Contiguous Timecode with Firestore FS-1 and MXproDV at DVinfo.net

Goro Jones · May 3rd, 2004, 04:17 PM

I have my Firestore FS-1 recording the DV output from my MxProDV. I am recording long single sessions (around 90 minutes) and this all works just great.

My problem is that when I import the set of 2Gb clips into Final Cut Pro 4, each clip seems to have a timecode that FCP see as starting from "00:40:40:00" or "00:00:00:00" depending on what format I use.

I have tried recording files in QuickTime, DV and AVI2 format with similar results.

I can edit the clips in FCP but I need the TC to be contiguous so I can match edits against my logs.

In the Firestore manual it says that "If the timecode is present it will be recorded to the clip" but if the DV source is coming from a mixer does this mean there is no TimeCode present? In the absence of timecode on the input does the FireStore just revert to 00:00:00 at clip boundaries?

All suggestions appreciated.

Goro

Matt McEwen · May 4th, 2004, 09:20 AM

Hello Goro,

Unfortunately, MXProDV does strip out the timecode from the DV stream. Therefore, FS-1 is starting the timecode at 00:00:00:00 for each clip. If timecode was in the DV stream, FS-1 would record it.

With our FireStore FS-3 and DR-DV5000 products, we introduced the ability to set external TC, free run TC, record run TC or regen TC. It is also possible to preset a start timecode value. Even though these models were developed for direct mounting to camcorders, they can also be used stand alone.

Hope that helps,

Matt McEwen

Goro Jones · May 4th, 2004, 02:35 PM

Matt,

Thanks for the info. I am right in thinking that I could solve the problem (at least in theory) by adding a timecode generator downstream of the MX Pro?

Ideally this would be a box with DV in, DV out and a mechanism for setting the timecode - Do you happen to know if any such class of device exists? I'm using the FS-1 as part of portable usability lab so the rack mounted timecode generators found in most studio set ups are too big and bulky for my needs.

Thanks
Goro

Matt McEwen · May 4th, 2004, 04:35 PM

Hi Goro,

The only device I can think of that allows you to embed an external LTC signal into a DV stream is the Miranda DV Bridge +. It is quite small (about the size of FS-1), but does not have a time code generator in it...it simply allows you to add an external LTC signal to an existing DV stream. You would require an external TCG separately. Horita makes some inexpensive TCGs. Here is some links...

http://www.miranda.com
http://www.horita.com

From a pure cost stand point however, it may be worth investing in an FS-3 for this application as it has a built-in DV TCG.

Hope this helps,

Matt McEwen

May 3rd, 2004, 04:17 PM	#1
Goro Jones Tourist Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Posts: 3	Contiguous Timecode with Firestore FS-1 and MXproDV I have my Firestore FS-1 recording the DV output from my MxProDV. I am recording long single sessions (around 90 minutes) and this all works just great. My problem is that when I import the set of 2Gb clips into Final Cut Pro 4, each clip seems to have a timecode that FCP see as starting from "00:40:40:00" or "00:00:00:00" depending on what format I use. I have tried recording files in QuickTime, DV and AVI2 format with similar results. I can edit the clips in FCP but I need the TC to be contiguous so I can match edits against my logs. In the Firestore manual it says that "If the timecode is present it will be recorded to the clip" but if the DV source is coming from a mixer does this mean there is no TimeCode present? In the absence of timecode on the input does the FireStore just revert to 00:00:00 at clip boundaries? All suggestions appreciated. Goro

May 4th, 2004, 09:20 AM	#2
Matt McEwen Focus Enhancements Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Campbell, CA. Posts: 508	Hello Goro, Unfortunately, MXProDV does strip out the timecode from the DV stream. Therefore, FS-1 is starting the timecode at 00:00:00:00 for each clip. If timecode was in the DV stream, FS-1 would record it. With our FireStore FS-3 and DR-DV5000 products, we introduced the ability to set external TC, free run TC, record run TC or regen TC. It is also possible to preset a start timecode value. Even though these models were developed for direct mounting to camcorders, they can also be used stand alone. Hope that helps, Matt McEwen

May 4th, 2004, 02:35 PM	#3
Goro Jones Tourist Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Posts: 3	Matt, Thanks for the info. I am right in thinking that I could solve the problem (at least in theory) by adding a timecode generator downstream of the MX Pro? Ideally this would be a box with DV in, DV out and a mechanism for setting the timecode - Do you happen to know if any such class of device exists? I'm using the FS-1 as part of portable usability lab so the rack mounted timecode generators found in most studio set ups are too big and bulky for my needs. Thanks Goro

May 4th, 2004, 04:35 PM	#4
Matt McEwen Focus Enhancements Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Campbell, CA. Posts: 508	Hi Goro, The only device I can think of that allows you to embed an external LTC signal into a DV stream is the Miranda DV Bridge +. It is quite small (about the size of FS-1), but does not have a time code generator in it...it simply allows you to add an external LTC signal to an existing DV stream. You would require an external TCG separately. Horita makes some inexpensive TCGs. Here is some links... http://www.miranda.com http://www.horita.com From a pure cost stand point however, it may be worth investing in an FS-3 for this application as it has a built-in DV TCG. Hope this helps, Matt McEwen