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embed timecode from analog source?
Hello, I am about to begin editing a huge documentary project. I have to capture lots of analog beta tapes. Analog cap via Matrox RTX2 works great, but there is no timecode.
I know there is no timecode in analog devices. But I would like to be able to set timecode to zero (or an offset) and have Premiere to continue timecode from there.
Is there a way to do this? I don’t have access to any RS232 device.
Thanks for your time!
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9 Replies
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Once you have captured your clips you can select them one at a time in the project panel and then goto file>timecode…
then set the timecode there. the clip selected will take on that new timecode set in this option.
If it’s ananlog you can’t use the TC to recapture so I’m curious as to why you want it…
– Jon 😉How many editors does it take to change a light bulb?
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I have a bunch of historians and war pilots selecting footage from various sources and they write down timecodes (from betas) of shots later to be included in the edit. I know there will be a need for lots of more material than they pick, so I capture whole tapes and need the TC to be able to find stuff later.
Thanks for your tip.
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You could also use DVMP Pro. It actually changes (or adds) the timecode to the DV metadata in each frame, rather than just change the start timecode in the AVI header. You could also set the user bits with a reel identifier if necessary. The timecode and user bits (or any other metadata) can then be burned into the frames.
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Thanks Colin, I will look into that!
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Your computer doesn’t have an RS-232 port? I know some of the newer motherboards don’t have an external 9-pin anymore, but in that case most have an internal header that could be used with an appropriate adaptor. There are also RS-232 accessory cards, and probably USB to RS-232 converters.
You really want to capture from Beta with a RS-232 to RS-422 adaptor cable plugged into the Beta 9-pin remote, and using serial device control in Premiere. This will capture the beta tape’s original timecode with your clips.
Yes there is timecode in the ancient world of analog. All Betacam tapes have timecode.
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Thank you Eric, I can see now that the betas have TC indeed. Can you please point me to right direction regarding RS232 device controls? I cannot check now but my HP XW4400 might have the interface and the beta deck has it for sure. Thanks!
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Yes, the XW4400 has an RS-232 serial port. Hopefully you have a Beta deck with a 9-pin RS-422 remote. Some Beta decks like the UVW 1400 have an RS-232 remote that doesn’t use the same protocol as RS-422, and will not work with Premiere serial device control.
You typically need an RS-232 to RS-422 converter cable (from Pipeline Digital or Addenda; cheaper ones available – Google it).
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We are using Sony PWV 2600 deck, which apparently has RS-422 remote. So I need just to connect this with PC’s RS port, hook up analog cables between the deck and the capture card, select device control in Premiere and that’s it?
Thanks for clearing things up!
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You need an RS232-RS422 converter cable. A straight 9-pin extension cable won’t work.
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