The AMIRA camera has been one of ARRI ' s key offerings for Asia ' s broadcast market , and is featured again this year . Can you highlight some of the key features of the AMIRA that are particularly suited for broadcast applications ? Augustine Cheung : We are delighted to see AMIRA becoming the preferred choice for various productions in Asia . For example , it has been used by a Hong Kong broadcaster to shoot TV dramas , and deployed for a large-scale singing contest in China .

The recent introduction of AMIRA ’ s software upgrade SUP5.0 has strengthened the needs of broadcasters with these multicam features : n 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) -SDI output at 60fps with dual 6G SDI ; n Pre-loaded LUT-based looks that can be used in multicam mode ; n An open system for flexible transmission system solutions ; n Return switch in SDI metadata ; and n Improved “ genlock-like ” sync option .

Through a multicam set-up , the AMIRA ’ s shallow depth of field , unrivalled dynamic range and natural colourimetry can lend a cinematic look to live broadcasts , music concerts , TV soaps and other fast-paced , multi-camera productions .

In addition , the ARRI Look Library , launched concurrently with SUP 5.0 , will make an entire catalogue of varied looks

available to AMIRA multicam productions , allowing cameramen or TV operators to adopt an even more cinematic visual approach , without requiring in-depth colour grading experience .

We believe the recent SUP 5.0 further refines the camera ’ s Multicam mode — a flexible , open interface for muti-camera broadcast applications .

ARRI is also showcasing the SkyPanel LED soft light . Can you introduce its recent developments and explain how ARRI is addressing the lighting requirements of broadcasters ? Cheung : Incorporating features of ARRI ’ s successful L-Series LED Fresnels , SkyPanel is one of the most versatile soft lights on the market , as well as one of the brightest . We are excited that Skypanel is recognised as an industry game changer by its popularity , as well as its ability to support diverse applications , including movie shooting , TV studio applications , drama as well as fashion events .

Bringing 10 new features and numerous refinements , the free-to-download SkyPanel Firmware 3.0 brings new major features . One of these is 12 adjustable , pre-programmed lighting effects , which permit users to choose and manipulate without the need for a lighting console or hours of programming . In addition , the features of pre-programmed

colour matches to commonly found light sources , while a high-speed mode would definitely reduce hassles on-set .

The SkyPanel colour version is fully tuneable ; its correlated colour temperature is adjustable between 2,800K and 10,000K , with excellent colour rendition over the entire range . In addition to its remote device management ( RDM ) functionality , SkyPanel enhances studio broadcasters ’ operational efficiencies .

SkyPanel outputs a tremendous amount of light in a soft and uniform beam field . Brighter than a 2kW tungsten soft light or a 6kW tungsten space light , the SkyPanel S60 has more than enough light for most applications .

What other highlights should Asia-Pacific broadcasters be looking out for at the ARRI booth ? Cheung : We are debuting the ARRI Lightweight Matte Box LMB 4x5 , which covers a wide range of applications . It can be deployed as a single-filter configuration for gimbals , drones or Steadicams , or as clamp-on versions , and up to rod-mounted solutions ( using either 15mm lightweight , 15mm or 19mm studio rods ).

❝ We are delighted to see AMIRA becoming the preferred choice for various productions in Asia .❞

We have integrated a high-quality and low-latency HD video transmitter and Wi-Fi radio into our new ALEXA SXT W model — W stands for wireless — which will increase efficiencies on-set .

SkyPanel firmware 3.0 also brings 10 new features , including pre-defined lighting effects — candle , clouds passing , club lights , colour chase , cop car , fire , fireworks , light strobe , lightning , paparazzi , pulsing and television . This provides an advantage for TV drama operators to light up different scenes without the need for a lighting console or hours of programming .

Last but not least , the ARRI Master Grips ’ ergonomic design is aimed at ALEXA , AMIRA and third-party camera users who want flexible and responsive fingertip control while shooting in handheld mode . Providing full control of focus , iris and zoom settings on lenses , the ARRI Master Grips are perfect for ENG shooting .