Apple Cinema Tools 3 - Manual (Page 97)

Chapter 5 Capturing Source Clips and Connecting Them to the Database 97
Setting Up Your Hardware to Capture Accurate Timecode
Final Cut Pro’s ability to capture frame-accurate timecode for each clip is also
dependent upon the proper setup of your capture hardware. When using DV decks,
this is easy. In Final Cut Pro 3 and later, capturing video with a DV deck using FireWire
for both device control and video and audio input will result in 100 percent accurate
timecode. If you are instead capturing from a deck using serial device control—for
example, a Digital Betacam or Beta SP deck—there are a couple of important steps you
need to take during setup to ensure timecode accuracy.
If You Are Capturing With a Serial Device Control Deck
Before you capture from a deck using serial device control, you need to take these
steps to ensure all-important timecode accuracy:
 genlock your deck with your video capture interface
 calibrate the timecode offset
Genlocking the Deck and Video Capture Interface
In addition to connecting the serial device control cable from your deck to your
computer (using a recommended serial interface adapter) and connecting the
necessary video and audio connectors, you must also make sure that your deck is
genlocked with your video capture interface. Genlocking refers to locking two video
devices together using a blackburst generator.
If your deck and video capture device support genlock (also called external sync),
connect them to a common signal generator (usually a blackburst generator which
outputs a continuous black video signal). This is done using the genlock connectors
found on your video deck and video capture interface (these may also be labeled
reference video). Genlocking your deck with your video capture interface synchronizes
these devices, ensuring timecode accuracy.
Important: If you are capturing from a deck using serial device control and your video
capture interface cannot be genlocked with the deck, the accuracy of the timecode
captured with your clips cannot be guaranteed.
What Is Device Control?
Device control makes it possible for Final Cut Pro to control your video camera or
video deck. If your video camera or deck uses a protocol supported by Final Cut Pro,
Final Cut Pro can exchange timecode and device control data with the camera or
deck. If you have device control, you can cue and capture several source clips at once
(called batch capturing). If you do not have device control, you need to capture source
clips individually. See the Final Cut Pro documentation for supported device control
protocols.
UP01101.Book Page 97 Thursday, March 10, 2005 3:16 PM