The new ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme records HFR output and makes it available to live productions using traditional SDI workflows, broadcasting live events in ARRI image quality, enhanced with slow motion.
The new ARRI ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme records high frame rate output of up to 8x and makes it available to live productions using traditional SDI workflows. Together with ARRI’s Live Production System LPS-1, the new camera makes it possible to broadcast live entertainment events in ARRI image quality, enhanced with slow motion. The combination opens creative options for producers and directors to add emotion and drama to productions.
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 Fibre Camera Adapter and Fibre Base Station, and used with a standard slow-motion playout server such as SimplyLive or EVS, the camera outputs HFR at up to 8x standard rate in HD, or 2x in UHD. Up to 4x HFR can be output via a single SDI connector, and higher speeds can be split across both of the camera’s SDI outputs.
Frame rates of 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.
Double-edged Workflow
A special phase-blending feature gives users control over motion blur and shutter effects in the live feed by allowing output of a real-time live signal in 60p or 50p, while simultaneously capturing high frame rates for instant replay using a slow-motion server. Meanwhile, multiple phase capture enables the operator to fine-tune slow-motion output with selectable motion blur for a more cinematic look.
For instance, 240 fps capture results in both a standard program output of 60 fps via one 3G-SDI output, and a 4-phase (or 4 x 60 fps) output via the second 3G-SDI port. The operator can control the 4-phase output using the LPS-1 web interface, blending 2, 3 or 4 phases to produce the desired motion blur. The user can also blend two or more phases into the live feed to closely match other standard-speed cameras used in a multicamera production – this technique avoids distracting viewers.
Broadcasters’ response to the ARRI Multicam System has been positive because of its effect on the visual impact of live coverage, raising production value and enhancing the audience experience. A recent example is the Eurovision Song Contest – consistently one of the world’s biggest live broadcasts – which achieved a much higher level of image quality and creative colour control in 2026 after production with ARRI cameras.
With a Super 35 sensor, high dynamic range, sensitivity and colour fidelity, ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme delivers a competitive base look. Using that as a starting point, users can choose looks from the ARRI Look Library, try ARRI’s Multicam looks, or build their own LUTs – with traditional live painting still possible no matter what look is chosen.
Building and Selecting Looks for Live
Sports broadcasting is one of the ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme’s primary applications, with features that suit indoor, outdoor, individual and team events. The camera’s wide dynamic range helps capture high-contrast environments such as winter sports, while the cinematic image quality conveys the emotion and drama of key moments in impressive slow motion. Without the need of a dedicated high-speed camera, the HFR content now has the same ARRI look as the regular feed, and a consistent visual style is maintained across both the live coverage and highlight reels.
Further applications include live concerts, where the camera’s sensitivity and latitude are capable of capturing high-contrast stage shows. At fashion events that demand maximum resolution, the 2x UHD output will support subtle slow motion for catwalk turns while rendering specific colours and textures of fabrics. In most all contexts, ALEXA cameras are also recognised for accurate, flattering skin tones.
Integrated Multicam Productions
Smooth, direct integration is fundamental to the ARRI Multicam System. It means that, when using ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme on a live production, all crew from engineers and operators to shaders and directors can carry on working in the normal way. The LPS-1 Fibre Base Station plugs directly into the slow-motion playout server, making a HFR signal available from the camera via a standard baseband workflow, ready to incorporate into the live coverage. Super-slow-motion replays are immediately available without having to first 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 purchased 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 centres. Further upgrade options can equip ALEXA 35 cine cameras for multi-camera broadcast applications.
The ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme is available to order now. arri.com
