Schema for Aquilon FAQs
Aquilon series is a full range of modular and scalable 4K/8K/16K multi-screen presentation systems and videowall processors, delivering uncompromising presentation experiences to high-end staging and premium system integration.
The Aquilon series comprises seven high-performance pre-configured products (Aquilon RS alpha, RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4, RS5 and RS6) and four fully customizable models (Aquilon Cmini, C, C+ and Cmax).
Aquilon series is designed for:
Aquilon is designed for high production value with mission-critical requirements: reliability, efficiency and ease of operation are not negotiable.
Aquilon Series are full designed and manufactured in France. They are fully compliant with the Trade Agreements Act (17 U.S.C. & 2501-2581).
Aquilon Series has a 19-inch rack-mount chassis. Depending on the reference, the height spans from 3RU to 6RU.
Their depth is 27.45”/ 700mm.
The card-based modular architecture of Aquilon Series has a granularity of:
1. Up to
2. Up to, using 8-plug input cards,available separately as accessories
The Aquilon Series comes with a full range of input/output connector cards:
Yes, Aquilon Series supports AVoIP and has one of the largest offers in the competition. Since its launch in 2019 with baseband connectors only, Aquilon Series has been enriched with:
Yes, Aquilon can handle images when equipped with Image Processing Units (IPUs). Each IPU manages up to 24x 2K/DL or 12x 4K or 6x 5K direct-access scalable images. These images can be used in layers just like any other live source.
1. Up to
Still images are stored in a 200-slot library. These images can be:
Supported formats are:
A screen can consist in a single output as well as several outputs. These outputs can be easily positioned either in a grid or in an almost unlimited canvas. When positioned in a grid, the outputs can be overlapped and adjusted for soft-edge blending applications or separated for bezel compensation.
The number of VPU (Video Processing Units) determines the max number of outputs available for Screen Programs. Therefore, it depends on the selected model and/or its built-to-order configuration
1. Up to
2. Replacing HDMI 2.0 output connector card by DP 1.2/1.4 output card (ref. ACC-AQL-OUT-DP)
An easy rule to understand to count the numbers of available layer is:
An Aquilon VPU can manage up to four 4K60 layers, spreadable onto 4K60 outputs.
1. Up to
2. Doubled for split layers
In addition to these VPU-based layers, Aquilon Series can used live inputs and still images an unscaled background layer.
No, each output unused in a Screen can be used either as an Auxiliary Screen or as a duplication of another output used in a Screen.
When used as Auxiliary Screen, the output contains two 2K60/DL split layers that can be also used as one 4K60 split layers. It is also possible for an auxiliary output to pre-empt the resources of adjacent unused outputs and to have up to eight 2K60/DL split layers.
When used as a duplication of another output, an output can be scaled to a different resolution.
Aquilon Series implements an internal video processing with the following specifications:
Any input with different specifications will be converted to match thoseconfigured for the internal processing so it can be processed homogeneously withother sources. Symmetrically, each output can characteristics different from theinternal processing and will be converted before signal is emitted.
Yes, Aquilon supports genlock synchronization. Thanks to its BNC connector, it can be synced using tri-level sync and black-burst reference signals. In addition to this connector, Aquilon has a loop-through connector to daisy-chain several units and sync them with the same reference signal.
Aquilon can also output a reference signal based on its own internal rate to this loop-through connector.
When Aquilon uses the genlock input signal as reference for the internal rate, all the outputs follow the rate, but it is still possible for each output to adjust the horizontal and vertical phases or to simply select another output rate.
When properly configured and genlocked, Aquilon Series can reach a minimum latency of 1 frame.
At input level, an additional latency of up to 1 frame may be induced for:
At output level, an additional latency of up to 1 frame may be induced for:
All the inputs and outputs of an Aquilon integrates a 3D-LUT module. These modules contain 33x33x33 LUTs (Look-up Tables) contain values and uses tetrahedral interpolation to provide the best results. Thanks to LUTs and their mathematical combination properties, the Aquilon can simultaneously achieve the following operations:
Yes, Aquilon Series support HDR standards:
Unlike most of their competitors that are in passthrough mode and require homogeneous dynamic ranges for the whole system, Aquilon can convert any input and output video content to work within heterogenous workflows: each input and output has its own 3D-LUT based conversion module. Predefined embedded 3D-LUTs are available for standard conversions but it is also possible import 3D-LUTs to achieve custom conversions
Yes, Aquilon Series can match the highest expectations in terms of color reproduction accuracy thanks to its 3D-LUT based color processing. Jointly used with a color calibration tool, it is possible to use the created 3D-LUTs for output color correction.
Yes, Aquilon support HDCP 2.2 encryption for its HDMI and DP inputs and outputs. If an HCDP-protected content should be displayed onto a non-HDCP-compliant output, Aquilon would grey the whole output content.
When HDCP protection is not needed, it is possible and recommended to disable the HDCP for each input and output. This may be useful to avoid problems due to unnecessary HDCP activation for some sources or problems related to cables length or quality.
Yes, Aquilon support EDID for HDMI and DP inputs and outputs. Aquilon support EDID files:
At output level, it is possible to read the EDID of the output peripherals and store them in the EDID bank for an ulterior use at input level.
At input level, it is possible to load a specific EDID .bin file:
Yes, Aquilon support custom formats in addition to:
Custom formats can be created using:
The custom format can be created from scratch or based on another format coming from:
Yes, Aquilon Series implements several keying algorithms depending on the content to key:
Yes, Aquilon Series implements output rotation per 90° steps. The output rotation is useful for compensating the rotation of displays or projectors that only accept landscape formats.
Aquilon Series do not support input or layer rotation.
Yes, Aquilon Series supports L-PCM audio up to 96kHz. It can de-embed up to 8 audio channels at 48kHz per input and re-embed up to 8 audio channels at 48 kHz per output.
Equipped as standard with a two-port Dante card, it can send up to 64 channels at 48 kHz to a Dante network and receive up to 64 channels at 48 kHz. The two ports can be configured either as redundant ports or as network switch mode. The external routing of the Dante channels must be achieved via an external Dante controller.
Aquilon Series offers a static internal routing of its audio channels, that cannot be linked to a memory recall, and does not implement additional processing such as delay, balance and bass/mid/treble adjustments.
Yes, Aquilon can be linked to up to 3 other Aquilon (any type, any size) when larger input/output configurations are needed or when remote input and outputs are required. When linking four fully loaded Cmax, the global system reaches up to 128x 4k inputs, 64x 4K Program outputs, and 16xK auxiliary outputs.
When linked together, the units are controlled as a single synchronized system, and they can share up to eight 4K60 or sixteen 2K60/DL inputs without external DAs.
Yes, Aquilon units support long-distance links up to 500m/1640ft thanks to the use of QSFP+ single-mode fiber transceivers with LC connectors.
When the units are with a range of 3m/10ft, simple Direct Attach Copper cables (DACs) can be used.
The integrated front LED display provides quick access to system information including IP addressing and system monitoring status.
It also provides essential settings and functions such as:
No, there is no need to install any software to configure and control an Aquilon as it embeds its own web application: the Web RCS (Web Remote Control Software). The IP address of the Aquilon just needs to be entered in the web browser, and the Web RCS is automatically loaded. When linking several units, the whole system can be controlled as a single unit, typing the IP address of the Leader unit.
Yes, a simulator for the Aquilon Series is available. This tool is really convenient for preparing a show or simply training. It allows you to simulate any Aquilon, linked or not, offline. Each unit can be customized regarding its input/output/control card, and for C series, the numbers of VPU and IPU cards
This simulator is freely available on Analog Way’s website:https://www.analogway.com/products/aw-livepremier-simulator
Yes, Aquilon can easily be controlled by a third party application.
Aquilon Series implements a REST API (Application Programming Interface) and the proprietary JSON-based protocol AWJ. The programmer guides for the REST API and the AWJ protocol are publicly available in the “Third Party Integration” download section of each Aquilon.
Each unit can also be controlled by the free Q-SYS, AMX and Crestron® drivers as well as by AW Video Compositor, a unique solution that gives system integrators and Crestron® developers all the tools they need to easily incorporate the power of Aquilon image processors video compositing into a single point of control Crestron® touchscreen application.
Aquilon can also be controlled using the Bitfocus Companion device “Analog Way: AWJ Protocol Device; Aquilon 4K; Alta 4K; Midra 4K” and an Elgato Stream Deck surface for example.
Aquilon Series uses a customized Linux-based operating system designed specifically for workflows.
The operating system is tightly controlled and updated only through Aquilon firmware updates, reducing the risk of unexpected system changes, background processes or operating system behavior impacting playback reliability.
Aquilon series is designed as a purpose-built platform for presentation systems. Hardware, operating system and software are optimized together for live production environments.
The FPGA-based processing architecture is focused on delivering predictable performance, minimizing common failure points, and reducing dependency on unsupported third-party configurations.
Yes, Aquilon Series has redundant power supplies. Depending on the reference:
By default, Aquilon has a single 1GbE control port with a Neutrik lockable RJ45 connector. Equipped with the SFP-based Link Synchronization card (ref. ACC-AQL-SYNC-SFP), it has a second RJ45 control port with its own IP addressing.
Yes. Aquilon Series is designed to support efficient reset operations including sensitive customers information such as still images.
This helps reduce bench time, simplify redeployment, and maintain consistent preparation processes across rental and staging environments.
Aquilon Series is designed around repeatable deployment workflows, simplified system management, and controlled software environments.
The platform is intended to reduce troubleshooting complexity and support faster turnaround between productions and deployments.
Aquilon Series uses a controlled Linux-based operating system environment where updates are delivered through validated Aquilon firmware releases rather than general-purpose operating system update cycles.
This helps maintain predictable system behavior and deployment consistency.
Aquilon includes a standard 3-year manufacturer warranty on parts and labor back to factory. Broken connectors are not covered by warranty.
Extended warranty coverage of up to 2 additional years is also available at purchase.
Yes,it is possible to upgrade an Aquilon RS to an Aquilon of the same size.
It is possible to upgrade any Aquilon (RS or C series) to support the link feature
Hardware options are factory installed and depend on software and hardware version support.
Yes, there are frequent releases of new Aquilon firmware, including new features and new hardware support, as well as bug fixes.
Once freely downloaded from the Analog Way’s website, the new firmware can be and easily installed via the Web RCS interface or using an USB stick and one of the USB port available on the front and back panels of the Aquilon.
Yes. As Aquilon units may be operated in dusty conditions, their air filter cartridge can be removed and cleaned easily, just unscrewing four screws and tilting the front panel. Thanks to this system, there is no need for un-racking the unit.
Aquilon is supported through Analog Way’s global technical support network, with teams experienced in live production and system deployment.Support structure and response availability may vary depending on region and service agreements.
Yes, Analog Way training programs and onboarding support are available worldwide via the local Analog Way offices and the certified regional sales distributors.
Whether you need a basic introduction to Aquilon Series or are an experienced operator wanting to validate your skills, there is a course for you.
Yes, Analog Way can help customers integrate the Aquilon into their new or existing system thanks to the experienced team of commissioners. This paid service is really appreciated as it saves time and money while configuring / programming the system and solving interoperability issues between gears of different brands.
Contact us today to discover more about how Analog Way can support your presentation needs.
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