Keeping critical lens information visible, without obscuring what matters in the frame, is a constant on-set challenge for focus pullers. ARRI and SmallHD have collaborated on lens data monitor overlays, available through a new expansion license for ARRI’s Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX hand units. The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License displays focus and iris scales and other lens data in personalised layouts, helping focus pullers stay oriented on their marks while maintaining a clear view of the live image.
The result is Hi-5 lens data overlays that integrate with SmallHD’s Add-On API framework, combining a familiar Hi-5 user experience with the award-winning PageOS 6 monitoring platform. Like other licenses that expand the functionality and third-party compatibility of the Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX, the new SmallHD Monitor Overlay License is available from ARRI’s online license shop.
With the license, Hi-5 users can view focus scales, iris values, focal length, FocusBug CineRT data, and lens information on a supported SmallHD monitor by connecting via USB-C or the Hi-5’s 4-pin SERIAL connector. Overlays offer adjustable opacity, position, and size; on/off visibility control; persistent settings after power loss; light/dark themes; and up to three individually customisable pages with savable layouts. On touchscreen monitors, overlay elements can be dragged and dropped to any position on the display.
1Support is confirmed for the models listed below; compatibility with other PageOS 6–based SmallHD monitors may vary.
• SmallHD CINE 5
• SmallHD CINE 7
• SmallHD CINE 13
• SmallHD Ultra 5
• SmallHD Ultra 7
• SmallHD Ultra 10
• SmallHD 703 Ultrabright
• SmallHD 1303 HDR
• ARRI CCM-1
Christine Ajayi-Scheuring, Product Manager ARRI Camera Accessories, says: “The new Hi-5 monitor overlays were developed in consultation with focus pullers on set and reflect ARRI’s ongoing commitment to solutions that enhance real-world workflows. We’re pleased to have collaborated with SmallHD on implementing these overlays, which were requested by the Hi-5 community and make our hand units even more versatile.”
Matt Eidenbock, product manager for SmallHD, adds: “We’re excited to position PageOS as a truly scalable platform that supports customisable workflows, and ARRI’s Hi-5 lens data overlay is the first Add-On in SmallHD’s API framework.
This integration lets focus pullers view native ARRI Hi-5 lens data directly on their monitor, without additional hardware or external overlay solutions. After licensing, they just connect their Hi-5 and the SmallHD monitor becomes a fully integrated focus-pulling display.”
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License for Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX is available now at www.arri.com/licenseshop
