Originally announced as part of the evolving ecosystem around the ARRI Hi-5 portable unit, the RIA-1 Radio Interface Adapter is now available and ready to ship. Compact and solidly built, the RIA-1 is an exceptionally versatile hub for countless different shooting setups. By supporting ARRI’s interchangeable radio modules, it facilitates powerful wireless camera and lens control in any situation.
Launched in 2021, the Hi-5 is ARRI’s fifth generation handheld unit and offers the most sophisticated feature set on the market. Uniquely, it allows users to select different radio modules for different environments, minimizing interference and maximizing signal strength. ARRI designed the system around three radio module options: the RF-EMIP, the RF-2400 and the future RF-900. All three radio modules are next generation in design and performance, offering longer range, more channels and better connectivity. The RF-EMIP and RF-2400 are globally certified, while the RF-900 will only be available in the United States and Canada. Since the modules are interchangeable, ARRI will be able to develop other modules when needed, making the system future proof.
The RIA-1 supports the same three radio modules and features a simple user interface with four connectors, a USB-C port for firmware updates, a rotary dial and display to set region, mode operating mode and radio channels. As a camera-mounted motor controller, this is the smallest unit ever made by ARRI. A CAM port facilitates start/stop/tally and camera control, and two LBUS ports provide flexibility when connecting to devices such as cforce motors, ARRI Master grips or the OCU‑1. Depending on the radio module, up to three hand units can be connected wirelessly for split focus, iris and zoom, and full lens data is provided when used with ARRI Hi hand units -5 or WCU-4.
Alternatively, users can choose to use the off-camera RIA-1 to extend wireless functionality to a range of ARRI hand and control units. A typical case might see the RIA-1 paired with an OCU-1 or Master Grip for a small DP/DIT compatible wireless iris control unit, with lens data and user button control. The WCU-4 and SXU-1 can also benefit from access to the new RF-2400 and RF-900 long range radio module units using the RIA-1.
The RIA-1 is versatile not only in terms of connectivity, but also compatibility. Although it was designed to be part of the Hi-5 ecosystem and make the most of the capabilities of the Hi-5, the RIA-1 is backwards compatible with all other ARRI ECS devices that support white radio communication ( EMIP) or LBUS. connectivity. All existing run/stop/tally functionality of CAM cables for the cforce mini RF engine will be supported through the RIA-1, and advanced camera control functionality for third-party cameras from Red and Sony is available through licenses optional camera control for Hi -5.
Additionally, the RIA-1 supports popular distance measurers such as the ARRI UDM-1, Focusbug Cine RT and CineTape Measure directly via the SERIAL interface, or cmotion’s cfinder III via the LBUS interface. . High-speed communication with the Focusbug Cine RT for multiple dynamic distance values, mark setting, and menu control is also available through the RIA‑1 with the Focusbug for Hi-5 license.
Built to ARRI’s unrivaled build quality standards, the RIA-1 is a rugged and reliable tool designed for heavy-duty use in professional environments. Multiple 3/8″ and M4 mounting points make it easy to integrate the RIA-1 into any setup on set.
