Tri-sync generator

[Bob Zelin]

A tri level sync generator is used for working in 23.98 or 24 p modes. It allows the VTR and the Blackmagic card to lock to a 23.98 reference.

This is no different than a regular black generator that you use to lock your normal system to 29.97 (in the US). Except standard black generators cost about $300 – $400 , and tri level sync generators cost between $3000 – $10000.

If you are not recording back to a 24p VTR (you shoot in 23.98, but you finish at 59.94), then you don’t need to buy a tri level sync generator.

Bob Zelin

[David Davidson]

Can useing a tri-sync generator can be avoided for both capture and output by using a workaround? This post talks about something like that, but I’m unfamiliar with any such technique:

https://www.creativecow.net/forum/read_post.php?postid=109402726486465&forumid=124&archive=_2004|3|2

[Bob Zelin]

David –
This is another one of my offensive posts. Are you trying to say that you would have the money to buy ($70,000) or rent ($1100 per day) a VTR like the
Sony HDW-F500, specifically so you can RECORD BACK AT 23.98, and you are trying to figure out how to get around getting a $3000 Ensemble Designs tri level sync generator? Are you kidding me?

As I stated before, if you are doing normal 59.94 work, the HD VTR’s will do the pulldown for you, so you can keep using your cheap Horita (for example) black generator, and still do your 24p work. But when you record back to tape, it’s at a TV frame rate. But now, you are shooting a FEATURE FILM, that will match back to 24p,and you need to be able to record your EXPENSIVE
footage back to a $70,000 VTR, and you can’t buy or rent a tri level sync gen?

Come on.

Bob Zelin

[Dalen Quaice]

Ambient Tri-level “Lockit” box (ACL 202CT) is approx. $1200.

These are quite handy to have kicking around and do generate Tri-level sync at both 24p and 23.98p + you can attach them to your camcorder and use them in the field when you aren’t in the studio. 😉 You can get it at B&H Photo.

[Craig Ernst]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. As I am doing 1080i work, I can just lock the HDCAM deck to my card and be all set to go, eh???

Craig

[Sean Oneil]

Yes, you don’t really need it unless you’re in an environment with lots of equipment working together. The Decklink will spit out a reference signal that the deck can lock onto.

When you say 1080i, you mean 1080pSF, right? 1080i is 29.97.

[David Davidson]

Bob.

You’ve many excellent pieces of advice to contribute. I’m guessing that’s why you reply, you’d like to help.

From your sarcasm, I’m get a distinct impression you have bones to pick with anyone who appears “lesser” is some way than you. I’m sure everyone on this board, as in other walks of life, have had very positive exchanges with people in our industry. It would really help me (and certainly others) if you were a bit more conscious about your remarks like, “Are you kidding me?”, “Come on,” the implication that one SHOULD have enough money because all films are EXPENSIVE. This is not helpful at all, or positive.