The PIX 240 can be triggered to record and stop based on external timecode. This is useful in applications where other forms of triggering might not be available (SDI flags, LANC control, switch closure). Prior to version 1.08 firmware, when Timecode/Sync > Timecode Mode was set to External, it was necessary to stamp files recorded on the PIX 240 with the external timecode value. This behavior was changed in version 1.08 so that it is now possible to trigger recording from external rec-run timecode while stamping files with a different timecode (freerun, for example). This is beneficial in situations where rec-run timecode from a camera is the only available method for triggering the PIX 240 to record, but it is still desired to stamp the files recorded on the PIX 240 with a freerun timecode value. (more…)

Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer use Broadcast Wave file time code metadata in different ways. This tech note highlights a few important things to be aware when importing WAV files containing BWF time code into these editing tools. (more…)

Sound Devices has released revision 1.05 of its powerful Wave Agent file utility software. This new revision adds several new features and includes numerous bug fixes. Download Wave Agent Beta 1.05 here. (more…)

There has been a certain lack of “resolution” on how best to provide time code sync for shooting double-system sound with the popular Panasonic Varicam high-definition camcorder. The VariCam is the commonly used name for Panasonic’s AJ-HDC27 variable frame-rate high-definition video camera. (more…)

The 702T, 744T, and 788T include powerful time code functionality. One time code feature is the ability for the recorder’s time code clock to chase an external time code source. This is called “reader” mode. The time code value displayed by the recorder will indicate a +1 frame offset from the external master time code source when the master is in stop mode. This is normal behavior. (more…)

The 7-Series recorders include two “auto record” time code modes. When the units are in either of these modes, recording starts and stops automatically based on whether time code from an external source is running. This mode is helpful in rec-run video environments to chase a video camera. (more…)

The 702T and 744T recorders excel in applications requiring precise time code synchronization. To achieve precision time code, these units have extremely accurate internal clocks to generate the time code. (more…)

Several Sound Devices products, including the 702T and 744T recorders use LEMO five-pin connections for time code. The following is the pin out looking at the front of the connector receptacle mounted on the chassis of a product. (more…)

The diagram below illustrates the pin configuration of the XL-LB2 LEMO®-5 to BNC input and BNC output cable. This cable is used to jam SMTPE time code to and from audio and video equipment with BNC connectors. (more…)

The diagram below illustrates the pin configuration of the XL-LX LEMO®-5 to XLR-M and XLR-F cable. This cable is used for SMTPE time code jamming of audio and video equipment with XLR connectors. (more…)

When using the 702T or 744T AES/EBU digital inputs and the built in time code generator to slave the recorders from a mixer with digital outputs, care must be taken. The 702T and 744T internal time code generator can only run off of its internal high-accuracy crystal – it does not use word clock or AES/EBU to derive time code. (more…)

Q: How long will the time code generator hold accurate time code after a 702T or 744T has been shut down? (more…)

Q: How do I change the internal AA time code/time-of-day battery on a 7-Series recorder?

A: Changing the internal AA battery is a simple process outlined here in a step by procedure: (more…)

Q: I have a 722. I also have a Canon XL2. Am wondering if purchasing the Horita PTG (SMPTE Time Code generator) could make the XL-2 be the master and the 722 a slave? PTG takes the composite video signal from my camera, and derives the time code for it. I am not sure if “word clock” is compatible with SMPTE time code? (more…)

Time code generated in file-based recorders is fundamentally different than time code on a tape recorder. Whereas a tape recorder has a continuous time code reference for each location on the tape, a (broadcast wave) audio file only has a single time code value—from which all time code values are calculated. (more…)