First Major AMIRA Software Update - SUP .

ARRI announces AMIRA Software Update Packet SUP 1.1, the camera's first major software update, due for release in October. As well as fulfilling promises made at launch and refining existing functionality, SUP 1.1 delivers new features inspired by feedback from customers. The model of system adaptability through software updates, already proven by ALEXA, makes AMIRA a flexible, future-proof tool.

PROMISES FULFILLED

Temporary licenses: As of SUP 1.1, AMIRA Advanced and Premium temporary licenses will be available at the online ARRI License Shop. Activated on a weekly basis, they provide a uniquely adaptable solution for the variable needs of owner-operators.

EF and B4 lens support - With the forthcoming EF mount, AMIRA users can use EF mount stills lenses, controlling the iris in these lenses through the camera's user interface. B4-type lenses with an integrated servo module are also supported, with the auto iris function controlled via an assignable user button.

Bluetooth audio monitoring - This new feature allows the camera operator, or anyone else, to monitor audio through wireless Bluetooth headphones. By using a microphone-equipped Bluetooth headset, spoken comments can be recorded during filming to provide guidance for editing and postproduction tasks. These comments are recorded to a fifth audio track, aligned with the four main audio tracks, but kept separate from them.

Dynamic auto tracking white balance - For situations that involve a change of color temperature during a shot, the new dynamic tracking option makes an automatic white balance adjustment. Utilizing a sophisticated algorithm developed by ARRI, this adjustment is seamless, even for the most extreme color temperature transitions.

WiFi remote - SUP 1.1 will allow AMIRA's LCD panel to be displayed live on consumer wireless devices, permitting remote camera control without any need to hire additional tools. The HTML-based signal can be displayed on Android devices as well as iPhones or iPads. Alternatively, if wireless control is not required, a LAN-capable device (such as a laptop) can be connected to the camera via an Ethernet cable. The user interface replicates the camera's home screen menu, much like the AMIRA Simulator web tool.

Pre-record function - An internal buffer in the camera is used to record a perpetual loop, the length of which depends on selected options. When the REC button is hit, the clip recorded to the CFast 2.0 card will include the specified pre-record period at its start.

USER REQUESTS

Faster boot-up time - AMIRA already boots up faster than ALEXA, but AMIRA users asked if it could be sped up even more. These requests were made a priority for SUP 1.1, resulting in a more than 25% reduction in the camera's boot-up time.

Waveform display - Some AMIRA users with an ENG background requested a waveform display on the camera's viewfinder image and LCD panel. This has duly been implemented, with the option to have the waveform full screen, or covering just a portion of the image, providing a further tool for judging exposure levels.

Color bar - From SUP 1.1, AMIRA will be able to generate a color bar that is viewable in the viewfinder, on the camera's LCD panel and on any connected monitors, allowing those monitors to be calibrated to match the viewfinder.

TECHNICAL REFINEMENTS

Enhanced HD-SDI outputs - AMIRA's HD-SDI output has been refined to allow the overlay of information about timecode and other parameters that is seen in the viewfinder, to also be seen on monitors. Additionally, it will now be possible to use an HD-SDI signal input as a further genlock-like' sync option.

LDS functionality - When using a Lens Data System (LDS) lens on AMIRA's LDS PL mount, data about iris, focus and zoom positions will now be visible in the viewfinder and all lens data will be embedded in the recorded QuickTime files.

Improved debayer - An improved debayer algorithm for AMIRA will now result in an even greater reduction of aliasing and noise, for smoother images.

About ARRI:

With headquarters located in Munich, Germany, Arnold and Richter Cine Technik (A&R) was founded in 1917 and is the worlds largest manufacturer and distributor of motion picture camera, digital intermediate (DI) and lighting equipment. The ARRI Group comprises a global network of subsidiaries and partners that covers every facet of the film industry, including worldwide camera, grip and lighting equipment rental through ARRI Rental; turnkey lighting solutions through the ARRI System Group; lab services, postproduction and visual effects through ARRI Film & TV; and film distribution through ARRI Worldsales. Manufactured products include the ALEXA camera system and AMIRA documentary-style camera; Master Anamorphic lenses; L-Series LED and M-Series HMI lights; Pro Camera Accessories; and ARRISCAN archive technologies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI's engineers and their technical contributions with 18 Scientific and Engineering Awards.

For locations and more information please visit http://www.arri.com

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