Time Code & User’s Bit

Time code

The time code signal is generated by the time code generator and recorded on the tape, and its value is read by the time code reader. The time code is used to display the absolute position of the tape in hour, minute, second and frame increments.

The time code is written in the sub-code area (data area) on the helical track. For this reason, the VTR’s playback speed can be read out from the stop mode to the slow-motion playback to high-speed playback.

The time code value is shown on the display and superimposed on the screen.

TCR 00 :

07 :

04 :

24

t

t

t

t

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Frames

User’s bit

The user’s bit refers to the 32-bit (8-digit) information frame which is the only part of the time code signals open to the user for use. It can be used to record the operator number or other such information.

The alphanumerics which can be used for the user’s bit are the numbers 0 through 9 and the upper-case letters A through F.

Setting the time code

1 Set the VTR to the menu mode.

(By setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the MENU position.)

2 Select “INT” as the setup menu item No.520 (TC MODE SW) setting.

3 Select the setup menu item No.530 (TC PRESET) setting.

4 The value of the first digit starts flashing when the DATA+ button (PAUSE/STILL button) or DATA– button (PLAY button) is pressed.

5 When the MENU UP button (FF button) or MENU DOWN button (STOP button) is pressed, the digit to be changed moves, and the new digit starts flashing.

6 Change the value by pressing the DATA+ button (PAUSE/STILL button) or DATA– button (PLAY button).

7 Upon completion of the setting, press the SET button (REC button).

(Operation now returns to the regular menu screen.)

8 Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the LOCAL or REMOTE position.

<Notes>

O The current value of the time code generator is displayed as the initial value.

O If the RESET button is pressed when “TC PRESET” has been set (while the number is still flashing), the display is reset to 00000000.

O The time code cannot be set when it is has been set to “REGEN” by a combination of setup menu item No.503 (REGEN) and No.505 (TCG REGEN).

O If the MODE button (SEARCH button) is pressed without pressing the SET button upon completion of the setting, the time code setting will be canceled, and operation will return to the regular menu screen.

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