News roundup: ARRI, Avid, Ikan, JVC, Moment, and Spectra Logic

This week's news roundup includes news from ARRI, Avid, Ikan, JVC, Moment, and Spectra Logic.

ARRI ALEXA Mini LF SUP 7.2 released

ARRI has released Software Update Package SUP 7.2 for the ALEXA Mini LF. The latest software update improves connectivity and control of the camera by boosting its WiFi performance and the connection between camera devices and the camera. 

Another new feature is the Camera Companion App, which gives easy remote control access to most of the camera functions, user buttons, and user button groups. This enables users to control multiple cameras simultaneously. There is also a browser-based web remote out of beta status works as an alternative option for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows users looking to remotely control the ALEXA Mini LF.

The ARRI REVEAL Color Science enables users to view and transcode any ARRIRAW footage from ALEXA Mini LF and ALEXA LF cameras in the traditional LogC3 workflow or the new REVEAL workflow. This improves image quality from the ALEXA 35, ALEXA Mini LF and ALEXA LF, and includes support for the updated ADA-7 de-bayer algorithm, ACE4 color engine, LogC4 gamma curve, and AWG4 color gamut. If you want to learn more about REVEAL, go to ARRI's website here.

The ARRI Reference Tool helps to manage look files, review clips, extract metadata and transcode rushes. The latest version supports the creation of User Pixel Masks for ALEXA 35, audio metadata visualization, audio rendering, and presets for the Render Target Tabs. The ARRI Reference Tool has new reference images, titled “Helen and John,” in both LogC3 and LogC4 which helps to quickly test look files without needing your own footage on hand.

Avid delivers scripting SDK for Pro Tools

Avid has announced a new Pro Tools Scripting Software Development Kit (SDK) supported by the latest version of Pro Tools. This enables high-end facilities and developers to create apps that automate repetitive tasks and establish new audio workflows.

The SDK is a language-independent API for Windows and Mac versions of Pro Tools that provides access to a range of commands, including open, close and save sessions, export in various formats, perform multiple functions on the timeline, leverage “get” commands to review clips and use “set” commands to perform writeable actions in open sessions. Find out more here.

New Lyra Soft low profile studio LED panels

The Lyra Series now features a wider variety of soft lights equipped with DMX for optimal studio switcher control. The Ikan LBX8 & LWX8 Low Profile lights are both crafted with practicality in mind, specifically for spaces with limited ceiling clearance. The Ikan LBX8 has a color temperature range of 3200K to 5600K with a 110-degree beam angle. The Ikan LWX8 features high CRI LED chips and a soft panel, which emits a gentle, wraparound light for a clean and sharp shadow. 

Ikan’s Lyra Studio DMX brand of soft lights has high CRI Chip LEDs paired with a soft diffusion panel.  The 1/2-stop soft diffusion panel is permanently placed at the optimal distance from the COB (chip on board) LEDs to create a soft and evenly diffused light source.  

JVC announces NDI-compatible HC500 broadcast cameras

JVC has announced new NDI-compatible HC500 Broadcast cameras for its HC500 camera line. Previously the line included classic small camcorders, each with a one-inch 4K CMOS sensor, and integrated 20x zoom lens with built-in ND filters with a manual zoom, focus, and iris control rings and XLR audio connectors. 

NDI features are already in several of JVC’s newest PTZ cameras, but users can easily upgrade existing JVC cameras to implement the new NDI capabilities for $450.

The NDI-enabled JVC GY-HC500 cameras will begin shipping on the 24th of March 2023 for $3,895 for the GY-HC500UN and $5,900 USD for the GY-HC550, and $5,020 for the GY-HC500SPCN.

Moment 1.55x anamorphic lens for smartphones

Moment has launched its new 1.55x anamorphic M-series lens for smartphones providing a larger squeeze factor resulting in 2.76:1 aspect ratio footage with prominent gold streaks and flares with barrel distortion. With the Moment M-series phone case, the lens is compatible with most phone models including Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and others.

The anamorphic lens turns smartphone footage less sharp, or as we like to say,  less digital. The anamorphic lens adapter gives a prominent barrel-type distortion. With anti-reflection coatings, the lens creates unique vintage horizontal gold flares. The lens is unidirectional so the mount can be rotated 90° depending on a mobile device. The weight of the Moment 1.55x anamorphic lens is 37.6g and its dimensions are 21.85×33.25×30.25mm. Since smartphones film in a 16:9 aspect ratio, the resulting footage will have a 2.76:1 aspect ratio for a wider look.

Currently, the 1.55x M-series anamorphic lens retails for a limited time for $119.99 here. The shipping should start in late March 2023. 

Spectra Logic unveils Digital Archive  

Spectra Logic has launched a modern archive solution for organisations that must manage and preserve massive amounts of data for long-term retention purposes. The new solution, called Spectra Digital Archive, is powered by Spectra StorCycle, an enterprise software designed to easily and cost-effectively archive data at scale.

• Offers simple setup and use for easy deployment 
• Scales infinitely to handle current and future data growth 

• Enables policy-driven automation for maximum flexibility 
• Integrates with disk, tape and cloud storage tiers to provide storage choices 

• Reduces storage/backup costs and bottlenecks 
• Provides low-impact/high-performance data transfers  
• Delivers multiple archive options: bulk, project and active archive 
• Ensures advanced ransomware protection 

• Retains original file formats to avoid lock-in 
• Supports environmental sustainability initiatives 

Find out more here.