Sound Devices PIX 220i - Manual (Page 42)

The PIX 240i can address the synchronization issues of both offset and drift (heads and tails) via its
built-in Ambient® Lockit with Genlock Out and Timecode Reader. The PIX 240i’s Ambient® Lockit
features an internal clock which has an accuracy of +/-0.2ppm (½ frame per 24 hours). Numerous PIX
240i recorders can be used to maintain extremely tight synchronization.
Timecode Reader
The PIX 240i includes a timecode reader which can accept incoming SMPTE timecode. The PIX 240i
can read timecode from embedded SDI / HDMI, linear timecode fed into the TC I/O BNC connector,
or the 5-pin LEMO® connector. The timecode reader is enabled whenever the Setup Menu option
Timecode/Sync  Timecode Mode is set to any mode beginning with Ext TC, which indicates that it
will read external timecode.
Timecode Reader operation is useful for simple cases where the PIX 240i’s timecode follows the cam-
era timecode. The timecode/sync of the PIX 240i’s file will match exactly with the camera’s file with
zero-drift.
In situations where a consistent offset is observed between PIX 240i files and other pro-
duction recordings, the PIX 240i can offset the timecode stamp. The Setup Menu option
Timecode/Sync  File Start TC Offset allows the user to adjust the frame offset from -10 to +10 in
increments of 1. This setting does not affect timecode on the PIX 240i’s outputs.
For shoots involving more than one camera or an audio recorder, using the PIX 240i’s Timecode
Generator can be more beneficial than using the Timecode Reader to achieve good heads and tails
sync between all recordings.
Internal Ambient® Lockit: Timecode Generator with Sync Out
The PIX 240i includes an internal Ambient® ACL-203 Lockit which can be used as a master sync/
timecode source for cameras or audio recorders. The Lockit is an ultra-high accuracy sync/timecode
generator with < 0.2 ppm (½ frame per 24 hours) accuracy that is suitable as a master clock in all
levels of productions. With its internal, rechargeable battery, accurate timecode is maintained for up
to 2 hours after the PIX 240i is powered down. After 2 hours, the timecode value is reset. The battery
is recharged automatically.
Multi-camera shoots using cameras that accept genlock input can benefit from the PIX 240i’s built
in Ambient® Lockit as their master sync and timecode source. Each PIX 240i’s files will have very
tightly synchronized recordings with matching heads and tails.
Additionally, even multi-camera shoots utilizing lower-cost cameras (with no genlock or timecode)
can benefit from the built-in Lockit. By using the Timecode Generator to stamp the beginning of each
file, the heads of each take will match from several recorders, even if the tails drift due to using non-
genlocked cameras.
Setting the Sync Out
The setting of this is parameter is found in Setup Menu option Timecode/Sync  Sync Out . If not us-
ing the Sync Out of the PIX 240i, set the Sync Out to Off. When using the Lockit to generate the Sync
(genlock) for a camera, the frame rate and resolution must be set for the camera’s sync input. Consult
the camera’s documentation for information of which rates are accepted.
Additionally, there are two advanced modes under Timecode/Sync
 Sync Out :
Genlock, Follows Video In and Wordclock, Follows Video In. Genlock, Follows Video In can be
used to slave another camera’s or audio recorder’s genlock input to the camera feeding the PIX. Like-
wise, Wordclock, Follows Video In can be used to slave an external audio recorder to the camera
driving the PIX to achieve perfect audio sync with zero drift. Drift is less likely to be an issue when
recordings are kept short.
PIX 220i and PIX 240i Video Recorder User Guide
40
v. 3.52 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
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