edge code, time code... how to decide ?

[Denis Buhot]

Hi all ! Shame on me and my ignorance... I think I have the (limited...) understanding that "edge code" choice will result in discontinuous recorded TC from one clip to another, whereas the "time code" option will result in a continuous one.

Question then : is one option preferable ? In which case and in what respect ? Hopefully, Epic, described as (and being) the "almost perfect" camera by Mark will be fitted with a prerecord option. Then, using prerec should lead to discontinuous TC, even when choosing "time code", since the camera will discard a certain amount of frames when looping the loop. Am I right ?

I used prerecord extensively on my red one, and plan to use it as well on my Epic.

In summary, any educated suggestion about which option, time code or edge code, to choose ?

Thanks for helping, Denis

 

[D Fuller]

There are a lot of advantages to using time code, but principal among them is the ability to sync with other devices and have them run the same TC without being connected. Audio recorders being the most important.

In the days of tape and it's required preroll, continuous TC was critically important to ensure that there was always TC for preroll. That's just not the case with file based workflows. Edge code finds its usefulness in things like time lapse, where TOD TC would be discontinuous within the shot. Or if you're doing a lot of off-speed stuff and don't want duplicate TC.

 

[Denis Buhot]

Thanks David ! Crystal clear... preroll nightmare, RIP...

2 more questions, though, if I may take your time :

- Any critical problem with time lapse clips being recorded TC ?
- "off-speed" stuff ? what do you mean (I'm french...)

Thanks again

 

[Stuart English]

I think I have the (limited...) understanding that "edge code" choice will result in discontinuous recorded TC from one clip to another, whereas the "time code" option will result in a continuous one.

Other way around Denis.

But neither of them will generate discontinuous timecode in time-lapse or vari-speed as the camera syncs timecode on the first frame of the recording ...

I can explain in more detail if needed, but in summary Time Code is probably the right choice.

 

[Denis Buhot]

needed...

needed...

Other way around Denis.

But neither of them will generate discontinuous timecode in time-lapse or vari-speed as the camera syncs timecode on the first frame of the recording ...

I can explain in more detail if needed, but in summary Time Code is probably the right choice.

Sorry, Stuart, can you give me further details (may be PM is more appropriate if this is common knowledge). I wouldn't want to choose the wrong option, since my project is a long term one and mistakes can be of great consequences.

I shoot basically 25 FPS, or varispeed, at possibly high rates.

Regards

 

[Matt Gerard]

No no no, don't PM!! Post it here! Then its searchable by nutters like me that have been trying to figure out how to set TC properly for each situation. I'm from a Rec-Run or Free-Run world, so edge code is new to me. I can't seem to get Rec Run TC set in my EPIC, so I started using edge code per mag, which is fine for short shoots.

matt

 

[Denis Buhot]

No no no, don't PM!! Post it here!
matt

Hi nutter I love company...

 

[Mikael Lubtchansky]

Denis

RED cameras will record both Absolute timecode (hour / time based, similar to a 'free run' TC) and edge timecode (similar to a 'rec run' TC) at the same time.

You do not need to choose one or the other, both are always recorded by the camera. You just have to choose which one you prefer to display on screen in the camera user interface but both are recorded anyway. Just the same you can ask REDCINE-X PRO to display or to export either edge or absolute TC on your clips depending on the one your prefer to use.

For time-lapse or varispeed as Stuart said, the camera is smart enough to create a continuous 25 fps timecode for your clips (again both edge and absolute TC are recorded) but only the first frame will have a real time value (if you start recording at exactly 12:30:00:00 for example) then the other frames will have a valid timecode whatever mode you shoot at... you will always have a 25 frames per second timecode on your footage when you play it back.

If it is not clear enough for you, you can private message me and we can continue this conversation in french ! Or I can give you a phone call if you leave me your number to clear any question / confusion you may have with those TC issues... but basically there is no risk of making the wrong choice or messing things up with timecode using a RED !

 

[Denis Buhot]

Denis


If it is not clear enough for you, you can private message me and we can continue this conversation in french ! Or I can give you a phone call if you leave me your number to clear any question / confusion you may have with those TC issues... but basically there is no risk of making the wrong choice or messing things up with timecode using a RED !

Great, much appreciated. I pm you shortly !