User Manual

Connecting a DV Device
184
NTSC video, however, might use either of the following two formats:
• Drop-frame timecode matches the NTSC scan rate of 29.97 frames per second (fps) by
dropping two frames of timecode every minute except for the tenth minute. This does not
drop any of the video frames themselves. Drop-frame timecode is indicated by semicolons
between the digits, for example, 01;00;00;00.
• Non-drop-frame timecode tracks NTSC video at a rate of 30 fps and is indicated by colons
between the digits, for example, 01:00:00:00. Non-drop-frame timecode is easier to work
with, but does not provide accurate timing for NTSC broadcast.
For example, if you work on a 1-hour show that uses 52 minutes of video, the program ends
at 01:52:00:00 (non-drop-frame). If it is broadcast at 29.97 fps, it will last 94 frames too
long (approximately 3 seconds).
The following illustration compares the two types of timecode at the 1-minute mark. Remember
that no frames are actually dropped when drop-frame timecode is used. Drop-frame timecode
simply skips timecode numbers as necessary to match the actual NTSC scan rate.
Comparison of non-drop-frame timecode (top) and drop-frame timecode (bottom)
You set the default timecode format for logging clips in the Deck Preferences dialog box. You set
the default starting timecode in the General Settings dialog box. In both cases, you can select
either drop or non-drop. For more information, see “Deck Preferences Settings” on page 1374
and “General Settings” on page 1411.
You can also change the starting timecode or, for NTSC projects, the timecode format, of a
sequence. See “Changing the Name and Timecode for a Sequence” on page 577.
Connecting a DV Device
You can capture DV 25, DV 50, DVCPRO HD, and HDV media directly from a DV camera or
deck (a DV device). For more information, see “Capturing Directly from a DV Device” on
page 234. You can also play and output directly to the DV device. To use a DV device, you must
connect it to your system correctly.
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