KRONOS K8
KRONOS K8 Features
KRONOS K8 is the Professionals' Choice for capture and playout of multi-channel 3G/HD/SD SDI and multi-channel 4K/UHD video and audio.
4K/UHD/2K/HD SDI I/O features
| 12/10/8-BIT YUV | 10/8-BIT 3D YUV | 10/8-BIT RGB | 12-BIT RGB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K/UHD @ 50, 59, 60 fps | YES | YES | NA | NA |
| 4K/UHD @ 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 fps | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 2K/HD @ 48, 50, 59, 60 fps | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 2K/HD @ 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 fps | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Compare features
| KRONOS K8 | KRONOS K8 [R] | |
| Bi-Directional SDI (HD-BNC) | 8 | 8 |
| 1.5G HD/SD-SDI | 8 | 8 |
| 3G-SDI (Level A+B) | 8 | 4 |
| Dual Link 1.5G (4:2:2:4/4:4:4:4) |
YES | YES |
| Dual Link 3G (Level A+B) | YES | YES |
| Quad Link 1.5G | YES | YES |
| Quad Link 3G (Level A+B) | YES | YES |
| 4K/UHD HDR | YES | YES |
| LTC I/O | YES | YES |
| Reference I/O | YES | YES |
| Interlocking I/O | YES | YES |
| Low-latency hardware keyers | 4 | 4 |
| Sync Pulse Generator (SPG) Output | YES | YES |
| Full-height, Half-length PCIe | YES | YES |
| Thunderbolt-compatible | YES | YES |
| Optional AUX I/O via STEM port LTC I/O (HD-BNC) RS-422 (RJ45) AES audio I/O (DB25) Analogue audio I/O (2 x 3.5mm TRS) |
YES | YES |
| Additional Shields Add | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRONOS K8 | K8 with EX-1 | K8 with EX-2 | K8 with EX-3 | |
| LTC I/O (HD-BNC) | NO | YES | NO | YES |
| RS-422 (RJ45) | NO | YES | YES | NO |
| AES audio I/O (DB25) | NO | YES | YES | NO |
| Analogue audio I/O (2 x 3.5mm TRS) | NO | NO | YES | NO |
| LTC I/O Via Interlock |
NO | NO | NO | YES |
Independent bi-directional I/Os deliver unparalleled flexibility
K8 provides flexibility and performance with eight (8) of the highest quality industry-standard HD-BNC video connectors. Each video connector supports 3G/1.5G/HD/SD-SDI input or output and the Reference connectors allow Genlock and LTC timecode I/O. With bi-directional connectivity built-in, choose whether the HD-BNCs are input, output, 4K/UHD, 2K/HD, 3D, SD, as each HD-BNC connector can be any frame-rate and frequency of your choosing.
Multi-channel 3G-SDI and 4K/UHD multi-Link workflows
K8 allows for video workflows requiring single or multi-channel 3G/HD/SD SDI input or output from your professional video application.
In addition K8 supports two (2) UHD video channels supporting industry-standard 3G multi-link SDI inputs and outputs. Internal processing of the K8 video cards takes care of the SMPTE standard 2 Sample Interleave SDI interfaces when required, allowing both Square Division and 2SI Image division of your 4K/UHD SDI video.
Highest quality industry-standard connectors
K8 features the industry's highest quality “built-for-purpose” bayonet connectors, achieving true 75ohm connectivity. HD-BNC connectors allow for the best-in-class performance for high-speed interfaces, and feature bayonet locking of traditional BNC connectors in a compact form-factor.
Bluefish supplies a full set of 10 HD-BNC to BNC cables to allow for easy integration into your existing video infrastructure.
Maintaining a 12-bit processing pipeline
A 12-bit image processing pipeline is standard on K8. This feature allows 8, 10 & 12-bit SDI video signals to be produced from 8, 10, 12 & 16-bit pixel formats providing the highest image quality available from your source material. A 12-bit image pipe means that 4096 discrete values of red, green & blue are maintained per pixel; that’s 4 times the colour precision of a traditional 10-bit processing pipeline!
Maintaining the highest quality RGB <=> YUV
Colour space conversion image processing includes a fully programmable 4 x 4 x 33-bit colour matrix providing the highest quality colour space conversions that are a standard requirement in professional video workflows. The fully programmable 4 x 4 x 33-bit colour matrix reduces colour space conversion errors and ensures the highest quality colour accuracy during capture, monitoring and mastering.
Thunderbolt expansion chassis compatibility
Popular PCI Express and Thunderbolt expansion chassis' are designed to be light and portable. K8 is compatible with all full-length PCIe devices from a single slot right through to much larger multi-slot devices.
For the full list of qualified 3rd-party chassis', visit Bluefish Certified Solutions page.
4 x Low-latency video keyers
K8 has four (4) low-latency hardware video keyers, allowing video layers to be combined in hardware with microseconds of delay. This feature allows animated logos, captions, tickers, etc. to be keyed over live video feeds at full 12-bit precision and with minimum input to output delay.
Pseudo Sync Pulse Generator (SPG)
Bluefish’s integrated pseudo Sync Pulse Generator (SPG) in the K8 video card provides stable and accurate synchronisation with other Professional AV equipment, including additional K8 or Epoch video cards, cameras, monitors or QC equipment.
The SPG output generates a Bi-level sync signal or a Pseudo Sync, Tri-level compatible sync signal.
The K8 can be connected with the NVIDIA Quadro Sync card and Quadro GPU to lock the SDI and GPU display systems together via the SPG in ways that would not otherwise be achievable.
The best tools for professionals
The Bluefish Windows Installer provides professionals with the right tools for card information and ease of use with industry-standard applications.
BlueToolBox provides extensive card information including card states, input and output video modes and colour space, to assist with making sure that signals are being correctly sent to or from the card for troubleshooting purposes.
The installer also provides BlueFirmwareUpdater to easily switch between card firmware modes depending on the application and use requirements.
Optional connectivity
Part No. EX1
Part No. EX2
Part No. EX3
Optional auxiliary I/O can be added to KRONOS K8 via the STEM port interface and optional EX-1 and EX-2 products. EX-3 provides dedicated LTC via Interlock IO..
K8 with EX-1 adds LTC I/O, RS-422 control and AES audio I/O.
K8 with EX-2 adds LTC I/O, RS-422 control and Analogue audio I/O.
K8 with EX-3 adds LTC I/O.
Cross-platform support with industry-leading 3rd-party software
K8 leverages a decade of Bluefish software development. It is compatible with industry-leading software developed by Bluefish and by 3rd-party developers using our Windows, Linux and macOS Software Development Kit. Strong partnerships with companies like Adobe, Avid, ASSIMILATE, NVIDIA, AMD and many more allow Bluefish to deliver hardware, drivers and software plug-ins for the creative industry.
Data Sheet
Brochure
Installer
