Broken timecode on striped dv tape?

i striped a brand new mini dv tape and then fast forwarded 30 min into the black, and recorded a few seconds. when i tried to capture the footage, fcp said "problem with incoming stream". this is weird, and when i look at the timecode on the camera, i can see the timecode studder when i started to record and when it ended. i thought if u stripe tapes u can record anywhere and the timecode wont change. this was all in HDV by the way.

i thought if u stripe tapes u can record anywhere and the timecode wont change<<</div>
You thought wrong. Most DV consumer/prosumer camcorders will erase/overwrite timecode and ALL other information previously existing on the tape when you record. The only thing pre-blacking a tape does in those cameras is that you've made one pass on it and you now have a used tape.
Pre-blacking or striping a tape is a holdover from the analog days when camcorders could perform insert recording and an uninterrupted timecode or control track was needed.
If you're concerned about avoiding timecode breaks, record a sufficient amount of pre and post roll for each scene shot - 5 to 10 seconds will usually do.
-DH

Similar Messages

Broken Timecode during capture in FCP 5.04 Tape does not have broken time?

I am trying to capture video froma mini dv canon camera and fcp is telling me that there is broken timecode. I have checked it with imov with no problem and when I view the tape there is no broken timecodde? can anyone help
Thanks
joe

iMovie does not use timecode.
Canons are notorious for weak timecode and firewire support. Try capturing the tape using another DV player.
x

Failed Batch Capture - Broken Timecode

Hello,
I'm attempting to capture some old footage from a project I had done in Premiere about a year ago.
There is clip in particular I'm trying to capture where the timecode was broken - premiere attempts to capture the first 8 minutes of my clip and then stops and gives me an error stating that the timecode was broken.
Is there anyway to force premiere to capture this clip all the way through and ignore the broken timecode point?
It's not a big deal to capture the clip "manually" but the problem is that I had split up and edited this clip so much, I'd rather batch capture it so that it will automatically appear on my sequence and I won't have to re-edit the whole thing.
Thanks!
FOO

I also have a Canopus card (in a system with Premiere 6.5) and broken timecode ("timecode hell" as I call it) was really only an issue when the tape pre-rolled over the break point during batch capture.
Do you still have the old Canopus .avi? You could use their util for CDVC <-> DVSD conversions:
http://download.videohelp.com/download/Canopus_DV_File_Converter.exe

Trying to recapture material with 'broken timecode'

Hi, wonder if any of you guys can help me. I've been working on a project and capture 4 reels using (I think) capture now (but it was that long ago, I can't quite remember.)
Anyway, had to remove the media from my hard drive to free up some space, and am now trying to recapture the footage, but having problems.
If I use batch capture on the reel, it says that the media is referencing more media and I can add the media to my current selection, which I do. Then the 'insert reel' dialogue box comes up, I select the appropriate reel to dig in, and start digitising.
All seems fine until the end when a dialogue box says that broken timecode was found and capture was aborted.
I know that there's no broken timecode on the tape, the timecode seems to be fine. And I've deselected 'abort capture on dropped frames.'
I've had no problems capturing the footage first time round, but just cannot get it in this time. Any suggestions? Any ways I can recapture the footage another way and still reconnect my timeline to the media?
Many thanks,
Oli

Are you sure all your settings are the same as when you previously captured the material? Also, how are you capturing the material? What format it is? What format is your project?
The "abort capture on dropped frames" is only for dropped frames, not timecode breaks. That's a separate setting.

Timecode in "Print To Tape" not matching

Hi,
Due to some specs I have my timeline's timecode set to start at 00:58:20:00 and did this via the user preferences. However when I go to "print to tape" the timecode (on the tape itself) reverts to 00:00:00:00. How can I "print to tape" AND have the timecode of the DVCAM match my timeline's code?
Thanks!

Yup Jerry, that is how I do it:
TC to DSR-11
Since FCP 4 we have been unable to stripe a new TC such as 00:58:00:00 or 01:58:00:00 to a DVCAM tape with the DSR-11. NO MORE!! I think I found a solution.
Get SimpleVideoOut from the Apple (its free):
http://developer.apple.com/samplecode/SimpleVideoOut/SimpleVideoOut.html
Then create a QT Movie in FCP or Xpress Pro from a sequence which has the starting TC you want on the tape. I just tried it with 00:58:00:00. In the timeline, I just put Bars & Tone for 90 seconds and a black slug for 45 (to take me over 01:00:00:00). You could create a sequence with whatever combination you wanted with the TC set to start at whatever timecode you need for your choice. But the Timeline TC MUST be set to your desired starting code. The exported QT file will have this TC in it.
Then load this DV QT movie into SimpleVideoOut (having selecting Firewire / Apple Firewire PAL or NTSC when you open the app).
Now load a fresh DVCAM tape and set your DSR-11 to:
REC MODE = DVCAM
DV IN TC = EXTERNAL
(Have the TC display turned on for this first test so you can verify it has worked.)
Then just hold the REC and PLAY buttons together on the DSR-11 and press play in the SimpleVideoOut app and the new TC will be recorded to your DVCAM tape. Hey presto you are now able to stripe a tape with what ever timecode you want using a DSR-11.
Remember to turn 'DV IN TC' back to INTERNAL on the DSR-11 when you come to record your edit to tape.
The problem with the DSR-11 is that it is not the best deck and starting recording at the exact TC, but playing with the pre-rolls should eventually get it spot on. I have had some success with FCP's 'Edit to Tape' and very good results with Avid Xpress Pro after a few tweaks.
Also, if you just had a black QT file, you can change the starting TC to suite the tape; i.e. 00:58:00:00 or 02:58:00:00 etc without going back into FCP or Xpress Pro and rendering out another QT. To do this, just use Sebsky Tools to alter the starting TC of the file.
http://www.dharmafilm.com/sebskytools/
Shane

Outputting timecode from timeline to tape for broadcast

I need to output to tape for broadcast using specific timecode set up in the sequence from the timeline. Looking at previous posts on the subject it looks like you cannot do it, although someone says there is a workaround for a DSR11, which is the deck I use. I also have a sony DSR50 I use for recording from a Polecam if that makes a difference, although I can't see it would. I need to start the timecode from 09:58:00:00, running bars and tone and info/countdown clock etc to start the film at a timecode of 10:00:00:00 (Pal European Broadcast). Anybody have any idea of it can be done and how exactly to do it?

Now that is very helpful... had to go and search for the remote I'd never even looked at.... and I didn't even know it had a set-up menu!
However, having now set it to external TC, and tested it with a bit of video from the timeline, it does not seem to record ANY timecode at all. Instructions say the unit "records the timecode with video and audio signals input from the DV IN/OUT connector".... but I am recording using firewire. I don't have an option to record from the computer using DV in, so I'm guessing I'm stuffed?

Batch Capture Error: Timecode Error: End of Tape Reached

I have been having issues doing batch capture with my JVC VS30U. I logged all my clips on the fly and did the entire tape, so the OUT point of one clip is the same as the IN point of the next clip. When I attempt to batch capture it gives this error between every clip.
I have to hit retry, sometimes more than once, in order for the deck to properly cue and FCP to start the digitize. I don't know if this is a weird pre-roll issue, or something else, but it completely defeats the purpose of a batch if I have to sit here and hit retry after each clip.
There are no TC breaks, and obviously its not really the end of the tape. I've read where people have similar problems, but didn't find a solution. Have already trashed prefs, but to no avail. Using FCP 5.0.4 with OS 10.4.3 and said JVC deck via firewire.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

I don't know the deck but a simple test would be to move a couple of i/o points so they are not adjacent. Or test with a single, longer clip and break it up into subclips.
Tell us what you've tried so we don't waster your time and ours with fruitless suggestions.
Errors displayed by FCP are usually irrelevant and rarely helpful.
bogiesan

Imovie 11 timecode issue DV tape import

Hi all,
I am having an issue with importing a DV tape of my Sony Recorder, as it skips several scenes. I have been investigating and it seems I have Timecode issue with the DV tape, It states in several forums that I have to deselect the option to "import as individual clips". However I am unable to locate this option . Can anybody help my out or give me another solution of how to solve the issue of skiping several scenes while importing?
I much Appreciate it.
Kind Regards,
WBCK

Hi
However I am unable to locate this option . Can anybody help my out or give me another solution of how to solve the issue of skiping several scenes while importing?
In iMovie 1 to HD6 - this can be selected in iMovie Pref (Settings)
in iMovie'08 to 11 - I have not found it at all !
And if the final product is a DVD - then using iMovie HD6 - WILL RESULT in the BEST POSSIBLE DVD !
As it can (opposed to iMovie'08 to 11) deliver max quality over to iDVD - and as DVDs are as standard Interlaced SD-Video - keeping this from the miniDV tape to the final DVD will Guarantee the best quality possible.
Alt. to get it in without time code
1. Use a miniDV Camera - analog out - A/D-box - FireWire in to Mac
or
2. Make a miniDV tape Copy. From Camera A - via FireWire - to Camera B - BUT TO GET THIS OK - the new tape must be DUMMY RECORDED - full tape out.
Just set one Camera to record it with just about anything (a wall or other not interesting) - and the full 62 minutes !
Then re-wind it and now record the copy onto it - THIS TO GET ONE UNBROKEN TIMECODE
This also needs a 4-pin to 4-pin FireWire Cable - BUT will give an unbroken miniDV tape Copy.
• USING A CLEANING miniDV tape - from time to time - is also a good strategy to keep broken timecodes to a minimum.
• SO ALSO - Recording the full tape before - Viewing (rewinding) it or even WORSE - unloading it (DON'T DO IT).
Some Cameras has a FIND END of Recording - to take up recording next sequence without any code breaks - Use it - My Cameras has it and one can do this to 100% if tape has not been unloaded. One perfectly the other I need to back a few frames - to get it to work.
Yours Bengt W

Can I capture Beta tape and have its timecode appear in my capture file?

I have a BlackMagic multibridge eclipse running with FCP Studio3 on a MacPro. I’m capturing BetaSP footage from a Sony Digibeta Deck via SDI and deck control via RS-422 through my Elcipse.
My client wants matching timecode btween the source tape and my resulting capture on Final Cut. Is this possible? I hear there is timecode in the SDI signal that I am capturing from the Sony deck, but I don’t think I’m getting that timecode transferred to my capture at the same time.
How could this be accomplished? Would I need additional software or hardware to accomplish this?
My need is urgent.
Thanks,
Steve

The timecode is being captured. Open the clip in the VIEWER...note the timecode at the top...it will match exactly what is on the tape. If this wasn't possible, FCP would be a HORRIBLE NLE and not used for broadcast TV editing at all. But it seems you captured correctly (RS-422, SDI)...so the file you captured will match the tape.
It's easy to check and compare.

How to use FCP with tapes that have free run timecode

i have a bunch of tapes the were shot with 4 x Sony HDV-Z1P cameras. the timecode was set to free run in the cameras and all the cameras were synced by resetting the timecode on all the cameras at the same time. and on each tape the cameraman has buttoned on and off probably 8 times a tape or so which means on free run timecode that there is timecode breaks on the tapes,
can anyone tell me the right setting i should be using in FCP so that i can capture the tapes easily (prefer to capture a whole tape in one go) and with the timecode from the tapes, so that the TC shows the jumps when the camera was not recording.
i tried capture now and setting the user preference to ' on TC break, warn after capture. but it captured without the gaps in the timecode, so when the cameraman buttons off-the captured timecode is still continous. and this means i loss matching the tc between the cameras

you need to set it to Make New Clip, no other setting will give you correct timecode for all clips ... you cannot capture accross timecode breaks and have the timecode jump to reflect those breaks. nle software does not work this way.
once you have captured your media (4 x the number of clips per reel) then you can select them all and choose Modify > Make Multicip Sequence

Batch capturing entire tape...recomended???

Is it a good idea to attempt to batch capture a tape in its entirety? I am having problems doing this...I do a lot of events that last often over 2 hours. Instead of capturing footage in clips, I just capture the entire tape. When I'm done with the project, I simply make the clips offline.
I'm in the process of reviving a project now, and one tape in it's entirety(55 min approx), captured OK, but I am having problems with another tape. I am getting a broken timecode error, when I don't see how this is possible...because I let the tape freely run. Also, under the logging info, the media ends before the tape ends, which means that is space left on the end of the tape without any timecode. Yet when I batch capture, it still goes to the end of the tape.....isn't a batch capture suppose to go by the clips media in and media out points?
All help is greatly appreciated.

I do this often. There are two shools of thought on this method -
Capturing entire tapes allows one to scroll through non-linearly and make subclips. The advantage to subclips is that they are serachable and you can add comments. The downside to this method is that the files are large, and you may be capturing much more metarila than you need. I often do this when working on docs with very high shooting ratios. The most recent one had 190 tapes for a 1-hour program, which led us to use offline RT for our cutting format and then recapture for online.
Logging and capturing single clips fives you the advantage of starting out capturing only what you know you might use, you can input the logging info at the start, and will have several small clips that may be easier to manage. Since at some point you'll have to familiarize youself with the matreial anyway, you might as well do it at the logging stage.
Several factors can contribute to perceived TC breaks - reusing tapes, camera stops, shooting format (HDV, for instance, will show a TC break each time the camera stops). If you are capturing whole tapes, you might do well to let FCP create new clips on TC breaks and just let it roll. Make sure the TC format matches between your tape and settings (DF vs. NDF)
Regarding rolling off the end of the tape during capture, you might be very close to the end with the clip you are capturing. You might try lowering the post-roll value in the device control preset in your A/V settings.
Hope this helps -
Max Average

Creating timecode on a blank miniDV

I am videotaping a 3-day long event where I will end up with about 9 miniDVs filled with footage. I will then capture that footage onto my Mac G5's FCP HD. I remember in one of my film classes that you're supposed to create timecode on the miniDV tapes before videotaping by recording over the entire tape, but this lesson is vague in my memory. Could anyone re-explain this to me and tell me exactly how I am supposed to do it? I'll be videotaping with a Sony DCR-VX2100 but have access to a Canon Elura 60. Thanks to anyone who can help.

I am with Randy. I have never ever heard of blacking a tape for shooting before DV came along. And then it was something that people thought would help with broken timecode issues. It doesn't. What causes a broken code is when you shoot, then review your footage and then don't press stop before the camera cuts to static...then the code starts over.
Actually, I guess it helps in this manner, prevents timecode from resetting to 00:00:00...which is a hassle. But it won't prevent a Timecode break. For when you shoot, it is performing an Assemble edit, much like if you record over a VHS tape in your VCR. When you press stop, the part of the tape after you stopped still incurs a TC break.
All blacking a tape does is introduce wear and tear, and increase the chances of dropout occurances. Don't do it...tell others about this myth. Do what Randy said and give yourself plenty of Post roll.
Shane

Time of Day Timecode Capture

Hi,
I am trying to capture (from tape) footage that was shot with Time of Day timecode (Panasonic DVCPro HD tapes). There are two cameras (multicam) and the timecode needs to sync between the two.
Now, the issue I'm having is capture. The timecode seems to be rewritten after capture. The starting TC is correct but as the tape moves through different times of day it loses the original timecode and just keeps on going with more of a 'record run' timecode instead of the timecode from the deck.
Normally this wouldn't be a problem if I had no synce issues but I need to sync these two cameras together. Plus I have about 10 hours of footage and there's no time to manually go through each tape to log.
Any ideas, help, comments, etc?

Yes, that is a method, and we've done that before - this is also a great way to do music videos where you need the TC of the tune.
But since I'm the editor on this project and the camera crew have chosen TOD timecode to ensure sync on all cameras I have to live with this. Each tape can and does have a multitude of 'broken' timecodes. What I am hoping for is to have Premiere CS5 capture the original timecode from the deck.
In my old Avid days we could have it capture across TC breaks where it would just start the next clip at the TC break. Plus we could have the deck use Control Track to do the pre roll but still use the TC from the deck on the capture. 99% of the time it worked perfectly (the other 1% problem was when there was an actual blank spot between the takes - like if they removed the tape or watched an earlier take, and then cued past the last recorded image).
I am using the AJ LHi card and there is no such option.

Batch capturing tapes Wowsa what a Hose! Please Help...

Hi all, i have a bunch of tapes I did not shoot. Yesterday I was on a mbp with latest FCP and a Sony DV Cam. Long story short, the MBP burned up and the Sony had to leave for a shoot. So today I have the same tape with a new Imac and a Canon XL1s cam. The iMac was restored using Time Machine, so it's the same software. The Canon cam will record and allow me to capture just fine...but with the tape I was using yesterday, I get all kinds of broken timecode errors. I can't even recreate the a clip from yesterday, even though in the Log and Capture window I can see that the timecodes match up between what was logged on the Sony and what I want to capture today on the Canon...arg!!!! any idea on what to do?
I tried going device control=none (or whatever) and I get "Capture encountered a problem reading the data on the source tape. This could be due to a problem with the tape. Capture has been aborted and your clip has been saved.
The video looks okay but the audio is all choppy, so perhaps there is some strange thing between a sony and canon on audio? I can't get ahold of the shooter as he is out in a village somewhere shooting, but he told me he shot the tape in PAL SD 16bit audio, and what was captured on the Sony the other confirms that. I think. Very confused and stressed out now...first a blown PC, now this. Thanks!
It seems when I try and log a clip, say 30 seconds, and go to batch capture it, FCP is stopping a lot and saying [locating timecode break (press 'esc' to stop]. FCP pauses here for some amount of painful time, then continues with the capture. And is captureing random bits it seems. If I turn off device control, I get Capture encountered a problem reading the data on the source tape.
I was using a Sony the other day and the same tape was capturing fine. Now I have another machine and another camera, a Canon XL1s, so I am not sure what's up. Can anyone help me diagnose this problem?
If I record a bit of film on the Canon and capture that all is fine. I don't have access to the Sony anymore, so what to do?
The timecodes look consistent

You should try this on the Final Cut Pro forum.
Are you sure it's a PAL camera?
"The iMac was restored using Time Machine, so it's the same software."
You can't install pro apps like this. It will always causes problems. You must install the software properly on a correctly installed OS. Restoring will not provide a correct OS installation for pro apps.

Timecode Problems In 5.1

Hello all. All of sudden, when trying to log and capture from our Sony BetaSP deck, the timecode in the Log and Capture window (upper right) says 00:58:35:10 when the tape is at the BEGINNING. The deck says 00:00:00:00.
This screws up my in and out points so they all begin at an hour into the tape instead of 2 minutes. When I batch capture, it begins fine, but then just keeps recording one giant clip. I can't figure it out. I tried two different tapes. We have a Keyspan serial adapter to control the deck and it has works for years.
Thanks.

tc preset is for determining what timecode you start with when you stripe a tape (or "black" at tape) You should be in "record run" are you sure theres no setting for "auto" this looks at LTC in play, FF & REW and VITC in Jog mode.
Typically in your av devices tab in FCP select LTC and VITC. The deck should be record run,regen (unless striping a tape when you'd use preset) and auto for ltc and vitc. Vitc should record on lines 16 and 18. Your deck menu might be in "Basic" mode rather than "enhanced" . if your not sur of the settings try to find a local video engineer in your area, (perhaps a local post house there are several in your area and some great engineers), and hire him to check out your deck. If it did work and now doesn't , what has changed?

Broken timecode on striped dv tape?

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