Macie Video Service - Time Code and Genlocking

5/15/09 3:15 PM

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Time Code and

Genlocking

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What are they and why are they needed? All video cameras have
internal free running oscillating clocks that provide the timing for camera
and video signals. Clocks differ slightly in speed due to tolerances,
temperature variations, alignment, and component aging. When
cameras are used in a studio configuration, each one must not only be
locked together, but also timed so that when switched, there will be no
horizontal, vertical, or color shift. Genlocking circuits perform that
function.
Set-up for genlocking is very simple. You use a camera or video
generator for the master locking source. Then either distribute this lock
signal through a video distribution amplifier, or loop from camera to
camera, taking the source cameras video output, feeding the second
cameras genlock input and so on. Using a waveform monitor and
vectorscope you now adjust each cameras H Lock (horizontal) and SC
(subcarrier) controls to time each source. This method is used for
switching live video shows or can be recorded as live on tape with a
separate VTR.
For field production with reduced budgets the same shooting concepts
are used, but the video is recorded onto individual camcorders and the
tapes are either edited or switched later. In order to pull this off, each
camcorder must record identical time code, which will allow perfect
continuity between cameras.
Without going into a lot of details, in order to do this properly you must
not only lock timecode but also genlock all of the cameras together.
Many videographers think that only the time code must be locked but
that method will result in video hits being recorded on tape due to that
internal timing clock used in each slave camera. There is a timing
relationship between timecode and the cameras internal timing signals.
If not genlocked the slave cameras internal timing generator must adjust
itself periodically to keep in time with the timecode-locking signal
resulting in those hits on tape.

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At least once a month I get calls from clients that have tapes recorded
with these glitches that cannot be fixed in postproduction. There is no
actual problem with their cameras, they just were not aware of this
procedure. When genlocking and timecode locking, switch the slave
cameras TC switch to free run and make sure all camcorders are either
in DF (dropframe) or NDF (non-dropframe) mode.

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Macie Video Service - Time Code and Genlocking

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5/15/09 3:15 PM

If you are in a situation where it is too difficult to wire these genlock and
timecode signals together there is another method that may work well
enough. Set the master camera to time of day or just reset it, keep all
camcorders in free run mode. Just prior to the event taking place,
momentarily plug the master cameras time code output to each slave
cameras input. This will lock everyone to the same free running time
code. As time goes on, the time code will drift slightly, but may be good
enough for postproduction use. If time allows, the slave cameras can
resync time code every so often and minimize timecode drift.
It is also a good idea to practice time code and genlocking in order to
verify that all your video cables and connectors are good and the
cameras genlock properly. The side mounted genlock and timecode
connectors can get damaged enough to become inoperable. I know
because we fix enough of them. Happy shooting.
God Bless,
Roger Macie

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