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Print to Video and Timecode
Greetings,
I’m confused about something. I have a completed edit that needs to be printed to DV Cam, with the timecode i’m using in FCP. The timecode is being used to reference where graphics are to be inserted. My DV Cam deck is a DSR-45, which i have connected via a DV cable.
The problem i’m having is that the deck doesn’t seem to be recording the external TC from FCP.
I’m using the Print to Video function, with Bars and tons, slate etc.
How do I get the deck to record the timecode when the clip starts? -
3 Replies
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FCP doesn’t send timecode out. Never has.
You’ll need to use the Edit to Tape function, not Print to Video. You’ll also need to stripe your tape with the appropriate code at the head of the tape using the deck’s internal preset timecode generator. Then you’d use the assemble edit feature in Edit to Tape in FCP and change the DSR-45 to internally regenerate timecode. The deck needs to generate the code. You can make it so it matches the timecode on your timeline. It’s just a little math.
debe
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But with Firewire the TC will slip a good bit. But it should be close. Usually 3 or 4 frames off.
For anal retentives: If you really need something accurrate for the client, put it on tape with the assemble to tape method mentioned above, then adjust the sequence to match. For example, if on tape it slips and starts at 01.00.00.03 instead of 00, just adjust the timeline start point to 03.
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That’s a good idea.
FWIW, when I first started using my DSR-45 to make masters for some clients, I worried about the FW slippage. I used to test every master I made. After a year, I found no slippage, not once. I have since stopped checking so vigiliantly, unless I know absolute accurate tc on a master is a must. Usually it’s for syncing during live shows.
I’m not saying it can’t happen, because I believe it does, but I am saying it also doesn’t have to happen!
debe
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