Description
In-camera ARRIRAW
The ALEXA XR Module (XR = Xtended Recording), which is built into all ALEXA XT cameras, is also available as an affordable upgrade for all ALEXA Classic cameras. The ALEXA XR Module is a new side panel with exciting in-camera recording options, replacing the current SxS Module. It allows ALEXA Classic camera owners to embrace the latest advances in recording technologies without having to purchase a new camera, exemplifying the concept of modular upgradeability that was built into the ALEXA design from the very beginning.
Alongside the highest overall image quality, unsurpassed reliability and user-friendly ergonomics, ALEXA cameras offer a long product cycle through many upgrade options, providing a sustainable business model to customers and protecting their investment.
- Upgrade for ALEXA, ALEXA Plus, ALEXA Plus 4:3, ALEXA M and ALEXA Studio
- replaces SxS Module and one processing board
- upgrades through ARRI service centers
- In-camera ARRIRAW
- highest ALEXA image quality, uncompressed and unencrypted
- up to 120 fps in full image quality
- stores ASC Color Decision List (CDL) in metadata
- ARRIRAW checksum for safer and faster downloading
- Powerful and unique ProRes & DNxHD options
- ProRes 4444 XQ: high data rate (500 Mbit/s) = high quality images
- ProRes 3.2K: ideal for 4K UHD up-sample
- High speed ProRes or DNxHD onto XR Capture Drives or CFast 2.0 cards
- XR Capture Drive
- rugged and reliable custom SSDs
- XR = golden ring
- high data rate of 6.7 Gigabits/s
- high capacity of 512 GB
- format either for ARRIRAW or ProRes/DNxHD
- Proven, efficient and versatile Codex workflows
- Capture Drive Dock (USB-3 or Thunderbolt): affordable option for copying to a MacBook Pro
- Capture Drive Dock (SAS): high speed copying, archiving, reporting or dailies
- Vault 2: all-in-one solution for copying, archiving, reporting or dailies with the greatest ease and highest speed
- Integrated CDL capture
- stores ASC Color Decision List (CDL) in ARRIRAW metadata
- Exchangeable top covers for camera ID
XR Module Features
Faster and more affordable ARRIRAW
In addition to its overwhelming success in the world of television, ALEXA has become the go-to camera for feature projects and commercials. Feature films bound for the big screen and an increasing number of commercials are opting to record ARRIRAW, the highest image quality output possible with ALEXA, delivering uncompressed, unencrypted raw image data for maximum flexibility in post and a truly future-proof archiving format.
ARRI and Codex have combined their technical expertise to develop the XR Module, incorporating tried-and-tested Codex recording technology directly into the ALEXA cameras.
ARRIRAW advantages
ARRIRAW is an unencrypted, uncompressed raw image format that contains the full raw data from the sensor for the absolute best image quality from ALEXA.
For greatest flexibility in post, nothing is “baked” into an ARRIRAW image. Image processing steps like debayering, white balance, sensitivity or downscaling, which are irreversibly done in-camera for a ProRes, DNxHD or HD-SDI output, are not applied to ARRIRAW. Thus they can be optimized in post based on image content. For example, different debayering parameters can be chosen for faces, landscapes or green screen. Of course, the settings you make in camera for HD-SDI monitoring on the set are recorded in metadata so you can retrieve them in post.
For VFX it is very important that the original material is uncompressed, because all compression artifacts make compositing more difficult. And because of the high overall image quality of ALEXA ARRIRAW images, it is possible to down-sample the image to HD or 2K, to keep it at the native 2.8K (16:9) or 3.4K (Open Gate) resolution, or to up-sample to 4K UHD or 4K Cine. Thus shooting ARRIRAW is the most versatile format for all types of deliverables.
Furthermore, ARRIRAW is an excellent future-proof archiving format. ARRIRAW is uncompressed and unencrypted, which means that anyone can access their ARRIRAW data with standard software tools in the future without any proprietary decryption or decompression. We openly publish our color science as standard SMPTE documents (Recommended Disclosure Document RDD 30:2014 and RDD 31:2014). We also make our color science and our debayering algorithm available to third parties as a Software Developer’s Kit. Using this information, a large number of third parties have included native ARRIRAW support into their products. So when you come to your post house with ARRIRAW footage, they know how to process ARRIRAW with familiar tools.
Check out the list of third party tools with ARRIRAW support
Exceptionally fast XR Capture Drives
ALEXAs with an XR Module can record ARRIRAW at up to 120 fps in-camera onto an exceptionally fast and rugged XR Capture Drive. This not only makes for a smaller, lighter and more affordable camera package, it also simplifies setup and operation while avoiding unnecessary cabling. The result is a fast and reliable workflow on set.
In addition to ARRIRAW, ProRes or DNxHD can also be captured to the XR Capture Drive for significantly longer recording times than with memory cards as well as ProRes 4444 recording up to 120 fps and DNxHD 444 recording up to 96 fps. The XR Capture Drive contains highly reliable custom solid-state drive technology in a small and tough aluminum housing, identical in shape to the current Codex Capture Drives. Its high capacity of 512 GB can hold enormous amounts of data, and with its 6.7 Gbit/s it is one of the fastest digital magazine available.
Choice of media
For greatest versatility the XR Module allows recording onto one of three media. The XR Capture Drive can record ARRIRAW, ProRes or DNxHD. With an SxS Adapter it is possible to record ProRes or DNxHD to a single SxS PRO or SxS PRO+ card. With a CFast 2.0 Adapter it is possible to record onto CFast 2.0 cards, the same medium used by AMIRA, the new documentary style camera.
Safely carry CDL color correction metadata into post
An increasing number of productions are using on-set color correction so the cinematographer can create and monitor a pre-grade of the footage. The resulting ASC CDL (American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List) can be automatically transferred to the ALEXA XT cameras and stored as ARRIRAW metadata, for fast and convenient retrieval when creating dailies and/or as a basis for final grading.
Flexible, Proven Workflow into Post
Once removed from the camera, the XR Capture Drive offers a number of different paths into post for every budget and time schedule demand, using the proven Codex on-set or near-set workflow.
Capture Drive Dock (USB3 or Thunderbolt) Workflow
The small and affordable Capture Drive Dock (USB3 or Thunderbolt) allows safe copying of data via a Retina MacBook Pro. Further features can be added with optional Codex software, the ARRIRAW Converter (ARC) and other software.
Capture Drive Dock (SAS) Workflow
The Capture Drive Dock (SAS) can make clones of XR Capture Drives and connect to a Mac Pro via SAS (Serial Attached SCSI [Small Computer System Interface]) for high speed copying. The included software provides all features for an efficient digital lab.
Vault Workflow
The Codex Vault 2 is a modular and rugged stand-alone system that includes all the hardware and software for copying, archiving, metadata management, reporting or dailies creation with the greatest ease and highest speed.
XR Module Technical Data
Frame Rates | For detailed information about frame rates, click here |
Upgrades and Accessories
This is a selection of the most important upgrades and accessories. For spare parts, extended warranties and service certificates please contact your local ARRI service center
To learn more about ARRI camera products and compatibilities between components, please visit our
configuration overview page
XR Media and Docks>>
Small size, high performance, high reliability industrial grade solid state drive technology in a rugged aluminum enclosure.For more details, click here.
Capture Drive Docks (USB-3 or Thunderbolt)
Small docks that accept a single XR Capture Drive, Capture Drive for Onboard S or Transfer Drive.For more details, click here.
Capture Drive Dock (SAS) – K2.48841.0
A dock that accepts two XR Capture Drives, Capture Drives for Onboard S or Transfer Drives.For more details, click here.
CFast 2.0 Media Adapters, Media and Docks>>
An adapter that fits into the ALEXA XR Module for holding one CFast 2.0 card.For more details, click here.
CFast 2.0 Card 128 GB – K2.0003623
Small size, high performance, high reliability professional grade memory card with pin-less design.For more details, click here.
CFast 2.0 Reader – K2.0001242
A professional high quality and high reliability CFast 2.0 card reader that accepts a single CFast 2.0 memory card. Connects to a computer via USB-3.For more details, click here.
SxS PRO & SxS PRO+ Media Adapters and Media>>
An adapter that fits into the ALEXA XR Module for holding one SxS PRO or SxS PRO+ card.For more details, click here.
Small size, high performance, high reliability professional grade memory cards.For more details, click here.
Mechanical Accessories>>
XR Module Top Cover Set – K2.72128.0
A set of 6 covers for the XR Module body and door in red, green, blue, yellow, black and white.For more details, click here.
ALEXA XT Software Update Packet 11.0.1 (ALEXA XT & XR Module Upgrades)
25 Mar 2015 | ALEXA XT SUP 11.0.1 29455 |
23 Mar 2015 | ALEXA SUP 11.0.1 Release Notes Download (pdf, 744 KB) |
18 Feb 2015 | ALEXA Menu Settings Chart SUP 11.0 Download (pdf, 767 KB) |
ALEXA Software Archive
16 Feb 2015 | ALEXA SUP 11.0 Release Notes Download (pdf, 777 KB) |
16 Feb 2015 | ALEXA XT SUP 11.0 29147 |
19 Jan 2015 | ALEXA XT SUP 10.0.1 28147 |
19 Jan 2015 | ALEXA XT SUP 10.0.1 Release Notes Download (pdf, 974 KB) |
12 Oct 2014 | ALEXA Menu Settings Chart SUP 10.0 Download (pdf, 266 KB) |
02 Jun 2014 | ALEXA XT SUP 9.2 26500 |
02 Jun 2014 | ALEXA XT SUP 9.2 Release Notes Download (pdf, 295 KB) |
12 Mar 2014 | ALEXA XT SUP 9.1 Release Notes Download (pdf, 275 KB) |
12 Mar 2014 | ALEXA XT SUP 9.1 26072 |
Avid DNxHD AMA Plug-in
05 Dec 2013 | ALEXA AMA Plug-in 1.5 Media Composer 7 and 8 Windows |
05 Dec 2013 | ALEXA AMA Plug-in 1.5 Media Composer 7 and 8 Mac OS X |
ARRIRAW Converter (ARC)
11 Jun 2015 | ARRIRAW ARC GUI Version 3.2 Release Notes (for Mac and Windows) Download (pdf, 119 KB) |
11 Jun 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2.0.b12 for Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) |
11 Jun 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2.0.b12 for Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) |
11 Jun 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2.0.b12 for Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) |
11 Jun 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2.0b12 for Windows x64 |
11 Jun 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2.0.b12 for Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) |
ARRIRAW Converter (Command Line Tool)
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW ARC CMD Version 3.2 – Release Notes Download (pdf, 100 KB) |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW ARC CMD Version 3.2 – User Manual Download (pdf, 175 KB) |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Cent OS 6 |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Mac OSX 10.7 (Lion) |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Mac OSX 10.9 (Mavericks) |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Mac OSX 10.8 (Mountain Lion) |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for SLES 11 |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Ubuntu 10.04 |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Mac OSX 10.10 (Yosemite) |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Ubuntu 12.04 |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Ubuntu 14.04 |
26 May 2015 | ARRIRAW Converter 3.2 CMD for Windows |
ARRI Meta Extract (Command Line Tool)
18 Dec 2014 | ARRIRAW AME CMD Version 3.2 User Manual Download (pdf, 76 KB) |
18 Dec 2014 | ARRIRAW AME CMD Version 3.2 Release Notes Download (pdf, 79 KB) |
18 Dec 2014 | AME 3.2 CMD Windows |
18 Dec 2014 | AME 3.2 CMD Mac OS X Mavericks |
Technical Information
28 Apr 2015 | REC OUT Options SUP 10 or later Download (pdf, 52 KB) |
28 Apr 2015 | ALEXA Classic and XT Recording Areas Surround Views Framelines SUP 11 Download (pdf, 164 KB) |
16 Feb 2015 | ALEXA SUP 11 Max Frame Rates Download (pdf, 193 KB) |
16 Feb 2015 | ALEXA SUP 11 Data Rates Download (pdf, 66 KB) |
28 Jun 2014 | Apple ProRes White Paper – June 2014 Download (pdf, 937 KB) |
03 Jul 2013 | ALEXA XR Module Workflows White Paper Download (pdf, 552 KB) |
Brochures
22 Apr 2014 | ALEXA Brochure 2014 Download (pdf, 23.8 MB) |