TimeCode Issues

Since the introduction of DV and digital tape formats, timecode has become a crucial means of referencing and indexing our digital video. However some are completely unaware of problems and inconsistencies created by some equipment and non-linear-editors. In order to successfully encode your digital tapes and return your finished DVDs to you and your customers as quickly as possible we need to have the timecode on your tapes as clean as possible. Check your digital tapes before sending them in to see if you have any of these problems.

Non-continuous timecode:
This term refers to embedded timecode that does not begin and end with a single continuous sequential counting number. For example; if you have a mini-DV tape that begins at 00:00:00:01 and runs sequentially for the first 5 minutes (00:05:00:01) then the next frame in the video is at 00:00:00 or any other frame other then 00:05:00:02, this would be non-continuous timecode.

Repeating timecode:
This term refers to embedded timecode that repeats itself one or more times on the same tape.
How do these problems happen? There are a few ways this can happen to a video. The most common is from your camera. Some cameras create and start a new timecode sequence each time the camera starts recording. While there are usually settings to prevent this (check your manual) some people do not realize this is happening. Another common way this can happen is from taking multiple assets from multiple tapes and mixing them around on your NLE. If you edit on a NLE, and you copy your completed projects back to tape via Firewire, see if your camera or VTR has the option to generate a new timecode while recording from the NLE.

Broken timecode:
Broken timecode is described as timecode that is sequential but alternates every other frame with a consistent non-sequential number. An example would be when every other frame of the video has the exact same number. The Adobe Premier and Final Cut Pro systems are synonymous with this problem. Both software systems provide a perfect example of broken timecode where they will make every other frame of your video at 00:00:00:00. The best way to prevent these problems is to Pre-Stripe your tape. The easiest way to Stripe your tapes is to simply place your tape in your digital camera and record the entire tape from the beginning with your lens cap on. This will create a continuous timecode on your tape and eliminate the potential for the problems described above.