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

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

TCR 00 : 07 : 04 : 24

t t t t

Hours Minutes Seconds 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.

Setting the internal time code

1 Set the VTR to stop mode.

2 Select “TC” using the COUNTER button.

3 Set the run mode for the time code generator using setup menu No. 513 (RUN MODE).

REC:

The internal time code generator is advanced during recording.

FREE:

When the power is on, the internal time code generator is advanced regardless of the operation mode.

4 Set the TCG switch to REGEN mode.

REGEN:

In this mode, the continuity of the original time code prior to editing is maintained.

OA more detailed setting can be performed using setup menu No. 503 (TCG REGEN) and No. 504 (REGEN MODE).

PRESET:

In this mode, recording is commenced from the value which was set by the TC PRESET button. ODuring automatic editing, whatever has been selected for the menu No. 504 setting is used for regeneration even when the TCG switch

has been set to PRESET.

5 Use the TC PRESET button to set the start number of the time code or user’s bit.

1Press the TC PRESET button. The left-most set of digits starts flashing.

2To change the value, turn the search dial while holding down the SEARCH button.

3Turn the search dial to select the set of digits that is to be set.The digits selected start flashing.

The setting ranges are as follows: OTime code:

[525i system]

00:00:00:00 to 23:59:59:29

[625i system] SD955A 00:00:00:00 to 23:59:59:24

OUser’s bit:

00:00:00:00 to FF FF FF FF

4Repeat steps 2 and 3 to change any other values.

5Once the start number has been set, press the SET button.

In the FREE RUN mode, the time code begins to advance.

6Proceed with the recording or editing.

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