Denecke Dcode TS-3 Time Code Slate Clapboard

Steve Shovlar

Steve Shovlar

DVXuser Sponsor
OK can someone please give me a newbies rundown on a time code slate!

First of all is this make and model any good?

Having never used one before I can't find a resource to explain it all in laymans (newbie!) terms!

What is needed other than the time code slate so that its easy to match up the image and audio? I have a HVX200, so is there a small radio signal device needed that fixes to the camera to match things up?

Thanks in advance!
 
your camera doesnt support tc in/out
what recorder do you use ?
if you will decide to buy some used unit you can go for the oldest versions since you dont need 23.976 - you are in pal land if iam not mistake
 
Oleg, you can actually get the TS2-SB upgraded to support 23.976 for like $30 (and they do a full check up at the same time). You've gotta love Denecke.

To the original post-the TS3 is the latest model from Denecke. But, if you're just getting started you can probably go with a used TS2-SB for about half the price. But, Oleg is also right that the DVX100 does not support external time code in any way, so it will only be of value if your recorder supports it. My recorder (the Tascam HD-P2) does support timecode, and I use my TS2-SB to jam the recorder. The timecode gets stamped on the audio file (.bwf) and this can make it easier to synch in post. But, you still need to clap. So, the real question is, why do you think you need TC? Because you can use a "dumb" slate (retail $75) if all you're going to do is synch on the clap.

Phil
 
The reason I asked is because I have just been offered the TS-3 for half price. I will probably be getting the Tascam HD-P2, but if the HVX200 doesn't support TC there doesn't seem much point in buying it. I have a basic clapper anyway.
 
The idea of the timecode slate is to be using it with cameras that do not do timecode. timecode slates became popular on film shoots once timecode recorders came out. They needed a way in telecine to sync the picture with the sound, so they used a timecode slate. I would recommend you have a recorder with a TC generator in it, like a SD 744t. You can set up time of day on the TS-3 itself if you really want to. The way it typically works on a movie or tv shoot is that the slate will be jammed from the recorder (deva, dat, or whatever).

As far as quality, and all that is concerned, Denecke is the industry standard for a reason. Their stuff is rock solid, and they stand behind their products. When I worked at Coffey Sound, I dealt with them personally all the time, and they are a wonderful company. They are literally a small ma and pa type place. Their main engiineer is really really good, and Celia, the woman who runs it (Mike Denecke's wife), is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet.

Even if you aren't planning on using the TS-3 right away, I'd still pick it up, because you probably will in the future.

-Dave
 
Dave,

I'm curious...do you see a significant workflow difference between the recorder generating the TC and the slate generating it? I'm thinking of my situation (Tascam HD-P2 + TS2-SB) where I jam the recorder from the slate instead of the other way around.

Thanks!

Phil
 
Thanks Dave for the info. This is a whole new area for me and really there are not many books out there that explain in laymans terms how it all works.

Perhaps someone familiar with the whole audio process should write a book, simply written, explaining the whole shabang. Then again they could be making the whole process too easy for folks to understand!!!
 
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