Sam Petrov is an independent Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) who moved into the dynamic environment of on-set production after working in editorial and color grading. His experience in postproduction has given Sam valuable insights into delivering exactly what’s needed both on-set and downstream. He recently integrated AJA’s KUMO 1616 router, a KUMO CP control panel, T-TAP Thunderbolt to SDI and HDMI output device and HA5 HDMI to 3G-SDI Mini-Converter as well as a Pak Dock with the Pak-Adapt-CFast adapter into his DIT cart, custom built to house his tools of the trade. 

“I was on location in New Mexico working on a new episodic series and the previous router I was using failed. I ordered an AJA KUMO 1616, and it worked perfectly out of the box. I love the compactness, and the build quality is spectacular,” said Sam. “I took the opportunity to rebuild my cart, and also added T-TAP to ensure color-accurate picture representation on my displays.”

In production, Sam uses KUMO 1616 and the KUMO CP to control the dissemination of camera feeds to different areas on-set, and to make sure that signals are going to the right place without having to re-patch cables. An AJA T-TAP, a Thunderbolt-based over SDI and HDMI output device, allows him to monitor a signal directly from his Apple Mac Pro onto calibrated monitors to ensure that his first pass color grading is color accurate. Moreover, with T-TAP he’s bypassing the computer system color profile and doesn’t have to worry about anything interfering with the signal that could make the color inaccurate if a DP wants to review clips on set at the end of the day. He also uses a HA5 Mini-Converter to view his computer’s GUI HDMI signal as an SDI signal, and an AJA Pak Dock with a Pak-Adapt-CFast media adapter to ingest CFast media from cameras.  

“The HA5 is great because it allows me to convert the HDMI signal out of my computer into SDI to display my GUI on any SDI display; this way I can also live entirely in the BNC world. The Pak Dock setup with Pak-Adapt-CFast is critical to ensure that the camera file ingest is safe, secure and reliable, and I appreciate the speed of the Thunderbolt connection,” continued Sam.

Sam has seen the DIT’s tasks evolve since it first became an on-set role just over a decade ago. The DIT originally took the place of a traditional loader who would switch out mags of film—but now would be taking out memory cards and loading files onto a storage system or drive. It’s a very technical role that is always changing, and today also involves an understanding of cameras, storage, codecs, raw and log profiles, generally some color grading, transmission of video signals around set, maintaining image integrity and security. 

“It’s a crucial role, and most of us invest heavily in owning the equipment we bring to a production. AJA gear is robust, reliable, comes backed with unparalleled support—and I’m confident that as workflow needs evolve, these are the products that will keep up,” explained Sam, “Not to mention their products are made locally in Grass Valley, CA, which is great if I ever need support from the company.” 

For more information about Sam and his work, visit www.sampetrov.lol His most recent project as a DIT includes the upcoming television series “The Unsettling.”

About KUMO 1616

KUMO 1616 is a compact SDI router that provides powerful signal control and supports full broadcast specifications over 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI, with quality that exceeds SMPTE specifications. For medium sized facilities, mobile trucks, and on-set workflows KUMO 1616 with 16x 3G-SDI inputs and 16x 3G-SDI outputs is just the right size for combining multiple cameras, monitors, editing systems, tape decks and file- based recorders into a seamless workflow. For 12G and 6G-SDI needs, AJA offers the KUMO 1616-12G. 

About KUMO CP
KUMO CP is an optional 1RU control panel that can be used in standalone or networked configurations suitable for all KUMO routers except the KUMO 6464. For KUMO 6464 please see the KUMO CP2. Connecting via Ethernet to the same network as KUMO routers, KUMO CP enables full control from any location without the need for a computer. Up to four KUMO routers can be controlled from a single control panel. Supports ganged dual and quad port routing, allowing users to group together multiple inputs and outputs for Dual Link, 4K and Ultra HD workflows. In addition to SD and HD, every KUMO can route 2 or 4 grouped 3G-SDI connections, supporting uncompressed or RAW 4K and UltraHD signals.

About T-TAP
AJA’s T-TAP provides video professionals with an inexpensive video and embedded audio adapter that utilizes the power of Thunderbolt for high quality 10-bit SD, HD and 2K output; creating a simple, unobtrusive means for getting professional video and audio onto monitors and projectors. 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs are available, with support for 3D HDMI output. The SDI output can be used to feed professional monitors or recording gear, while the HDMI output is able to feed directly into consumer HDMI monitors. Both HDMI and SDI are active at all times, so you can simultaneously work with professional and consumer gear. 

About HA5
The HA5 converts HDMI to SDI or HD-SDI. Up to eight channels of HDMI audio are embedded into the SD/HD-SDI output allowing a convenient single cable audio/video connection. The HA5 provides two SD/HD-SDI outputs and supports long HDMI cables on the input. The HA5 is useful for connecting HDMI cameras to SD/HD-SDI equipment.

About Pak Dock
The AJA Pak Dock is a small format device to transfer your footage from either AJA Pak or CFast media over Thunderbolt™ or USB 3.0.

Pak-Adapt-CFast
Pak-Adapt-CFast is a drive adapter enabling use of CFast media with Ki Pro Ultra Plus or the AJA Pak Dock. Insert a CFast card into the adapter to mount, record or format. Pak-Adapt-CFast requires qualified media to ensure you get the best results. 

About AJA Video Systems, Inc.
Since 1993, AJA Video has been a leading manufacturer of video interface technologies, converters, digital video recording solutions and professional cameras, bringing high quality, cost effective products to the professional broadcast, video and postproduction markets. AJA products are designed and manufactured at our facilities in Grass Valley, California, and sold through an extensive sales channel of resellers and systems integrators around the world. For further information, please see our website at www.aja.com.