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A timecode (alternatively, time code) is a sequence of numeric codes generated at regular intervals by a timing synchronization system. Timecode is used in
Depending on the environment, timecode generators can take various forms.
video production
Video production is the process of producing video content. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with video recorded either as analog signals on videotape, digitally in video tape or as computer files stored on optical discs, hard drives, SSDs, ...
, show control
Show control is the use of automation technology to link together and operate multiple entertainment control systems in a coordinated manner. It is distinguished from an entertainment control system, which is specific to a single theatrical depar ...
and other applications which require temporal coordination or logging of recording or actions.
Video and film
Invideo production
Video production is the process of producing video content. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with video recorded either as analog signals on videotape, digitally in video tape or as computer files stored on optical discs, hard drives, SSDs, ...
and filmmaking
Filmmaking or film production is the process by which a Film, motion picture is produced. Filmmaking involves a number of complex and discrete stages, beginning with an initial story, idea, or commission. Production then continues through screen ...
, SMPTE timecode is used extensively for synchronization
Synchronization is the coordination of events to operate a system in unison. For example, the Conductor (music), conductor of an orchestra keeps the orchestra synchronized or ''in time''. Systems that operate with all parts in synchrony are sa ...
, and for logging and identifying material in recorded media. During filmmaking or video production shoot, the camera assistant will typically log the start and end timecodes of shots, and the data generated will be sent on to the editorial department for use in referencing those shots. This shot-logging process was traditionally done by hand using pen and paper, but is now typically done using shot-logging software running on a laptop computer that is connected to the timecode generator or the camera itself.
The SMPTE family of timecodes are almost universally used in film, video and audio production, and can be encoded in many different formats, including:
* Linear timecode (LTC), in a separate audio track
*Vertical interval timecode
Vertical Interval Timecode (VITC, pronounced "vitsee") is a form of SMPTE timecode encoded on one scan line in a video signal. These lines are typically inserted into the vertical blanking interval of the video signal.
With one exception, VITC ...
(VITC), in the vertical blanking interval of a video track
* AES-EBU embedded timecode used with digital audio
Digital audio is a representation of sound recorded in, or converted into, digital signal (signal processing), digital form. In digital audio, the sound wave of the audio signal is typically encoded as numerical sampling (signal processing), ...
* Burnt-in timecode, in human-readable form in the video itself
* CTL timecode (control track)
*MIDI timecode
MIDI time code (MTC) embeds the same timing information as standard SMPTE timecode as a series of small 'quarter-frame' MIDI messages. There is no provision for the user bits in the standard MIDI time code messages, and SysEx messages are use ...
Keykode, while not a timecode, is used to identify specific film frames in film post-production that uses physical film stock
Film stock is an analog medium that is used for recording motion pictures or animation. It is recorded on by a movie camera, developed,
edited, and projected onto a screen using a movie projector. It is a strip or sheet of transparent pl ...
. Keykode data is normally used in conjunction with SMPTE timecode.
Rewritable consumer timecode is a proprietary consumer video timecode system that is not frame-accurate, and is therefore not used in professional post-production.
Other formats
Timecodes for purposes other than video and audio production include: * IRIG timecode is used for military, government and commercial purposes. * DTS timecode is used to synchronise the optical DTS timecode track from a projector to the CD-based DTS audio tracks.Timecode generators
Depending on the environment, timecode generators can take various forms.
See also
* Binary-coded decimal * Clock synchronization *Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based hyperbolic navigation system owned by the United States Space Force and operated by Mission Delta 31. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provide ge ...
* Jam sync
* Network Time Protocol
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a networking protocol for clock synchronization between computer systems over packet-switched, variable-Network latency, latency data networks. In operation since before 1985, NTP is one of the oldest Intern ...
* Time formatting and storage bugs
In computer science, data type limitations and software bugs can cause errors in system time, time and date calculation or display. These are most commonly manifestations of arithmetic overflow, but can also be the result of other issues. The bes ...
* Time signal
* Timecode radio stations
* Timestamp, denoting the date/time in data logging
* Trusted timestamping
Trusted timestamping is the process of computer security, securely keeping track of the creation and modification time of a document. Security here means that no one—not even the owner of the document—should be able to change it once it has bee ...
, part of a digital signature
References
* * {{cite book , title=A Technical Introduction to Digital Video , author=Charles Poynton , author-link=Charles Poynton, ISBN=0-471-12253-X , year=1996 , publisher=John Wiley & Sons Encodings * Film and video technology