SMPTE-Timecode

The SMPTE timecode (time code) is a by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE ) introduced timecode in television, radio and studio area, the devices from different manufacturers, and any video and audio techniques synchronized with each other, support this standard. This is defined in the standard SMPTE 12M -1 and SMPTE 12M -2, which was updated in 2008. He is required to make, for example, in the synchronization of film, music and Geräuschmix and the ultimate Synchro-recording run exactly the same time or to be able to record at all.

The time is specified in the format of an eight-digit absolute time value, which is further divided into frames (hh: mm: ss: ff). There is always a master and this child slaves ( slaves ). The master indicates the SMPTE time code position. So a device controls the playback ( and thus the position on a tape or in computerized hard-disk recording systems ), follow the all connected devices.

Today, the SMPTE timecode is often controlled in a recording studio by the computer as a master ( in sequencers ). This usually is done via special interfaces, but there are now affordable solutions that provide this connection in addition to audio or MIDI inputs. The signal is transmitted, for example using an RCA cable.

With this standard, it is the SMPTE 1967/69 managed to clean up the mess of various competing timecode. This standard has great practical significance to this day.

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