Alexa In-Camera DNxHD 444 Recording with SUP 9.0

[Tim Tyler]

With the release today of Software Update Packet (SUP) 9.0 for ARRI ALEXA XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras with the XR Module Upgrade, DNxHD becomes available in 444 for cameras with a DNxHD license.

 

DNxHD 444 supports Log C, a key element of the ALEXA system’s widely embraced approach to high quality image acquisition. The new codec option reasserts ALEXA’s position as the most versatile and user-friendly camera on the market, offering a range of simple, industry-standard workflows.

 

DNxHD 444 recording will be of great interest to the many corporations and production companies that work with MXF files and the SMPTE-standardized DNxHD codec, which offers high quality at low bandwidths.

 

Developed in close collaboration with Avid, DNxHD 444 is the flagship Avid codec, delivering high color fidelity and image quality for 1920 x 1080 projects. With an absence of subsampling or averaging of chroma information, the 10 bit 4:4:4 RGB codec provides an excellent basis for creative grading, color keying and multi-generational finishing and mastering. In essence, it allows the rich color information captured by ALEXA to be maintained through postproduction.

 

DNxHD 444 clips can be recorded at up to 30 fps on 32 GB SxS Pro cards and up to 60 fps on 64GB SxS Pro cards, CFast 2.0 cards or XR Capture Drives.