AJA Real Time HDR/WCG Conversion with the Colorfront Engine™ Video Processing

Deliver more immersive content to audiences with the power and flexibility of AJA FS-HDR. See how FS-HDR and the Colorfront Engine can simplify real time HDR/WCG transformations and makes it easy to maintain the look you’ve worked to achieve across SDR to HDR, HDR to HDR, and HDR to SDR for both 4K and HD needs.

Learn more about the device’s extensive capabilities, including extensive camera log translations and more.

Real Time HDR Converter

The pursuit of High Dynamic Range (HDR) is the dream of getting closer to the Human Visual System (HVS) in all that we experience as viewers. FS-HDR has been designed to get us all there faster with a low profile, stand-alone, and real time device uniquely designed to bridge SDR to HDR, HDR to SDR, and HDR to HDR, all in real time.

HDR Conversions:

• HDR to HDR
• SDR to HDR
• HDR to SDR

WCG Conversions:

• BT.709 and BT.2020

Up and Down Conversion examples:

• Converting HD SDR BT.709 sources to UltraHD HDR BT.2020
• Converting UltraHD HDR BT.2020 sources to HD SDR BT.709 or HD HDR BT.2020

As sports fans have come to expect a more dynamic, interactive experience, augmented reality (AR) is quickly becoming a common and valuable production asset, but one that requires additional video processing time.  For seamless integration of AR into live productions, larger frame buffering capacities are required to delay other sources.

FS-HDR offers the largest configurable frame delay in its class of up to 20 frames per channel, ensuring all sources stay in time.

• HDR to HDR, SDR to HDR and HDR to SDR conversions for Dynamic Range and Wide Color Gamut needs.
• Support for two Operational Modes:
  • Single Channel Mode for 4K/UltraHD or 2K/HD frame sync and conversion including HDR conversions
    • 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/SD video processing and up, down, cross-conversion
    • A full range of I/O options for 4K/UltraHD including Quad 1.5G; Dual 3G; and Quad 3G, 6G and 12G over a range of Coax and optional Fiber choices
    • Enhanced Single Channel Mode offers the ability to simultaneously output 4K/UltraHD and 2K/HD with their own independent HDR transform settings for convenient Single Master HDR workflows.
  • Four Channel Mode for simultaneous independent 2K/HD/SD frame sync and conversion including HDR conversions
    • 2K/HD/SD up, down, cross-conversion
    • SD/SD aspect ratio conversion
    • HD/HD cross-conversion (720p/1080i)
• Each processing channel can independently select from:
  • Colorfront Engine TV Mode
  • Colorfront Engine Live Mode
  • Colorfront Engine Film Mode
  • BBC HLG LUT Mode
  • NBCU LUT Mode
  • User LUT Mode
  • Dynamic LUT Mode
• 33 point Tetrahedral 3D LUT Processor supporting:
  • Built-in BBC HLG 3D LUTs
  • NBCU 3D LUTs
  • User 3D LUTs
  • Dynamic 3D LUTs through 3rd party applications
• Widely interoperable with 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD raster support, SQD and 2SI mapping conversion, P, PsF and Interlace support
• Configurable HDR settings for SDI output VPID
• HDR Color Bar Test Patterns
• HDMI HDR Infoframe generation to support HDR displays per HDMI v2.0b/CTA-861-G for any 2K/HD HDMI output format and 2K/HD output down-scaled from 4K/UltraHD
• Audio I/O processing with a 272 x 208 matrix of audio possibilities; support for a flexible range of audio feeds from discrete AES to MADI and embedded SDI audio, with each audio input offering sample rate conversion
• Simple operation, a redesigned FS menu structure and quick access to features via front panel buttons, as well as a web-based UI offering control over a LAN or across the web via a REST API
• A 1RU frame offering space, power and cost efficiencies ideal for broadcast trucks, postproduction or broadcast settings

Maintaining Perceptual Integrity

FS-HDR’s HDR/WCG capabilities leverage video and color space processing algorithms within the Colorfront Engine,  specially licensed by AJA from Colorfront, and developed by Colorfront’s CTO Bill Feighter and Lead Engineer Tamas Perlaki.

Powered by the Colorfront Engine, FS-HDR’s extensive HDR and WCG processing support enable real time processing of a Single Channel of 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD including down-conversion to HD HDR  or up to four channels of 2K/HD simultaneously.  FS-HDR also enables the conversion of popular camera formats from multiple vendors into the HDR space, plus conversion to and from BT.2020/BT.709 as needed, critical for the widespread acceptance of HDR alongside SDR in broadcast and OTT workflows.

Colorfront Engine TV Mode provides specific conversions and simplified controls for highlight and roll-off management in live television broadcast productions.

Colorfront Engine Live Mode provides conversions and controls that support live applications such as broadcast, OTT, A/V, and venue.

Colorfront Engine Film Mode provides conversions and controls, including ASC CDL,  for applications such as on-set camera preview and look creation.

FS-HDR provides parametric controls for Colorfront Engine’s HDR transforms and color correction in Live, TV and Film Modes. Each parametric control is accessible via FS-HDR’s front panel, the web GUI on any browser, or REST interface, and settings can be stored to a preset for recall later or copied to other FS-HDR units.

Colorfront Engine parametric controls enable the following:

• TV Mode:
  • Adjusting R,G,B, and Master color controls for:
    • Lift, Gamma, and Gain
  • Highlight and roll-off management with Knee Point and Knee Slope controls
  • Adjusting for camera correction with Exposure, Color Temp, and Tint
• Live Mode:
  • Adjusting R,G,B, and Master color controls for:
    • Lift, Gamma, and Gain
• Film Mode:
  • Adjusting R,G,B, and Master color controls for:
    • Slope, Power, and Offset
• Adjusting Saturation
• Guiding the algorithm’s color volume expansion from SDR to HDR
• Adjusting for the Ambient Light in the mastering or viewing environment
• Managing how SDR highlights and speculars are expanded into HDR
• Controlling the overall look of camera log inputs between cinematic and television
• Adjusting for camera correction with Exposure, Color Temp, and Tint
• PQ Output Nit Level adjustment from 48 to 4000 Nit
• DCI P3 Color Space Clamp for PQ output
• Support for ITU BT.2408-0, Operational Practices in HDR Television Production.

FS-HDR can take incoming imagery from some of the most popular professional cameras in the world today and convert their LOG output in real time to 4K/UltraHD or 2K/HD and output as either HDR or SDR. This greatly simplifies workflows in a mixed camera environment and provides for a unified input workflow to HDR or SDR capable switchers and more. Additionally, FS-HDR provides the ability to convert to Sony S-Log3 S-Gamut on output from any of these sources for workflows requiring this Log feed to compatible switchers and more.

• Sony S-Log3 S-Gamut3
• Sony S-Log3 S-Gamut3 Cine
• Sony S-Log3 BT.2020
• ARRI LogC Wide Gamut
• Panasonic Vlog
• RED Log3G10 Wide Gamut
• Canon Log2
• Canon Log3

The Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) is becoming an industry standard for managing color throughout the life cycle of a motion picture or television production. From capture through editing, VFX, mastering, public presentation, archiving, and future remastering, ACES ensures a consistent color experience that preserves the creative vision.

FS-HDR offers an ACES Grading Color Space with  ACEScct Input and Output Dynamic Ranges for real time integration with ACES workflows.

Colorfront Engine in Film Mode offers built-in LOOK selection including film stock emulation and popular aesthetic looks, valuable tools for on-set and episodic production and you can even mix between any two for unique specific aesthetic needs:

• LOOK
  • Look A or B Select
    • MasterLook
    • MasterBroadcast
    • MasterLookBright
    • MasterLookCool
    • MasterLookLowCon
    • MasterLookSoftColor
    • MasterLookVivid
    • MasterLookWarm
    • MasterPastelD60
    • MasterPastelD65
    • Agfa
    • ARRI K1S1
    • Bleach
    • ClassicFilm
    • Ektachrome
    • FilmBlended
    • FilmBlendedLoCon
    • FujiDI
    • FujiXD
    • GenericFilm
    • Kodachrome
    • ReversalClassic
  • A/B Mix

Inputs: Dynamic
Range/Color Gamut

BBC HLG LUTs Mode offers additional functionality that adds HDR conversion options, particularly for television broadcasters who are looking for specific conversion criteria.

• Supports mathematical HLG HDR dynamic range mapping per ITU BT.2408
• Scene-light and Display-light conversions
• SDR, PQ, and S-Log3 to HLG
• HLG to SDR and PQ
• Utilizes 33 point Tetrahedral 3D LUT Interpolation

BBC HLG LUT Conversions

• SDR Scene Referred (SR) to HLG
• SDR Scene Referred (SR) to HLG Strict
• SDR Scene Referred (SR) UpMap to HLG
• SDR Scene Referred (SR) UpMap to HLG Strict
• SDR Display Referred (DR) to HLG
• SDR Display Referred (DR) UpMap to HLG
• SDR BT.2020 Display Referred (DR) to HLG
• SDR BT.2020 Display Referred (SR) UpMap to HLG
• PQ 1000 Nits Display Referred (DR) to HLG
• PQ 4000 Nits Display Referred (DR) to HLG
• S-Log3 100% Scene Referred (SR) to HLG
• S-Log3 200% Scene Referred (SR Live) to HLG
• HLG to SDR Scene Referred (SR)
• HLG to SDR Scene Referred (SR) Strict
• HLG to SDR Display Referred (DR)
• HLG to SDR Display Referred (DR) Super White
• HLG to PQ 1000 Nits Display Referred (DR)

NBCU LUTs, developed by NBCUniversal Media, LLC in collaboration with Cromorama, enable a workflow for single-master live production of simultaneous HDR and SDR content.  Designed for television broadcasters, NBCU LUTs include SDR, HLG and PQ LUTs that maximize the dynamic range and color volume in HDR, without compromising core SDR broadcasts.

• Imperceptible round-tripping of SDR BT.709
• Conversions designed with a knee that is natural with latitude for live video shading
• Scene-light and Display-light conversions
• SDR, HLG, and PQ conversions
• Utilizes 33 point Tetrahedral 3D LUT Interpolation

NBCU LUT Conversions

• 1-NBCU_SDR2HLG_DL_v1, SDR UpMap to HLG using Display Light
• 2-NBCU_SDR2HLG_SL_v1, SDR to HLG using Scene Light
• 3-NBCU_HLG2SDR_DL_v1.1, HLG to SDR using Display Light
• 4-NBCU_SDR2PQ_DL_v1, SDR UpMap to PQ using Display Light
• 5-NBCU_PQ2SDR_DL_v1, PQ to SDR using Display Light
• 7-NBCU_HLG10002PQ_v1, HLG 1000 Nits to PQ

Dynamic LUT support for both Single Channel and Multi-Channel workflows

Dynamic LUT support for both Single Channel and Multi-Channel workflows

The Colorfront Engine SDR Preview Mode allows a user to quickly see what an HDR output will look like if it were converted to SDR by an FS-HDR.  This is extremely useful in functions like camera shading, where the operator is making adjustments to an HDR camera while viewing the image on an HDR display.  A key question is “what will this picture look like when down-converted to SDR?” The FS-HDR’s unique SDR Preview Mode provides a fast way to answer this question without requiring an HDR to SDR equipment chain or reconfiguring the existing HDR monitor.

When SDR Preview is enabled, the Colorfront Engine maps the video into the currently selected HDR space (PQ or HLG), but with values that will exactly represent the SDR image.  This eliminates the time normally required to change the output format to SDR and the wait for the display to reconfigure.  By simply controlling the on/off state of SDR Preview (from the front panel, Web GUI, or GPI), the operator can make quick, glitch free A/B comparisons of the HDR and SDR images.

FS-HDR opens a range of exciting possibilities for the integration of HDR within a range of workflows:

• Converting from a house HDR standard to a delivery HDR standard.
• Converting from a camera OETF to a house HDR standard.
• Converting from HDR standard to SDR for delivery or monitoring.
• Converting SDR camera output to a house HDR standard.
• Converting SDR sources to HDR for integrating into an HDR program.
• Converting HD SDR BT.709 sources to UltraHD HDR BT.2020.
• Converting UltraHD HDR BT.2020 sources to HD SDR BT.709.
• Converting source inputs to Sony S-Log3 S-Gamut3.

4K/UltraHD Conversion Power with simultaneous 2K/HD outputs.

4K/UltraHD delivery, processing and synchronization is fast becoming the next standard, and FS-HDR gets you there with a wealth of digital video connectivity including Quad 1.5G, Dual 3G, Quad 3G with built in BNC connectors and 12G/6G over optional 12G-SDI HD-BNC and 12G-SDI LC Fiber SFP modules.

In Single Channel Mode, FS-HDR will up-convert your HD or SD materials to 4K/UltraHD or down-convert your 4K/UltraHD to HD,  and supports a huge array of audio channels over Embedded SDI, AES, and MADI for an incredible 272×208 matrix of audio processing capabilities.

Enhanced Single Channel Mode offers simultaneous 4K/UltraHD and 2K/HD outputs for Single Master HDR workflows.  In this Mode, HDR processing can be performed on true 4K or UltraHD signals and down-conversion with HDR processing is available for HD HDR or HD SDR needs via the SDI monitor output.

The channel’s color transform can be configured for Colorfront Engine TV Mode, Colorfront Engine Live Mode, Colorfront Engine Film Mode, BBC HLG 3D LUTs, NBCU 3D LUTs, User 3D LUTs, or Dynamic LUT Mode to accomplish the desired HDR transform.

Multi Channel HD HDR Processing.

In Four Channel Mode FS-HDR provides incredibly powerful Multi-Channel conversion with up to four channels of simultaneous HDR processing for 2K/HD and SD signals. Powerful conversion processing also allows Region of Interest (ROI) scaling, color correction, proc amp controls, motion adaptive deinterlacing and much more.

Each channel can be independently configured for Colorfront Engine TV Mode, Colorfront Engine Live Mode, Colorfront Engine Film Mode, BBC HLG 3D LUTs, NBCU 3D LUTs, User 3D LUTs, or Dynamic LUT Mode to accomplish the desired HDR transform.

In Four Channel Mode you can also bring in a single HD source and process four separate outputs from it, each with their own HDR/SDR transformations.

Multi-channel density in a 1RU Chassis conserves space, power, and weight.

Video and Audio deserve the connectivity and bandwidth required to meet the demands of your projects.

FS-HDR utilizes standard BNC as well as optional SFP inputs and outputs to integrate easily into a variety of workflows and facilities with support for SDI workflows all the way up to 12G.

FS-HDR has Coax and Fiber* inputs and outputs to accept 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/SD resolution SDI signals in Single Channel Mode. In Four Channel Mode 2K/HD/SD inputs can be routed to multiple locations simultaneously without the need for any external signal distribution.

A looping Reference Input allows the FS-HDR to be locked to your house reference signal for rock solid stability.

Digital Audio can be disembedded and embedded between SDI, MADI, and AES for an incredible array of routing possibilities

* SFP inputs and outputs are optional.

Moving to 4K is never an instant change. Legacy signals and archival material need to be integrated into the 4K environment while 4K/UltraHD sources need to be down-converted for current 2K/HD pipelines.

Utilizing AJA’s remarkable conversion algorithms, FS-HDR supports up, down, cross-conversion from 2K/HD/SD to 4K or UltraHD video and back over 12G/6G/3G-SDI.  Both Square Division (SQD) and Two Sample Interleave (2SI) pixel mapping formats are supported.

AJA’s powerful hardware conversion technology ensures the highest image quality for your productions. Key conversion features include:

• 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/SD up, down-conversion
• SD/SD aspect ratio conversion
• HD/HD cross-conversion (720p/1080i)

All done in beautiful 10-bit with dedicated hardware.

FS-HDR’s SFP options include both 12G/6G-SDI HD-BNC and Fiber LC I/O options including single or dual channel and Single Mode or Multi-Mode options, allowing great SDI flexibility and fiber cable runs of up to 10 kilometers to be connected directly to the FS-HDR without the need for separate fiber to SDI conversion. Also available are 3G-SDI Fiber LC and SC SFP options.

Optional 12G/6G-SDI SFPs:

• HDBNC-2TX-12G:  12G/6G-SDI Dual Coax HD-BNC Transmitter
• HDBNC-2RX-12G:  12G/6G-SDI Dual Coax HD-BNC Receiver
• FIBERLC-1TX-12G:  12G-SDI Single Fiber LC Transmitter Single Mode
• FIBERLC-1RX-12G:  12G-SDI Single Fiber LC Receiver Single Mode
• FIBERLC-2TX-12G: 12G/6G-SDI Dual Fiber LC Transmitter Single Mode
• FIBERLC-2RX-12G: 12G/6G-SDI Dual Fiber LC Receiver Single Mode

Optional 3G-SDI Single Mode SFPs:

• FIBERSC-1-TX:  3G-SDI Single Fiber SC Transmitter Single Mode
• FIBERSC-1-RX:  3G-SDI Single Fiber SC Receiver Single Mode
• FIBERLC-1-TX:  3G-SDI Single Fiber LC Transmitter Single Mode
• FIBERLC-1-RX:  3G-SDI Single Fiber LC Receiver Single Mode
• FIBERLC-2-TX:  3G-SDI Dual Fiber LC Transmitter Single Mode
• FIBERLC-2-RX:  3G-SDI Dual Fiber LC Receiver Single Mode

Optional 3G-SDI Multi-Mode SFPs:

• FIBERLC-1TX-MM:  3G-SDI Single Fiber LC Transmitter Multi-Mode 850nm
• FIBERLC-1RX-MM:  3G-SDI Single Fiber LC Receiver Multi-Mode 850nm
• FIBERLC-2TX-MM:  3G-SDI Dual Fiber LC Transmitter Multi-Mode 850nm
• FIBERLC-2RX-MM:  3G-SDI Dual Fiber LC Receiver Multi-Mode 850nm

Integrated control of AJA’s FS family of frame synchronizers and converters with SKAARHOJ’s line of hardware based control panels.  The new Rack Control Duo, developed in partnership with broadcast services provider NEP, supports AJA’s FS-HDR, FS4, FS2, and FS1 devices and is capable of ganging control of multiple FS products and processing channels together, making set-up and on-the-fly adjustments faster and easier for operators and engineers with a single tactile hardware control panel.

Ideal for any production environment involving multiple source signals, Rack Control Duo is an intuitive hardware control panel with tactile knobs and buttons to easily perform simultaneous adjustments across multiple AJA frame synchronizers.

Operators can also use the panel to recall and implement presets from previous setups across one or more FS devices. When used in conjunction with FS-HDR real time HDR/WCG converters, RGB color corrections can be performed via Rack Control Duo prior to HDR to SDR or SDR to HDR transforms, harnessing the power of AJA’s FS-HDR.

The Tangent Element Kb twelve knob panel provides remote real time adjustment control of the FS-HDR’s Colorfront Engine parameters for HDR. This enables quick access and tactile control for key FS-HDR parameters in live production.

A free standalone app, FS-HDR Control Link, can be run on a local PC or Mac to provide communications between the Tangent panel’s USB interface and an Ethernet LAN, and ultimately connect to the FS-HDR. With v2.6 firmware and above and FS-HDR Control Link software, you can control Colorfront Engine parameters across multiple FS-HDRs and utilize 4x FS-HDRs simultaneously for 8K needs.

Control Link software can be found alongside the FS-HDR firmware under the Software panel on FS-HDR’s Support page and instructions for use are included in the FS-HDR manual.

Note: The Tangent Element Kb hardware is not sold through AJA and must be sourced through normal third party channels.

FS-HDR is network ready and supports SNMP monitoring and web-based remote control. Units can be connected to any Ethernet network via the built-in 10/100/1000MB Ethernet port, allowing control and configuration of multiple FS units from any web browser on a connected computer. Configurations can be saved and applied to multiple units, ensuring consistency and quick configuration in large installs.

FS-HDR features unique over the network control of HDR settings from within its elegant interface available from any browser, anywhere.

FS-HDR  includes an HDMI 1.4 output for 2K/HD monitoring of your HDR conversions.

FS-HDR provides HDR infoframe generation to support HDR displays per HDMI v2.0b/CTA-861-G. The Monitor outputs (SDI and HDMI) support 2K/HD/SD formats, so when monitoring a 4K or UltraHD output, the monitor outputs (both SDI and HDMI) will be automatically down-converted to 2K or HD with HDR transforms respectively.

For full HDMI 2.0 to 4K/UltraHD displays, pair your FS-HDR with either an AJA Hi5-12G for 12G-SDI 4K/UltraHD or a Hi5-4K-Plus Mini-Converter for Quad 3G-SDI.

AJA’s Hi5-12G preserves your vision with pristine image fidelity and HFR support up to 60p for 4K/UltraHD 12G-SDI to HDMI 2.0 conversion needs. Both the Hi5-12G and Hi5-4K-Plus can generate HDR metadata in accordance with HDMI v2.0b/CTA-861-G.
Hi5-4K-Plus provides a simple monitoring connection from professional 4K devices like the FS-HDR, using Quad 3G-SDI, Quad 1.5G-SDI, or Dual 3G-SDI outputs to new displays with 4K/UltraHD HDMI 2.0 inputs, for cost effective monitoring for 4:2:2/4:4:4 60p professional workflows.

The growth of 5.1 and 7.1 audio has increased the number of audio channels that must be managed in a production,  The MADI standard provides a convenient way to transport huge numbers of audio channels along a single cable, simplifying the cabling demands for broadcasters, mobile trucks and production. FS-HDR supports both fiber and coax MADI input and output.  An internal 277×208 mono audio matrix allows you to route 1 to 1 or 1 to many with full routing of MADI, mixdowns, and all audio coming from SDI, fiber, and AES sources for an incredible amount of audio processing capability in a single box.