AJA UDC-4K 12G-SDI and HDMI Up, Down, Cross-Converter with Frame Sync

FEATURES

Up, down, cross-conversion of 4K/UHD/2K/HD signals
Frame sync, aligns output signals to a reference
Utility frame rate conversion
Converts 12G-SDI to/from HDMI 2.0, up to 4Kp60
Supports 12-bit workflows
Scaling technology utilizes AJA’s high-quality multi-tap polyphase scaling algorithm
Motion adaptive deinterlacer
HDR signaling metadata pass-through and optional override
EDID Emulation up to UHDp60
Loss of input management
HDMI embedded audio support 8-channel 24-bit
SDI embedded audio support 16-channel 24-bit
Embedded audio pass-through of AC-3 (Dolby Digital) and E-AC-3 (Dolby Digital Plus) compressed audio, including DD+ Atmos (aka DD+ JOC)
Supports up to 100 frames of audio delay
12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 loop outputs
4x 12G-SDI outputs can be used as a 1-to-4 distribution amplifier
Genlock: External Reference Input, SDI Input, HDMI Input, or Free Run
Configuration via built-in button control panel and LCD display, or free AJA Mini-Config software for Windows and macOS
Universal power supply included
Five year warranty and technical support

Rugged, compact, and designed for professional workflows, the UDC-4K is our most versatile Mini-Converter. The UDC-4K is a broadcast-quality Up/Down/Cross Mini-Converter that can seamlessly convert between 4K/UHD and 2K/HD video formats. Not only does it perform raster and frame rate conversions, but it can also function as a frame synchronizer and as a 1x4 12G-SDI DA, supporting video formats up to 4Kp60. With both 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs, the UDC-4K makes SDI and HDMI signal conversion simple and efficient.

Designed on AJA’s industry-leading conversion technology, the UDC-4K offers the highest-quality required in professional broadcasting, live events, and other critical AV environments. UDC-4K’s wide range of conversion possibilities makes it ideal for aligning disparate sources to a common format and timing reference, integrating legacy signals into higher resolution workflows, and handling many production challenges that may arise. It even offers utility frame rate conversion to convert 59.94 to 50/60 or 50/60 to 59.94 frame rates.

The UDC-4K features 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs, four 12G-SDI outputs, and one HDMI 2.0 output. The multiple SDI outputs function as a distribution amplifier, or DA, enabling the transmission of a clean or processed signal to multiple destinations. It offers SDI and HDMI loop outputs for simple confidence monitoring or pass-through to the next device. A reference input enables the UDC-4K to lock to an external reference, or it can lock to the SDI or HDMI input, providing frame synchronization capabilities for untimed video signals.

It also offers the ability to convert 12G-SDI to HDMI 2.0 and vice versa with pristine image fidelity and support up to 60p for 4K/UHD. The UDC-4K is also “HDR-aware” supporting HDR workflows with proper SDI VPID and HDMI Infoframe metadata signaling management.

The UDC-4K can easily be configured with its built-in button control panel and LCD display as a stand-alone device, or via AJA’s free Mini-Config software for Windows and macOS.

These features make it the preferred solution for “all-in-one” Mini-Converter needs. The UDC-4K should be included in every professional AV, film/TV production, live production, broadcast, and DIT tool kit!

Rugged, Compact, and Production Ready

The UDC-4K boasts a robust, advanced aluminum enclosure featuring broadcast-quality components ideal for both standalone “throw-down” use and high-density rackmount installations. Up to three units can be mounted side-by-side on a single 1RU shelf—perfect for space constrained environments. Achieve power supply redundancy for up to six UDC-4Ks using the AJA DRM2-Plus rackmount solution.

The front-to-back airflow and proper cooling design ensure high reliability, making it ideal for demanding applications while keeping noise to an absolute minimum.

The onboard color LCD display provides real time status information, and push button controls enable configuration without the need for a computer.

4K Up, Down, Cross-Conversions

UDC-4K is an up/down/cross-converter, as well as a video scaler and frame rate converter used in production to convert video signals between different resolutions, formats, and frame rates, to ensure compatibility between all the equipment in your production.

UDC-4K is built using advanced 12-bit conversion technology with AJA's multi-tap polyphase scaling algorithm. This offers the best detail preservation and superior anti-aliasing. When compared with other less resource intensive approaches that can result in soft edges, aliasing, and/or ringing artifacts, the UDC-4K delivers unparalleled image quality for the most demanding workflows.

When processing interlaced video sources, the UDC-4K uses a high quality motion adaptive deinterlacer that minimizes jagged edges and reduces motion blur in fast moving video while preserving vertical resolution in static areas.

Keeping it all in Sync

UDC-4K's frame synchronizer synchronizes wild or untimed video signals to a common timing reference, such as in a multicam sporting event, ensuring perfect timing alignment for seamless integration into your production. It’s an essential component in any broadcast, mobile, live event, proAV, or postproduction environment.

The UDC-4K offers a broadcast quality frame synchronizer that supports the synchronization of untimed 12G-SDI or HDMI video signals up to 4K resolution, allowing users to synchronize and convert a wide range of video formats to their house timing standard. It even offers utility frame rate conversion between 59.94 and 50/60 frame rates using a simple frame add/drop/repeat algorithm. All video processing is performed with 12-bit quality.

Audio sample rate converters are provided for embedded HDMI and SDI audio, which can also be disabled for non-PCM audio pass-through without alteration.

SDI and HDMI Conversion

HDMI to SDI and SDI to HDMI converters simplify complex setups, from incorporating HDMI signals into SDI productions to monitoring of SDI signals on HDMI displays. The UDC-4K converts 12G-SDI to HDMI 2.0, delivering exceptional image quality, making it ideal for 4K/UHD workflows up to 60p. Similarly, the UDC-4K converts HDMI 2.0 to 12G-SDI with HDMI Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) emulation, ensuring that the connected source continuously provides preferred video formats on its output.

Signal Distribution

UDC-4K has an integrated Distribution Amplifier (DA) that takes a single video input signal, amplifies it or reclocks it, and distributes it to multiple outputs without compromising quality or signal strength. The UDC-4K is a 1x4 12G-SDI reclocking distribution amplifier ideal for productions requiring a robust and reliable DA in limited space, such as DIT carts, video villages, production trucks, staging, fly kits, and more. It can distribute a converted input to 4x SDI outputs and 1x HDMI output, or it can loop through the SDI input to 2x SDI outputs and send the processed signal to 2x SDI outputs and the HDMI output, for example. The UDC-4K also features an HDMI input and loop output, allowing it to distribute the processed signal to 4x SDI outputs. With so many possibilities, the UDC-4K is a capable problem solver.

HDR Support

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, enables the use of a wider and more vibrant color palette, producing more details in the brightest and darkest parts of an image compared to standard dynamic range (SDR) signals. This enhances the visual appeal of your imagery and captures the attention of your audience.

The UDC-4K supports 10 and 12-bit signal processing required for HDR, providing proper HDR signaling management with SDI VPID and HDMI Infoframe pass-through, as well as optional overrides, to facilitate modern workflows and address challenges in HDR productions.

HDR Solutions

Workflow Solutions

SDI Frame Sync with Down-Conversion and Monitoring

The UDC-4K is your go-to tool for solving many production challenges. In this workflow, the UDC-4K is sent an untimed UHD camera feed that needs to be synchronized with the house timing. Provide the UDC-4K with a reference signal, and it can simultaneously provide frame synchronization and down conversion of untimed SDI signals. This ensures perfectly timed signals can be seamlessly integrated into any production environment. The HDMI output can be used for local confidence monitoring of the processed output.

The UDC-4K provides four SDI outputs. All four outputs can deliver the processed signal, or two can be configured as SDI loop-through outputs, eliminating the need for upstream DAs to distribute the unprocessed SDI signal and downstream DAs to distribute the processed SDI signal.

Download Workflow

1080p SDI Up Conversion to UHD HDMI

Convert 1080p SDI signals into stunning UHD HDMI for digital signage, in-venue displays, on-set displays, and more. The UDC-4K ensures clean scaling, vivid color fidelity, and instant connectivity, making it ideal for a wide range of productions, broadcast, live events, and proAV monitoring.

Download Workflow

HD-HDMI Up-Conversion to UHD-SDI, with Loop Output

In this workflow, the UDC-4K is up-converting HD-HDMI sources to high resolution UHD 12G-SDI, and outputs are locked to a supplied reference for use in a broadcast, production, or any venue where a high quality, rock solid, synced HDMI to SDI converted signal is needed. You can utilize the HDMI loop out for local confidence monitoring.

The UDC-4K provides four SDI outputs. All four outputs can deliver the processed signal, or two can be configured as SDI loop through outputs, eliminating the need for upstream DAs to distribute the unprocessed SDI signal and downstream DAs to distribute the processed SDI signal.

Download Workflow

USB-C and Mini-Config Support

In addition to the front panel button controls and menu screen, you can choose to use AJA’s free Mini-Config software to configure and control all functions of the UDC-4K via the device’s USB-C connection. Available on Windows and macOS, Mini-Config's easy to use graphical interface provides configuration plus detailed information about the current input and output formats and status. A high-level block diagram shows the internal signal paths from the inputs to the outputs. Users can also load firmware updates from AJA as new features and functionalities are introduced.

Spare Power Supply

Features

100-240VAC, 50/60Hz Universal Input
+12V DC Regulated Output
60 Watt Capacity

The AJA-PWR-12-60W power supply is included and is also sold separately. The power supply has a latching, 4-pin mini-XLR connector with gold pins. The PSU meets the high reliability requirements of the professional video industry. If you need a spare power supply, it can be ordered from your local AJA reseller.

AJA-PWR-12-60W $115 US MSRP

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 Mini-Converter installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.

Mini-Converter products are covered by a generous five year warranty. Please see the individual Product’s Manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.

SPECIFICATIONS

Video Formats

(4K) 4096x2160p
(UHD) 3840x2160p
(2K) 2048x1080p
(HD) 1920x1080p
(HD) 1920x1080i
(HD) 1280x720p

Note: Raster and Frame Rate Dependent, please see UDC-4K Video Formats in the Download / Documents section of the website product page.

Video Input and Output SDI

1x 12G-SDI Input BNC, SMPTE ST 292/424/2081/2082
4x 12G-SDI Output BNCs, SMPTE ST 292/424/2081/2082
- HDR VPID decoder and generation with pass-through or override for Colorimetry and Transfer Characteristic, SMPTE ST 352
- YCbCr 4:2:2/4:4:4
- RGB 4:4:4, SMPTE or Full level
- 10 or 12-bit*
1x 12G-SDI
- (4K) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
- (UHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
1x 6G-SDI
- (4K) 4096x2160p 29.97, 30
- (UHD) 3840x2160p 29.97, 30
1x 3G-SDI (Level A or B Dual Link)
- (2K) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
- (2K) 2048x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 1920x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 1280x720p** 50, 59.94, 60
1x 1.5G-SDI
- (2K) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (2K) 2048x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.94, 30
- (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1920x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60

*Some 12-bit formats not supported, please see UDC-4K Video Formats in the Download / Documents section of the website product page.
**1280x720p is Level A Only

Video Input and Output HDMI

1x HDMI Input Type A connector, HDMI v2.0b
1x HDMI Output Type A connector*, HDMI v2.0b
HDR Infoframe decoder and generation with pass-through or override for Colorimetry and Transfer Characteristic as defined in CTA-861.3 and HDMI v2.0b
YCbCr 4:2:2/4:4:4/4:2:0
RGB 4:4:4, SMPTE or Full level
24, 30, or 36 Bits Per Pixel (HFR 4K/UHD 4:4:4 limited to 24 BPP)
(4K) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
(UHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
(2K) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
(HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60

*If a connected monitor doesn’t support HDMI protocol, the unit automatically switches to DVI protocol (which does not pass audio).

Note: Raster and Frame Rate Dependent, please see UDC-4K Video Formats in the Download / Documents section of the website product page.

HDCP

Does not encode the HDMI output with HDCP encryption
Does not accept HDCP input
SDI outputs are unencrypted

Reference Input

External, 1x BNC
75-ohm terminating
Blackburst or tri-level sync

Genlock

Ext Ref
SDI In
HDMI In
Free Run based on Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator

Audio Pass-Through Formats

PCM
Dolby Digital (AC-3)
Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), including Atmos Immersive Sound (JOC)

Audio Input Digital

SDI embedded audio, 24-bit, 16-channel
HDMI embedded audio, 24-bit, 8-channel

Audio Output Digital

SDI embedded audio, 24-bit, 16-channel
HDMI embedded audio, 24-bit, 8-channel

User Interface

Color LCD Display
4x dedicated, backlit navigation and selection buttons
USB-C port used with supplied cable and Mini-Config software application to configure and view device status via Mac or Windows

Video Processing

Frame synchronization
Up, down, cross-conversion
Format conversion
Frame rate conversion
Polyphase scaling algorithm
Motion adaptive deinterlacer
Hardware 12-bit
Nominal video delay 2 frames, (Interlaced and PsF formats increase delay)
- Frame sync can be 1 frame when locked to input

Audio Processing

High quality Sample Rate Conversion supported on all audio inputs
SRC bypass for non-PCM audio (e.g., Dolby E, AC-3, etc.)
Delay audio 0 to 100 video frames in 1/16 of a frame increments

Ancillary Data

Supports pass-through of PCM embedded audio
Supports pass-through of non-PCM audio when source is in time with the selected ref (SDI In, HDMI In, or Ext Ref). Non-PCM audio is not supported during frame sync operation.

Size (w x d x h)

5.0" x 8.09" x 1.65" (127.0 x 205.5 x 41.8 mm)

Weight

2.0 lb (0.9 kg)

Power

External power supply required
- Enclosure: 10-18VDC regulated, 4-pin mini-XLR, 25W max
- AC Adapter, included: 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz, universal input, 60W
- Optional spare AC adapter sold separately, AJA-PWR-12-60W

Environment

Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)