- Collaboration between ARRI and SmallHD adds lens data overlays to Hi‑5 and Hi‑5 SX
- Customizable on-screen layouts keep key lens information visible alongside the live image
- Supported on select SmallHD monitors and the ARRI CCM-1
April 8, 2026; Munich – Keeping critical lens information visible, without obscuring what matters in the frame, is a constant on-set challenge for focus pullers. ARRI and SmallHD have collaborated on lens data monitor overlays, available through a new expansion license for ARRI’s Hi‑5 and Hi‑5 SX hand units. The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License displays focus and iris scales and other lens data in personalized layouts, helping focus pullers stay oriented on their marks while maintaining a clear view of the live image.
The result is Hi‑5 lens data overlays that integrate with SmallHD’s Add-On API framework, combining a familiar Hi‑5 user experience with the award-winning PageOS 6 monitoring platform. Like other licenses that expand the functionality and third-party compatibility of the Hi‑5 and Hi‑5 SX, the new SmallHD Monitor Overlay License is available from ARRI’s online license shop.
With the license, Hi‑5 users can view focus scales, iris values, focal length, FocusBug CineRT data, and lens information on a supported SmallHD monitor by connecting via USB-C or the Hi‑5’s 4-pin SERIAL connector. Overlays offer adjustable opacity, position, and size; on/off visibility control; persistent settings after power loss; light/dark themes; and up to three individually customizable pages with savable layouts. On touchscreen monitors, overlay elements can be dragged and dropped to any position on the display.
Support is confirmed for the models listed below; compatibility with other PageOS 6–based SmallHD monitors may vary.
- SmallHD CINE 5
- SmallHD CINE 7
- SmallHD CINE 13
- SmallHD Ultra 5
- SmallHD Ultra 7
- SmallHD Ultra 10
- SmallHD 703 Ultrabright
- SmallHD 1303 HDR
- ARRI CCM-1
Christine Ajayi-Scheuring, Product Manager ARRI Camera Accessories, says: “The new Hi‑5 monitor overlays were developed in consultation with focus pullers on set and reflect ARRI’s ongoing commitment to solutions that enhance real-world workflows. We’re pleased to have collaborated with SmallHD on implementing these overlays, which were requested by the Hi‑5 community and make our hand units even more versatile.”
Matt Eidenbock, Product Manager for SmallHD, adds: “We’re excited to position PageOS as a truly scalable platform that supports customizable workflows, and ARRI’s Hi‑5 lens data overlay is the first Add-On in SmallHD’s API framework. This integration lets focus pullers view native ARRI Hi‑5 lens data directly on their monitor, without additional hardware or external overlay solutions. After licensing, they just connect their Hi‑5 and the SmallHD monitor becomes a fully integrated focus-pulling display.”
The SmallHD Monitor Overlay License for Hi‑5 and Hi‑5 SX is available now at www.arri.com/licenseshop
About ARRI:
“Inspiring images. Since 1917.” ARRI is a global player within the motion picture and live entertainment industries. Named after its founders August Arnold and Robert Richter, ARRI was established in Munich, Germany, where the headquarters is still located today. Other subsidiaries are in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia.
The ARRI Group consists of the business units Camera Systems, Lighting, and Rental, all dedicated to synergizing creativity and future technologies to enhance moving images and live events. ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer with a worldwide distribution and service network. The product portfolio includes digital cameras, lenses, lighting fixtures, apps, and accessories. ARRI also offers first-class services through ARRI Rental’s provision of both standard and exclusive camera, lighting, and grip packages to professional productions around the world. ARRI’s virtual production and innovative workflows solutions boost efficiency for a broad range of studio operators, producers, and corporations.
In recognition of its innovative contributions to the film and television industries, ARRI has been honored with 20 scientific and technical awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and six Engineering Emmys from the Television Academy and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
For locations and more information, please visit www.arri.com or https://www.instagram.com/arri/
About SmallHD
Founded in 2009, SmallHD has made a name as the leading innovator of on-camera monitoring solutions for professional cinematographers, videographers, and photographers worldwide. Creators of the world’s first high definition on-camera monitor, SmallHD continues to push the envelope of what’s possible in an on-camera, studio and production displays. www.smallhd.com