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Thread: Timecode?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    Winter Garden, FL USA
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    77

    Timecode?

    Hello everyone. I have a show coming up and we are planning on triggering cues with timecode thru the grand MA. My question is, can Catalyst actually lock on to timecode if I were to send it to the Catalyst? Thanks for any help guys. Matt

  2. Hi Matt

    Catalyst can take in SMTPE timecode via an audio source, or MIDI Timecode through an appropriate MIDI > USB interface. ( as well as MSC, MIDI notes and a host of other control sources!!)

    Just add the Timecode type you need in the Catalyst Control device list, select the hardware you are using for input.

    If you are triggering Cue List cues from the timecode, just add a cue to the list to trigger the preset or whatever you want to do, then add the time point at which you need the event to happen.

    Does this help?

    Nev.
    Nev Bull
    Pixels Plus Limited
    Digital Video Services

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    t: +44 (0)1494 858151
    skype: nevillebull
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    UK - Milton Keynes
    Posts
    807
    Hi Matt

    If you are controlling catalyst via the GrandMA, then I assume that your MA cuelist will be triggered by timecode...

    However, you can also sync a clip to timecode:
    Catalyst reads SMPTE timecode via the sound line input.
    You need to enable 'line in' via system preferences
    Then turn on sound in the 'inputs' window on the HUD (next tab along from video inputs)
    You should then see timecode being read in the timecode device in the catalyst control window/list (also can be seen in at the bottom of the stats view on the HUD)

    To link a clip to timecode you must select the playmode: 'Sync to SMPTE L' (right does not work.... Richard needs to fix this....)
    The inframe value then becomes the sync point.
    ie if you need to synchronise a clip to start at 10sec, you would set the inframe value to 250frames (assuming 25fps timecode) or 300frames (if 30fps timecode)

    The problem occurs when you get to about 43mins... because you run out of 16bit values with which to sync. 65536(16bit)=about 43mins at 25fps

    So if using the MA to control catalyst - the MA cue would start at say timecode 0:0:10:0 (10sec) on your desk. The playmode for that cue would be 'Sync to SMPTE L' and the inframe value of your cue would be 250frames (assuming 25fps).
    The inframe also allows you to adjust the sync point of the clip if required - just by changing the frame value...

    For Catalyst cuelists - this works in a similar way - but the timecode controls the cuelist.

    See post:
    http://chaldee1.gotadsl.co.uk/~richa...24&postcount=2
    for more info

    Do call if you need some assistance

    Regards

    Simon
    Simon Pugsley

    SNP Productions Ltd. (UK)
    Lighting & Video Control Solutions
    Catalyst|Sales|Hire|Training|Support
    Catalyst Dealer UK Europe & Worldwide...

    Office: +44 (0)1908 410129
    Mobile: +44 (0)7958 390034
    simon@snp-productions.co.uk
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  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Winter Garden, FL USA
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    Awesome, thanks so much for the help guys.

  5. #5
    Simon,

    We just had a production were we ran into a bit of trouble with smpte. Qlab controlled by a yamaha DM2000 triggered cat. Sync worked perfectly but there was always an audio dip at the start of the trigger. Any idees what this could have been?

    In the end we made a multi-channel audio file and did it all from within cat.

    Thanks,

    Peter

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    UK - Milton Keynes
    Posts
    807
    what do you mean 'audio dip?'

    simon
    Simon Pugsley

    SNP Productions Ltd. (UK)
    Lighting & Video Control Solutions
    Catalyst|Sales|Hire|Training|Support
    Catalyst Dealer UK Europe & Worldwide...

    Office: +44 (0)1908 410129
    Mobile: +44 (0)7958 390034
    simon@snp-productions.co.uk
    www.snp-productions.co.uk

  7. #7
    no audio/sound, just for a millisecond or so

    the movie started with an automic fade in from black

    in preproduction (assembled in nuendo) we took the 5.1 surround audio file, smpte file and movie and made sure they all started from 00:00:00:00

  8. if the production allows it - pre-roll is a good idea as it can take a few frames for the timecoded device to 'lock on'

    its also good practice to preload movie files in Catalyst to ensure they playback with no delay. just load the file into the layer the cue before, either in Inframe mode or one of the 'trigger >0" modes. then bring up the intensity to start the movie.

    Nev.
    Nev Bull
    Pixels Plus Limited
    Digital Video Services

    Catalyst Software - Upgrades - Server Hardware - Accessories - Training - Support

    t: +44 (0)1494 858151
    skype: nevillebull
    e: nev@pixelsplus.co.uk
    w: www.pixelsplus.co.uk

  9. #9
    The movie was preloaded and setup in the previous memorie with inframe. Didnt use pre-roll.

  10. #10
    In situations where I've needed frame accurate video, I will make Catalyst the TimeCode Source (either outputting MSC from the frame rate of the master file or running Audio mode and outputting SMPTE) and build a cuelist on the lighting controller that jumps the timecode accordingly for programming.
    SourceChild
    TODD SCRUTCHFIELD

    ...if it ain't broke...
    gimme 5 and then don't act surprised

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