(NAB Las Vegas--April 11, 2011) Now regarded as an industry workhorse, ALEXA’s open architecture and future-proof design allow new features to be added to the camera system. ARRI’s attention to customer feedback has resulted in improvements and accessories with these latest product updates. See these products and more at the ARRI NAB Booth # C4337.
ALEXA Software Update Package 4.0 Some major updates and a large number of improvements are part of Software Update Package 4.0, scheduled to be available in June free of charge.
Features include:
- Audio Playback
Playback of audio (in addition to images) from SxS PRO cards through the headphones jack and embedded in the HD-SDI stream for HD-SDI and ARRIRAW T-link output
- Peaking
A focus check for the viewfinder and MON OUT output
- Auto White Balance
In addition to the wide range of white balance options already available, the new ‘Auto White Balance’ automatically determines the red/blue white balance and green/magenta CC values when the camera is pointed at a white surface
- RETURN IN
The RETURN IN connector can accept a video signal which will be shown at the push of a button on the viewfinder and on the MON OUT output
- Fan Low Mode
When this mode is on, the fan will run slower during recording, to reduce the
noise in hot environments
- Test Signals
SMPTE color bars and a number of other test signals will be
ALEXA Software Feature Licensing
From Software Update Packet 4.0 on, we will provide some new features for ALEXA that can be enabled with the purchase of a license key. There is one license per feature, and each license is coded to a particular camera. In order to activate a purchased license, the customer copies it onto an SD card, places the SD card in the camera and activates the license. A license can also be deactivated on that camera, so the rental has full power over which camera is sent out with which feature. The first feature available as such is the new anamorphic de-squeeze ability.
ALEXA Anamorphic De-squeeze
In order to properly view the image when shooting with 2 x or 1.3 x anamorphic lenses, a de-squeeze function for the ALEXA viewfinder and the MON OUT output can be activated with the purchase of a license. It is now possible for the operator to independently switch between four different modes for the viewfinder and MON OUT when shooting with anamorphic lenses:
- Anamorphic de-squeeze off (in record and playback modes)
- Anamorphic de-squeeze 2x (in record and playback modes)
- Anamorphic de-squeeze 2x & magnify (in record mode only)
- Anamorphic de-squeeze 1.3x (in record and playback modes)
All four modes are available with or without surround view.
ALEXA EXT Distribution Box (EDB-1)
For those who want to use two regular ALEXAs (non-Plus) with a UMC-3 in a 3D rig, the EXT Distribution Box (EDB-1) is equipped with three additional EXT connectors to allow three devices to be connected at the same time. This also comes in handy for future accessories we are planning that use the EXT connector.
ALEXA BP-13
This bridge plate for the ALEXA is very similar to the BP-12, except that the BP- 12 accepts 19 mm studio rods and the BP-13 accepts the older style 15 mm studio rods.
White Radio Update
The yellow radio that ARRI has used in all components of our Wireless Remote System (WRS) has been discontinued by its manufacturer. A new radio, called the 'white radio', provides more robust transmission. Yellow and white radios are not compatible with each other, so only yellow radios can communicate with other yellow radios, and only white radios can communicate with other white radios.
In the course of this year we will change all products that contain a radio over to the white radio. ARRI will offer our wireless products with yellow or white radio as long as yellow radio supplies last. For all currently sold ARRI wireless products we will offer a yellow to white radio upgrade kit. Each upgrade kit contains one radio. While the ALEXA Plus and ALEXA Plus upgrades will come equipped with a white radio by default, we will offer a downgrade kit from white to yellow for the ALEXA Plus.
About ARRI:
Located in Munich, Germany, Arnold and Richter Cine Technik (A&R) was founded in 1917 and is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of motion picture camera, digital intermediate and lighting equipment. In 2001, ARRI was converted into a public limited company; it is involved in all aspects of the film industry: engineering; design; manufacturing; production; visual effects; postproduction; equipment rental; complete turnkey lighting solutions and both film and sound laboratory services. Manufactured products and technologies include professional digital acquisition with the ALEXA and ARRIFLEX D-21 cameras; film camera systems for 16 mm, 35 mm and 65 mm; location and studio lighting fixtures; digital imaging solutions such as the ARRISCAN, ARRILASER and various archive tools. These products and services are offered through a global network of subsidiary companies, agents and representatives. For locations and more information please visit
http://www.arri.com
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