Grass Valley, CA (April 12, 2022) – AJA Video Systems today released feature-rich firmware updates for OG-Hi5-4K-Plus, OG-HA5-4K, OG-4K2HD, and OG-12GM openGear cards. Building on AJA's latest Mini-Config v2.26.3 software update for its Mini-Converter line, the new releases help production professionals maintain the integrity of signals and better manage associated metadata as they move throughout the chain. Available as free downloads from the AJA support page, OG-Hi5-4K-Plus v1.6.2, OG-HA5-4K v1.6.2, OG-4K2HD v1.5.2 and OG-12GM v1.2.2 include powerful new enhancements such as HDR VPID pass-through, BT.2020 and dual-link support, Dolby Audio compatibility, and more.
HDR is quickly evolving into a production standard, requiring more metadata from SDR and HDR equipment to be carried throughout the chain. The new firmware releases reduce the opportunity for color and brightness errors during this process via new VPID metadata pass-through for each openGear card with optional override functionality. Automating HDR metadata pass-through, the new improvement makes it easier for upstream equipment to generate HDR metadata and pass it to downstream equipment, without having it stripped or manually configured along the way. Additional feature updates include automatic infoframe generation, and custom HDMI metadata and mastering display information generation for HDMI outputs, which streamline the movement of metadata between SDI and HDMI equipment for simpler workflows and troubleshooting. OG-Hi5-4K-Plus and OG-HA5-4K also gain additional HDR capabilities with color space converter support for BT.2020.
Growing consumer adoption of Dolby Atmos audio sound systems has also driven more use of immersive audio technology in the field, yet pipelines often comprise a range of audio types such as stereo, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus. As the audio is processed and rendered between equipment, loss of data is a risk, but OG-Hi5-4K-Plus v1.6.1 preserves embedded audio pass-through for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus compressed audio – including DD+ Atmos immersive sound. This allows professionals to monitor and validate that the immersive audio being produced is reaching end viewers.
In addition to immersive audio upgrades, the firmware releases bring dual-link support for 2x 1.5G outputs to OG-HA5-4K, and 2x 6G, 2x 3G, and 2x 1.5G input and output format support to OG-12GM.
"openGear-compatible conversion technology is in high demand, as video professionals across industries look for simpler ways to produce high-end audio and visual content for remote and streaming workflows, live events, post-production, and beyond. To aid in this pursuit, we've extended the capabilities of our production-proven openGear cards to support the latest industry standards, including HDR, WCG and BT.2020 color spaces and Dolby Atmos," shared Nick Rashby, President, AJA Video Systems. "These new improvements are designed to help professionals keep HDR and immersive audio signals and metadata intact as they move throughout various equipment in the production chain, ultimately ensuring a more pristine viewer experience."
Pricing and Availability
OG-Hi5-4K-Plus v1.6.1, OG-HA5-4K v1.6.1, OG-4K2HD v1.5.1, and OG-12GM v1.2.2 firmware updates are now available as free downloads from AJA's support page. For more information on AJA's full range of openGear solutions, visit: www.aja.com/family/opengear.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
