Specifications

MachineControl Guide32
Entering a New Byte Code
As the Sony P2 protocol continues to expand,
more manufacturers add specific byte code com-
mands that may be listed in the current byte
code list. Pro Tools lets you create entirely new,
custom byte codes. This lets you enter addi-
tional byte commands as needed to support new
features as they are added to decks.
Choosing a Record Protocol
The Machine Track Arming window provides
the following two choices for configuring the re-
cording protocol of the target deck:
Auto Edit
This mode is a highly accurate way to ensure
that the target deck will record only within the
boundaries of an on-screen selection. (If your
deck does not support Auto Edit, use Punch
In/Punch Out, as explained below.)
In Auto Edit mode, the record start/end times
are downloaded to the target deck (along with
any pre- or post-roll), and the deck is responsible
for performing the insert punch in/out at the
specified times (see “Rules for On-Screen Selec-
tions” on page 33 for details).
Because this protocol removes the vagaries of
CPU timing from the remote recording process,
Auto Edit is frame-accurate. It is also the best
way to ensure that your machine will punch out
correctly and avoid accidental erasure of audio,
even in the event of a CPU error.
Punch In/Out
This mode uses Pro Tools to control the process
of punch in/out. Instead of downloading the
punch points (as in Auto Edit), Pro Tools actu-
ally performs them during the record pass. Be-
cause serial communication has inherent de-
lays, timing with Punch In/Punch Out mode
cannot guarantee frame-accuracy (though it will
almost always be within 2 to 3 frames).
Choosing a Record Mode
The Machine Track Arming window provides
two choices for Record mode:
Insert
Insert mode is used to perform insert editing
(punching in individual tracks) where one or
more audio tracks is replaced by new material
and the video material is retained.
Assemble
Use Assemble mode when you want to:
◆ Begin recording program onto a completely
blank tape (unformatted)
– or –
◆ Append program to the remainder of a tape
which already has program you want to keep
Assemble mode is not appropriate for audio lay-
backs to video masters.
Assemble mode should be used carefully be-
cause it arms all tracks on the target deck for re-
cording—including the video track, time code
track and control track. When performing an
Assemble edit, all material on all tracks after the
edit in point will be replaced. Because a break in
the control track will result at the edit out point,
any remaining program material after an Assem-
ble edit may be unusable.
Entering a new byte code