ARRI's Latest ECS Updates Bring Sony Venice 2 & BURANO Control to Hi-5 Operators

By BlockReel Editorial Team Gear, Technology
ARRI's Latest ECS Updates Bring Sony Venice 2 & BURANO Control to Hi-5 Operators

ARRI Extends IP Workflow and Third-Party Camera Control with Latest ECS Software Updates

ARRI has released a series of significant software updates (SUPs) for its Electronic Control System (ECS) devices, notably enhancing the capabilities of the NIA-1 Network Interface Adapter and expanding integration for several other key components. These free updates aim to improve workflow efficiency and interoperability, particularly for camera operators working with both ARRI and third-party camera systems.

Key Update Details

The most impactful update comes for the NIA-1 Network Interface Adapter with SUP 1.1.1, which broadens its support for third-party cameras and refines IP-based camera and lens control. ARRI's Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX hand units also receive SUP 3.3.0, adding comprehensive support for the ALEXA 35 Xtreme and new display functionalities.

- NIA-1 SUP 1.1.1 - Adds full support for Sony Venice 2. - Introduces user button and playback support for Sony BURANO. - Provides playback support for Blackmagic URSA Cine. - Features illuminated indication for an active USB-C connection. - Includes various bug fixes.

  • Hi-5 & Hi-5 SX SUP 3.3.0
    • - Enables full compatibility with the ALEXA 35 Xtreme, including connections via RIA-1, ZMU-4, or cforce mini RF. - Displays Sensor Overdrive mode and ARRICORE recording status on the Hi-5's Cam screen. - Shows active sensor mode and recording resolution. - Supports Enhanced Sensitivity and long-press user button functionality (e.g., SDI Zoom, calibrate lens motors) when connected via RIA-1, ZMU-4, or cforce mini RF. - Adds a new Camera Zoom category for user buttons, allowing control of multiple zoom functions. - Includes various bug fixes.
  • RIA-1 SUP 2.5.0, ZMU-4 SUP 1.5.0, cforce mini RF SUP 2.5.0
    • - These updates are primarily for compatibility and bug fixes, ensuring seamless integration with the latest ECS features and supporting additional camera information.

    Price & Availability

    All of these new Software Updates are available now as free downloads from ARRI's Technical Service page. Users will need a USB stick for installation, and ARRI advises ensuring only one firmware file is present on the stick during the process.

    Competitive Context

    ARRI's ongoing investment in its ECS ecosystem, particularly with expanded third-party camera support via the NIA-1, is a direct response to the evolving demands of modern productions. While ARRI cameras remain a staple, the reality of the industry is that many shoots involve a mix of camera formats and brands. Historically, integrating disparate camera control systems has been a source of frustration.

    - For Sony users: The introduction of Sony Venice 2 support and BURANO user button/playback control directly addresses a significant segment of the market. This places the NIA-1 in closer competition with solutions like the Teradek RT and Preston Cinema Systems, which have long offered robust multi-camera integration. The ability to control Venice 2 functions, which are often handled by dedicated Sony RSU (Remote Control Unit) or through third-party protocols, directly via the ARRI ECS is a major convenience.

  • For Blackmagic users: While perhaps less common for high-end cinema, the inclusion of Blackmagic URSA Cine playback support acknowledges the increasing presence of these cameras in various production tiers. This makes the ARRI ECS a more versatile tool for rental houses and DITs managing diverse camera packages.
  • Enhanced Hi-5 functionality: The deep integration with the ALEXA 35 Xtreme via the Hi-5 and associated modules (RIA-1, ZMU-4, cforce mini RF) underscores ARRI's commitment to its own flagship cameras. Displaying detailed sensor information and providing granular control over features like Enhanced Sensitivity directly from the hand unit streamlines AC and operator workflows. This type of tight integration is a key differentiator for ARRI against standalone wireless FIZ (Focus, Iris, Zoom) systems which, while universal, often lack the deep metadata and sensor feedback specific to ARRI cameras.

    Who It's For

    These SUPs are designed for a broad spectrum of production roles that utilize ARRI's Electronic Control System.

    - 1st Assistant Camera (ACs): The enhanced Hi-5 capabilities for the ALEXA 35 Xtreme, including detailed sensor feedback and long-press user button functions, will directly improve efficiency and reduce the need to frequently access the camera body's menu. This is particularly valuable in fast-paced or challenging shooting environments. The added third-party camera control means less juggling of different control units.

  • DITs (Digital Image Technicians): The NIA-1's expanded IP workflow and compatibility with Sony Venice 2, Sony BURANO, and Blackmagic URSA Cine simplifies camera control and metadata management across different camera ecosystems. A DIT running a multi-camera shoot with various brands will find this invaluable for consistency and control from a central point.
  • Camera Operators: Knowing critical camera settings, like sensor mode and recording resolution, are visible on their hand unit (Hi-5) regardless of how it's connected (directly or via a radio interface) empowers them with immediate feedback, influencing creative decisions.
  • Rental Houses: The increased versatility of ARRI ECS components, especially the NIA-1, makes rental packages more attractive by offering broader compatibility, reducing the need for separate, dedicated control solutions for every camera type.

    Expert Take

    Having spent years handling everything from Alexa Classics to Vipers, and then into the era of Venice and Red, I can say that interoperability is still the holy grail on set. ARRI's move with the NIA-1 SUP 1.1.1 is particularly welcome in this regard. The ability to route core functions and metadata from a Sony Venice 2 or even a BURANO through an ARRI ECS setup is a significant workflow enhancement. While you're not going to be using the Hi-5 to tweak every single menu parameter on a Sony, having robust start/stop, playback, and potentially even some lens control signals integrated is a huge timesaver on many productions. This moves beyond basic run/stop control that we see on cheaper wireless systems and towards true command-and-control integration.

    The attention to detail on the Hi-5's update for the ALEXA 35 Xtreme is also critical. Features like Enhanced Sensitivity support and displaying ARRICORE recording status directly on the hand unit mean less guesswork and more confidence for ACs. When you're racking focus on a long lens with a talent moving, you don't want to be guessing if an ARRICORE record is active or if the camera's in a specific sensitivity mode. These small but crucial pieces of information, presented clearly, allow for quicker adjustments and fewer missed moments. It's not a flashy upgrade, but it's the kind of practical refinement that makes a tangible difference on a demanding set. This reinforces ARRI's position not just as a camera manufacturer but as a comprehensive ecosystem provider, simplifying increasingly complex multi-camera and multi-brand workflows.

    ---

    © 2026 BlockReel DAO. All rights reserved. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 • No AI Training.

    • Originally published on BlockReel DAO.