User guide

ES9600 User Guide Chapter 5: Linear Timecode
52 Version 1.13
Chapter 5: Linear Timecode
Large control systems often require a number of different, and usually diverse, pieces of equipment to operate
within strict timing constraints. For example, an exhibit may use a video display with an associated multi-channel
audio playback system. A method is required to ensure that the audio playback matches the video display. This is
often referred to as “Lip Sync”.
This synchronization problem can be solved using a Timecode signal. Timecode, as the name suggests, is a stream
of coded time stamps encapsulated in an audio signal. The frequency of these time stamps is designed to match
video rates for the various video standards. There are three common standards in use today:
 SMPTE standard is used in the USA and matches the video rate of 29.97 frames per second
 EBU – This standard matches the PAL specification in use in the United Kingdom, i.e. 25 frames per
second
 FILM – This standard matches the 24 frames per second used in the motion picture industry.
A typical timecode based system will incorporate a device that generates the timecode for the system, referred to
as the ‘Master Timecode’. This signal is distributed to each timecode aware device in the system. These are often
referred to as ‘Slaves’. A slave will usually have the ability to generate its output based on the timecode it
receives. For example a lighting system could be programmed to generate a lighting scene or effect when a
certain timecode is received.
The ES9600 player can operate either as a timecode slave or as a master. This allows for maximum flexibility
when integrating the player in a system. It is even possible for some clips to operate in the master mode while
others operate in the slave mode.
Note: Drop Frame timecode is not supported.
Synchronized multi-player operation
System Components
The following equipment is required for a minimal synchronized system:
 Two ES9600 Players
 Timecode cable
 ESGEN Genlock cable/s
 Show control computer (running ESCAN or other control software)
 LAN (TCP/IP) or RS232 remote control cabling.
The two ES9600 Players are designated as Master and Slave, for the remainder of this description.
The master Player generates a timecode signal for the slave and potentially other components in the system. Time
code signal is fed from its LTC output to the input on the slave unit.
The ESGEN Genlock signal is fed from the master to the slave.
NOTE: Timecode can also be provided by external show control equipment. In this case the master player
becomes a slave to the show control equipment. Ensure that the remote control communication method for the
system is correctly connected and functioning.