ARRI and SmallHD have announced a new expansion license that enables lens data overlays to be displayed on supported SmallHD monitors. The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License is designed for use with ARRI's Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX hand units, which are wireless lens control and camera data devices widely used in professional film and television production.
When the license is activated, lens metadata — such as focus distance, iris, and zoom values — transmitted by the Hi-5 or Hi-5 SX can be displayed as an overlay directly on compatible SmallHD monitors running PageOS 6. This integration allows camera assistants and directors of photography to monitor critical lens information without needing a separate dedicated display for that data.
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License is available for purchase through ARRI's online licensing portal. The collaboration between ARRI and SmallHD reflects a broader industry trend toward tighter integration between lens control systems and on-set monitoring solutions, streamlining workflows for professional cinematography crews.
Both ARRI and SmallHD are established names in the professional cinema equipment market. ARRI is known for its cameras, lenses, and lighting systems, while SmallHD specializes in on-camera and production monitors. This joint licensing solution underscores the growing importance of interoperability between different manufacturers' tools on modern film sets.
