This new hardware component allows users to view focus and subject distance readouts on any SDI or HDMI monitor.

Features of the Focusbug Cine RT System

The Focusbug Cine RT system is designed to assist 1st Assistant Camera operators (ACs) on set. The current system includes an ultrasonic rangefinder measuring device, a handset control unit, a bright LED display for distance data, and wearable ultrasonic transmitters called “bugs” that are placed on subjects.

With the new OV1 module, camera assistants can now check critical focus, lens, and system data directly superimposed on their focus monitor, regardless of its brand, without diverting their attention from the shot.

Specifications and Compatibility

The Focusbug OV1 Cine RT Overlay Module is compact (88x75x36mm / 3.46×2.95×1.41in) and lightweight (280g/.61lbs). It features a 3G-SDI input, a 3G-SDI output, HDMI 2.1 out, and a 12V power input. The module seamlessly integrates with other Cine RT components and can output a 1920×1080 user-customizable interface overlay displaying lens, camera, and system data to any SDI or HDMI monitor. This is noteworthy as it does not restrict users to a specific monitoring solution, unlike some other systems.

The OV1 module is compatible with any lens control system that supports serial metadata output, such as ARRI, Preston, c motion, and Heden units. Once configured, focus pullers can reference critical information such as focus and subject distance, markers, depth of field, and Cine RT settings directly on their focus monitor.

Customizable Interface and Advanced Features

The system can display the camera-to-subject distance measured by the Cine RT rangefinder and Ultrasonic Bug Transmitter while also showing the lens’ focus distance on a virtual focus ring. This ring’s position, size, color, opacity, and unit of measurement can be customized. Focus markers automatically appear on the focus ring when added using the Cine RT handset or the lens control system hand unit.

The OV1 also supports a new Line Mode, which uses horizontal lines to visually relate the lens’ focus position to the subject distance. Overlay settings can be configured using the Cine RT handset, and the OV1 unit includes physical buttons for quickly outputting a clean feed or switching between different overlay presets. Advanced options like setting rangefinder limits are also available.

Release Date and Prototype Display

The official release of the Focusbug OV1 Cine RT Overlay Module is expected in Q4 2024. A prototype of the device will be displayed at the upcoming Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles from June 7th to 9th. Currently, there is no official information on the pricing of the OV1 module.