Time code sync at DVinfo.net

Craig Terott · July 28th, 2008, 08:45 PM

Has anyone managed to sync time code between two EX1s?

Here's how I tried... I set my timecode to CLOCK on both cams and attempted to SET clocks on both cams at precisely the same time - but it's tricky and I wasn't accurate to the exact frame. Has anyone had success with this method or is there another method I'm not aware of?

If I can get the two cams accurate to the frame, the multicam editing in Final Cut will be even easier. Just take two clips, make multiclip & choose USE TIMECODE! No looking for a camera flash to get it exact. Gee that would be sweet. ok I'll shut up now.

Forrest Burger · July 28th, 2008, 09:17 PM

Try setting the same preset timecode on both cameras (i.e. 01:00:00:00) then use the IR remote for one of the cameras to start them recording at the same time.

You'll need to set both EX1's right next to each other. I've done this in the past with some old VX-1000's with success. Not sure if Long GOP would present a problem, but its worth a test.

Forrest

Bruce Rawlings · July 29th, 2008, 01:55 AM

Now there is a reason to get the (non)remotes/cameras fixed by Sony.

Craig Seeman · July 29th, 2008, 07:20 AM

Bruce are you having problems with the remote too? Mine seems to have died. I thought maybe the battery just had an unusually short life (battery drain when not in use?).

Tom Roper · July 29th, 2008, 07:40 AM

To be frame accurate over a 2 hour shoot, the internal clocks would have to be accurate to about 1 minute per year.

Craig Terott · July 29th, 2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Roper

To be frame accurate over a 2 hour shoot, the internal clocks would have to be accurate to about 1 minute per year.

That's an excellent point Tom - but how did you come up with that calculation!!! (I only need one hour of sync)

I guess I have to wonder if it's even possible? But then again, considering that they are the same clocks, inaccuracy may be common between the two? I'm guessing.

I will test starting a recording on both cams with one remote. That's a creative approach. Thanks for that one Forrest. I'll post my results later.

Bruce Rawlings · July 29th, 2008, 08:24 AM

My remote has never been alive. Never checked further but perhaps Sony supply crappy Chinese batteries like the AAs in most TV remotes. Am very happy with the EX1 apart from that.

Tom Roper · July 29th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Terott

- but how did you come up with that calculation!!!

1 frame (.016 secs) divided by 7200 seconds (2 hour shoot) multiplied times the number of seconds in a year

Tom Roper · July 29th, 2008, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Rawlings

My remote has never been alive. Am very happy with the EX1 apart from that.

You have to enable it from the menu, and remove the polyethylene tab over the battery.

Ted OMalley · July 29th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Roper

To be frame accurate over a 2 hour shoot, the internal clocks would have to be accurate to about 1 minute per year.

Hmmmm. I get 70.08 seconds per year. That's WELL over a minute per year. Let's try to be a little more accurate in the future, Tom. :-)

Craig Seeman · July 29th, 2008, 08:32 AM

You have to stand in front of the camera to use the remote. It's not clear in the manual. You also need to turn on IR, which goes back to off I believe every time you turn camera off and then on. I think it's meant for one person ENG crews (reporter is cameraperson).

Mine worked for a few days then stopped so I suspect some sort of battery issue. The annoying thing is that I'll have to buy a new batter to test. If it still fails, I'd probably have to return the remote to Sony (sheesh!). If they claim it works then it's the camera sensor.

I believe others have reported remote failure anecdotally but I haven't heard any pursuit or resolution.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Rawlings

My remote has never been alive. Am very happy with the EX1 apart from that.

George Kroonder · July 29th, 2008, 09:58 AM

Craig,

If you have a camera with NightShot (or similar IR feature) you should be able to see the IR light come on, on the remote.

Also some TV's have a signal-led that just reacts of of the IR sensor, so point it at a TV like that and see if that light flashes.

George/

Ted OMalley · July 29th, 2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Kroonder

Craig,

If you have a camera with NightShot (or similar IR feature) you should be able to see the IR light come on, on the remote.

Also some TV's have a signal-led that just reacts of of the IR sensor, so point it at a TV like that and see if that light flashes.

George/

I frequently test remotes this way to be sure they are working, but I've never needed to look for a camera with any special IR features. I've always been able to see the IR on the viewfinder of the still or video camera (with the exception of a "true" viewfinder on an SLR camera that isn't an LCD). I used to do this with my old 8mm Sony Handycam back before electricity, too!

Craig Seeman · July 29th, 2008, 10:42 AM

Wow, a new use for my ancient Sony TRV-9 miniDV camera. It was the early version before Sony modified the NightShot . . . which did some interesting things when used during the daylight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Kroonder

Craig,

If you have a camera with NightShot (or similar IR feature) you should be able to see the IR light come on, on the remote.

Also some TV's have a signal-led that just reacts of of the IR sensor, so point it at a TV like that and see if that light flashes.

George/

Bruce Rawlings · July 29th, 2008, 12:57 PM

I have two EX1s in the system at the moment, one is fine with the remote fw1.05. The other fw 1.03 does not want to know about remote operation. Must say though that these camaras have revolutionised our production workflow. Still have HDCAM for really spectacular wide shots but the light weight EX1s for medium and close work are now speeding up shooting time. We mainly shoot botanical gardens and plants etc.

July 28th, 2008, 08:45 PM	#1
Craig Terott Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 691	Time code sync Has anyone managed to sync time code between two EX1s? Here's how I tried... I set my timecode to CLOCK on both cams and attempted to SET clocks on both cams at precisely the same time - but it's tricky and I wasn't accurate to the exact frame. Has anyone had success with this method or is there another method I'm not aware of? If I can get the two cams accurate to the frame, the multicam editing in Final Cut will be even easier. Just take two clips, make multiclip & choose USE TIMECODE! No looking for a camera flash to get it exact. Gee that would be sweet. ok I'll shut up now.

July 28th, 2008, 09:17 PM	#2
Forrest Burger Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 86	Try setting the same preset timecode on both cameras (i.e. 01:00:00:00) then use the IR remote for one of the cameras to start them recording at the same time. You'll need to set both EX1's right next to each other. I've done this in the past with some old VX-1000's with success. Not sure if Long GOP would present a problem, but its worth a test. Forrest

July 29th, 2008, 01:55 AM	#3
Bruce Rawlings Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 410	Now there is a reason to get the (non)remotes/cameras fixed by Sony.

July 29th, 2008, 07:20 AM	#4
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Bruce are you having problems with the remote too? Mine seems to have died. I thought maybe the battery just had an unusually short life (battery drain when not in use?).

July 29th, 2008, 07:40 AM	#5
Tom Roper Trustee Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 1,891	To be frame accurate over a 2 hour shoot, the internal clocks would have to be accurate to about 1 minute per year.

July 29th, 2008, 08:24 AM	#7
Bruce Rawlings Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 410	My remote has never been alive. Never checked further but perhaps Sony supply crappy Chinese batteries like the AAs in most TV remotes. Am very happy with the EX1 apart from that.

July 29th, 2008, 09:58 AM	#12
George Kroonder Major Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Utrecht, NL \| Europe 3rd Rock from the Sun Posts: 612	Craig, If you have a camera with NightShot (or similar IR feature) you should be able to see the IR light come on, on the remote. Also some TV's have a signal-led that just reacts of of the IR sensor, so point it at a TV like that and see if that light flashes. George/

July 29th, 2008, 12:57 PM	#15
Bruce Rawlings Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 410	I have two EX1s in the system at the moment, one is fine with the remote fw1.05. The other fw 1.03 does not want to know about remote operation. Must say though that these camaras have revolutionised our production workflow. Still have HDCAM for really spectacular wide shots but the light weight EX1s for medium and close work are now speeding up shooting time. We mainly shoot botanical gardens and plants etc.