AJA Video Systems, a long established supplier of technological needs for the post-production industry, recently released a compact lightweight HD/SD-SDI / HDMI Thunderbolt enabled device known as the AJA T-Tap™.
The AJA T-Tap is a small compact device that supports various resolutions ranging from 10bit SD,HD to 2k video. It also supports audio output from almost any compatible NLE system. This includes Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro X, and Adobe Premier Pro. This means it can easily plug into your already established workflows. Plus the size is so small it can fit in the palm of your hands, perfect for anyone who has to jump from the field to the edit suite.
Key Features
Video Formats
Video Outputs Digital
Audio Outputs Digital
Physical
The first thing I noticed on this small device was the lack of a power adapter. This is because the T-Tap takes advantage of the Thunderbolt port to bus power the device itself keeping the design small and compact with out adding weight or reducing quality. AJA also provides you with drivers and plug-ins for Avid and Adobe that can be downloaded and installed from http://www.aja.com/en/support/t-tap/mac/t-tap/. Settings for the T-Tap can be adjusted via the AJA Control Panel. This is great because it keeps the UI the same as my Kona 3 and other AJA products.
The T-Tap works flawlessly with both my Avid, and FCPX installs. Using the T-Tap with the Avid allowed me to edit XDCam files, while using the HDMI output for monitoring. Once my edit was complete I was then able us the HDSDI output to HDCAM. It really could not be easier. The T-Tap also supports 8 channel embedded audio for more complex sound designs. I was amazed that I was able to edit completely off my Macbook Pro, and then export out to HDCAM. I can remember when it would have taken a much larger computer and an entire patch bay to get the job done.
I would like to also point out that it is possible to have both HDMI and HDSDI output enabled at the same time while working; simply, one of the best features on the T-Tap. The image below does not show this as the HDCAM deck was in another room from my edit suite.
The T-Tap really has an advantage because of its small size and established name within post-production. The small form factor is perfect for anyone, but especially for freelancers like myself. I often travel between edit suites, locations and environments. It means I have less to carry around and can begin editing right away. AJA has done a wonderful job in once again supporting the post-production community by providing them with tools that are not only simple to use but very effective.
