Description
The KONA LHe Plus is a PCIe video and audio I/O card designed for professional HD and SD workflows – it provides reliable capture and playback for desktop editing systems. This card supports both 10-bit digital and 12-bit analog signal paths to preserve signal fidelity during ingest and monitoring. It targets editors, colorists, and broadcast operators who need mixed analog and digital connectivity in a single PCIe card.
KONA LHe Plus offers one input and two independently configurable outputs for HD or SD, hardware 10-bit down-conversion, and comprehensive audio I/O options. The card supports 2-channel AES/EBU, 8-channel embedded SDI audio, and 2-channel balanced analog audio – enabling full audio embedding and extraction workflows. Real-time down-conversion and multiple analog connectors help integrate legacy tape decks and analog monitors into modern pipelines.
Technical performance includes support for standard SD and HD frame rates up to 30p and 1080p modes at common cinema and broadcast rates. Digital I/O follows SMPTE-259/292/296 standards at 8- or 10-bit depth and analog conversion uses 12-bit A/D and D/A with 8x oversampling. Measured analog performance includes +/-0.2 dB frequency response ranges and sub-1% differential gain and phase characteristics to maintain broadcast-grade video quality.
Connectivity is provided via the supplied breakout cable offering HD-SDI I/O, component and composite/S-Video analog I/O, and audio XLRs for balanced analog and AES/EBU connections. The card includes genlock/ref input and supports RS-422 machine control pinout on the breakout cable or optional KL-Box-LH expansion. AJA drivers support macOS, Windows, and Linux and the card is compatible with major creative applications for capture and playout workflows.
Typical applications include ingest and playback for non-linear editing suites, tape capture and archive, signal conversion between analog and SDI infrastructures, and monitoring/quality control in post facilities. The KONA LHe Plus is suitable where mixed-format interoperability and reliable real-time down-conversion are required. It integrates into broadcast ingest racks, post suites, and field workstations that require both legacy analog and modern SDI paths.
Installation is standard PCIe plug-in for workstation integration and the supplied breakout cable simplifies external connections – optional KL-Box-LH adds extended connectivity and 75 ohm termination options. AJA provides platform drivers and compatibility with leading creative apps, and the product is backed by AJA service and a three year warranty. The card is designed for sustained professional use and straightforward maintenance.