Extron Electronics MS9500 HD FrEND Plus - Manual (Page 37)

MS9500GL HD FrEND Plus Chapter 4: Linear Timecode (LTC)
Chapter 4:
Linear Timecode (LTC)
NOTE: This chapter applies to the MS9500GL only - the MS9500 does not accommodate LTC. Timecode
related features will appear ‘grayed-out’ in the HD Player interface.
Large control systems often require a number of different, and usually diverse, pieces of equipment to operate
within strict timing constraints. For example, an exhibit may use a video display with an associated multi-channel
audio playback system. A method is required to ensure that the audio playback matches the video display (“Lip
Sync”).
To solve the synchronization problem use a Timecode signal. Timecode, as the name suggests, is a stream of
coded time stamps encapsulated in an audio signal. The frequency of these time stamps is designed to match video
rates for the various video standards in use around the world. There are three common standards in use today.
SMPTE - The SMPTE standard is used in the USA and matches the video rate of 29.97 frames per second.
EBU – This standard matches the PAL specification in use in the United Kingdom, i.e. 25 frames per second.
FILM – This standard matches the 24 frames per second used in the motion picture industry.
A typical timecode based system will incorporate a device that generates the timecode for the system, referred to
as the master timecode. This signal is distributed to each timecode aware device in the system. These are often
referred to as slaves. A slave will usually have the ability to generate its’ output based on the timecode it receives.
For example a lighting system could be programmed to generate a lighting scene or effect when a certain timecode
is received.
The MS9500GL player can operate either as a slave or as a master. This allows for maximum flexibility when
integrating the player in a system. It is even possible for some clips to operate in the master mode while others
operate in the slave mode.
Note: Drop Frame timecode is not supported.
SYNCHRONIZED MULTI-PLAYER OPERATION
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
The following equipment is required for a minimal synchronized system:
•
Two MS9500GL Players.
•
Timecode cable.
•
Composite black and burst video sync generator. *
•
Genlock cables.
•
Show control computer (running ESCAN or other control software).
•
LAN (TCP/IP) or RS232 remote control cabling.
The two MS9500GL Players are designated as Master and Slave, for the remainder of this description.
Note * - A composite video source. e.g. pattern generator may be used if necessary.
The master HD Player generates a triggering timecode signal for the slave and potentially other components in the
system. Time code signal is fed from its output on the master to the input on the slave unit.
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