Two years ago AJA released the Io HD, which provides almost every input and output that you could possibly want with direct-to-ProRes capture. The Io Express offers a similar (but smaller) feature set for portable capture to a laptop or (optionally) to a desktop on both OS X and Windows. Unlike the Io HD, the Io Express does not convert to ProRes in hardware. It sends uncompressed video to the laptop via a ExpressCard interface, like the Matrox MXO 2.
Io Express Features:
• Interfaces with MacBook Pro and Windows laptops for input/output of popular file-based formats
• HD/SD SDI input and output
• HDMI 1.3a input and output, with Deep Color support at 30 and 36 bit per pixel
• HD/SD Component video output
• 2-Channel RCA audio output
• LTC I/O (selectable LTC Input/Reference Video Input)
• RS422 machine control
• Powerful and proven KONA or XENA drivers
• Compatible with Apple Final Cut Studio, Adobe CS4, and more
• Small, highly portable case design, one rackunit tall, half rackunit wide
• 4-pin XLR power for AC or battery operation
• 3-meter PCIe tether cable
• PCIe Mac Pro / workstation interface option available
• AJA 3-year international warranty
The Io Express will be available in Q3 of 2009 for $995.