Time
code is a sequential numeric code that can be encoded
onto the entire length of a roll of film. Its purpose
is to provide a fixed frame number reference on the
edge of the film so when the sound and images are
transferred to video, it can be synced for editing
(eliminating the manual syncing of a work print and
audio mag-track). What's great about video off-line
editing of film is that you can auto-sync the audio
if it was tied into a time code encrypting audio recorder
at the time of photography (like a digital Nagra or
a Fostex PD series DAT audio recorder). Aaton makes
a timecode striping device for their cameras that
burns time code directly onto the negative for auto-syncing
picture to sound. This will save you a lot of time
since you don't have to manually sync the audio to
every shot from the many reels (or DAT cassettes)
of audio tape. The entire film can be edited off-line
on video tape or digitally using an Avid, then the
negative can be cut exactly like the off-line by referencing
the edit decision list the off-line process generates.
Time code is the common link between picture and audio
that locks it all together.
