Next-Gen Live Broadcast Camera
ARRI Introduces ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme Camera for Live Broadcasts with Advanced Slow Motion
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Key Points
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With the LPS-1 system, ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme can output up to 8x slow-motion in HD or 2x in 4K UHD via SDI, and up to 4x HFR can be carried on a single SDI connector with higher rates split across both outputs.
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The camera uses a Super 35 Alexa 4 CMOS sensor and can record 4.6K ArriRAW at 80 fps, 4K UHD at 125 fps, and HD up to 330 fps, with support for ArriRAW, ArriCORE, and Apple ProRes and up to 17 stops of dynamic range.
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Upgrade path specifics: ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme units built from 2026 onward can be upgraded by purchasing High Speed and HFR SDI Licenses via the ARRI online shop, while pre-2026 Live units require a hardware upgrade through ARRI service centers.
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ARRI cites Eurovision Song Contest 2026 as a real-world deployment example of the ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme, illustrating its use in large-scale live broadcasts.
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Pricing context indicates the Live Xtreme is positioned as a premium option; for comparison, the standard ALEXA 35 Live System is around $115,400, and Live Xtreme is expected to be a high-cost investment with orders not yet open at major retailers.
ARRI has launched the ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme, a new broadcast camera that can deliver up to 8x slow-motion output via SDI for live productions, according to TVTechnology. The camera pairs with ARRI's LPS-1 system to send live and slow-motion feeds at the same time — no separate high-speed camera needed.
The camera ships with two SDI licenses pre-installed and supports HD slow-motion up to 330 fps at a full 17 stops of dynamic range, says Sports Video Group. A special Sensor Overdrive mode pushes that to 480 fps, though dynamic range drops to 11 stops at that speed.
How the 8x Slow-Motion System Actually Works
The ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme works with ARRI's LPS-1 system to split its output across two SDI connectors. Up to 4x slow-motion can travel on a single SDI line. Higher rates — up to 8x — split across both outputs, per Content + Technology. In UHD 4K, the maximum slow-motion is 2x.
The camera uses a Super 35 Alexa 4 CMOS sensor. It can record 4.6K ArriRAW at 80 fps, 4K UHD at 125 fps, and HD at up to 330 fps, reports Televisual. It supports ArriRAW, ArriCORE, and Apple ProRes formats. A phase-blending feature lets operators control how motion blur looks in slow-motion shots.
ARRI Targets Sports, Concerts, and Live Events
ARRI built the Live Xtreme for broadcasters covering sports, live events, and concerts. The goal is to match the look of cinema-quality footage during live coverage. ARRI says the camera keeps skin tones and color science consistent between the live feed and highlight replays, according to TVTechnology.
ARRI has already named a real-world use case: the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Sports Video Group reported that the Live Xtreme is slated for deployment at that broadcast, one of the largest live events in the world. The example signals ARRI is targeting high-profile, large-scale productions from day one.
Who Can Upgrade and What It Will Cost
ALEXA 35 Live units built in 2026 or later can upgrade by buying the High Speed and new High Frame Rate SDI licenses directly from ARRI's online shop. Older, pre-2026 Live units need a hardware upgrade done through an ARRI service center, says Televisual.
The Live Xtreme is positioned as a premium product. For context, the standard ALEXA 35 Live System costs around $115,400, and PetaPixel notes the Live Xtreme is expected to sit well above that price point. Orders are not yet open at major retailers, and ARRI has not announced a final price.
One Camera Instead of Two: The Broadcast Case
The core pitch is simple. Live broadcasts today often need two separate cameras — one for the live feed and one for slow-motion replays. The Live Xtreme aims to replace both. Content + Technology highlights this as a key workflow benefit for production crews trying to cut down on equipment.
PetaPixel called the launch ARRI's first camera release under its new ownership era, framing the Live Xtreme as a statement product. The camera's blend of cinema-grade color science with broadcast-ready SDI output is designed to raise the bar for live event coverage across sports, music, and entertainment.
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