Hi all,

Working on a feature shooting with an si2k mini and we need to get silicon dvr to jam to a smart slate (Ambient ACD 201 or Deneke TS-2 or TS-3). My questions are:

1. Is this even possible?
2. Assuming it is, I suspect we need some sort of usb interface to get the tc output from the smart slate into the laptop. What kind of usb interface would this be and what connectors would we need to get from the smart slate to the laptop and the hard disk audio recorder (a deva)

Lee, Ari recommended this device for feeding a TC into SiliconDVR:

AEC Product 2 (http://adrielec.com/usb-tc.htm)

If I understand correctly, the way it works is, the Adrielec box forces PC's clock to sync to the TC. Then your SiliconDVR timecode is also sync'd. (Please do correct me if I'm wrong - Ari? - I'm not an expert on this.)

I went through this route just days ago, but decided against the slate. Instead, I do the simple visual clues via a laptop (use the one you already have!) working as a slate:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/silicon-imaging-si-2k/473211-music-video-si-2k-audio-playback-question.html

On one hand, I did not want to have yet another hardware piece on the set (Adrielec in this case.)

On the other, that box costs $325 - $400 depending on the model.

You may be able to justify that cost+tsures on feature film production, but with my music video application I could not.

Thanks Alex, very helpful!

Looks like the adrielec box is the way to go for us. I like your system though, seems like it should work great for shorter formats. We just have too much sync sound footage to afford having our sound and picture tc differ in any way.

On a related note: is it the kind of thing one can jam every hour or two? Or do we have to leave the usb-ltc box connected in between slate and laptop at all times during the shoot?

Hi

The TC syncing is a bit difficult on with these tools.
In DVR 1.1 the syncing works and it keeps sync up until the cam-head is powered, but once you go to playback the TC will be messed up. So I would recommend keeping the USB-TC box connected and the TC line connected all time, then every time U hit record it will sync.
If keeping the TC cable is problem use mic-radio line.

We have done 3 full feature length documentaries with SI2K's and syncing has been bit of problem....

There is another option Ambient Products Timecode Lanc Logger (http://www.ambient.de/produkte/timecode/lanclogger/lanclogger_e.html)
This thing will take sync and keep it, so you only have to keep the USB cable connected to the laptop - I have not used that product but in theory it should work nice!

Hope this helps a bit
-Kaspar

Yes. This is supported and a very good options!

I'd be curious to learn the pricing and recommended workflow for ALL-601 with SI-2K.