DP5 using SMPTE

schubert1828 · Post by **schubert1828** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:05 pm

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this type of digital recording/composing. I have a two part question and would appreciate any thoughts on any part of them.

First is: I use a Big Ben Master clock to slave my MOTU 2408 (which has attached to it, 2 PC's running Gigastudio) The Big Ben makes the 2408 a flawless interface.
Which device, the 2408 or Big Ben, is capable and preferred to be the source for SMPTE signals for video I want to score? Or is it the other way around. Does the Video already have the SMPTE info stored in it and I need to transfer that SMPTE data to either the Big Ben or 2408? I really don't understand the SMPTE relationship to Word Clock, or even if there is a relationship between the two.

Secondly, would getting a MOTU MIDI Timepiece AV simplify this SMPTE and DP5 relationship?

I have read a lot about SMPTE but I really cannot grasp the concept of how it is incorporated in lining up with music in DP5.
This post may be better suited for the MOTU hardware forum, but I thought I would start here.
Thanks for your time.

Mr_Clifford · Post by **Mr_Clifford** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:29 pm

With video scoring, you only need SMPTE time code if your video playback is from an external video player, in which case the SMPTE timecode would need to be 'striped' (recorded) onto one audio track of your video. You then need to convert that (audio signal) to MIDI Time Code (MTC) perhaps via a MIDI timepiece (don't know if the 2408 has a SMPTE in) or a dedicated SMPTE to MTC converter.

If you are using QuickTime video playback within DP (like most people do these days) you don't need SMPTE at all.

And, no, there's not much correlation between SMPTE and Word Clock. Word Clock is a digital clock stream that keeps all the digital audio interfaces locked to avoid pops & clicks, it has nothing to do with syncronisation to video or external devices.

Hope that helps somewhat.

schubert1828 · Post by **schubert1828** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:51 pm

Mr_Clifford,
Thanks. I just read about stripping. That's good to know. So, what you are saying is that if the video imported into DP5 is digitized, (not external VCR or mini

then by using the DP Quicktime format, the SMPTE is already embedded in the video? That's great!
If, in the case of people using 16 mm film, they hand me a DVD that has been made from that 16mm tape, the time code is already embedded in the DVD? So, all I need to do is import the entire movie into DP and begin writing music? I realize there are settings within DP5 to choose a source to synch to for SMPTE. That I'll have to figure out for myself.

I was reading up on the Big Ben clock I own. They sell a video accessory that can generate SMPTE or synch to it. It sounds like I don't need that unless I am handed a lot of VCR tapes.
Your thoughts are welcome. Thanks for your time.
Best,
Stefan

rockitcity · Post by **rockitcity** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:24 pm

...So, what you are saying is that if the video imported into DP5 is digitized, (not external VCR or mini then by using the DP Quicktime format, the SMPTE is already embedded in the video? That's great!
If, in the case of people using 16 mm film, they hand me a DVD that has been made from that 16mm tape, the time code is already embedded in the DVD? So, all I need to do is import the entire movie into DP and begin writing music? I realize there are settings within DP5 to choose a source to synch to for SMPTE...

Err, not exactly...

The Quicktime video does not actually contain any SMPTE information. What you need to receive is a Quicktime video with a visible timecode window burn. This is a window in the picture that displays the correct SMPTE timecode number from the tape. This is very common, so it should not be a problem to request this. Just make note of the type of timecode that is displayed and set your session frame rate to match (ie: drop-frame, non-drop frame, PAL-EBU, etc.) This should be specified on the Quicktime label. Then, you import the Quicktime video into your session and spot the video to the correct SMPTE start time in your session or chunk in DP. To check if you have your video spotteed correctly, randomly click in your timeline and compare the window timecode to your session timecode. The numbers should match regardless where you click. Now you know you will be in sync with the tape (or video edit system) the Quicktime was made from.

You probably don't need the Big Ben SMPTE device unless you are actually locking your session to external timecode. If you are working with the Quicktime video, your sync source will still be word clock in from the Big Ben.

Bob

Phil Jeffers · Post by **Phil Jeffers** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:47 pm

Remember that word clock / video reference etc is the SPEED (i.e. 48kHz - 24FPS, or 96kHz -23.976FPS etc.) and SMPTE or Time Code is the reference (i.e. position in film, i.e. 01:08:06:06 that is one hour, 8min, 6 secs, 6 frames). Think of the sync (word clock) as the speed at which the hours/minutes hand rotate around a clock and the intervals as the SMPTE (Time Code). With your Quick Time you have to ensure that is has been captured, or outputted from a non linear edit system (Avid or Final Cut Pro) at the correct speed (i.e. PAL - 25FPS, or NTSC - 29.97 FPS, or HD 23.976 FPS etc.). Getting a SP Beta tape with striped TC is definitely the sure bet for syncing. If your score / sound design / mix syncs to this tape, then you should have no trouble. You need to be aware if the film has been shot at 24 FPS, or 25 FPS, or 30 FPS and what speed it was telecined at.

Basically, get the sound to sync with the QT and ensure that DP is set to the same speed and starts at the correct position (this is often 00:59:58:00 2 pip with pic/sound start at 01 hour).

To lock up a VTR to DP you will need a MOTU Digital Timepiece that will convert SMPTE into MTC that the 2408 will accept and DP can slave to. Your Big Ben can be the master clock for all 3 devices.

Mr_Clifford · Post by **Mr_Clifford** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:42 pm

schubert1828 wrote: If, in the case of people using 16 mm film, they hand me a DVD that has been made from that 16mm tape, the time code is already embedded in the DVD?

Try to avoid being delivered stuff on DVD (ie. as a DVD movie) if you can, because that means you have to rip it off the DVD and convert it to QuickTime to be able to use it. Chances are it's just as easy for your client to give you a QuickTime anyway.