Why We Chose It: Taking 16:9 Vertical with the AJA ROI-SDI Scan Converter

With vertical video very much part of the new normal, especially on commercial shoots, here’s how AJA’s ROI-SDI enabled real-time 9:16 monitoring on one major ad campaign shoot.

As social media sites favoring vertical video become central to more and more campaigns, many production crews are updating their pipelines to support simultaneous monitoring and recording of horizontal and vertical video on set. Nick Eagleston is one of them — a freelance cinematographer and camera assistant rethinking his workflow to align with the shift.

In anticipation of projects that demand both formats, he recently added an AJA ROI-SDI Scan Converter to his kit. This allows him to rotate, crop, and scale a live 16:9 camera feed into a dedicated 9:16 vertical output.

It turned out to be vital to the smooth running of a job he recently worked on as a camera assistant. The project involved shooting slots for a large-scale sunscreen spray ad campaign featuring makeup influencer Patrick Starrr, directed by Andy Vallentine, and shot by Cinematographer Nick Ramsey.

Regions of Interest

AJA’s ROI-SDI Scan Converter enables conversion and extraction of a Region of Interest (hence the ROI in the name) from a 3G-SDI input to both 3G-SDI and HDMI mirrored outputs. It offers image scaling, aspect ratio conversion, and audio functionality in tge sort of compact, portable form factor required on busy sets. A 3G-SDI loop through, reference input, and flexible audio routing via free AJA Mini-Config software, ensure that it integrates slots easily into most production environments. 

“Managing visuals for both horizontal and vertical formats was one of the toughest aspects of this project, but AJA ROI-SDI made it easy," he says. “It helped us ensure the commercial looked perfect while also giving the director, producer, and client confidence in the vertical shots for social media distribution.”

Framing for the New Normal

The first half of the shoot was dedicated to capturing a polished, stage-built beach scene for a traditional spot that would also be shared on social platforms. Then, influencers created content on set. More than 100 people were involved, with tons of content captured for socials alongside the main ad.

Rather than relying on frame lines overlaid on a horizontal monitor to preview how the ad would look on social channels, Eagleston was able to deliver a real-time vertical video signal on a dedicated 24-inch HD display. Stakeholders were able to clearly monitor the composition exactly as it would appear in final deliverables and record a copy of that version for social media use.

“The ROI-SDI was a lifesaver,” he noted. “It gave us a precise vertical feed without guesswork. Frame lines can be distracting, but when you have a full vertical monitor, everyone immediately understands what they’re getting.”

Content Vertical is King

The workflow was straightforward yet effective. The wireless camera signal was sent to a monitor, routed via SDI into the ROI-SDI, then configured via laptop to set exact crop values. Once dialed in, the laptop was disconnected, and the converter was mounted to the back of the vertical monitor. Running on AC power, the system performed reliably throughout the day.

“Vertical is king right now,” Eagleston explained. “On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, framing is everything, and it’s easy to crop too tight or miss important details. The ROI-SDI makes it possible to show clients exactly what the final vertical product will look like on set.”

Pricing and Availability 

The AJA ROI-SDI Scan Converter is available from the company's global reseller network for $1295.