Using serial device control, Timecode transferred via serial device control – Apple Final Cut Pro 7 User Manual
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For more information about changing the FireWire protocol that Final Cut Pro uses, see
and
“About Device Control Presets.”
After you connect a camcorder or deck to your computer, switch it to VCR mode. You
can record to a camcorder from Final Cut Pro in Camera mode, but to do so, you need to
turn off device control in Final Cut Pro, which limits your control during output.
Using Serial Device Control
Nearly all professional VTRs support serial device control. Serial device control sends and
receives timecode and transport control data. A 9-pin serial connector is usually used for
serial device control. Each pin can carry a separate signal, although typically only four
pins are used (two for transmitting data, and two for receiving data).
RS-422 connector
Professional video and audio decks may use one of two serial interfaces.
• RS-232: Found on older, more inexpensive equipment. RS-232 is functionally similar
to RS-422, but it’s not used as frequently.
• RS-422: This interface tolerates greater cable lengths than RS-232. It’s more widely
used by facilities where video decks are in a room different from the editing bay.
Timecode Transferred via Serial Device Control
Final Cut Pro can use two kinds of timecode sent over a remote serial connection.
• LTC: LTC (longitudinal timecode) is recorded as an audio signal on a dedicated timecode
track.
• VITC: VITC (vertical interval timecode) is recorded as part of the video signal, using
several video lines that are normally masked by consumer televisions. Lines 16 and 18
of the vertical blanking portion of the video signal are commonly used.
Final Cut Pro can also automatically switch between LTC and VITC if they are both available:
• LTC+VITC: If you choose this setting, Final Cut Pro looks at both timecodes so that
accurate timecode can be read no matter what speed the tape is playing (LTC is used
for normal and high-speed playback; VITC is used for slow motion and pause).
For more information about LTC and VITC timecode, see
To take advantage of the Edit to Tape feature (described in
), your video device must support insert editing. These VTRs can use
timecode In and Out points, along with defined video and audio tracks, and perform a
frame-accurate edit.
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Chapter 114
Device Control Settings and Presets