AJA Io X3 Professional Video I/O for Thunderbolt 3 | IO-X3-R0

AJA Io X3 Overview

The Io X3 Professional Video I/O for Thunderbolt 3 is a compact capture and output device offering high-quality video and audio connectivity with support for DCI 2K and HD/SD workflows up to 60p over both 3G-SDI and HDMI. The Io X3 connects to your laptop, desktop, or mini computer via a single Thunderbolt 3 cable and provides a second Thunderbolt connector for flexibility.

Video connections consist of four bidirectional 3G-SDI inputs/outputs and individual HDMI 1.4b input and output with multiviews available via SDI or HDMI. The Io X3 supports HDR (high dynamic range), embedded 16-channel SDI and 8-channel HDMI audio, and analog audio output via a standard DB-25 connection. A 4-pin XLR power input is incorporated for powering the Io X3 with batteries or the included AC adapter.

HD/SD Video over Thunderbolt 3

Capture, display, and convert HD/SD video at rates up to DCI 2K60 using a single USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 cable with an identical loop-through. Supports all major NLE systems plus OBS Studio, vMix, Telestream Wirecast, and similar applications. Thunderbolt 3 supplies both Thunderbolt and power using a single cable with double the speed of Thunderbolt 2 at 40 Gb/s.

3G-SDI and HDMI Input/Output

Input and output video using the four bidirectional 3G-SDI BNC ports and the single HDMI input and HDMI output connectors.

HDR and Dolby Vision Support

Capture rich, true-to-life HDR (high dynamic range) images with support for HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision standards. HDR auto-playback detection automatically sets the HDR format on a monitor connected to the BNC or HDMI output ports. The Io X3 also supports .mov HDR outputs from Adobe Premiere Pro/Media Encoder, setting the proper HDR format automatically.

Versatile Connectivity

Practical connections include a 4-pin XLR power input, RS-422 (DB-9) machine control, and a DB-25 port for analog audio breakout via a separately available cable. Video connections include HDMI input and output, four bidirectional BNC 3G-SDI connectors, a BNC reference port, and individual LTC timecode BNC input and output connectors.

Audio Options

Embedded digital audio is available via both the BNC SDI (16-ch) and HDMI (8-ch) ports with analog audio supported via a DB-25 connection.

Compact Form

Two Io X3 units can be mounted side by side in just 1 RU space.

Multiview Output

The Io X3 offers multichannel input and output and the HDMI output’s ability to display all of these sources to one display and is fully compatible with OBS Studio software.

Apple M1 Chip Support

Desktop Software v16.1 and higher is optimized for the Apple M1 chip with native support for AJA macOS drivers, application plug-ins, AJA Control Room, AJA Control Panel, AJA System Test and AJA NMOS software.

AJA Lo-X3 Specs

System Connection

Inputs/Outputs

Video Inputs

Audio Inputs