ARRI is releasing its ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme, a new camera that brings high frame rate output of up to 8x to live productions using traditional SDI workflows.
Together with ARRI’s Live Production System LPS-1, the new camera enables live entertainment events to be broadcast in slow motion.
ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme comes permanently pre-installed with the existing High Speed License for ALEXA 35 and a new High Frame Rate SDI License. When combined with the ARRI LPS-1 Fiber Camera Adapter and Fiber Base Station (and a standard slow-motion playout server such as SimplyLive or EVS) the camera outputs HFR at up to 8x in HD or 2x in UHD. Up to 4x HFR can be output via a single SDI connector, and higher speeds are split across both SDI outputs.
Frame rates up to 330 fps use the camera’s full dynamic range of 17 stops, while a Sensor Overdrive mode enables frame rates up to 480 fps at a dynamic range of 11 stops. Whatever frame rate is chosen for the slow-motion feed, the system simultaneously outputs a live feed for broadcast, allowing operators to switch between the program frame rate and HFR in real time. A phase-blending feature provides control over motion blur and shutter effects in the live feed.
The ARRI Multicam System was recently used for the Eurovision Song Contest.
When using ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme on a live production, the LPS-1 Fiber Base Station plugs directly into the slow-motion playout server and an HFR signal is available from the camera via a standard baseband workflow for incorporation into the live coverage. Super-slow-motion replays are available instantly, without a need to cue up recorded material for playback.
ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme joins the ALEXA 35 Live in ARRI’s current broadcast lineup. ALEXA 35 Live cameras sold from 2026 onwards can be upgraded to Xtreme functionality with the purchase of High Speed and HFR SDI Licenses from the ARRI online shop. Pre-2026 ALEXA 35 Live cameras need a hardware upgrade, available through ARRI service centers. Further upgrade options can equip ALEXA 35 cine cameras for multi-camera broadcast applications.
The ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme is available to order now.
Pippa Considine
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