Editing Timecode

{{short description|Sequence of numeric codes generated at regular intervals by a timing synchronization system}}
{{other uses}}
{{no footnotes|date=July 2011}}

A '''timecode''' (alternatively, '''time code''') is a sequence of numeric codes generated at regular intervals by a [[timing synchronization]] system. Timecode is used in [[video production]], [[show control]] and other applications which require temporal coordination or logging of recording or actions.

== Video and film ==
In [[video production]] and [[filmmaking]], [[SMPTE timecode]] is used extensively for [[synchronization]], and for logging and identifying material in recorded media. During filmmaking or video production shoot, the [[camera assistant]] will typically log the start and end timecodes of shots, and the data generated will be sent on to the editorial department for use in referencing those shots. This [[shot-logging]] process was traditionally done by hand using pen and paper, but is now typically done using shot-logging software running on a laptop computer that is connected to the timecode generator or the camera itself.

The SMPTE family of timecodes are almost universally used in film, video and audio production, and can be encoded in many different formats, including:
*[[Linear timecode]] (LTC), in a separate audio track
*[[Vertical interval timecode]] (VITC), in the vertical blanking interval of a video track
*[[AES-EBU embedded timecode]] used with [[digital audio]]
*[[Burnt-in timecode]], in  human-readable form in the video itself
*[[CTL timecode]] (control track)
*[[MIDI timecode]]

[[Keykode]], while not a timecode, is used to identify specific [[film frame]]s in film [[post-production]] that uses physical [[film stock]]. Keykode data is normally used in conjunction with SMPTE timecode.

[[Rewritable consumer timecode]] is a proprietary consumer video timecode system that is not frame-accurate, and is therefore not used in professional post-production.

== Other formats ==
Timecodes for purposes other than video and audio production include:
* [[IRIG timecode]] is used for military, government and commercial purposes.
* [[DTS (sound system)#Theatrical use|DTS timecode]] is used to synchronise the optical DTS timecode track from a projector to the CD-based DTS audio tracks.

== Timecode generators ==
[[File:New voice over booth for NPO.jpg|thumb|Timecode reader/generator with character inserter]]
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Depending on the environment, timecode generators can take various forms.

==See also==
* [[Binary-coded decimal]]
* [[Clock synchronization]]
* [[Global Positioning System]]
* [[Jam sync]]
* [[Network Time Protocol]]
* [[Time formatting and storage bugs]]
* [[Time signal]]
* [[Radio clock#timecode radio stations|Timecode radio stations]]
* [[Timestamp]], denoting the date/time in [[data logging]]
* [[Trusted timestamping]], part of a digital signature

==References==
* {{cite book |title=Timecode: A user's guide, second edition |author=John Ratcliff |publisher=Focal Press |edition=Third |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-240-51539-7}}
* {{cite book |title=A Technical Introduction to Digital Video |author=Charles Poynton |author-link=Charles Poynton|ISBN=0-471-12253-X |year=1996 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons}}

[[Category:Encodings]]
[[Category:Timecodes|*]]
[[Category:Film and video technology]]