Timecode Tool V1.1 - JAN 15, 2011

CONVERT TIMECODE

The primary feature gives the user the ability to convert between 23.98, DF, NDF and PAL timecodes. PAL video runs at a faster speed than NTSC and consequently causes issues when trying to find the same spot in a feature film between those standards. Perhaps you are performing a QC pass on a PAL version of a feature film and find an issue at 2:14:30:23. How do you find the same spot in the NTSC version? Timecode Tool will easily allow you to enter the PAL timecode of 2:14:30:23 and will return to you the equivalent 23.98, DF, and NDF timecodes. It has a default value of 1 Hour as the starting time of your program material but the other 23 even hours can be selected if necessary. (A future version may allow the user to select a specific "non-even hour" timecode if there are enough requests)

VSO OFF-SPEED AUDIO

The second feature of Timecode Tool helps the user vari-speed audio that is currently running at the wrong speed. The hope is that you are using a software program that allows you to convert your audio by entering a specific sample rate ("Import Audio"). Both the difference in percentage and the correct sample rate necessary to vari-speed (VSO) when importing/exporting are provided. Example: you may have an audio file that is 20 frames shorter than it is supposed to be. After entering that file's current length, target length, and current sample rate, a simple math calculation is performed and the user is provided with the numbers necessary to import that file at a custom rate where it should stay in proper sync.

A-FRAME VERIFICATION

Video editors can keep proper cadence as Timecode Tool displays the location of A-Frames that occur during each minute of interlaced video based on a given start-time.

Future versions of Timecode Tool will include a timecode calculator and, if requested, 35/16mm film footages.

 

 

 

TIMECODE CONVERT INSTRUCTIONS

  

Although this app converts between 23.98, DF, NDF, & PAL timecodes, you will need to select one as your source. The other three equivalents will be displayed below.

2. CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM START HOUR:

The app defaults to Hour 1 (which is the starting timecode for most feature video tapes/files). This hour is used to measure the distance/time into your program based on the timecode you enter. Other similar apps/programs only begin with hour 0 and you have to offset your entry to match. This app allows you to enter hours 0-23 as the place where your program material begins. The plan is for a future version to give the option of entering a complete SMPTE timecode hr:min:sec:fr as your program start time. Logos/bars/black may prohibit two different tapes from being compared together exactly based on the same even starting hour.

 

3. ENTER YOUR SOURCE TIMECODE:

 Use the number buttons to enter the timecode you need converted. A "C" Clear button is provided to remove the current entry and enter all "0's". A backspace "<" button is also provided to replace just the last entry. Nudge "+/-" buttons are also provided in case you want to check the progression of frames in a certain range.

 

4. CONVERT:

 Press this button to display the equivalent timecodes for the other 3 frame rates. This is not just a frame converter, it takes into account the difference in speed between NTSC & PAL.

 

 

VSO (OFF-SPEED AUDIO) INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. TOUCH THE UPPER "CURRENT LENGTH" SECTION:

 

2. TOUCH THE LOWER "TARGET LENGTH" SECTION:

Type in the length (in total samples of total frames) that your audio should be. The plan is for a future version to give you the ability to enter length in SMPTE (hr:min:sec:fr) format. The app will determine the length for you.

 

3. SELECT YOUR SAMPLE RATE:

Choose between 32k, 44.1k, 48k, & 96k as the working rate of your current files.

 

4. GET NEW RATE:

Press this button to display the numbers necessary to convert your audio. You will see the percentage difference between the two as well as the adjusted sample rate needed to enter when you "Import Audio" into your current session. 

 

In Avid's Pro Tools for example, you have the ability to "Import Audio" and apply sample rate conversion to change the speed of the audio you are bringing in. You can select from common existing rates or enter your own "Custom" rate. This "Custom" entry is what you will need. Select it and enter the sample rate displayed in the app under "Import at ...". You will not be able to enter the numbers after the decimal point when using Pro Tools but it will get you very close. Pro Tools doesn't work with fractional sample rates. Even their built-in PAL to NTSC VSO setting will create an audio file that drifts a bit over a long period of time. 

 

In Amadeus you can convert the audio using the decimals and get the speed right-on. Open the off-speed audio file, select Sound/Characteristics. Type in the "Import at..." sample rate into the "Sampling rate:" entry box. Click the "Don't resample sound" box and hit "OK". Select "Sound/Characteristics" again and this time select the sample rate of your work files and click "OK". (Don't check "Don't resample sound" this time). The audio will be time stretched/compressed to the correct speed. You can then save the new file and bring it into your existing work session. 

 

A-FRAME VERIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1.TOUCH THE UPPER “STARTING A-FRAME” SECTION :
   

The app defaults to 01:00:00:00. If you need to measure from another A-Frame , you can input that timecode here. 

2. TOUCH THE LOWER “EDIT POINT” SECTION :

Here you can input the timecode where you need to make your edit.

3. TOUCH THE “A-FRAME” BUTTON :

For the minute of timecode surrounding your edit, the app will display the 6 frames within each second on which the A-Frames will occur .

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