alexa_sup_7.0.2_release_notes.pdf

7/28/2019 ALEXA_SUP_7.0.2_Release_Notes.pdf

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ALEXASoftware Update Packet 7.0.2(7.0.2:22601) for all ALEXA cameras

Date: 30 January 2013

R E L E A S E N O T E S


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Software Update Packet 7.0.2(7.0.2:22601) for all ALEXA cameras Release Notes Page 2 of 18

A. Introduction

Dear Customers,

We are happy to be able to tell you that Software Update Packet (SUP) 7.0.2 is now available fordownload. This impor tant SUP fixes two bugs that have so far prevented the use of the fullfunct ionality of SUP 7.0. We took these issues very serious ly and therefore had to run the softwarethrough special testing. We really appreciate your patience over these last weeks.

Equally important, this release concerns all ALEXA cameras that were shipped starting J anuary 2013.From this time on, all new cameras are equipped with slightly modified electronics that require new controlsoftware. The new control software was first included in an internal SUP 7.0.1, which is now superseded bySUP 7.0.2. Please note that none of the new cameras can be downgraded to previous SUP versions.

Features Overview

ALEXA Software Update Packet (SUP) 7.x brings important new features, improvements to the image

quality, and optimizations to the user experience. ProRes 2K recording in the 16:9 and the 4:3 aspect ratio.

ProRes 2K recording in the 16:9 and the 4:3 aspect ratio (including critical bug fixes)

New and improved in-camera de-bayering (ADA-3 HW)

New and improved in-camera high speed de-bayering (including critical bug fixes) Redesigned status display on EVF and MON OUT

Simplified camera menus

Clone monitor out option for REC OUT Low Contrast Curve (LCC) look file included as part of the SUP

Added support for new Controlled Lens Motor CLM-4

3D sync now available on all ALEXA M without license key

The following pages provide a detailed description of new features and changes, a list of known issues andinstructions for upgrading. Please take some time to read through this document and familiarize yourselfwith the update.

Update RecommendationSUP 7.0.2 is an updated and enhanced version of SUP 7.0 and contains several critical bug fixes installation is therefore strongly recommended. The update is available for immediate download andunrestricted use on the basic ALEXA, ALEXA Plus, ALEXA Plus 4:3, ALEXA M and ALEXA Studio.

Downgrading

All cameras that are delivered running SUP 7.0.1 or later cannot be downgraded to prior SUP releases.

Doing so will disable parts of the image processing and cause the camera to output no image. It is possibleto update back to SUP 7.0.2 using the regular upgrade procedure described at the end of this document.

OTHER ALEXA cameras, that were delivered running a SUP before 7.0.1 can still be downgraded. We do,however, recommend to always update the cameras to the latest release version, as they generally includemore features and bug fixes or improvements to previous versions.

If you want to downgrade an ALEXA, but are not sure if it can be downgraded, please contact an ARRIservice center for assistance.


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Table of Contents

A. Int roduct ion .................................................................................................................. 2Features Overview ................................................................................................... 2Update Recommendation ......................................................................................... 2Downgrading ............................................................................................................ 2

B. New Features ................................................................................................................ 5Equipment/Accessories Supported .......................................................................... 5

CLM-4 Support .................................................................................................... 5General ..................................................................................................................... 5Imaging ..................................................................................................................... 5

Sensor Readout Size for ProRes 2K Recording ................................................. 5Image Processing/Look Files ................................................................................... 5New Standard Speed Debayering Algorithm ....................................................... 5New High Speed Debayering Algorithm .............................................................. 5Low Contrast Curve ............................................................................................. 5

SxS Onboard Recording ........................................................................................... 5ProRes 2K recording ........................................................................................... 5

Outputs ..................................................................................................................... 6MON OUT clone .................................................................................................. 6

Inputs ........................................................................................................................ 6Electronic Viewfinder and/or MON OUT ................................................................... 6

Status Display on EVF and MON OUT ............................................................... 6ARRI 1.85 2K DCI Frame Line ............................................................................ 6Metadata/Time Code ................................................................................................ 7External Time Code ............................................................................................. 7Lens Metadata ..................................................................................................... 7

Remote Control/3D ................................................................................................... 73D on ALEXA M .................................................................................................. 7

User Interface ........................................................................................................... 7GUI Homescreen and Menus Updates ............................................................... 7

Accessories Behavior ............................................................................................... 7Service/Manufacturing .............................................................................................. 7


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C. Known Issues ............................................................................................................... 8Accessories .............................................................................................................. 8ALEXA M .................................................................................................................. 8ALEXA Studio ........................................................................................................... 8Audio ........................................................................................................................ 9EVF/MON OUT ......................................................................................................... 9EVF ......................................................................................................................... 10Firmware update ..................................................................................................... 10Frame grab ............................................................................................................. 10Framelines .............................................................................................................. 10High speed ............................................................................................................. 10Imaging ................................................................................................................... 10Metadata ................................................................................................................. 11REC OUT/MON OUT ............................................................................................. 11SD card ................................................................................................................... 11Sync ........................................................................................................................ 12

Test signal .............................................................................................................. 13Timecode ................................................................................................................ 13Usability .................................................................................................................. 13User setup .............................................................................................................. 15Workflow ................................................................................................................. 15

D. Updating Instruc tions ................................................................................................ 16Download and Registration Process ...................................................................... 16How to get a Software Update Package ................................................................. 16Camera Update Procedure via SD Card ................................................................ 16

Precautions ....................................................................................................... 16Preparing the SD Card ...................................................................................... 16Performing the Update ...................................................................................... 17

Camera Update Procedure using a Web Browser on your Computer .................... 17How to connect ALEXA to a computer .............................................................. 17Performing the Update ...................................................................................... 18

Updating an Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 .............................................................. 18Updating the V-Mount Top/Back Battery Adapter with a Computer ....................... 18


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B. New Features

Equipment/Accessories Supported

CLM-4 Support

All ALEXA models with integrated motor drivers for ARRI Controlled Lens Motors will support the compactand powerful CLM-4 in addition to CLM-2 and CLM-3. As for CLM-3, the motor torque is adjustable forsmoother operation of lens rings with more resistance.

General

No changes.

Imaging

Sensor Readout Size for ProRes 2K Recording

When the camera is switched from HD to 2K resolution in-camera recording, the size of the captured framechanges slightly. This is necessary, so the debayering can work with an optimized downscale factor anddeliver the best possible 2K image quality.

Recording ARRIRAW 16:9, HD-Video, ProRes HD and DNxHD uses2880 x 1620 photosites with a frame size of 23.76 x 13.365 mm.

ProRes 2K 16:9 uses 2868 x 1612 photosites (23.661 x 13.299 mm).

ARRIRAW 4:3 uses 2880 x 2160 photosites (23.76 x 17,82 mm). ProRes 2K 4:3 uses 2868 x 2150 photosites (23.661 x 17,738 mm).

When recording ARRIRAW and ProRes 2K in parallel, it is important to note, that the ARRIRAW frameholds a few more columns and lines of pixels. This is taken into account in the latest release of ourARRIRAW SDK, where the user can select, which ARRIRAW frame size will be used to create a 2K image.

Image Processing/Look Files

New Standard Speed Debayering Algorithm

ADA-3 HW, a new and improved debayering and downscale algorithm is now available for all ALEXAmodels. The new algorithm produces cleaner high contrast edges and crisp fine detail, which results insharper images. The camera uses ADA-3 HW for HD-SDI, ProRes and DNxHD output at up to 60 fps.

Note: The ARRIRAW Converter and ARRIRAW SDK, in addition provide ADA-3 SW, a more sophisticatedsoftware version of the new algorithm.

New High Speed Debayering Algorithm

The high speed algorithm provides the same overall image characteristics as the regular speed algorithm.It is active for HD-SDI monitoring and ProRes or DNxHD recording at 60 to 120 fps. The new versionimproves the rendition of flat color fields and delivers a cleaner overall image.

Please note: In certain situations, saturated objects with little or no texture may exhibit a faint checkeredpattern in the red and blue color channel. This effect was clearly visible in the previous SUP and has nowbeen greatly reduced.

Low Contrast Curve

The LCC ARRI Look File is now distributed as part of the SUP and always available in the camera menu,even after a factory reset.

SxS Onboard Recording

ProRes 2K recording

Recording 2K resolution to the camera storage module is only possible in one of the QuickTime ProRescodecs. ProRes recording in HD and 2K resolution put very similar requirements on the recording media. A64 GB SxS Pro card allows recording up to 60 fps in the 16:9 aspect ratio and up to 48 fps in the 4:3 aspectratio. It will hold approx. 19 minutes of ProRes 2K 4:3 and approx. 25 minutes in 16:9. ProRes 2K recordingis not available in high speed mode (60 to 120 fps).


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Outputs

MON OUT clone

The REC OUT can optionally be set to show a cloned output from MON OUT. This is the forced behavior inhigh speed mode since SUP 6.1 and can now optionally be activated for all other sensor and recordingresolution configurations in regular speed mode.

The "MON OUT clone" option can be found at MENU > Recording > REC OUT > HD-SDI format.

Sensor mode SxS resolution REC OUT options

4:3 2K ARRIRAW (default) MON OUT clone

16:9 2K ARRIRAW MON OUT clone (default)

16:9 HD ARRIRAW MON OUT clone HD-Video (default)

Inputs

No changes.

Electronic Viewfinder and/or MON OUT

Status Display on EVF and MON OUTThe status display in the electronic viewfinder and the MON OUT image has been redesigned.

New icons indication the SxS recording resolution, screen grab, RET IN active, the settings/functions forMON OUT, EVF and which output shows an image with applied look file are now grouped by function andmoved to both sides of the MON OUT image. The main status info remains in place.

In 16:9 sensor mode, the camera image is scaled to fit inside the status info border. In 4:3 sensor mode, afew lines on top and bottom of the camera image are covered by translucent status info bars.

Please note: When activated, the electronic horizon, the LDS info or the reel and clip number extend intothe camera image in all sensor modes.

ARRI 1.85 2K DCI Frame Line

The maximum frame size of a 2K DCI-compliant image is 2048 x 1080 pixels. The frame size captured withan ALEXA in 2K recording mode is 2048 x 1152 pixels with the sensor set to 16:9 and 2048 x 1536 pixelswith the sensor set to 4:3, which offers room for vertical repositioning and which enables cropping out 2Kmaterial in any aspect ratio for digital cinema release from the camera footage.A 1.85:1 aspect ratio is a special case, because it is too tall to fill the full width of the digital cinema 2Kcontainer. The 1.85:1 2K frame size is 1998 x 1080 pixels. There are two options to get to this format andeach way requires the DP to use a special frame line.

Use the full captured image width, scale down the image to 1998 width and cut off a few lines on topand bottom to get to 1080 height. This option requires using the "ARRI 1.85:1" frame line.

Cut the 1998 x 1080 frame out of the 2048 x 1152 captured image. Because of the slightly tighter fieldof view, this option requires using the "ARRI 1.85 2K DCI" frame line (only available for 2K recording).

For more information, please read the "ProRes 2K in Editorial White Paper", which can be downloadedfrom our website at http://www.arri.de/alexa/downloads.


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Metadata/Time Code

External Time Code

The camera will no longer REGEN or J AM time code while it is recording, as this was suspected to havecaused single underexposed frames.

Lens MetadataThe lens metadata is now recorded/output as both raw lens encoder information and interpreted LDSinformation. The interpreted lens data is delayed by 1 frame.

Remote Control/3D

3D on ALEXA M

3D sync features are now available without license key on all ALEXA M cameras.

User Interface

GUI Homescreen and Menus Updates

Sensor mode (16:9 and 4:3), SxS/ProRes recording resolution and remaining recording time are nowindicated on the camera menu's home screen.

The color settings "DCI P3" and "Film Matrix On" were removed. "Vari Flag" and "SDI Rec Flag" were removed as options and are now permanently enabled.

The "Electronic level" option was renamed to "Electronic horizon". The "Tropical" sensor temperature setting was renamed to "High humidity".

A progress bar now indicates the remaining time for switching between regular and high speed mode. The WNA-1 menu was removed.

The RUN beeper indicates when the camera has reached speed.

The Project menu was extended to show sensor mode (16:9 or 4:3), SxS resolution (2K or HD) inaddition to active codec, project frame rate, camera index, next reel count and production info.

It is now possible to enter upper- and lower case characters for all user-created items (e.g. user setup).

One additional USER button. Pressing the jog wheel opens the edit menu.

New USER button options for:o "MON OUT look" on/offo "EVF look" on/off

o "Color Bars" on MON OUT and REC OUTo "Grab GUI" to store a .png of the current menu screen (use operator side buttons 1-3)o "Mirror shutter" to leave the shutter spinning or stop in VIEW or GATE position when stopping the

recording (ALEXA Studio only)

Accessories Beh avior

No changes.

Service/Manufacturing

No changes.


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C. Known Issues

This is a list of known issues for this particular software update packet. For a listing of answers tofrequently asked questions please visit our website at www.arri.com/alexa/learn.

Accessories

RS connectors output voltage

The RS connectors on the camera output the unregulated input voltage from the BAT connector. Since

ALEXA cameras accept an input voltage from 10.5 to 34 V DC, it is possible that an accessory that is

powered from an RS connector may not function as expected or even take damage.

WCU-3 does not display camera warnings

On the WCU-3, camera warnings (i.e. battery warning, card full, etc.) are not displayed.

WCU-3 lens calibration possibly unstable

We received unconfirmed reports that lens calibration and wireless functionality might be faulty in

certain situations. If this happens please send an email to [email protected] providing as

detailed information as possible including a User setup file and camera log files.

No power down countdown when RCU-4 is connectedOccasionally the camera does not show a power down countdown on its display but the message

"Turn off remote control?" on a connected RCU-4. Press and hold the cameras power button until the

camera shuts down.

ALEXA M

Missing camera head

If the camera menu shows asterisks in EI WB and other fields at boot time, there may be a problem

with the connection of camera body and head. However, the camera menu will not report "No M Head

detected" until after it is fully initialized.

Duration of firmware update

Updating the firmware may take longer than for other camera models. Please let the update finish and

do not interrupt the process. EVF Image

Occasionally, an electronic viewfinder connected to the camera will loose the image. Disconnect and

reconnect the EVF to remedy this defect.

EVF may not update using an ALEXA M

An EVF that was produced before the release of the ALEXA M or that is running a software version

prior to 1.34, will not update while connected an ALEXA M. Update the EVF via webpage or with

another ALEXA camera.

Firmware update - camera head has to be connected when updating

If no camera head is connected to the camera body and a update is started the update will fail with the

message "APIC failed".

RCU-4 only works with body ETH connector

The RCU-4 has to be connected to camera body Ethernet connector (rear). When connected to the

camera head, it will not work.

ALEXA Studio

No ARRIGLOW while recording with deactivated mirror shutter

Turning OFF the mirror shutter will also deactivate the ARRIGLOW, as this could cause faulty

exposure of the sensor.

Slave Camera does not show shutter angle

For a perfect working Sync setup you have to use Setting and Sensor Sync. If you only use Sensor

Sync the Slave shows a different shutter angle value than the Master as long as only one of them has

its mirror running - The value being greater or smaller depends on which of the two mirrors is spinning.


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Voltage Low Battery Warning

ALEXA Studio may show a warning "Voltage level too low for mirror shutter" if the camera is set to >

30 fps and an on-board battery is used. When using the mirror shutter at higher frame rates an

external 24V battery should be used.

Audio

Adjusting input or output level gives distorted audio

When adjusting audio input level a "clicking" noise can be heard on audio outputs. Adjustment of audio

levels therefore is disabled during recording. Please bear this in mind when recording audio on

external devices.

DNxHD audio is up to 3 frames ahead of video

When the camera is recording MXF/DNxHD clips, audio is recorded up to 3 frames ahead of video,

depending on the project frame rate and codec.

No audio playback in highspeed mode

When playing back a clip recorded with audio in highspeed audio playback is not available.

EVF/MON OUT

False color causes purple status bars

Using false color in 4:3 sensor mode with surround view turned on/anamorphic desqueeze off causes

the status info to have a purple background on the EVF and MON OUT.

False color display and look files

The adjustments to color or the tone map curve in ARRI look files may cause "wrong" exposure

indications in the false color display, when the look files is activated on the MON OUT.

LDS and CLIP + REEL info overlays obscure image when not using surround view

When Surround view is turned off, the background of LDS INFO and REEL/CLIP are solid black and

cover parts of the recorded area. Do not use these overlays or leave surround view turned on to see

the full recorded frame.

No anamorphic desqueeze with surround view in 4:3 mode

Turning on surround in 4:3 sensor mode disables anamorphic desqueeze for MON OUT/EVF.

No surround view with anamorphic desqueeze in 4:3 mode

Activating anamorphic desqueeze in 4:3 sensor mode will deactivate the surround view on EVF/MON

OUT.

Return in image partially obscured by status info

When activating RET IN, the image is not scaled to fit inside the status info bars. Left, right, top and

bottom are partially obscured on MON OUT. On EVF only left and right are covered. Use Status info

off to view the complete RET IN image.

Semi-transparent overlays obscure playback image

When playing back 16:9 HD or 4:3 clips while in 4:3 mode, the image is partly obscured by semi-

transparent status info overlays.

Some recorders will not record the MON OUT feed

When the REC OUT is set to ARRIRAW, an external recorder that interprets the ALEXA metadata in

the HD-SDI header may refuse to record HD video from the MON OUT as the meta data indicates that

the signal is ARRIRAW.

Status info on active RETURN IN

The camera shows its own status info (FPS, SHUTTER etc.) when RET IN is activated. These camera

parameters are not related to the RET IN signal.

Thin reddish line at top of EVF/MON OUT

A thin reddish line can be observed at the top of the EVF-1/MON OUT image with Surround View on.

This is not in the active image area, only at the very top edge of surround view.


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EVF

Changing FPS causes image to be disturbed

Changing the FPS may momentarily exhibit a flickering image in the EVF.

Smooth mode

When activating smooth mode the image in the EVF will get slightly darker. This has no effect on

recorded material.

Updating old EVF software

An EVF that still runs on software V1.31 or earlier may not update together with a standard SUP via

SD-card. In this case, it is possible to connect to the camera via Ethernet and use the web-interface

for updating to V1.34 or later.

Firmware update

Do not ignore "Update failed" messages

In rare cases an "Update failed" message may appear on a dark red screen. You MUST retry to

update the camera if this occurs. Please note that INFO > VERSION may indicate a successful update

although some components of the camera may still have an older firmware version. If in doubt aboutupdate success please contact ARRI Service.

Frame grab

ARRIRAW frame grab metadata

ARRIRAW frames stored to an SD-card with the frame grab function may contain invalid lens

metadata from LDS lenses.

No ARRIRAW frame grabs from SxS playback

When playing back a ProRes or DNxHD clip from an SxS card, REC OUT needs to be set to HD Video

to be able to grab frames from the playback. If the REC OUT is set to ARRIRAW, pressing grab will

store a live image instead.

Frame grabs may take long

Depending on the file format, frame grabs may take very long. It is recommended to use fast SD cardsto minimize the required time.

Framelines

Framelines are resized according to SxS recording resolution

When SxS recording resolution (under MENU > Recording > SxS Cards > SxS resolution) is set to 2K

framelines will be resized. This is also true when SxS recording is actually turned off

High speed

Debayering Artifacts

When shooting highly saturated colors, high speed debayering, in some cases, may exhibit a faint

checkerboard pattern in the red and blue channel. No frame grabs in highspeed mode

The camera cannot create frame grabs in high speed mode.

Limitation of file formats with 2K SxS recording resolution.

When the camera is set to 2K SxS recording solution and REC OUT is set to show a MON OUT clone,

the camera cannot do frame grabs.

Imaging

Do not change EI while recording

Changing the EI setting during a recording may cause momentary image artifacts.

Do not change white balance while recording

Changing the white balance setting during a recording may cause momentary image artifacts.


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Extreme Overexposure

An area that is overexposed more than eight stops above clipping can appear darker than its

surroundings.

Long exposure times reduce image quality

ALEXA allows setting the exposure time higher than 1 second (i.e. 358 shutter at 0.75fps = 1.33

seconds exposure). Doing so will increase noise and cause individual pixels to light up. To achieveoptimum image quality at slow frame rates, the exposure time should not exceed 1/20th (40ms) of a

second.

Pin hole effect

In scenes with high contrast and sharpness, a small focused highlight (like a pin hole) that activates

only a small region of about 2x2 pixels on the sensor, will be reproduced as a colored highlight. If the

highlight moves slowly, it will change its color from cyan to magenta and white. This is a limitation of

the dynamic defect pixel correction.

Metadata

ARRI META Extract v1.6.5 is not compatible with SUP 7.0

Metadata cannot be extracted from SUP 7.0.2 footage using ARRI META Extract prior to version 2.0.

Cameras do not identify properly in metadata

Camera models do not identify properly in the various metadata outputs.

Shutter angle and EVF smooth mode

Using the EVF in smooth mode may cause incorrect shutter angle values in the metadata.

Wrong iris lens metadata for Variable Primes

When a VP is attached the dynamic lens metadata will only show "Near Close" for any iris value other

than "Close".

REC OUT/MON OUT

HD-SDI outputs deliver a vertical phase offset

The REC OUT and MON OUT HD-SDI timing is not exactly in sync. A vertical offset of >0 lines can be

measured. Activate "REC OUT fps sets sensor fps" to get a synchronized output.

Cannot switch to clean REC OUT when deactivating SxS in ProRes 2K mode

Setting the ProRes recording resolution to 2K limits the options for REC OUT to ARRIRAW or MON

OUT clone. When SxS recording is deactivated in this configuration, the REC OUT limitation remains

in effect. Switch the ProRes recording resolution back to HD to avoid this behavior.

SD card

TestImages Directory on SD card

When formatting or preparing an SD card in the ALEXA a directory ARRI\ALEXA\TestImages is

created. This is meant for future use.

SxS recording/playback "AlogV5 RX CRC Error" during playback in high speed mode

Playback of clips in Highspeed mode could trigger an "AlogV5 RX CRC Error". The clip itself is fine.

Camera must be rebooted to clear this error.

2K 16:9 SxS playback not showing full image

When playing back 16:9 ProRes 2K material from an SxS card, the playback image is slightly

cropped/smaller. The recorded footage, however, shows the same framing as indicated in the live

EFV/MON OUT image.

4:3 playback image smaller than live view

When the camera is set to 4:3 sensor mode, the playback image from an SxS card is slightly smaller

than the live image.


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Certain clips cannot be played back in some recording modes

Clips recorded in 16:9 2K cannot be played back in 4:3 mode and clips recorded in 4:3 mode cannot

be played back in 16:9 mode (this includes highspeed mode).

Image error after switching codecs

When the camera is switched from ProRes to DNxHD recording, the playback of recorded clips may

temporarily show image errors. The clips are recorded without image error. If unsure, play back the

clip outside the camera.

"Wrong file system"

SxS cards that have been recorded with SUP6.0 or higher will show an error message "Wrong file

system" when inserted into a camera running SUP5.x or below and cannot be played back in camera.

The material is fine and will not cause any problems further down the production pipeline.

Changing EI very fast while recording may lead to a system error

When changing EI during recording very fast the recording may stop with an "Unexpected stop

recording 107". The camera has to be rebooted.

"Card#: files not consistent!"Please reboot the camera if this error is shown in the info screen. If the warning disappears, further

recording on this card will be fine. If the warning persists, backup up this card and format it before

further usage

DNxHD White Balance CC metadata column is missing in Avid Media Composer Bin

White balance CC values metadata column is missing in Avid Media Composer when linking file with

ARRI AMA plugin.

In Dual recording very rarely one card might not record

Trying to record after such an occurrence will issue a "### Dual recording failed. Check cards!". The

cards need to be copied and formatted before they can be reused for Dual recording.

"Cards 1&2: Write error - Reboot!" with dual recording

In rare occasions a "Cards 1&2: Write error - Reboot!" message can be shown. The cards need to be

copied and formatted before they can be reused for Dual recording. Not possible to record to SxS after setting SxS recording to ON

When SxS recording has been set to OFF and ON again sometimes it is not possible to record (no

green STBY indication). Eject and re-insert the SxS card to solve this issue.

Reel count past number 999

Once the reel counter reached 999, the next card will be initialized with an invalid reel number and

prevent the camera from recording. You have to manually reset the reel counter to 001.

Sync

Cannot sync cameras with different sensor modes

It is not possible to synchronize a camera in sensor mode 16:9 with a camera in sensor mode 4:3.

Different focus ring classes may cause problems3D lens sync with non-LDS lenses requires lenses of the same focus ring class.

Focus settings may not match

Lens-sync does not work reliably and can cause the lens pair to have a different focus setting.

No warning if no SxS card present in one of two synced cameras

When recording to SxS on two synced cameras make sure you use cards of same size in both

cameras.

Sync ALEXAs with and without mirror shutter

It is not possible to use Sensor sync in a setup where an ALEXA Studio with a running mirror shutter is

connected to an ALEXA without mirror shutter.

Licensed features

To be able to use features that require a license key, all cameras in a master/slave setup need to havethe licenses installed.


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Loading and unloading HS mode in Sync Setup

When using two cameras in a master/slave setup, wait until both cameras are fully booted before

loading/unloading HS mode.

Slave recording stops with delay

With 2 cameras in a master/slave setup, the slave SxS recording will stop with a few frames delay,

causing non-matching clip-lengths. Syncing up the clips by time code will ensure matchingmaster/slave footage.

Using different ALEXA camera models

Under certain circumstances, using settings sync with two (or more) different ALEXA models may not

work reliably. When available it is recommended to sync only matching ALEXA models.

Adjusting the HD out phase may result in asynchronous HD outputs

"Send HD sync trigger" brings the HD output of connected cameras back into sync.

EXT Sync does not work below 1 fps

The sensors of two cameras cannot be synchronized with an EXT sync cable below 1 fps.

Test s ignal

Enabling test toneTest tone can only be enabled if Audio recording is active (AUDIO > RECORD = ON) and the

SENSOR FPS matches the PROJECT FPS.

Loading time

After the camera is re-started, turning on the test signal (color bars) may take a few seconds. Once

the test signal has been loaded, it can be turned on and off without the delay.

Timecode

Do not use REC RUN TC if recording to external recorders

Using REC RUN TC in combination with external recorders may result in frames with identical

timecode but plausible image information.

Jam Sync shown in INT TC mode

Even though jam synching is not possible in INT TC mode, Generator, Jam Sync is shown as an

option in the menu. This has no influence on the camera functions.

LTC out on TC connector may differ from actual timecode

TC connector will only output a correct timecode during Free Run and when sensor speed equals

project speed. Also in SxS playback TC connector does not provide playback timecode.

Rec Run TC lost after power loss

If camera is running Rec run TC and camera power is lost during recording, the camera powers up

with a TC different to when power was lost

Time Code INT FREERUN reset to 00:00:00

With asynchronous recording, i.e. "Project frame rate" NOT EQUAL to "Sensor fps" and time code set

to INT FREERUN, the time code will be reset to 00:00:00 after reboot.

EXT LTC needs re-jamming after reboot when using "Rec Out fps set sensor fps" optionDo not use the "Rec Out fps set sensor fps" option when using external timecode or re-jam after every

reboot.

Usability

ARRI UDM-1 not fully supported

The ARRI Ultrasonic Distance Measure UDM-1 can be powered via the EXT connector cable, but

communication between ALEXA and UDM-1 is not implemented yet.

AUTO WB can be executed when test signal is on

Although test signal is present on MON OUT/REC OUT automatic white balance is executed on the

image as seen in the EVF (camera live image).


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Compare - no anamorphic desqueeze

The anamorphic de-squeeze function can only be applied to the live camera image. It is not possible

to load an anamorphic frame grab and display/compare it as de-squeezed image.

Do not change settings during loading of SxS module

When turning on the SxS module, wait until the loading has finished before changing any settings.

Settings changed during the loading process of the SxS module might not get applied correctly. Do not use "REC OUT fps sets sensor fps" and MON OUT Clone

Activating "REC OUT fps sets sensor fps", followed by "HD-SDI format: MON OUT clone" will disable

control over the sensor fps. This could happen, for example, when the SxS recording resolution is set

to 2K and REC OUT is set to MON OUT clone.

Entering high speed mode from sensor mode 4:3

When entering highspeed mode from sensor mode 4:3 the information under MENU > Project shows

SxS resolution: 2K (2048x1152). This is wrong, as SxS resolution is always set to HD in highspeed

mode. The correct recording resolution is, in this case, only shown under MENU > Recording > SxS

Cards > SxS resolution.

Identical file names

When two frame grabs with the same file name are loaded subsequently, the first frame grab will not

be replaced by the second file (MENU > FRAME GRABS > COMPARE GRAB 2 LIVE IMAGE >COMPARE). Repower the camera to clear the internal frame store.

Momentary EVF artifacts when activating RET IN

Switching between live view and return in video causes a glitch in the EVF image. Please note: If the

RET IN signal has a different fps than the camera speed, the EVF will show a stuttering image.

Sensor FPS not restored when entering/exiting high speed

Sensor FPS in standard/high speed mode is not restored as expected when entering/exiting high

speed mode. The desired sensor FPS should always be double-checked by the user.

SENSOR MODE 4:3 defaults to ProRes

If the high speed codec is set to DNxHD, the camera will switch to regular speed with ProRes codec

when changing to 4:3 sensor mode. Always double-check you are using the desired codec when

changing regular/high speed and sensor mode!

Activating RETURN IN may momentarily freeze monitoring

Activating RETURN IN may lead to a momentary image freeze on the viewfinder or MON OUT. This

occurs for the inactive image path (MENU > MONITORING > RET IN PATH). Turning the option on

and off may also cause a black flash in the image.

SxS slot LEDs go GREEN as soon as recording is stopped

Do not remove the active card until the REC LED stops blinking red and shows steady green.

Camera cannot instantly start recording after system boot

When a camera is booted up, it briefly shows an error warning until the sensor reaches the proper

temperature level. This warning disappears almost immediately, but until it does, it is not possible to

start recording.

Web remote - submitting LDA data may result in an HTTP error 404 "Bad request"

ALEXA web remote is a beta implementation only. Web remote LDA

The LDA page of the ALEXA web remote is non-functional for any ALEXA without motor connectors.

Web remote still in beta

The ALEXA web remote currently is a beta implementation with limited functionality.

Changing user setup and REC OUT settings in short succession

In very rare cases after loading a User setup or doing a Factory reset and immediately changing REC

OUT settings, an error "RecTuple not existing: 1 1 6" may occur. The camera then has to be rebooted.

White Balance CC correction insufficient for some ND filters

When using non-ideal ND filters the available range of CC correction might not be sufficient for a

neutral image. This has to be corrected in postproduction.


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User setup

Additional configuration files

User setups do not contain, or reference to look files, lens data archive files or custom frame lines.

Recalling a user setup therefore does not reactivate any of these additional files, even if an SD card

containing these files has been inserted into the camera. This has to be done manually after loadingthe user setup.

Custom look files

Loading a user setup will not re-assign custom look files to any output. The look file needs to be

activated and assigned manually. If a factory reset was performed, the look file also needs to be

loaded back into the camera before it can be activated.

Custom look not cleared when User setup loaded that does not contain a look

Always double-check that no unwanted look is applied when working with User setups.

Custom userbit settings

A user setup will not restore custom userbit settings but defaults to 00:00:00:00. If userbits are set, the

entries have to be re-entered manually after loading a user setup.

Internal ARRI LCC look file

Loading a user setup will not re-assign the internal LCC curve to any outputs. The LCC curve needs to

be activated and assigned manually.

Workflow

Final Cut Pro Consolidate Error in Media Manager

FCP 7 does not correctly recognize ALEXA QuickTime clips without audio. These clips are not marked

as file type 'MooV' in the file structure. The ALEXA UDF file system does not allow changing the file

type.


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D. Updating Instructions

Download and Registration Process

You have to register your ALEXA camera by serial number to access the Software Update Packets (SUP)in the ALEXA Downloads Section on the ARRI website. A SUP can be installed on the camera either by

using an SD card directly on the camera (described in detail below) or from a computer via the ALEXAEthernet Cable (K2.72021.0).

Please note that SUP 7.0.2 is for all ALEXA cameras: ALEXA, ALEXA Plus, ALEXA Plus 4:3, ALEXA Mand ALEXA Studio.

How to get a Software Update Package

If you have not registered yet, go to the ALEXA downloads page at http://www.arri.com/alexa/downloadsand scroll to the 'ALEXA Software Update Packet x.x' section (where x.x is the version number of thedesired Software Update Packet). Click 'Please -> register to get an account.' The ALEXA customerregistration page will be opened.

Fill in the relevant data and make sure to put in the serial number(s) of your camera(s) in the format ofK1.71000.0-2xxx, K1.71100.0-4xxx, K1.71200.0-6xxx, etc. Don't forget to agree to the registration termsat the end of the page.

When you hit the 'create account' button the system will send you an acknowledgement email with a linkfor the activation of your account. After following the link a welcome mail is sent to you containing thelogin credentials. Please login at http://www.arri.com/login/login.html and navigate to the downloadsection again.

Upon access of the software package download you will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions ofthis download. If you agree to these terms the download link is released.

Camera Update Procedure v ia SD Card

Using the SD card for updating is the easiest method. It updates the ALEXA camera as well as theElectronic Viewfinder (EVF-1) as long as the viewfinder is connected to the camera.

Precautions Make sure the power supply of the camera is stable. The best way to achieve this is by using a mains

power supply attached to the battery socket. We strongly recommend against updating an ALEXA that ispowered through a battery.

Preparing the SD Card

Have a FAT16 or FAT32 formatted SD-Card ready.

Cards larger than 4 GB are not supported. If you have a larger SD card, you need to create one partitionwith max. 4GB so it will be compatible with ALEXA.

Go to MENU > SYSTEM > SD CARD and choose- Prepare SD card to create the ALEXA folder structure on the SD card, and keep the existing data.- Format + prepare SD card to DELETE ALL DATA on the SD card before creating the ALEXA folders.

Take the update packageAlexa50_firmware_x.x_zzzzz.pkg file and copy it intothe Firmware folder on the SD card.


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Performing the Update

Turn the camera on.

Perform a factory reset in MENU > USER SETUPS > FACTORY RESET.

Insert the SD card into the SD card slot of the camera. The slot is located below the display on the bottomof the camera, covered by a slider. The direction how the SD card has to be inserted is shown on the

camera housing.

A card icon will show up in the notification area of the camera display. If not, the card is not recognized bythe camera.

Go to MENU > SYSTEM > FIRMWARE.

The FIRMWARE screen shows you which packet is currently installed (Current version: xxx).

Press the jog wheel to select the update file. The list shows you all firmware files that are available on theSD card.

Choose the desired packet and press the two lower outer screen buttons simultaneously to start theupdate.

Caution: Do not remove the SD card while the packet is being copied to the camera!

When the copying files message disappears the SD card can be safely removed.

The update process may take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the actual software packet. Wait until theupdate process has finished. This is indicated by a green screen informing you that the update process iscompleted.

If the update process fails, which will be indicated by a red screen, please restart the camera and repeatthe update procedure.

After the update, turn the camera off by holding down the power button for a few seconds.

Turn the camera back on. The software is now updated and you can use the camera.

Please note that User Setup files cannot be used across software packet updates, i.e. a User Setup filecreated with SUP 6.x is not compatible with SUP 7.x.

Please note that when updating from software package 1.0 to any later package, the cameras displayshows Success for APIC, CMC, and ACOM at the end of the update process. The camera must then berebooted manually even though the screen still says Update in progress do not power off the camera!This is done by pressing the ON/OFF button until the camera switches off, then pressing the button again.This is not necessary anymore when updating from SUP 2.0 or later versions.

Camera Update Procedure using a Web Browser on your Computer

How to connect ALEXA to a computer

Turn the camera on.

Connect the Ethernet port of the computer to the camera with the ALEXA Ethernet/RJ -45 CableKC 153-S (3.00m/9.8ft, order number K2.72021.0).

Configure the computers network interface to which the camera is connected with the following settings:

IP address: 169.254.1.2 (static IP)Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0

Open a web browser

If you are using a Macintosh or a computer with Apples Bonjour protocol installed enter the following URLinto the address bar:http://alexaXXXX.local/update.cgi, where XXXX is the four-digit serial number of your camera (e.g. forALEXA 7123: http://alexa7123.local/update.cgi).

If you are using a computer without Bonjour support please use the cameras IP address to connect, e.g.:http://192.168.xxx.xxx/update.cgi , where xxx.xxx is the two last groups of your cameras actual IPaddress. You can determine ALEXAs IP address by going to INFO > SYSTEM.

If the network settings are configured correctly you will be presented the update page of the camera.


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Performing the Update

Download the Software Update Package to your computer.

Perform a factory reset in MENU > USER SETUPS > FACTORY RESET.

In the Camera Update section select the Software Update Package by clicking the browse button andselecting the path to the downloaded SUP on your computer.

Click the 'Update Camera button in the Camera Update section.

The file will be uploaded to the camera which takes about a minute. The browser will switch to theUpdate Log page showing the update log of the three main boards. This page can be updated byrefreshing the page. At the same time the update screen with the progress bars appears on the cameradisplay.

The update process may take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the actual software packet. Wait until theupdate process has finished. This is indicated by a green screen informing you that the update process iscompleted.

If the update process fails, which will be indicated by a red screen, please restart the camera and repeatthe update procedure.

After the update, turn the camera off and on again. The software is now updated and you can use the

camera.

Updating an Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1

In case an ALEXA electronic viewfinder EVF-1 has not been updated with the camera, it is possible toupdate the EVF-1 separately by using a computer. Please note that the EVF-1 will be updated to match theSUP package that is installed on the camera.

Connect the Ethernet port of the computer as described above in How to connect ALEXA to a computer.

Connect the EVF-1 to the camera.

Open a web browser on the computer and open the update web page of the camera (see above).

Click the 'Update EVF' button in the EVF Update section.

You can watch the progress of the update on the screen.

When the update is done, the last line on the screen reads successfully updated Evf. The update is nowfinished even though the web browser continues to refresh the page. This is normal. The viewfinder is upto date.

Depending on its software version the camera will state a software error reboot camera on the cameradisplay. This is normal. Please reboot the camera.

Updating the V-Mount Top/Back Battery Adapter with a Computer

This procedure requires the ALEXA to be connected to a computer and SUP 4.0 or later. To update thefirmware of the V-mount battery adapters please perform the following steps:

Connect the Ethernet port of the computer as described above in How to connect ALEXA to a computer.

Attach a charged V-Mount battery to the mount.

Open a web browser on the computer and open the update web page of the camera (see above).

Click the 'Update VMOUNT' button in the V-Mount Update section.

The update will take approximately three minutes. You can watch the progress of the update on thescreen.

If you get an error, you might have an old style V-mount battery adapter, which cannot be updated.

When the update is done, the last line on the screen reads successfully updated V-Mount Adapter andthe V-mount battery adapters firmware is up to date.

If your V-mount battery adapter cannot be updated, please contact ARRI Servicehttp://www.arri.com/service.

alexa_sup_7.0.2_release_notes.pdf

Documents