Owner manual

PIX 270i User Guide and Technical Information
41
Synchronization & Timecode
Timecode Reader
The PIX 270i includes a timecode reader which can accept incoming SMPTE timecode. The
PIX 270i can read timecode from embedded SDI/HDMI or linear timecode fed into the
TC IN BNC connector. The timecode reader is enabled whenever the Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - Timecode Mode] is set to any Ext TC mode which indicates that it will read exter-
nal timecode.
Timecode Reader operation is useful for simple cases where the PIX 270i’s timecode follows the cam-
era timecode. The timecode of the PIX 270i’s file will match exactly with the camera’s file with zero-
drift since the PIX 270i is always synchronized with video input during recording in Video Mode. see
Video Mode Synchronization).
In situations where a consistent offset is observed between PIX 270i files and other produc-
tion recordings, the PIX 270i can offset the timecode stamp on each file. The Setup Menu option
[Timecode/Sync - File Start TC Offset] allows for adjustment of the frame offset from -10 to +10 in
increments of 1 frame. This setting does not affect timecode on the PIX 270i’s outputs.
For shoots involving more than one camera or an audio recorder, using the PIX 270i’s Timecode Gen-
erator can be more beneficial than using the Timecode Reader to achieve good heads and tails sync
between all recordings.
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out
The PIX 270i includes an internal Ambient® ACL-203 Lockit which can be used as a master sync/
timecode source for cameras or audio recorders. The Lockit is an ultra-high accuracy sync/timecode
generator with < 0.2 ppm (½ frame per 24 hours) accuracy that is suitable as a master clock in all
levels of productions. With its internal, rechargeable battery, accurate timecode is maintained for up
to 4 hours after the PIX 270i is powered down. After 4 hours, the timecode value is reset. The battery
is recharged automatically.
Multi-camera shoots using cameras that accept genlock input can benefit from the PIX 270i’s built-in
Ambient® Lockit as their master sync and timecode source. Files from multiple PIX 270i recorders
will have very tightly synchronized recordings with matching heads and tails.
Additionally, even multi-camera shoots utilizing lower-cost cameras (with no genlock or timecode)
can benefit from the built-in Lockit. By using the Timecode Generator to stamp the beginning of each
file, the heads of each take will match from several recorders, even if the tails drift due to using non-
genlocked cameras.
Setting the Sync Out
The setting of this is parameter is found in Setup Menu option [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out]. When
the Sync Out of the PIX 270i is not needed, set this option to Off. When using the Lockit to gener-
ate the Sync (genlock) for a camera, the frame rate and resolution must be set for the camera’s sync
input. Consult the camera’s documentation for information of which rates are accepted.
Additionally, there are two advanced modes under [Timecode/Sync - Sync Out]:
Genlock, Follows Video In and Wordclock, Follows Video In. Genlock, Follows Video In can be
used to slave another camera or audio recorder’s genlock input to the camera feeding the PIX. Like-
wise, Wordclock, Follows Video In can be used to slave an external audio recorder to the camera
driving the PIX to achieve perfect audio sync with zero drift. Drift is less likely to be an issue when
recordings are kept short.
It is not possible to pass the Sync Input signal to the Sync Output (this is not a loopthrough).