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wkflw_metadata_teaser

Data from set to post

Metadata is a set of descriptive data that gives information about other data. Time code, for example, is one common type of metadata. ARRI cameras deliver a wide range of automatic and human-readable metadata that is intended to make production and postproduction tasks easier. Information about the exposure index, gamma, and white balance in a shot may be important during camera testing, when dailies are created, or in a color grading session. Reel number, project fps, date, and time are crucial when bringing together image and sound. Dynamic information from our ARRI Lens Data System and the roll and tilt sensors can be useful for visual effects work.

ARRI Metadata

An ARRI camera automatically collects metadata when shooting. This metadata is stored in the header of a recorded Apple QuickTime file, MXF/ARRIRAW file, ARRIRAW single frames and in the Serial Digital Interface (SDI) stream. The data is also stored in separate Avid Log Exchange ALE files, which keep track of all statics that are recorded on one capture device. ARRI cameras can record lens data, as well as roll and tilt information, which are recorded dynamically in the file header, frame by frame. Static and dynamic metadata can be extracted from the file header by using the ARRI Reference Tool or  ARRI Meta Extract (legacy).

ALEXA 35 Metadata File Header

For all clips from our ALEXA 35 and later we are now writing the file header metadata according official SMPTE RDDs.

For SMPTE members the RDDs can be found here

  • RDD 54:2022 - SMPTE Registered Disclosure Doc - Material Exchange Format — Mapping ARRIRAW Bitstreams into the MXF Generic Container
  • RDD 55:2022 - SMPTE Registered Disclosure Doc - Material Exchange Format — Carriage of ARRI Camera System Metadata

Ressources
For reading & writing our metadata we offer the ARRI MXF Library and ARRI Image SDK. Information is available through our Partner Program, free of charge. For more details please see the ARRI Partner Program.

wkflw_ALEXA_35_metadata_json

Camera Access Protocol (CAP)

CAP is used to control and monitor ARRI cameras via a network connection. The protocol incorporates functions to perform color grading, query, set values like exposure index, start/stop recording, and many more. It is currently available for ALEXA 35, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA LF, ALEXA 65, ALEXA SXT, ALEXA Mini, and AMIRA cameras.

Functional Overview
Metadata

  • Read clip list (also partial; including file name, UUID, project rate, start TC, clip duration)
  • New variables for last recording medium & clip index
    • allows for staying up-to-date with clip metadata changes
  • Read ALE file (also partial)
  • Read static & dynamic lens metadata
  • Lens model, serial number, focus, iris, zoom
  • Read & set production metadata: scene, take, production, director, etc.
  • Camera control & miscellaneous

Playback control

  • Enter (with clip index), exit, start, stop, prev/next clip, playback speed, shuttle
  • Set & read TC and TC options: offset, run mode, init mode, count mode
  • Set & read project rate
  • Install look file from look library
  • Access to camera alerts & events
  • SDI frame grabs in JPG format
  • Read & set system date/time


Ressources
Information on the Camera Access Protocol is available through our Partner Program, free of charge. For more details please see the ARRI Partner Program.