Mac & 
Win 
AJA U-TAP v1.5.2 for Mac
(Release Date 6/22/2020, zip archive)
v1.5.2 is a feature and enhancement release for U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI. Please read the Release Notes for details regarding loading the firmware update with the new Software Updater.
AJA U-TAP HDMI
HD/SD USB 3.0 capture device for Mac/Windows/Linux with HDMI input. Bus powered, no driver software necessary
As low as
$439.00
The U-TAP 3G-SDI USB 3.0 capture devices brings professional connectivity and high quality video capture to your laptop or workstation. U-TAP SDI is bus powered with the ability to simply and easily bring in video across 3G-SDI for use within a wide range of software without any drivers to install, as it’s supported directly in macOS X®, Windows® and Linux®.
Key Features
- Compact and Portable
- 3G-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/424 Looping Input
- USB 3.0 connection to desktop or laptop
- Bus Powered through USB 3.0 interface
- Embedded Stereo Audio support
- Supported by OS on macOS, Windows and Linux
- 3 year warranty
Pocket Power
U-TAP SDI offers easy, cost effective and portable solutions for plug and play capture that is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems and a broad range of creative applications. From video conferencing, streaming, social media, gaming and more, U-TAP SDI offers powerful functionality without requiring any third party driver software.
U-TAP SDI is smaller than a smartphone, with USB connectivity that provides a quick and easy way to connect SDI sources for capture, without the need to install additional software drivers. Small enough to carry anywhere with you, its bus powered USB connectivity ensures you will never be looking for a power source.
U-TAP SDI provides an SDI looping output, allowing you to loop through the source SDI signal to monitors, switchers and more. U-TAP SDI supports frame rates up to 1080p 60, for your HD High Frame Rate (HFR) projects.
Rugged and Reliable
U-TAP is small, rugged, reliable and backed by AJA's world renowned support. Small enough to fit in your pocket and with no power supply to carry, it can go with you anywhere.
Silence defined with no fans or moving parts, U-TAP won't detract from the recording or streaming experience, but quietly enhance it with automatic video scaling and aspect ratio conformity based on your application’s requirements, all the way up to 1080p 60.
Applied Application Simplicity
Software Compatibility
U-TAP SDI is UVC and UAC compatible on Mac, Windows and Linux, negating the need for additional drivers. This ensures compatability with a wide range of professional software applications and a seamless integration between the native software and AJA’s high quality hardware letting you focus on the work, not the technology.
Industry-Leading Support
AJA’s technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your U-TAP installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.
U-TAP products are covered by a generous three year warranty. Please see the individual Product’s Manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.
Tech Specs
Video Formats
- Video (SDI)
- (HD) 1920 x 1080p 50, 59.94, 60 (Level A or B-DL)
- (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1920 x 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
- (SD) 625i 50
- (SD) 525i 59.94
- YCbCr, 4:2:2, 10-bit
- Scaled (USB), Frame rates for all formats: 7.5, 15, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
- 1920 x 1080p
- 1440 x 1080p
- 1280 x 720p
- 1024 x 576p
- 960 x 540p
- 856 x 480p
- 800 x 600p
- 768 x 576p
- 720 x 576p
- 720 x 480p
- 640 x 480p
- 640 x 360p
- 432 x 240p
- 352 x 288p
- 320 x 240p
- 176 x 144p
Notes:
1. PsF formats are not supported.
2. Host system specifications/performance will govern what video formats are possible.
Video Input Digital
- 3G-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/424, YCbCr 4:2:2 (1x BNC)
Video Loop Output
- 1x 3G-SDI (1x BNC)
Audio Input Digital
- 2-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate
Capture Video
- 16-bits/pixel, YUV (input video will be truncated as required)
Capture Audio
- 2-channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz sample rate (input audio will be truncated as required)
Host Interface
- USB 3.0/USB 2.0 UVC/UAC compliant
Size (w x d x h)
- 4.1" x 2.4" x 1.0" (104.14 x 60.96 x 25.4 mm)
Weight
- 0.3 lb (0.2 kg)
Power
- 5V USB bus powered; 4W max
Environment
- Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
- Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
- Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
- Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)
AJA U-TAP v1.2 for Mac
(Release Date 2/23/2017, zip archive)
This is the second release of firmware for U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI. Please read the Release Notes for details regarding loading the firmware update with the new Software Updater.
AJA_U-TAP_v1.0_Mac
(Release Date 9/7/2016, zip archive)
This is the initial release of firmware for U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI. Please read the release notes for details regarding loading the firmware if needed.
AJA U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI Manual v1.5.2
(Release Date 3/9/2020)
FAQ
U-TAP has no drivers to install? How then are the U-TAP products seen by the OS?
U-TAP HDMI and U-TAP SDI use a technology called UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class). This is how most webcams interact with the host operating systems. This allows the device to not need any third party driver installs or configuration, just plug it in and open the application as support for the devices is provided at the operating system level.
What Operating Systems does U-TAP support?
U-TAP is designed to work with operating systems that support UVC and UAC. OS X 10.11.6, Windows 7, 8 and 10 and recent versions of Linux have been tested by AJA at time of writing. That being said it may work in other operating systems as well.
Since U-TAP has no drivers to install how do I actually use it?
To capture video content with U-TAP, you will need a UVC compatible application. Most applications that support webcam ingest or capture will work. Quicktime X, VLC, and many more.Please see AJA’s compatibility grid for known software compatibility: https://www.aja.com/media/images/products/misc/utap-compatibility.png
What type of interface is needed to connect U-TAP to my computer?
U-TAP requires a USB 3.0 connection for full 1080p60 capture to be possible. It is compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, although when connected via USB 2.0 maximum performance is going to be limited. U-TAP will negotiate with the USB bus in the host computer and provide the best results possible.
How can I verify whether my system has USB 3.0?
USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed, comes standard on all computers manufactured after 2011. Check with your computer or motherboard manufacturer to verify that USB 3.0 is present on your system.
Will USB extenders like those made by Extron work with the U-TAP?
U-TAP sends bulk data for video and isosynchronous data for audio; which is not compatible with Extron Extenders since they expect isosynchronous video.
What type of USB cable should I use with U-TAP when using a USB 3.0 port on the host computer?
AJA recommends using USB-IF certified cables no longer than 1 meter or 3 feet long for best result with USB3 connectivity.
Can I have multiple U-TAPs connected to my computer and talking to multiple capture applications at once?
Yes, you can attach multiple U-TAPs to the same CPU through its built in USB connections! However, attaching Multiple U-TAPs to one system might impact the expected frame rate of incoming video.
What is the maximum frames per second that U-TAP can capture?
U-TAP is capable of up to 60 frames per second of capture at resolutions up to 1080p when connected to a USB 3.0 connection on the host computer.
Does U-TAP change the resolution of the images it captures to transfer to the host computer?
This is dependent on the capture application. Many applications do not expose the user to the different output sizes and control those settings internally to maintain best picture quality. This is very common with Video Conferencing and Video Chat applications.
Can I force the U-TAP to capture a certain resolution and framerate regardless of input resolution and framerate?
Yes the U-TAP hardware is capable of these conversions, however the controls for these needs is provided by the software you are using and only certain applications expose these controls.
Can I use different video sources with the U-TAP while maintaining the same capture signal?
Yes, changing video sources will not negatively impact the capture signal or format in the application.
Does U-TAP compress my video sources or use frame compression when capturing video content?
No. U-TAP can scale but it does not compress the video. U-TAP offers ingest of uncompressed video.
Does U-TAP induce any capture delay?
U-TAP adds near zero delay. However, third-party applications may cause additional capture delay. For example the application AmCap adds 500 Milisecond delay to the audio path by default, which can be adjusted within the application itself.
My image appears reversed in my capture application, why is this happening?
This is just a visual quirk – image mirroring happens with most UVC-friendly applications. But don’t worry! All captured video content will appear correctly despite appearing reversed in your application during capture!
Can U-TAP save captured signals as a movie?
How do I get analog audio in to a U-TAP device?
To get analog audio into a U-TAP you need to embed the Audio prior to the signal getting to the U-TAP as U-TAP devices are digital devices.
Contact Support
180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 USA
Phone: +1-530-271-3190, Fax: +1-530-271-3140
Email: support@aja.com
Register Your Product
Register your AJA product to help us provide you with the highest quality technical assistance.
Register NowKey Features
- Compact and Portable
- 3G-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/424 Looping Input
- USB 3.0 connection to desktop or laptop
- Bus Powered through USB 3.0 interface
- Embedded Stereo Audio support
- Supported by OS on macOS, Windows and Linux
- 3 year warranty
Pocket Power
U-TAP SDI offers easy, cost effective and portable solutions for plug and play capture that is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems and a broad range of creative applications. From video conferencing, streaming, social media, gaming and more, U-TAP SDI offers powerful functionality without requiring any third party driver software.
U-TAP SDI is smaller than a smartphone, with USB connectivity that provides a quick and easy way to connect SDI sources for capture, without the need to install additional software drivers. Small enough to carry anywhere with you, its bus powered USB connectivity ensures you will never be looking for a power source.
U-TAP SDI provides an SDI looping output, allowing you to loop through the source SDI signal to monitors, switchers and more. U-TAP SDI supports frame rates up to 1080p 60, for your HD High Frame Rate (HFR) projects.
Rugged and Reliable
U-TAP is small, rugged, reliable and backed by AJA's world renowned support. Small enough to fit in your pocket and with no power supply to carry, it can go with you anywhere.
Silence defined with no fans or moving parts, U-TAP won't detract from the recording or streaming experience, but quietly enhance it with automatic video scaling and aspect ratio conformity based on your applications requirements, all the way up to 1080p 60.
Applied Application Simplicity
Software Compatibility
U-TAP SDI is UVC and UAC compatible on Mac, Windows and Linux, negating the need for additional drivers. This ensures compatability with a wide range of professional software applications and a seamless integration between the native software and AJAs high quality hardware letting you focus on the work, not the technology.
Industry-Leading Support
AJAs technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your U-TAP installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.
U-TAP products are covered by a generous three year warranty. Please see the individual Products Manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.
Tech Specs
Video Formats
- Video (SDI)
- (HD) 1920 x 1080p 50, 59.94, 60 (Level A or B-DL)
- (HD) 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
- (HD) 1920 x 1080i 50, 59.94, 60
- (HD) 1280 x 720p 50, 59.94, 60
- (SD) 625i 50
- (SD) 525i 59.94
- YCbCr, 4:2:2, 10-bit
- Scaled (USB), Frame rates for all formats: 7.5, 15, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
- 1920 x 1080p
- 1440 x 1080p
- 1280 x 720p
- 1024 x 576p
- 960 x 540p
- 856 x 480p
- 800 x 600p
- 768 x 576p
- 720 x 576p
- 720 x 480p
- 640 x 480p
- 640 x 360p
- 432 x 240p
- 352 x 288p
- 320 x 240p
- 176 x 144p
Notes:
1. PsF formats are not supported.
2. Host system specifications/performance will govern what video formats are possible.
Video Input Digital
- 3G-SDI, SMPTE-259/292/424, YCbCr 4:2:2 (1x BNC)
Video Loop Output
- 1x 3G-SDI (1x BNC)
Audio Input Digital
- 2-channel, 24-bit SDI embedded audio, 48 kHz sample rate
Capture Video
- 16-bits/pixel, YUV (input video will be truncated as required)
Capture Audio
- 2-channel, 16-bit, 48 kHz sample rate (input audio will be truncated as required)
Host Interface
- USB 3.0/USB 2.0 UVC/UAC compliant
Size (w x d x h)
- 4.1" x 2.4" x 1.0" (104.14 x 60.96 x 25.4 mm)
Weight
- 0.3 lb (0.2 kg)
Power
- 5V USB bus powered; 4W max
Environment
- Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
- Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
- Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
- Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)
AJA U-TAP v1.5.2 for Mac
(Release Date 6/22/2020, zip archive)
v1.5.2 is a feature and enhancement release for U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI. Please read the Release Notes for details regarding loading the firmware update with the new Software Updater.
AJA U-TAP v1.2 for Mac
(Release Date 2/23/2017, zip archive)
This is the second release of firmware for U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI. Please read the Release Notes for details regarding loading the firmware update with the new Software Updater.
AJA_U-TAP_v1.0_Mac
(Release Date 9/7/2016, zip archive)
This is the initial release of firmware for U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI. Please read the release notes for details regarding loading the firmware if needed.
AJA U-TAP SDI and U-TAP HDMI Manual v1.5.2
(Release Date 3/9/2020)
FAQ
U-TAP has no drivers to install? How then are the U-TAP products seen by the OS?
U-TAP HDMI and U-TAP SDI use a technology called UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class). This is how most webcams interact with the host operating systems. This allows the device to not need any third party driver installs or configuration, just plug it in and open the application as support for the devices is provided at the operating system level.
What Operating Systems does U-TAP support?
U-TAP is designed to work with operating systems that support UVC and UAC. OS X 10.11.6, Windows 7, 8 and 10 and recent versions of Linux have been tested by AJA at time of writing. That being said it may work in other operating systems as well.
Since U-TAP has no drivers to install how do I actually use it?
To capture video content with U-TAP, you will need a UVC compatible application. Most applications that support webcam ingest or capture will work. Quicktime X, VLC, and many more.Please see AJAs compatibility grid for known software compatibility: https://www.aja.com/media/images/products/misc/utap-compatibility.png
What type of interface is needed to connect U-TAP to my computer?
U-TAP requires a USB 3.0 connection for full 1080p60 capture to be possible. It is compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, although when connected via USB 2.0 maximum performance is going to be limited. U-TAP will negotiate with the USB bus in the host computer and provide the best results possible.
How can I verify whether my system has USB 3.0?
USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed, comes standard on all computers manufactured after 2011. Check with your computer or motherboard manufacturer to verify that USB 3.0 is present on your system.
Will USB extenders like those made by Extron work with the U-TAP?
U-TAP sends bulk data for video and isosynchronous data for audio; which is not compatible with Extron Extenders since they expect isosynchronous video.
What type of USB cable should I use with U-TAP when using a USB 3.0 port on the host computer?
AJA recommends using USB-IF certified cables no longer than 1 meter or 3 feet long for best result with USB3 connectivity.
Can I have multiple U-TAPs connected to my computer and talking to multiple capture applications at once?
Yes, you can attach multiple U-TAPs to the same CPU through its built in USB connections! However, attaching Multiple U-TAPs to one system might impact the expected frame rate of incoming video.
What is the maximum frames per second that U-TAP can capture?
U-TAP is capable of up to 60 frames per second of capture at resolutions up to 1080p when connected to a USB 3.0 connection on the host computer.
Does U-TAP change the resolution of the images it captures to transfer to the host computer?
This is dependent on the capture application. Many applications do not expose the user to the different output sizes and control those settings internally to maintain best picture quality. This is very common with Video Conferencing and Video Chat applications.
Can I force the U-TAP to capture a certain resolution and framerate regardless of input resolution and framerate?
Yes the U-TAP hardware is capable of these conversions, however the controls for these needs is provided by the software you are using and only certain applications expose these controls.
Can I use different video sources with the U-TAP while maintaining the same capture signal?
Yes, changing video sources will not negatively impact the capture signal or format in the application.
Does U-TAP compress my video sources or use frame compression when capturing video content?
No. U-TAP can scale but it does not compress the video. U-TAP offers ingest of uncompressed video.
Does U-TAP induce any capture delay?
U-TAP adds near zero delay. However, third-party applications may cause additional capture delay. For example the application AmCap adds 500 Milisecond delay to the audio path by default, which can be adjusted within the application itself.
My image appears reversed in my capture application, why is this happening?
This is just a visual quirk image mirroring happens with most UVC-friendly applications. But dont worry! All captured video content will appear correctly despite appearing reversed in your application during capture!
Can U-TAP save captured signals as a movie?
U-TAP cannot save or capture video by itself but many applications support this.
How do I get analog audio in to a U-TAP device?
To get analog audio into a U-TAP you need to embed the Audio prior to the signal getting to the U-TAP as U-TAP devices are digital devices.
Contact Support
180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 USA
Phone: +1-530-271-3190, Fax: +1-530-271-3140
Email: support@aja.com
Register Your Product
Register your AJA product to help us provide you with the highest quality technical assistance.
Register NowWrite Your Own Review