AJA COLOURBOX – Glue Equipment
ColorBox from AJA is a high performance color management device specifically designed to meet the color conversion and color correction needs of broadcast, live events, and on-set applications.
Description
ColorBox from AJA is a high performance color management device specifically designed to meet the color conversion and color correction needs of broadcast, live events, and on-set applications. Supporting HDR, SDR, and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) signals, it utilizes 12G-SDI for single wire 4K/UltraHD up to 4:2:2 10-bit 60p or 4:4:4 12-bit 30p, with a unique color processing pipeline, and down-conversion. The ColorBox’s ultra-low latency, less than ½ of a video line, makes it ideal for color managed workflows for live productions.
Built around a 33-point 3D LUT processor with tetrahedral interpolation, the AJA Color Pipeline provides additional 4x 1D LUTs and 2x 3x3 matrices that are each individually configurable or can be converted to Proc Amps or RGB Color Correctors. All of the color processing options can be easily managed via the web user interface, which can be accessed directly from a wired Ethernet connection.
ColorBox also includes processing pipelines from Colorfront, NBCU LUTs, and ACES. Additionally, ColorBox offers licensable upgrade options for advanced color managed workflows, including the Colorfront Engine, BBC HLG LUTs, and ORION-CONVERT. ORION-CONVERT’s unique real time floating point math approach to color transformations produces higher precision results to get “access to the colors between the colors.” This enables pixel perfect color transforms and round-tripping where maintaining color fidelity is paramount.
The ACES Pipeline includes support for ACES Metadata File (AMF). Internal AMF processing is built on the OpenColorIO (OCIO) from the Academy Software Foundation and supports configurable input and output transforms. ColorBox is an officially ACES logoed device ensuring end-to-end ACES compliance.
ColorBox can overlay information onto the image, including helpful user definable text fields, user loaded images such as graphic elements and frame lines, and more.
ColorBox also offers a sophisticated 4K test pattern generator and frame store, bringing valuable tools to your workflow, including capturing up to a 4K image as a 16-bit .tiff file for the highest quality reference stills. These captures can be saved locally on ColorBox or onto third party connected computers, which can simultaneously be running applications like Pomfort’s Livegrade Pro/Studio, Assimilate Live Looks, and QTAKE Video Assist software.
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FAQ
How does ColorBox integrate with our existing CCU or RCP control workflow, and what protocols does it support?+
ColorBox is controlled via a web UI over Gigabit Ethernet and Mini-USB for IP configuration. It does not support traditional CCU/RCP control protocols (Grass Valley, Sony, Blackmagic). For remote color control in a live OB van, you'll need to operate the web interface locally or via remote desktop/VPN. If your workflow demands hardware RCP integration, confirm this aligns with your control architecture before purchase.
What's the actual round-trip latency through the ColorBox, and will it cause sync issues in live switching?+
ColorBox introduces less than ½ video line of latency—approximately 8–16 microseconds at 1080p, scaling similarly at higher resolutions. This is negligible for live switching and multi-camera sync. However, if ColorBox output is delayed relative to unprocessed reference signals (graphics, pre-recorded content), you must account for delay compensation in your vision mixer or router. Test latency alignment in your specific signal chain before deploying in live shows.
We need to embed and monitor both SDI and HDMI outputs simultaneously. Can we run both in parallel, and are there any sync or format restrictions?+
ColorBox provides 2x 12G-SDI outputs and 1x HDMI 2.0b output, all capable of independent operation. Both can run simultaneously, but confirm that your signal routing and color pipeline configuration support dual-format output at your target resolution and frame rate. The HDMI is limited to 4K/30p in 4:4:4 mode; verify that your monitor or capture device supports HDMI 2.0b and the required color space/gamut before relying on it for QC or client monitoring in critical workflows.
How do we manage and deploy LUTs across multiple ColorBox units in a broadcast center, and does AJA provide batch configuration tools?+
LUTs and processing chains are stored on the ColorBox and managed via the web UI. AJA does not publish a centralized LUT management API or batch deployment tool in publicly available documentation. For multi-unit facilities, you'll need to configure each unit individually or develop custom scripts interfacing the web UI. Contact AJA directly about firmware options or third-party integrations if you require synchronized, centralized LUT distribution across a large installation.
What are the power and thermal requirements for rack deployment, and can multiple ColorBox units share a single supply?+
ColorBox consumes 16–25W typical (depending on SDI configuration), with minimal thermal output. It occupies only 191.6 × 104.1 × 42.1 mm—suitable for compact OB van or rack integration. Multiple units can share standard broadcast power distribution (no dedicated PSU required). However, verify your rack's Gigabit Ethernet port count and IP addressing scheme if deploying more than two or three units; each requires independent web UI access and may require separate subnets for traffic isolation in large installations.
Does ColorBox support ACES or HLG workflows, and can we switch processing modes on the fly without interrupting video?+
ColorBox includes native support for ACES, BBC HLG LUTs, and NBCU LUTs as part of its six processing modes (AJA Color Pipeline, Colorfront, NBCU LUTs, ACES, BBC HLG LUTs, ORION-CONVERT). Mode switching via web UI; confirm whether switching causes frame drops or brief black by testing in your environment. For live productions requiring mid-show gamut or processing swaps, validate the switching behavior with your signal chain to avoid on-air artifacts.
We're considering ColorBox for SDI-to-HDMI broadcast playback conversion with color management. Are there any known issues with specific HDMI monitor types or color space negotiation?+
ColorBox HDMI 2.0b output supports standard color spaces and gamuts, but HDMI handshaking and color space negotiation depend entirely on the downstream display or capture device. Some HDMI monitors may require manual color space selection; others auto-detect reliably. Before purchasing for critical QC or client monitoring, test with the exact monitor or capture interface you'll deploy. Document any required manual configuration to avoid on-air or QC delays.
What firmware update process do you recommend, and are there any known compatibility issues with specific SDI routers or mixers we should be aware of?+
ColorBox receives firmware updates via Ethernet; always verify compatibility and backup your LUT configurations before updating. AJA publishes release notes detailing any behavioral changes. Compatibility with routers and mixers is governed by standard 12G-SDI signal integrity—no proprietary handshake is required. Test the ColorBox output with your specific router or mixer in advance to confirm video lock and embedded audio handling. If you experience sync or audio issues, check SDI cable quality and port specifications on both sides.
Is the equipment under warranty?+
Yes, every used or ex-demo unit is tested and covered by a 90-day warranty. In the event of a failure, the round-trip transport cost is shared equally between the customer and Broadcast Depot.
Do you ship internationally?+
Yes, Broadcast Depot ships worldwide. We arrange transport on quotation, or you can use your own carrier. Delivery usually takes 3 to 5 days. OB vans are delivered by driver or collected on site.
Can I return or exchange a product?+
Yes, in case of an error or if you would like another product from our stock: returns and exchanges are possible with no time limit. Contact us to arrange it.
Technical specifications
| Product Type | Real-time in-line HDR/SDR color management converter |
| Video Formats | DCI 4K (4096x2160p), UltraHD (3840x2160p), 2K (2048x1080p), HD (1920x1080p/i, 1280x720p) up to 60 fps |
| Color Sampling & Bit Depth | YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 4K/60p; RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 4K/30p |
| Internal Processing | 12-bit RGB |
| Video I/O (ColorBox Standalone) | 1x 12G-SDI input, 2x 12G-SDI outputs, 1x HDMI 2.0b output |
| Color Processing Pipeline | 33-point 3D LUT with tetrahedral interpolation, 4x 1D LUTs, 2x 3x3 matrices; 6 processing modes (AJA Color Pipeline, Colorfront, NBCU LUTs, ACES, BBC HLG LUTs, ORION-CONVERT) |
| Latency | Ultra-low latency, less than ½ of a video line |
| Audio | 16-channel SDI embedded audio; 8-channel HDMI embedded audio |
| Frame Store | Captures up to 4K images as 16-bit .tiff, .jpeg, or .png reference files |
| Control Interface | Web UI via Gigabit Ethernet; Mini-USB for IP configuration; optional third-party WiFi adapter support |
| Power Consumption | 16W typical (3G-SDI), 21W typical (12G-SDI), 25W maximum |
| Dimensions (ColorBox) | 191.6 mm x 104.1 mm x 42.1 mm (7.54" x 4.10" x 1.66") |