Preface to the first edition

Probably every person involved in the making of television programmes will come across 'timecode' at some stage in the production process. It can be a powerful tool in post-production, yet is often poorly understood. As a result, it can cause embarrassing and expensive problems when it fails. Most timecode failure can be avoided if its characteristics, and those of the various recording machines that process it, are properly understood. On location it can make various production processes much easier and less time-consuming, yet few people are aware of its full potential.

Recording formats have evolved rapidly in recent years, with location professional R-DAT and digital VCRs already with us. Timecode implementation in digital recording formats can differ markedly from that in traditional analogue systems. MIDI control systems can now interface with timecode, and the IEC has rationalized the EBU and SMPTE videotape codes. There have been exciting developments in the application to film and timecode data can be carried within the data stream of the AES/EBU digital audio interface.

This book aims to explain timecode in all its manifestations. It is intended to be of use to the operator working in the field or edit suite, to the person involved with installation and maintenance of timecode equipment, and to anyone interested in the development of either software or hardware for handling the code. The potential of timecode as a tool for use at all stages is explained, and causes of timecode failure are discussed, together with possible solutions.

The opening chapters of the book explain the underlying theory, and appendices contain technical detail. These, together with a comprehensive bibliography, make this book of value both as a manual and as a work of reference. Mathematics is kept to a minimum, and any necessary theory is included and explained, making the book accessible to the widest range of possible users.