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. 50⋅ normal speed/approx. 100⋅ when using DVCPRO tape).

The time code values are indicated using the display and superimpose functions.

TCR 00 : 07 : 04 : 24

Frames

Hours Seconds

Minutes

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.

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