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Thread: SYNC to SMPTE

  1. #1

    SYNC to SMPTE

    About to do a show where we need to sync to smpte.

    All looks pretty straight forward just set layer to sync to smpte and sit back..

    Anything I'm missing??

    Obviously I'm getting a decent smpte distro box to make sure levels are good.

    I've used the mac audio input for smpte on other software before with no problems..

    Thanks in advance for any help.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    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 in m257.... Richard may have fixed this in later release....)
    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 inframe also allows you to adjust the sync point of the clip if required - just by changing the frame value...

    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 avoid syncing anything beyond 43 mins (25fps) o 36mins (30fps)
    You will need to jump timecode to the next hour to continue.

    Catalyst ignores the "hours" for syncing timecode using 'inframe'
    but not in a cuelist.

    There is the ability to introduce an offset - but this can get VERY complicated...

    In short - sync to smpte for movies less than 42 mins (@25fps) works fine... you will need to experiment for syncing longer movies.

    You should always ensure that your timecode = movie fps rate = refresh rate
    ie SMPTE 25fps = 25fps movie = 50Hz or 75Hz ouptut

    For Catalyst cuelists - this works in a similar way - but the timecode controls the cuelist and the hour is not ignored in this case...


    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
    www.snp-productions.co.uk

  3. #3
    Simon

    Thanks again for your help.


    So I can't sync to the embedded time code?

    Or do i just leave the inframe at 0 to do this?

    Nick

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    what do you mean 'embedded timecode'?

    usually you would be syncing to external timecode via sound port (or midi)

    can you explain?
    do you mean sync to timecode on a clip you are playing in catalyst??

    s
    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

  5. #5
    Yes the clips are striped with timecode.

    Apparently they are being played back on some unknown media server by timecode!

    We would just use that but we have 3 HD projectors so using 3 catalysts as we have live input on HDi and multiple layers so being a little nervous about glitching.


    Other wise I would just use a time code list on the MA to control it - easier than trying to do maths to work out frame values!

  6. #6
    So to be clear...

    The clips have timecode built in (25fps SMPTE)

    The timecode source is a pro tools system. (i think)

    Input will be on Mac audio input (left channel!)

    Thanks again for your help Simon.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Sounds fine...

    It doesnt matter about the video clips having timecode built in...
    (although this may help you externally to find the sync point if not the start...)

    If protools is the timecode generator - you just have to sync the clips using the method previously explained above...

    et voila!

    Let me know if you need further support

    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

  8. #8
    Simon

    thanks....

    Think I'll just trigger from the console then... can just type in the value!

    I thought you could sync to the code within the clip.

    Ah well.

    Nick

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    you can sync to the code on a clip - its a different playmode - but I dont understand why you would need to if you have external timecode....

    am I missing something?

    to sync a clip on catalyst to external timecode - select the sync to SMPTE L and dial in the sync point (in frames) using inframe

    If triggering from the console - theres no guarantee that the clips will stay exactly in sync - you could also use Sync ID to do this...

    S
    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

  10. #10
    What is happening is one of the bands is providing a bunch of media with timecode embedded in it to be synced to their tracks.

    I was hoping catalyst would look at the embedded time code and work out the sync for itself! ie look at the values in the track and when it receives those values play those frames.

    I'm very lazy! I'll just have to write a little spread sheet to calculate the in frame points as there are quite a few clips...

    I take your point about not remaining in sync if triggered from desk.

    Thanks again.

    Nick

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