Timecode slates

[DVX100Shooter]

Aside from the "cool" look of the timecode slates what are the differences for using this opposed to the kind that you use a dry erase marker with for every take?

Now if I choose to use the timecode slate, does the time keep going like Free Run on a camera or can you start and stop it? Now in terms of editing, I guess you go by the timecode on the slate and not the timecode on the footage correct for logging shots or takes?

Just looking for a little insight. At first I thought they had a cable that was connected to the camera to be able to read the same timecode but I remember working behind the scenes on the set of LOST out in Hawaii and they didnt have any cables connecting to the camera on theirs.

 

[mikkowilson]

The timecode on the TC slate is always slaved to the audio timecode. That way you can see the audio TC on the video/ to provide an offset. Though often the camera TC is also locked to the same source.

It's also very usefull for the logger who can see the slate, but perhaps not a readout of TC from the audio recorder or camera.

- Mikko

 

[ozduc]

Aside from the "cool" look of the timecode slates what are the differences for using this opposed to the kind that you use a dry erase marker with for every take?

Well the main difference is the timecode. You still use a dry erase marker with a TC slate.

Now if I choose to use the timecode slate, does the time keep going like Free Run on a camera or can you start and stop it?

The timecode will keep running in free run mode.

Now in terms of editing, I guess you go by the timecode on the slate and not the timecode on the footage correct for logging shots or takes?

That would depend on the situation. Usually when working with film, the slate is in sync with the audio recorder. When the film is transferred to video as daillies the lab will sync the audio to the video in the transfer process and create a .flx file that can be imported into an NLE to keep track of the corresponding sound rolls, video tapes and film reels, so they can all be cross referenced.

At first I thought they had a cable that was connected to the camera to be able to read the same timecode but I remember working behind the scenes on the set of LOST out in Hawaii and they didnt have any cables connecting to the camera on theirs.

The slate has a TC input, that you plug a cable into from the output of the master clock source, to "jam" the slate. ie. it accepts the incoming timecode and locks to it. Once jammed, you unplug the cable and the slate will run on it's internal clock to the time that it was jammed to. If the slate is accidently turned off you would have to re-jam it. Normally the sound person would re-jam a few times throughout the day anyway just to make sure it is accurate.

 

[DVX100Shooter]

Cool Thanks