AJA T-TAP Pro Thunderbolt 3 – 4K HDMI 2.0 and 12G-SDI Output Box Released

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by Jeff LochMarch 8^th, 2021

AJA recently launched a new output-only Thunderbolt 3 video box with 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connectivity: the AJA T-TAP Pro. This little box can display 4K DCI over a single cable at up to 60p with up to 16-channel embedded audio. Let’s take a closer look at it!

Post-production and broadcasting-specialized company AJA is mostly known for making mobile and desktop In/Out devices, as well as mini-converters and digital recorders.

The company just released the AJA T-TAP Pro, an output-only video box for Thunderbolt 3 Mac/PC users.

AJA T-TAP Pro – Features

The AJA T-TAP Pro is the company’s latest output-only video box with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, the previous T-TAP version was using Thunderbolt “1” standard.

The T-TAP Pro is a rather compact unit at 127 x 25.4 x 127mm / 5.0 x 1.0 x 5.0″ for a weight of only 1lb/0.5kg.

As you can see, the box only has one Thunderbolt 3 port, which means you can’t daisy-chain it, something I’m not a huge fan of. Also, the box is powered via a 12V external power supply, so it’s more suited for studio use than a DIT cart.

The AJA T-TAP Pro is compatible with both Mac and PCs. The box will work with various software such as Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects, Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer, and various audio applications.

However, it seems like AJA still does not bury the hatch with Blackmagic Design, so no love for DaVinci Resolve.

The T-TAP Pro has two output ports: one HDMI 2.0 and one 12G-SDI port. Both ports are “always-on,” which means you can simultaneously output a video signal via HDMI and SDI.

It can output video in 10- and 12-bit up to DCI 4K/UHD at 60 frames per second. For HDR users, the T-TAP Pro is compatible with:

• SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry, and Luminance
• HDMI: HDR10 Support – HDR Infoframe metadata, compatible with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3
• HDMI: HLG Support – compatible with HDMI 2.0b/CTA-861-G

Audio features

On the audio side, you can embed up to 16-channels 24bit/48kHZ audio via the SDI output and 8-channels on the HDMI connector.

The front panel features a 3.5mm headphone output, a VU meters, and a volume knob. It’s simple and effective.

Price and availability

The AJA T-TAP Pro is available now for $795.00. In terms of direct comparison, the Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Mini, that does capture & playback is $995.00.

For more information, please visit AJA’s website here.

What do you think about this new T-TAP Pro? What is your go-to I/O video card? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!