ARRI and SmallHD have introduced the SmallHD Monitor Overlay License, a software integration that enables compatible SmallHD PageOS monitors to display real-time lens metadata from ARRI Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX wireless hand units.
Modern film productions rely on accurate lens data to support focus pulling and camera operation. To streamline this workflow, ARRI and SmallHD have collaborated on the SmallHD Monitor Overlay License, a feature that allows compatible SmallHD monitors running PageOS to display lens metadata directly on the monitor screen when connected to an ARRI Hi-5 or Hi-5 SX wireless hand unit.
Rather than relying on separate overlay hardware, the license enables metadata overlays to be generated within the monitor itself, allowing focus pullers to view lens information alongside the live camera image.
Key Features
Direct Integration with Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License enables compatible SmallHD monitors to communicate directly with ARRI Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX hand units through a supported wired connection. Once connected, the monitor can display lens metadata received from the hand unit.
Real-Time Lens Metadata
The overlay can display information including:
- Focus distance
- Iris (T-stop or aperture information)
- Focal length
- Lens scale information
When used alongside compatible systems such as the FocusBug CineRT, supported distance measurements can also be displayed within the overlay.
PageOS Overlay Customization
Using SmallHD’s PageOS interface, users can customize how overlay information appears on the monitor. Available adjustments include:
- Moving overlay elements
- Resizing displayed information
- Adjusting transparency
- Enabling or disabling individual overlay elements
This allows operators to configure the display according to their preferred workflow while maintaining visibility of the camera image.
Workflow Benefits
By displaying lens metadata directly on the monitor, the SmallHD Monitor Overlay License removes the need for a separate external overlay device dedicated to presenting this information. For productions already using the ARRI Hi-5 or Hi-5 SX ecosystem with compatible SmallHD monitors, this can simplify equipment configuration while keeping lens data visible during operation.
Because the overlay is generated within the monitor, focus pullers can monitor lens information and the camera image simultaneously without relying on a separate display dedicated to metadata.
Conclusion
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License expands the integration between ARRI’s Hi-5 wireless lens control system and compatible SmallHD PageOS monitors by bringing configurable lens metadata directly onto the monitoring display. The software-based feature provides an additional option for productions seeking to display focus and lens information without requiring a separate overlay device, while offering customization through PageOS.
Questions & Answers
Which wireless hand units are compatible?
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License is designed for the ARRI Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX wireless hand units.
Does the system require a separate overlay box?
No. The overlay functionality is provided through the SmallHD Monitor Overlay License running on compatible SmallHD PageOS monitors. A supported wired connection between the hand unit and monitor is still required.
Can the on-screen overlays be customized?
Yes. Users can reposition overlay elements, resize them, adjust their transparency, and enable or disable individual display items using SmallHD’s PageOS interface.
What information can be displayed?
Depending on the connected equipment, the overlay can display lens metadata such as focus distance, iris, focal length, lens scale information, and supported distance data from compatible systems including the FocusBug CineRT.
