SMPTE Timecode - Studio Operations and Master Clocks

Studio Operations and Master Clocks

In television studio operations, longitudinal timecode is generated by the studio master sync generator, and distributed from a central point. Central sync generators usually derive their timing from an atomic clock, either using network time or GPS. Studios usually maintain two or three clocks, and automatically switch over if one fails.

A recent development is to mount small GPS-synchronized SMPTE timecode generators on each camera, which eliminates the distribution network for portable set-ups and shooting on location.

Longitudinal SMPTE timecode is widely used to synchronise music. A frame rate of 30 frame/s is often used for audio in America, Japan, and other countries which rely on a 60 Hz mains frequency and use the NTSC television standard. The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) standard frame rate of 25 frame/s is used throughout Europe, Australia and wherever the mains frequency is 50 Hz, and the PAL or SECAM television standards are used.

Read more about this topic:  SMPTE Timecode

Famous quotes containing the words studio, operations, master and/or clocks:

    The studio people want me to do “Good-bye Charlie” for the movies, but I’m not going to do it. I don’t like the idea of playing a man in a woman’s body—you know? It just doesn’t seem feminine.
    Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)

    Plot, rules, nor even poetry, are not half so great beauties in tragedy or comedy as a just imitation of nature, of character, of the passions and their operations in diversified situations.
    Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    I marvel thy master hath not eaten thee for a word, for thou art not so long by the head as honorificabilitudinitatibus.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    What a devil hast thou to do with the time of the day? Unless hours were cups of sack, and minutes capons, and clocks the
    tongues of bawds, and dials the signs of leaping-houses, and the blessed sun himself a fair hot wench in flame-colored
    taffeta, I see no reason why thou shouldst be so superfluous
    to demand the time of the day.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)