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Capture BetaSP with Timecode
I’ve got a DVW-A500 and a bunch of BetaSP tapes to capture. I have machine control and I can capture via composite, but there is no timecode coming across. I
really need to capture timecode as well. The LTC or VITC isn’t
in composite signal or PPRO isn’t reading that way. I’m using a very old BM Intensity.How can I capture with timecode using PPRO on the Mac.
The UltraStudio Extreme 3 supports analog timecode over XLR, but I would like a more cost effective solution. What other solutions, if any are there anymore?
Thanks
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4 Replies
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Hey Dwight,
The Composite Video signal (analogue) will not carry the timecode.
The two alternatives, are:
1. Use SDI signal, which will give you better picture quality – depending on your tape format, and what codec that you are capturing to. And, some may argue that there will be less noise.2. Run a TimeCode signal out of the “Time Code” XLR “OUT” on the back of your VTR. What you connect it to on the capture card, I do not know. Just be careful with sync, as if the video and timecode signals are not in sync, you might as well not use it.
Best option, IMHO, is SDI where picture, audio and TC are embedded.
Hope that this helps.
Atb
MadsPS: There is a good picture of the back-side of a DVW-A500P here:
https://www.nibroadcast.com/sony-dvw-a500p-dvwa500p-pal-digi-beta-recorder-with-betacam-sp-playback-ref-4.html -
This is very helpfully. I need to switch to SDI for the captures with all the embeded goodness of SDI. I take it all of the IO on the DigiBeta is always live or do I need to setup the deck for SDI output?
Thanks you
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Hey Dwight,
You are very welcome.
As far as I remember, the SDI out on that DigiBeta VTR should always be “live”.
But if you can, it is always worth having a SDI monitor out feed, so you can see the picture direct from tape, whilst also on your capture screen on the Mac.
This will also allow you to identify any issues with sync, if any.Atb
Mads -
If you have machine control you should be getting timecode. Timecode in this setup traditionally comes via the serial control connection, though it can come via the other paths mentioned. If you are not getting timecode, you probably need to adjust the output settings at the deck or in software. The deck does have TC output controls and may be set to VITC or control track output.
Also, don’t assume the SDI output is better than the component. If your tape is BCSP (analog), component output may look better, depending on your setup.
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