Timecode
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A timecode (alternatively, time code) is a sequence of numeric codes generated at regular intervals by a
Video and film
In
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 (VITC), in the vertical blanking interval of a video track
- AES-EBU embedded timecode used with digital audio
- Burnt-in timecode, in human-readable form in the video itself
- CTL timecode(control track)
- MIDI timecode
Keykode, while not a timecode, is used to identify specific film frames in film post-production that uses physical film stock. 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 timecodeis used to synchronise the optical DTS timecode track from a projector to the CD-based DTS audio tracks.
Timecode generators
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Depending on the environment, timecode generators can take various forms.
See also
- Binary-coded decimal
- Clock synchronization
- Global Positioning System
- Jam sync
- Network time protocol
- Time code ambiguity
- Time signal
- Timecode radio stations
- data logging
- Trusted timestamping, part of a digital signature
References
- John Ratcliff (1999). Timecode: A user's guide, second edition (Third ed.). Focal Press. ISBN 978-0-240-51539-7.
- ISBN 0-471-12253-X.