User`s guide

Chapter 24: Time Code Synchronization 339
chapter 24
Time Code Synchronization
Synchronization (sync) allows connected
systems or devices to start and stop their
transports together, and, in some cases, to
adjust transport speeds to maintain accu-
rate synchronization of audio and video
material during playback. Pro Tools is syn-
chronized to other devices using SMPTE
time code or MIDI Time Code. For a discus-
sion of different SMPTE formats, and other
concepts related to time code, refer to
Chapter 23: Synchronization Concepts.
Pro Tools Sync Options
You have four choices for synchronizing
Pro Tools to an external source:
SMPTE Trigger only
This solution is useful for short projects,
but may result in timing errors if you are
working with lengthy program material
and an unstable sync source. This is the
only option available on Pro Tools LE sys-
tems.
SMPTE Trigger with an
Externally Resolved Peripheral
(TDM Systems Only)
This solution uses a Universal Slave Driver
(USD), Video Slave Driver (VSD), or equiva-
lent third-party device, resolved with a
black burst or “house sync” generator, or
using external word clock, to control play-
back and recording speed in Pro Tools. Ac-
curate long-term sync can be achieved
when all transports within the system are
resolved to a common sync source.
SMPTE Trigger with an External
Peripheral Slaved to LTC
SMPTE Trigger can be used with the op-
tional USD, SMPTE Slave Driver (SSD), or
equivalent third-party device to resolve
Pro Tools recording/playback speed while
slaving to LTC. This enables long-term, ac-
curate synchronization by resolving to any
variations in incoming time code.