HD

1056 Part XIII Appendixes
Most timecode readers can automatically switch between LTC and VITC if they are both
available. In Final Cut Express HD, you can choose this setting in your device control preset:
 LTC+VITC: If you choose this setting, Final Cut Express HD looks at both timecodes so
that accurate timecode can be read no matter what speed the tape is playing (LTC is
used for normal and high-speed playback; VITC is used for slow motion and pause).
LTC timecode is most easily read when a deck is in fast-forward, and VITC is most easily
read when a deck is in slow motion. Most professional video decks can read both
signals and automatically send timecode from the one that’s clearest at any moment.
The LTC and VITC timecode signals on most tapes are almost always identical.
Important: Video decks capable of reading both LTC and VITC timecode usually have
a switch that lets you select whether a deck outputs one or the other, or both. Unless
the VITC and LTC signals on your tape don’t match for some reason, leave this switch
set to both.
Unlike DV and professional video formats, analog tape formats don’t always have
timecode written onto them. If you’re using S-VHS or Hi-8, you need to make sure
you’re using a device-controllable deck and, if your tapes don’t already have timecode
on them, that you post-stripe timecode onto them. For information on how to do this,
see the documentation that came with your video deck.
Comparison of Various Timecode Formats
This table compares 24, 25, 30 fps drop frame and non-drop frame timecode. 35 and
16mm feet and frame counts are also shown. Note how the drop frame timecode
numbers jump by 2 frames starting between frame count 1799 and 1800.
Frame
count
24 frames
per 1:00
25 frames
per 1:00
30 frames
per 1:00
30 frames
per 1:00
16 frames
per foot
40 frames
per foot
1770 00:01:13:18 00:01:10:20 00:00:59:00 00:00:59:00 0110+10 0282+38
1771 00:01:13:19 00:01:10:21 00:00:59:01 00:00:59:01 0110+11 0282+39
1772 00:01:13:20 00:01:10:22 00:00:59:02 00:00:59:02 0110+12 0283+00
1773 00:01:13:21 00:01:10:23 00:00:59:03 00:00:59:03 0110+13 0283+01
1774 00:01:13:22 00:01:10:24 00:00:59:04 00:00:59:04 0110+14 0283+02
1775 00:01:13:23 00:01:11:00 00:00:59:05 00:00:59:05 0110+15 0283+03
1776 00:01:14:00 00:01:11:01 00:00:59:06 00:00:59:06 0111+00 0285+00
1777 00:01:14:01 00:01:11:02 00:00:59:07 00:00:59:07 0111+01 0285+01
1778 00:01:14:02 00:01:11:03 00:00:59:08 00:00:59:08 0111+02 0285+02
1779 00:01:14:03 00:01:11:04 00:00:59:09 00:00:59:09 0111+03 0285+03
1780 00:01:14:04 00:01:11:05 00:00:59:10 00:00:59:10 0111+04 0285+04
1781 00:01:14:05 00:01:11:06 00:00:59:11 00:00:59:11 0111+05 0285+05