Apple Final Cut Pro HD (4.5): New Features - Manual (Page 85)

Chapter 5 Viewing and Modifying Timecode 85
Time Displays
You can also choose to view your timecode with several possible time displays,
depending on the frame rate of the media file:
• Non-Drop Frame: Available for most frame rates
• Drop Frame: Available only for 29.97 fps (NTSC) media files
• 60 @ 30: Available only for 60 and 59.94 fps (high definition) media files
• Frames: Available for any frame rate
Time display merely affects the way the timecode numbers count, whereas source
time, clip time, and View Native Speed actually adjust the rate (or speed) of the
timecode. In general, it’s best to choose a timecode mode first, then choose the time
display that suits your particular editing scenario.
To change the timecode display format:
m Control-click a timecode field in the Viewer, Canvas, Timeline, or Browser, then choose
one of the available timecode display options from the shortcut menu.
All video frame rates can be displayed as a straight frame count, and exclusively use
non-drop frame counting. Counting in frames is particularly useful for animated films or
time lapse sequences.
29.97 fps NTSC video is the only video format that can display a drop frame count.
Important: You cannot modify media file timecode by changing the time display.
Timecode Affected by Speed Settings
To see timecode affected by speed adjustments to the current clip, select View Native
Speed. The word native indicates that you are seeing the timecode numbers directly
from the media file without any interpretation from Final Cut Pro.
If View Native Speed is selected, the timecode is affected by speed settings (if any)
applied to the current clip. For example, if your clip has been slowed down by 50%, the
timecode numbers increment at 50% speed as well.
Important: The timecode numbers are italicized to indicate that a clip’s speed has been
adjusted. Timecode numbers display in italics only when View Native Speed is selected.
If View Native Speed is deselected, the timecode will count at its normal rate,
unaffected by any speed settings applied to the current clip.
Note: In Final Cut Pro 4.1 and earlier, the only way to view timecode adjusted by a clip’s
speed setting was to choose clip time. In Final Cut Pro HD, clip time does not interpret
clip speed settings. Instead, the View Native Speed selection shows timecode affected
by speed settings, regardless of whether source time or clip time mode is chosen.
UP01022.Book Page 85 Tuesday, March 23, 2004 7:32 PM