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SMPTE timecode for broadcast?
Anyone know how to create a BetaSP master with timecode on audio channel 3? I’m using FCP with a Blackmagic Decklink SP. Can I stripe the tape in advance, putting the timecode onto channel 3, then insert edit the program onto the tape with audio going to channels 1 & 2.
If so, where does the Time code signal come from and how do I get it onto audio track 3?
Dave Felder
Ryan Video Productions Inc. Rockaway, NJ
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15 Replies
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[Dave Felder] “Can I stripe the tape in advance, putting the timecode onto channel 3, then insert edit the program onto the tape with audio going to channels 1 & 2.”
Yes.
[Dave Felder] “If so, where does the Time code signal come from and how do I get it onto audio track 3?”
Take it out of the “TC out” jack on the back of the BetaCam deck (if it has one) and connect it to the Ch. 3 audio input (you’ll need some audio cable adapters).
Set the level so that it reads very nearly 100% (Zero db). -
If that’s the case, do I really even need to pre-stripe the tape? I can run the TC into channel 3 while I print to tape – is that correct?
Thanks!
Ryan Video Productions Inc. Rockaway, NJ
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[Dave Felder] “I can run the TC into channel 3 while I print to tape – is that correct?”
I’d try it first.
In the “pre-stripe” method the BetaCam would be GENERATING the TC and it would be stable and continuous.
In the “dubbing-in-at-the-same-time” method the Beta might be looking for an external TC INPUT and it MIGHT make the “TC out” a bit off.
(Don’t know if it WOULD, but its a consideration.) -
I forgot to ask WHY do you need to put TC on an Audio track of the BSP at all?
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That’s a PTN Requirement for broadcast. It’s in the spec my clients have given me.
Ryan Video Productions Inc. Rockaway, NJ
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There may be some confusion here. They may mean to make sure proper timecode is on the timecode track, which on Betacam is analog track three. On Betacam SP, track three is referring to one of the two FM tracks. No one puts audio there.
Putting timecode on an audio track is redundent. The timecode exists on the timecode track. I have never put Betacam timecode on an audio track for broadcast. Now if I needed to sync to an external source in post and wanted a TC reference along with a different TC on the TC track, I would put TC on an audio track. But not on a release tape.
Park
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“All program tapes must include the SMPTE TIME CODE. The disired format is as follows:
TIME CODE STARTING WITH 1:00:00:00 – BEGINNING OF FIRST VIDEO/AUDIO OF PROGRAM. TIME CODE SHOULD BE RECORDED ON AUDIO CHANNEL 3 . . . . . . . Fully mixed program audio must be recorded on audio Channels 1 and 2.”
Ryan Video Productions Inc. Rockaway, NJ
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I agree with Videopark.
I suggest you call an engineer at the location and get clarification on this.
I’ve never heard of any broadcast outlet wanting the TC on the audio tracks normally used for program audio.
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[Matte] “I agree with Videopark.
I suggest you call an engineer at the location and get clarification on this.
I’ve never heard of any broadcast outlet wanting the TC on the audio tracks normally used for program audio.”
I would agree with this as well. We’re delivering a broadcast series in HD and our four channels of audio are Ch 1 & 2 – Stereo Mix, Ch 3 & 4 Split Audio Tracks.
I’ve never heard of a request to put Timecode in audio channel 3 except for a live event where the laser show operators requested TC from an audio channel to time the lasers and pyrotechnics to our video. But certainly never for broadcast.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.comNow editing “Good Eats” in HD for the Food Network
“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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We’re doing a conference call with the network tommorrow. But it’s refreshing to know that I haven’t been editing in the dark about what the real world does for the past 20 years.
Dave
Ryan Video Productions Inc. Rockaway, NJ
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