TOKYO—Following Atomos’ purchase of Timecode Systems in October, the upcoming Inter BEE exhibition in Japan will be one of the first showings of the two sides integrated technologies.

Part of the presentation will showcase the new AtomoX SYNC accessory for the Ninja V that allows it to be fully integrated with Timecode Systems sync power. This adds wireless sync and remote device control to Ninja V. By attaching the module, the connected camera can lock into a frame-accurate sync with other Ninja Vs, as well as other sound and video devices and compatible camera apps using Timecode Systems products.

The company also has plans to show its Asynchronous switching technology on Sumo19, according to Jeromy Young, Atomos CEO and founder.

Inter BEE 2019 begins today, Nov. 13, and runs through Nov. 15. Atomos’ booth is located in Hall 8, #7520.

Timecode vs. Genlock: Why timecode may not be enough to keep your set in sync

By Henri Rapp

The common assumption is that by feeding timecode to camera you will keep camera and sound in sync. Unfortunately this is not so, Timecode and Sync are not the same thing. Timecode is in fact only metadata to identify how the first frame is labeled for time when the camera begins rolling. Once a camera starts recording, it ignores external timecode and uses its own internal clock to record. The problem you get here is the camera clock is not calibrated to the external sound recorder’s clock, and slowly they will drift apart as you continue to record. This is especially problematic for productions that require a long roll time (30 minutes plus), such as Reality TV or Event Coverage. This can cause endless headaches in post when you match the audio and video with timecode, and by the end of the clip the video is noticeably out of sync with the audio. The solution here is Genlock.

What is Genlock?

Genlock originated in the early days of broadcast and video switching systems. Genlock was used to keep cameras, and other video sources’ frames in sync to avoid nasty artifacts introduced when switching from one source to another. These days most switchers can compensate for this rather than feeding black burst to every source from a central clock. In the HD world Genlock is still hanging around, but these days it uses a protocol called Tri-Level Sync to clock both the frame rate and line rate. This is especially important for 3D two camera rigs. Because Genlock clocks the capturing of frames on a camera, it can be used to keep the picture from drifting from the audio over time.

Keeping Set in Sync with Timecode, Genlock, & Word Clock

In order to keep every device in sync, you need to have everything clocked by one central master clock. The cameras need to be fed timecode and genlock, and the audio recorder needs timecode and word clock. I decided for my rig to use Timecode Systems :Wave Master Clock. This acts as a generator for Word Clock & Genlock and is slaved to my Sound Devices 664 for Timecode. With an additional 9 pin Lemo to USB data cable, I am able to control metadata, arm and disarm tracks, start and stop recording, and more on my Sound Devices recorder. The Timecode Systems UltraSync Ones get rejammed twice per second via 865 MHz to 923 MHz Worldwide ISM bands. Each camera gets an UltraSync One that outputs timecode and genlock keeping the camera perfectly in sync with everything else on set.

Common Cameras That Can Be Genlocked

Here is a few examples of commonly used cameras that can be Genlocked (Some, like the FS7 for example, require additional accessories to take Genlock and Timecode):

Arri: Arri Amira, Arri Alexa, Arri Alexa Mini

RED Digital Cinema: Red Weapon, Red Epic, Red Scarlet, & Red Raven

Sony: Sony FS7, Sony F5, Sony F55, & Sony F65

Canon: Canon C700, Canon C500, Canon C300 Mark II, & Canon C300 Mark I

Panasonic: Panasonic HPX-2000, Panasonic HPX-250, Panasonic P2HD, Panasonic Varicam 35

About The Author:

Henri Rapp is a Location Sound Recordist & Recording Studio Engineer in Cleveland, Ohio. When not out in the field I also do audio post-production for video and produce music out of Bad Racket Recording Studio in Cleveland.

WORCESTER, ENGLAND—After debuting at the 2016 NAB Show, Timecode Systems Limited is now shipping its SyncBac PRO. The wireless, embedded timecode system is designed to work with GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver cameras.

The SyncBac PRO enables the GoPro cameras to generate its own frame-accurate timecode, which give the ability to wirelessly timecode sync multiple GoPros with pro cameras and pro audio devices over long-range RF. Timecode’s BLINK Hub app and :pulse mini base station are accessories to the SyncBac Pro and helps it deliver the remote camera control functionality.

Timecode Systems is offering SyncBac Pro through its international network of resellers, including its recently opened U.S. office.

WORCESTER, ENGLAND—Timecode Systems Limited is expanding its operations overseas, announcing the opening of a U.S. office in Irvine, Calif. The new space will serve as both the Timecode headquarters and as its main distribution center for North America.

Timecode is a manufacturer of wireless timecode technology, featuring both software and hardware systems. Its latest products include an embedded timecode sync technology for GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver cameras, the SyncBac PRO. The SyncBac PRO is expected to begin shipping shortly.

“Opening a U.S. office has always been part of our long-term strategy, but the response to the SyncBac PRO has definitely made it happen more quickly than we envisioned,” said Paul Scurrell, CEO of Timecode.

The company says that it is expecting to continue its relationship with its existing North America distributor, Denecke, Inc.

WORCESTER, ENGLAND—Timecode Systems has unveiled its new production dashboard and device control app, BLINK Hub, across app stores. Designed for iOS, Android and Mac devices, BLINK Hub uses Timecode’s long-range BLINK RF to power a real-time dashboard that displays all Timecode System units in use on a single screen.

Timecode has also released a new firmware upgrade that integrates the BLINK Hub compatibility into the company’s :wave timecode generator. The :wave’s Wi-Fi connectivity will allow users to open the BLINK Hub app from smartphone, tablets or laptops. BLINK HUB has the ability to remotely monitor and control any devices that Timecode Systems are connected to.

BLINK Hub is available for free via download from the Apple or Android app stores.

WORCESTER, ENGLAND—Set to be launched at the 2016 NAB Show, Timecode Systems has unveiled the SyncBac Pro, a GoPro timecode sync accessory. The new technology enables GoPro Hero4 Black and Silver cameras to generate frame-accurate timecode to wirelessly timecode sync multiple GoPros with pro cameras and pro audio devices over long-range RF.

The SyncBac Pro embeds timecode onto the footage captured by an SD card that can be removed and provided to post-production. The single MP4 file can be uploaded into an editing package like media captured by other professional broadcast cameras or audio devices. The SyncBac Pro can clip on to either the Hero4 Black or Silver camera via the Hero Bus 30 pin port.

With this new capability the Timecode Systems range of products allows users to wirelessly view, control and monitor GoPros on a shoot over long-range RF from the B:Link Hub. A new feature embedded in the Timecode Systems :pulse, the B:Link Hub connects to the SyncBac Pro to view, monitor status and remotely control multiple GoPros from a smartphone, tablet, Mac or PC.

Timecode Systems will display the new SyncBac Pro at its booth, C2221, during the 2016 NAB Show, which takes place from April 16-21 in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2016 NAB Show, Timecode Systems Ltd will reveal the latest firmware release for Wave, a multi-functional timecode, genlock and word clock generator with an integrated RF transceiver and Wi-Fi. With this upgrade, users can seamlessly sync and share metadata and timecode via a Timecode Systems sync lead from the Wave's data port to the USB port on a Sound Devices’ 6-Series recorder.

Timecode Wave

The new release is the result of a partnership between Timecode Systems, Sound Devices, a maker of audio mixers and recorders, and Pureblend, which markets Movie Slate, creating the first integrated workflow enabling reliable sync across all devices on set. Users can activate the Wave's integrated Wi-Fi interface to connect to the Movie Slate 8 iOS application, to start and stop shots, sync timecode and metadata, and create sound reports effortlessly.

Timecode Systems will also demo the B-Link Hub, a new feature embedded within Wave and Pulse giving users real-time access to a dashboard displaying every Timecode Systems unit on a rig, on screen and in one place. Developed for use with the ARRI Alexa camera, Pulse offers timecode and metadata functions and new wireless camera control from an iPad.

The B:LINK Hub can be accessed via the Web browser of any smartphone, tablet, Mac or PC over Wi-Fi, and via a wired Ethernet connection into the Pulse. With this connection, users can control the record function, compatible cameras and sound recorders directly from the dashboard, and centrally sync video and audio timecode and metadata in even the most complex multi-camera set-ups.

The 2016 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 18-21. Timecode Systems Ltd. will be in booth C2221. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.