How does Timecode work? and stupid questions at DVinfo.net

Mark Monciardini · July 31st, 2003, 12:58 PM

All films use it. They hold up that board with the numbers for a take and use it later in post.

But what do they do with it? I know it's to "sync" everything. But what is the process. Do they enter those numbers in the editor or somthing? After all I "do" know, this one boggles me. Any articlas online?

And one last question. Does anyone know where I can get one of those boards with the moving red moving timecode numbers on it. Don't know what it's called.

Mark Monciardini · July 31st, 2003, 08:16 PM

Well I guess knowone knows so I've done my own research. They are called "Slates"

http://www.denecke.com/prod01.htm

Still invesiating what they do with it.

Bill Pryor · August 1st, 2003, 09:21 AM

The slate gives you a visual and audio reference point for shooting double system sound. The editor finds the single frame where the slate claps together and marks it. Then he finds the spot on the audio reel where the clap is heard. He aligns those and voila--sync. Slates with running time code are expensive. We simply use take sheets. We only use a clapboard if we're shooting double system, which we do on occasion but not a lot. If you want one, check studiodepot.com or markertek.com. I think they start at around $1,200 or so. Of course, your camera has to have a timecode out to sync the slate.

Mike Rehmus · August 1st, 2003, 10:29 AM

The timecode on the clapboard won't do you much good unless the sound source can 'chase' the timecode on the video once you sync them up at the time of the slate.

Basically, the clapboard is enough although there are a lot of ways to sync up a double system sound. The clapboard is just the easiest if you have someone to operate it and the setting will allow it. Can't really do it in a wedding ceremony, for example.

Did I say that not only is the time code clapboard expensive, the editing system that will work with timecode and keep the audio and video in sync is quite expensive.

Glenn Chan · August 1st, 2003, 01:48 PM

You can get the same results with two pieces of wood (you use the audio spike to sync things up). The fancy clapboards just makes life a bit easier.

If you are using multiple cameras then you can use a flash to sync things up in post.

July 31st, 2003, 12:58 PM	#1
Mark Monciardini Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 158	How does Timecode work? and stupid questions All films use it. They hold up that board with the numbers for a take and use it later in post. But what do they do with it? I know it's to "sync" everything. But what is the process. Do they enter those numbers in the editor or somthing? After all I "do" know, this one boggles me. Any articlas online? And one last question. Does anyone know where I can get one of those boards with the moving red moving timecode numbers on it. Don't know what it's called. __________________ Best Regards, Mark T. Monciardini Riverlight Studios www.riverlightstudios.com DVX100/Final Cut Pro 4/Mac G5 Dual 1.8

July 31st, 2003, 08:16 PM	#2
Mark Monciardini Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 158	Well I guess knowone knows so I've done my own research. They are called "Slates" http://www.denecke.com/prod01.htm Still invesiating what they do with it. __________________ Best Regards, Mark T. Monciardini Riverlight Studios www.riverlightstudios.com DVX100/Final Cut Pro 4/Mac G5 Dual 1.8

August 1st, 2003, 10:29 AM	#4
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	The timecode on the clapboard won't do you much good unless the sound source can 'chase' the timecode on the video once you sync them up at the time of the slate. Basically, the clapboard is enough although there are a lot of ways to sync up a double system sound. The clapboard is just the easiest if you have someone to operate it and the setting will allow it. Can't really do it in a wedding ceremony, for example. Did I say that not only is the time code clapboard expensive, the editing system that will work with timecode and keep the audio and video in sync is quite expensive. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

August 1st, 2003, 09:21 AM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	The slate gives you a visual and audio reference point for shooting double system sound. The editor finds the single frame where the slate claps together and marks it. Then he finds the spot on the audio reel where the clap is heard. He aligns those and voila--sync. Slates with running time code are expensive. We simply use take sheets. We only use a clapboard if we're shooting double system, which we do on occasion but not a lot. If you want one, check studiodepot.com or markertek.com. I think they start at around $1,200 or so. Of course, your camera has to have a timecode out to sync the slate.

August 1st, 2003, 01:48 PM	#5
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	You can get the same results with two pieces of wood (you use the audio spike to sync things up). The fancy clapboards just makes life a bit easier. If you are using multiple cameras then you can use a flash to sync things up in post.