Apple Final Cut Pro 6 - Manual (Page 26)

Chapter 2 Video Formats and Timecode 25
I
Scanning Method
Video frames are composed of individual lines, scanned from the top of the screen to
the bottom. Lines may be scanned progressively (one line at a time), or interlaced
(every other line during one scan, and then the alternate lines on a subsequent scan).
SD video uses interlaced scanning, while high definition formats may use either
interlaced or progressive scanning. For more information, see Volume IV, Appendix A,
“Video Formats.”
About Timecode
Timecode is a signal recorded with your video that uniquely identifies each frame on
tape. When you capture video or audio in Final Cut Pro, you also capture the timecode
signal, which is displayed in Final Cut Pro when you play back your clips. Timecode
allows you to recapture your footage from tape and always get the same frames.
Final Cut Pro uses SMPTE timecode (developed by the Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers) which is represented in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames,
using the following format:
In Final Cut Pro, timecode is used for synchronization between video and audio clip
items, project interchange (such as Edit Decision Lists), and recapturing clips from tape.
When you play clips, Final Cut Pro displays the media file timecode. Timecode also
allows you to navigate through your sequences, and see how long your edit is.
For more information about timecode, see Volume II, Chapter 25, “Working With Timecode.”
Hours Minutes Seconds Frames
SMPTE timecode
01:32:15:28