Externally locking the time code

The internal time code generator of the camera can be locked to an external generator. In addition, the time code generator of an external device can be locked to the internal time code generator of the camera.

Example of connections for external locking

As shown in the figure, connect both the reference video signal and the reference time code.

For details on reference signal and generator lock, refer to “Selection of external reference signal and generator lock setting”.

While the scan reverse is activated, delay of the image occurs internally. When the camera is connected in parallel to a device capable of recording without a delay, the delay of time codes must be synchronized in the main menu → [REC/PB] → [TC/UB] → [TC OUTPUT REF].

External lock operation procedure

To externally lock the time code, follow the steps below.

Set the <TCG> switch to <F-RUN>.

Set the <DISPLAY> switch to <TC>.

Set [GL IN] or [SDI IN] in the main menu → [I/F SETUP] → [GENLOCK] → [GENLOCK].

Input a reference time code and reference video signal that are in a phase relationship (that conforms to time code specifications) to the <TC IN> and <GENLOCK IN> terminals or <SDI IN> terminal, respectively.

The built-in time code generator is locked to the reference time code. When approximately ten seconds has elapsed after locking, the external lock status will be held even if the reference time code from the external device is disconnected.

  • When the input reference signal of genlock is disrupted, recording cannot be performed normally. [TEMPORARY PAUSE IRREGULAR SIG] is displayed in the viewfinder screen, and the clip is divided. The continuity of the time code is not guaranteed. Recording resumes when the signal returns to normal. However, interval recording, one-shot recording, and loop recording do not resume.

  • When the time code is externally locked, the time code is instantaneously locked to the external time code, the same value as the value of the external time code is output to the counter display area. Do not set to the recording mode for several seconds until the sync generator has stabilized. Furthermore, lock the time code to the <TC IN> terminal signal. The time code of the HD SDI signal input from the <SDI IN> terminal is not locked.

  • When externally locking in 24PN mode, be sure to input non-drop frame time codes. An external lock is not possible using drop frames. When the external lock is activated, images may look corrupted. However, this is an operation to match the 5-frame cycle so it is not a malfunction.

  • When [PRE REC] is set to [ON] in the main menu → [REC/PB] → [REC FUNCTION], disrupted images or stopped time codes may be recorded if the time code is switched from recording run to free run immediately before recording or an external time code is input to be slaved to the <TC IN> terminal.

Setting of user bits when the time code is externally locked

When the <TCG> switch is set to <F-RUN>, only the time code is locked to the time code from the external source. To lock the user bits to the input value from an external source, set [EXT] in the main menu → [REC/PB] → [TC/UB] → [UBG MODE], and set [USER/EXT] in the main menu → [REC/PB] → [TC/UB] → [VITC UBG MODE].

Canceling the external lock

Set the <TCG> switch to <R-RUN> after stopping supply of the external time code.

Cautions when switching the power supply from the battery to the external power supply while an external lock is active

To keep on the time code generator power supply continuously, connect an external power supply to the <DC IN> terminal and then remove the battery pack. If the battery pack is removed first, there is no guarantee that the time code will stay externally locked.

External synchronization of the camera unit while an external lock is active

While an external lock is active, the generator lock is activated on the camera unit by the reference video signal input to the <GENLOCK IN> or <SDI IN> terminal.

Superimposing the time code

To display the time code in the viewfinder or LCD monitor during shooting or playback, set [TCG], [TCR], or [TCG/TCR] in the main menu → [VF] → [VF INDICATOR] → [TC].

To display these time code indicators on a device connected to monitor output or the <SDI OUT1> terminal, perform the following. Set the <MON OUT CHARACTER> switch on the side to <ON>, and set [ON] in the main menu → [I/F SETUP] → [OUTPUT SEL] → [SDI OUT1 CHAR].

To display the time code in the color bar display, set [ON] in the main menu → [VF] → [VF INDICATOR] → [TC ON COLOR BAR].