Specifications
TIME-CODE EQUIPMENT
TIME-CODE EQUIPMENT
482
For Desktop, Rack Mount or Field Use
Horita offers a full line of SMPTE LTC and VlTC Time-Code Readers, Generators, Inserters and Translators. The LTC
line offers choice and flexibility, from the basic WG-50 Play Speed Reader/Inserter to the complete TRG-50 PC
Generator/Search Speed Reader/Window Inserter with RS-232 interface and TC-TOOL KIT tape logging software.
VITC products provide Generator, Reader/Window Inserter and Translator functions, enabling translation between LTC
and VITC, as well as having a full-function VITC system.
LED units, like the TCD-100 and VLR-100, provide visual displays, as well as reader/generator functions. The TCI-50
and RLT-50 allow time-code to be inserted into, or extracted from, an RS4-22 data stream. The GPI-50 is a time code
based dual general purpose interface. Horita also offers color bar, test signal, blackburst and sync generators, a video
titler with serial interface and a Safe Area Generator. All products are available in desk top, rackmount and field pack-
ages. They are all versatile, affordable and easy to use.
HORITA
WHAT IS SMPTE TIME CODE?
Adopted in the late 1960s by the Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers, SMPTE Time Code is an industry standard
frame numbering system that assigns a specific number to each
frame of video in hours, minutes, seconds and frames format.
There are two SMPTE formats for Time Code: Longitudinal Time-
Code (LTC) and Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC).
LTC is an audible electronic digital signal recorded on an audio or
time code channel of a VCR or audio recorder. VITC is a visual
frame identification code recorded in the vertical blanking interval
of each video field. VITC time code must be recorded at the same
time as the video, and it can be read in VCR pause mode. LTC
time code offers more flexibility than VITC in that it may be
recorded prior to recording the video (prestriped), during produc-
tion, or added to the tape at a later time (post striped). However, it
does use up an audio channel, and the tape must be moving in
order to read it.
Why is SMPTE time code so important? The answer can be stated
in two words: Accuracy and repeatability. With time code, every
frame of video is given its own unique identifying number. Once
recorded, that time code/video frame relationship will be the same
every time the tape is played.
Time code equipment generally falls into one of three categories:
Generators, Readers, and Inserters (or Window Dub Inserters). The
generator creates the time code signal. Time code readers "read" the
electronic time code signal, decode it and display it. The display
may be an LED readout, or it may be superimposed over the video.
Window dub inserters are generally used to produce work copies of
the master tape, with the time code display "burned" into the video
picture. Other time code based equipment fill a variety of needs.
Translators allow interchange between LTC and VITC, or into
RS-422 /RS-232 protocols to communicate time code information
to VCRs, edit controllers and computers. A GPI (General Purpose
Interface) uses time code to electronically trigger events in produc-
tion, playback, scientific experiments, etc.
FW-50 Film Foot/Frame Window
The FW-50 reads SMPTE Longitudinal Time-Code (LTC) and translates it into equivalent film foot and frame
counts. It then keys this information into a video overlay display of both the time code and the film foot/frame
values. The FW-50 also incorporates HORITA's exclusive Time-Code/Video Phase Analyzer which shows you
the exact timing relationship between your LTC and video. The Phase Analyzer is a must have to insure making
accurate window dubs and verifying that time code was generated correctly.
■ Works with 16mm and 35mm film stock and DF/NDF time code
■ Drop/Non-Drop frame and video field-1/2 display indicators
■ Outputs reshaped time code for time code copying needs
■ Enter 4-digit reel number or ID
■ Time code or User-Bits display selection
■ Horizontal and vertical positioning and size control
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