ALEXA M Cameras Outfit FascinatE’s Omnicam for Interactive, Panoramic Viewing

This prototype system allows users to interactively view and navigate the video panorama of the live event - no matter what display device they are using. Meanwhile, synced audio automatically adjusts to match the selected view.

For Johannes Steurer, Principal Engineer at ARRI, this was an opportunity to explore a novel approach to visual language and technology. “The project is about immersive viewing conditions. As a visitor to a live performance of more than 200 dancers you can see the full panorama and at the same time focus on any individual dancer at will. We bring this experience forward to electronic imaging in public and home viewing environments. The full 7k by 2k video panorama and novel approaches of user interaction makes it possible.”

Earlier configurations of the Omnicam used smaller HD cameras due to sizing concerns. However, image quality including attributes like noise level and color reproduction was problematic. A high dynamic range camera with impressive image quality was required. At that time the ALEXA was just coming to the market, but it was considered too large and too heavy. Says Steurer: “The ALEXA M was born out of this project. We decided to separate the sensor head from the body and connect both components by optical fiber cables. That way we reduce the size and weight of the camera head and we can still offer the same well-known image quality.”

The array of six ALEXA M cameras is rigged with mirrors for the panoramic camera and 24mm Ultra Prime lenses for each head to create a total 180-degree viewing angle. Weighing well under 7 pounds (3 kg), the M’s compact front end with multiple mounting points and versatile maneuverability made it the ideal conception for the Omnicam. The option of having distance between the head and body allows full control without interference of the performance. In this case the distance between the Omnicam and the video control room is 100m, easily spanned by the optical fiber connection.

Says FascinatE project coordinator Georg Thallinger, Joanneum Research: “The ALEXA M is the perfect camera in terms of quality and size to fit in the Omnicam. We want to engage audiences with a new viewing experience. We knew, being ARRI cameras, they would shoot beautiful images and have the best quality.” These experimental endeavors are important to ARRI’s 95 years of constant innovation. Steurer says, “In our R&D department we are always looking for future technologies. We are proud of working closely together with such a high-ranking consortium of European research institutions and subjecting our latest specialist technologies to challenging applications like this world class dance performance.”

About FascinatE:
FascinatE is a €9.5m EU funded project involving a group of partners from across Europe. FascinatE stands for: Format-Agnostic SCript-based INterAcTive Experience and is looking at broadcasting live events to give the viewer a more interactive experience no matter what device they are using to view the broadcast. The consortium is comprised of 11 partners including Joanneum Research (AT), TECHNICOLOR S.A. (DE), Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (DE), The British Broadcasting Corporation Research & Development (UK), Alcatel-Lucent Bell NV (BE), Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH (DE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (ES), The Interactive Institute (SE), University of Salford (UK), Softeco Sismat S.p.A (IT), Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NL).

About ARRI:
With headquarters located in Munich, Germany, Arnold and Richter Cine Technik (A&R) was founded in 1917 and is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of motion picture camera, digital intermediate (DI) and lighting equipment. The ARRI Group comprises a global network of subsidiaries, agents and representatives that covers all aspects of the film industry: design, engineering, production, equipment rental, turnkey lighting solutions, postproduction, film and sound laboratory services, and visual effects. Manufactured products include the groundbreaking ALEXA digital camera system, film cameras, professional camera accessories, cutting-edge LED lighting and DI solutions such as the ARRISCAN and archive tools. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI’s engineers and their technical contributions with 18 Scientific and Engineering Awards.