AJA KONA LHi review

AJA KONA LHi is an earlier internal PCIe capture/playout board that stands out for accepting professional SDI, HDMI and analog video. Its analog inputs include composite/S-video and component routes, with the exact breakout wiring needed for the source format. That versatility can help with legacy cameras or tapes, but it is not a reason to assume every analog input supports every HD timing. AJA’s current NTV2 documentation dates the board’s end of life to September 26, 2025 and suggests KONA LHe Plus as its replacement.

Three signal families, with different limits

The model-specific table lists 1080p through 60 for supported video formats and identifies SDI and HDMI 1.3 digital inputs. AJA also documents composite/S-video (Y/C) and component analog input. The analog section establishes connector families and signal standards, but does not publish a separate analog-specific 1080p60 capture promise; our operating plans therefore match analog input without tagging a 1080p60 recording floor. For HDMI or SDI, the documented 1080p60 mode can be assessed separately. The input sources must be unencrypted: AJA’s manual says HDCP is not supported on input or output and protected HDMI sources are unsupported.

That connector distinction is important when planning a restoration or production system. Component, composite and S-video are not interchangeable cables, and some analog connections require a breakout cable or optional KLHi-Box. The card’s video I/O and the host’s software configuration determine which route is active. A KONA LHi with an HDMI connector does not provide HDMI 2.0 gaming passthrough, HDR, VRR or high-refresh capture.

PCIe and the versioned software path

KONA LHi uses a four-lane Gen 2 PCIe card. It is intended for an internal workstation or compatible expansion chassis, not for a laptop’s USB port. The exact package must be checked for the bracket, breakout cable or box, and any analog connections the source needs. It also needs AJA drivers and an application that can configure its input and output. The AJA OBS Quick Start Guide v17.1 explicitly says OBS Studio does not support KONA LHi even if the device is recognized; do not treat recognition as a working capture path.

AJA’s current support page makes the macOS version caveat unusually specific: KONA LHi must use Desktop Software v17.6 on macOS; v18 for macOS does not support this board. Verify the Windows and Mac installation notes, application compatibility and OS release before planning a workstation around it. This is an earlier, end-of-life device, so software version labels and current download pages need careful reading rather than inference from a newer KONA product.

Best fit and checks before buying

The LHi is most relevant when its mix of analog, SDI and HDMI inputs solves a known production or digitizing task and the operator already has PCIe plus an AJA-compatible software chain. It is harder to recommend for a new game-streaming setup: a modern external HDMI capture unit may be simpler if unencrypted digital HDMI is the only source. For legacy analog work, inventory the exact source output, cable/breakout parts, line-standard, component levels and chosen capture application before comparing prices or listings.

For any used offer, confirm the board label, PCIe slot, height bracket, accessory package, host OS, AJA software version and seller return policy. Check that HDCP is not part of the source path. This source-based assessment does not claim a test, current stock, unit condition, warranty, price or customer experience; those remain offer-specific.

Primary references: AJA KONA LHi technical page and software notice, the AJA NTV2 device record, and AJA’s OBS Quick Start Guide v17.1.