our award-winning KONA PCIe I/O cards. From single channel HD to multi-channel 4K HDR, we have a bundle to match your needs and budget.
Io Xpand Bundle 1 – includes KONA 1, Io Xpand Bundle 2 – includes KONA 4, Io Xpand Bundle 3 – includes KONA 5
Workflow
The Io Xpand / KONA 5 bundle delivers high-performance Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for professional video and audio workflows. By placing KONA 5 inside Io Xpand, users can connect a Thunderbolt 5 computer to power 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 I/O for capture, playback, monitoring, and output across 4K, UHD, 2K, HD, and SD formats.
In this example workflow, 12G-SDI sources with embedded audio can be captured or routed through KONA 5, with outputs available for SDI monitoring, HDMI display, and recording to AJA Ki Pro Ultra 12G. AES/EBU digital audio connectivity supports integration with digital audio mixers, speakers, headphones, and microphone workflows for voice-over or punch-in recording.
Combined with Thunderbolt 5 storage, Io Xpand and KONA 5 create a compact, high-bandwidth desktop workflow for editors, colorists, audio professionals, and production teams working in demanding creative environments.
Industry Leading Support
AJA’s technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your Io Xpand installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issues, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.
The Io Xpand is covered by a generous two-year warranty. Please see the product manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.
