This article explains when to use the AJA U-TAP, its limitations, and how to configure it correctly with Dartfish Live. 



What is the AJA U-TAP?

The AJA U-TAP is a professional video capture device that connects a camera or video source (HDMI or SDI) to Dartfish via USB.


It outputs an uncompressed video stream, providing high video quality and low latency, and does not require drivers or external power.


There are two different models, each dedicated to a certain connectivity:

  • AJA U-TAP SDI for the capture of SDI streams
  • AJA U-TAP HDMI for the capture of HDMI streams


Key characteristics

FeatureDetails
Max resolution1080p
Max frame rate60 FPS
Video outputUncompressed
Connection to PCUSB 3.1
Power supplyUSB-powered
Multi-camera supportUp to 2 AJA U-TAP devices


Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • No power supply needed. 
  • Easy “plug-and-play” installation 
  • Can record in 1080p/60 fps. 
  • 2 devices can be used for multi-view recording.

Limitations

  • Limited stream configuration options

  • Uncompressed video requires:

    • High-performance CPU

    • SSD storage

    • Sufficient RAM


The AJA U-TAP relies on your PC performance.
Make sure your system meets the Dartfish system requirements.


Setting up the AJA U-TAP for use with Dartfish

Step 1 - Device set up

  1. Connect the USB cable from the AJA U-TAP to your computer. 
  2. Connect the HDMI/SDI cable into the HDMI/SDI In port of the U-TAP 



Step 2 - Select the device in Dartfish

  1. Go to the Live workspace
  2. Click on Source.
  3. Select AJA U-TAP Video
  4. Click on Apply in the device name window





Step 3 - Configure video format

  1. In the Setup page, click Video Format

  2. Select:

    • Image size (e.g. 1920×1080)

    • Frame rate (e.g. 60 FPS)

  3. Click OK



Important
The selected frame rate must be equal to or lower than the camera’s output frame rate.
Otherwise, frame duplication may occur.


You are now ready to start recording.



Record a video playing on a PC (HDMI only)

This advanced scenario allows you to record:

  • Live streams

  • Online broadcasts

  • Video playback from a browser or application

This setup works only with AJA U-TAP HDMI.


Overview

The AJA U-TAP is used as a virtual second display.


Set up

  1. Connect the laptop HDMI output to the AJA U-TAP HDMI

  2. Press Windows+P

  3. Set display mode to Extend

  4. Launch Dartfish and select AJA U-TAP as the video source

  5. Move the browser or video player to the extended screen

  6. Set the video to full screen

  7. Set audio output to AJA U-TAP (otherwise no audio will be recorded)