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Time code/user bit
Time code The time code is used when the time code signal generated by the time code generator (time
code signal generator) is to be recorded on the tape, its values are to be read by the time
code reader (time code signal reader), and the absolute position of the tape is to be
displayed in increments of hours, minutes, seconds and frames.
The time code is written in the sub-code area (data area) of the helical track. This enables
insert editing to be conducted independently using the time code alone. In addition, the
VTR’s playback speed can be read from the stop mode to slow-motion playback up to high-
speed play (approx. 100X normal speed).
The time code values are indicated using the display and superimpose functions.
TCR 00 : 07 : 04 : 24
Minutes
SecondsHours Frames
User bit “User bit” refers to the 32-bit (8-digit) data frame among the time code signals which has
been released to users. It enables operator numbers values to be recorded.
The alphanumeric characters which can be used for the user bit are the figures 0 to 9 and the
letters A to F.
<Note>
Time code and user’s bit control during tape play is exercised by the data recorded in the
SBC area. The data recorded in this area includes the data that appears on the display or is
superimposed on the TV monitor screen and the communication data that is transferred to
the editing controller.