AJA FS8 Multi-Channel Frame Synchroniser and Converter

The AJA FS8 brings comprehensive video and audio processing to SDI, SMPTE ST 2110 and hybrid production workflows in a single 1RU chassis. Combining frame synchronisation, up/down/cross-conversion, frame-rate conversion, HDR and wide colour gamut processing, audio routing and SDI/IP gateway functionality, it prepares incoming signals for reliable downstream production.

Designed for broadcast, cine-live production, outside broadcast trucks, flypacks, live venues, studios and remote production, FS8 provides eight independent HD processing channels or up to four UHD processing channels. A browser-based interface with a visual, node-based processing pipeline and video preview makes complex signal paths easier to configure and monitor.

Key Features

• Eight independent HD video processing channels or up to four UHD channels.
• Frame synchronisation, 4K/UHD/2K/HD up/down-conversion and HD cross-conversion.
• SDI, SMPTE ST 2110 and hybrid SDI/IP operation with flexible input and output routing.
• HDR, SDR and wide colour gamut conversion, configurable 3D LUT processing and live colour management.
• Video delay of up to 60 frames per HD channel or 30 frames per UHD channel.
• 459 x 448 mono audio routing matrix with embedded SDI, MADI, Dante and ST 2110-30 connectivity.
• Browser-based control, granular presets, REST API, NMOS IS-04/IS-05 and Ember+ support.
• Built-in test signal generation with custom text overlays on each output.
• Compact 1RU design with redundant power supplies.

Flexible SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 Connectivity

FS8 offers up to 16 12G-SDI inputs: eight BNC inputs plus eight additional inputs using optional HD-BNC or fibre SDI SFP modules. Four 25GbE SFP28 cages support up to eight HD or four UHD ST 2110-20 streams, with paired connections supporting ST 2022-7 redundancy. Combined SDI and IP operation supports up to 16 inputs.

Full input and output routing allows I/O ports to be assigned to processing channels as required. Synchronise and process an SDI source before sending it to SDI and ST 2110 outputs, convert between SDI and IP, or operate entirely within either environment. FS8 can also use PTP timing to generate analogue sync reference outputs for genlocking other equipment.

Frame Synchronisation, Conversion and Delay

Each video processor aligns untimed or asynchronously timed sources to house reference or PTP timing. Horizontal, vertical and frame-delay adjustments allow engineers to compensate for different processing paths and align sources accurately.

Dedicated 10-bit hardware processing supports 4K/UHD/2K/HD up/down-conversion and cross-conversion between 720p, 1080p and 1080i. Utility frame-rate conversion uses frame dropping or repetition, with timing governed by the applicable reference or PTP configuration.

Configurable delay of up to 60 frames in HD or 30 frames in UHD helps align sources with latency-intensive workflows such as augmented reality. An ultra-low-latency mode is available for suitable processing paths, including colour-only processing. A timing comparator in the web interface displays reference-to-output and input-to-output delay.

HDR, SDR and Live Colour Management

Building on the capabilities of AJA FS-HDR, FS8 supports real-time HDR, SDR and wide colour gamut conversion. Configurable 3D LUT processors, per-channel Proc Amp controls and RGB colour correction provide tools for camera matching, live grading and look management.

A single source can feed multiple video processors to create coordinated HDR and SDR deliverables, with different colour transforms and appropriate signalling metadata applied to each processing path. Integration with Pomfort Livegrade supports real-time look management, while a built-in YUV/RGB legaliser helps keep processed signals within broadcast limits.

Colour management options include NBCU LUTs, plus Colorfront processing and BBC HLG LUTs with optional licences. A free 15-day trial is available for the licensed options.

Image Shaping and Layering

Crop, scale, zoom and reposition sources using independent image-shaping controls. Region of Interest selection allows a chosen area of the source to be scaled for output, with aspect-ratio control available.

The built-in layering engine allows one video processor to be placed behind or alongside another. A matte generator fills backgrounds, sidebars, letterbox areas and masked regions, with the resulting layout visible in the web interface preview.

Comprehensive Audio Processing

FS8 combines a 459 x 448 mono audio matrix with sample-rate conversion, delay, gain, phase, mute, surround-to-stereo downmixing, embedding/de-embedding and test tone generation. Embedded SDI, MADI, Dante and ST 2110-30 connectivity provide flexible audio routing across baseband and IP systems.

• Up to 459 audio inputs and 448 audio outputs.
• High-quality sample-rate conversion to 48kHz, with bypass for non-PCM audio.
• Up to 250ms delay, level adjustment and phase control per input channel.
• Up to 2,500ms additional delay, level adjustment and phase control per output channel.
• Routing of up to 128 audio channels to the eight video processors for delivery through 16 video outputs.
• Routing of up to 128 channels to MADI outputs and 64 channels to Dante output.

ST 2110-30 audio is associated with ST 2110-20 video.

Intuitive Control and System Integration

An embedded web server provides browser-based configuration and control, with an interactive processing pipeline and video preview. System, Video Processor, Audio Processor, IP Configuration and 3D LUT presets offer granular recall options, helping operators repeat configurations and share processing setups across multiple units.

NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 support discovery, registration and stream connection management in ST 2110 environments. Ember+ and a REST API with an available OpenAPI Specification support integration with broadcast control systems and custom applications. External hardware control integrations are available from CyanView and Skaarhoj, alongside Pomfort software compatibility.

Built for Production Reliability

Built-in test signals and custom text overlays on each output simplify signal-path verification and downstream routing checks without additional sources. Redundant power supplies support dependable operation in demanding production environments.