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transferring time code on mini-dv dubs
I got into a little argument with an editor that I made some dubs for recently and was wondering if maybe I’m just hopelessly behind the technology curve — but it’s my understanding that the mini-DV format does not support insert of time code (for making time code jam sync dubs from another format, like HD or Beta). DVCam does. They claimed to have worked with hundreds of houses in LA that can do this transfer. So, am I just missing some piece of equipment or has she been using DVCam and just not known it?
Hope one of you fellow gearheads can settle the argument definitively. Thanks!
Eli
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3 Replies
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This sparked an interesting conversation in my office, but here is what we came up with.
From your post I’m assuming your going from a format such as beta to MiniDV, if I am wrong on this, I’m sorry. Anyways, to answer your question, yes, MiniDV CAN support timecode if certain elements are present. For instance your machine will need a timecode in (One of our Producers here says that’s not very common, but it’s out there) if your wanting to jam the time code.
As far as originating on MiniDV, then it all depends on the camera. Some cameras that work primarily if not souly in MiniDV only generate DV code and not SMPTE time code.
Hope this helps.
Joshua
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DV SP usually does NOT SUPPORT inserts of any kind.
DVCAM (if the deck HAS edit features) WILL be able to edit.
It has to do with how wide “apart” the tracks (head-swipes) are on the tape.
At DV SP speed, the tracks actually OVERLAP and therefore can’t handle the “cut-in-and-out” without a (a likely) tracking problem.
At DVCAM speed, the tracks are just far enough apart to be able to track the insert in-and-outs.
I’d bet that IF a deck has edit features and they were not “locked out” at DV SP speed by the manufacturer, You could get a relatively clean edit.
The TC is a PART OF (built into) the actual digital A/V signal and not a separate TRACK like on BetaCam, so the entire signal on the DV tape must be “replaced” (re-recorded) to edit (change, add-to) any part of the audio, video, or TC.
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As far as taking the TC in from the Master tape to match on the Dub…
It depends on the deck.
A Sony DSR-11 (very inexpensive) WILL accept incoming TC from the master, if you connect via FireWire and set the deck to “External Timecode”.
Many other decks MAY or MAY NOT accept the master’s TC in from the FW, depending of how they are configured.
Most camcorders (when used as a “record deck” in a FW dub situation) will not accept incoming TC, but will only generate their own new TC on the dub.
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