TC slate help

S

sy90

Member
Hey, new to this forum here. I've been a soundie for 2 years on field now and have been slowly building up my kit. One thing I've always needed to rent but is still last on my list is a smart slate as they go for upwards from $1500 and really doesn't improve my overall performance in terms of sound.

So I have a question for all the editors and Ac's out here. If I were to strap on a tc display like this http://www.betso.eu/en/products/17-...ct-time-code-display-with-advanced-functions/ to a dummy slate would that work?

Some problems I would see with this is
- It runs continuously as opposed to a real tc slate that stops once its been clapped. Will editors care that it keeps running after its clapped? Isn't the exact time for an exact frame all they really need?
-Focus might be off as it would protrude out like 2 cm...not a huge difference but would that affect anything?
-General weight/size as I know a lot of Ac's like to put the slate nearby but not on the floor (eg.on the tripod legs, on their belt somehow, or in a diddybag)

I'm hoping this would work as it's half the price of a real smart slate and I can build up more important equipment and then spring for a deneke once I have 1500 to spare and nothing to upgrade. But if there's any problems that I've brought up or something that I don't know please let me know. If not any other suggestions for a less pricey tc slate?
 
Is it usually the sound guy providing the slate? Here in Aus, at least in my work, I find it's usually provided by the production or by the camera dept (usually 1st AC/Focus Puller). Generally if there's a specific need/want for a smart slate, the production will provide it, otherwise I've never seen/heard any grievances when the 1st turns up with a dumb slate.

To answer your question, I don't necessarily mind a little extra weight in the slate, though how much extra this would add I don't know. I assume you'd be strapping this to the bottom? I'm not really sure whether this would be overly awkward to move or hold unless I actually tested it out..
 
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Got an iPad? There are a number of Slate apps available, ranging from simple and free to elaborate and relatively expensive (but still a whole lot cheaper than $1500). Which, if any, would be acceptable 'professionally' i don't know...
 
The iPad movie slate app does now receive timecode with the right cable... Don't know I'd be happy to use it as a main slate, but could be an okay backup... I have a few reasons I don't like iPads as slates, not the least of which being the battery life and the fact that the data entry takes longer than to just write numbers on a real slate... Though I'd rather use one than use no slate
 
Unless I'm mistaken, that product you linked to is just a display. You would still need a TC generator to sync to.

We have started jam syncing our camera with the iPad slate.
 
@David yes it is just a tc display and I would jam sync from my 744t as I would a normal smart slate and my lockitbox would always be strapped to camera. All I'm really trying to do is make a cheap smart slate. Really don't need one as tc is being enforced anyways but thought it might come in handy for the editors.

@Jax unfortunately in terms of smart slates its actually usually the sound dept that provides it, unless the 1st AC is rich and generous. For the films I'm on now (low - mid sized indie) though I usually press for them to rent a smart slate, some production companies would rather use the money elsewhere as a TC slate is not essential...and hey I might be able to squeeze a little more into my kit fee if I can include a 'smart slate'.

As for the Ipad slate..yes I do have one and yes I'm aware of the apps and tc apps but I know many AC's that HATE using it as they are 1. way more fragile then a slate and can't be left alone in rushed moments (can drop a smart slate, can't drop an ipad!) and 2. just clumsier and harder to use as no 2nd AC wants their cam op and director waiting for them to unlock the ipad and fumble with their gloves to tap the screen. Nothing beats a good old stick clap. (more on why it's not ideal http://www.theblackandblue.com/2011/01/31/why-iwouldnt-use-an-ipad-slate/)

Any other thoughts to the display velcro'd onto a dummy slate? any thoughts as to if the continuous running display will be a problem for editors?
 
"to just write numbers on a real slate"

Yep, $49 Film Tools special. Everything sync'd to a real time code generator on a multi-cam shoot, sure. Bread and butter filming, major over kill.
 
I see many problems with your proposal, from ACs bitching to production balking when you show up with such a contraption when they were expecting a Denecke. I know it would raise doubts in my mind were I to see that in use.

I don't think it will work out on a real set. No budget shorts, sure, but not any paying gig where you'd get even half your normal rate.
 
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