Using timecode for livestream and post production.

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Using timecode for livestream and post production.

benjaminrecinos

Hey Joel,

I have a question about using timecode. Currently, we Livestream our service using an old Black Magic ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher and record the preaching using the HyperDeck Studio Mini. We have someone edit the audio of the preaching in Studio One and I sync it in Premiere using the synchronize feature. It's not 100% perfect but it kind of gets the job done. I was wondering if there's any way we can incorporate timecode into our system so that I can be sure that the audio is synced with the video in post?

joelwsmith

Hey Benjamin, thanks for reaching out.

How are you capturing the audio to edit in Studio One? Are you pulling the audio from the Hyperdeck recording or is it being recorded somewhere else?

benjaminrecinos

The audio is coming out of our Behringer mixer through USB, which gets connected to the Studio One computer. The Hyperdeck is really our way to record our live video so that I can use it in post.

joelwsmith

benjaminrecinos Cool, that's helpful info.

I'm pretty positive Studio One cannot output timecode, so you will need an external timecode source that can be synced to both the Studio One computer and the SDI signal going into the Hyperdeck. This will also need to be done with MIDI timecode (MTC) because I believe that's what Studio One requires.

I'm not really sure of the most efficient (and economical) way to go about this, though. The ATEM 1 M/E doesn't have a timecode input either, so you'll need to embed timecode into SDI at some point in your signal chain.

What cameras are you using? I'm asking to see if there's any option there.

benjaminrecinos

We're using Sony FS7's but I believe we would need to buy the extension unit to use timecode. If we were to upgrade our production switcher to the ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K, will that help? I believe it has an option for timecode?

joelwsmith

benjaminrecinos You only need the XDCA back on the FS7 if you want to input timecode through BNC. You can input timecode through an audio channel and use various timecode sync systems like Tentacle Sync without the need for the XDCA.

You can definitely upgrade the ATEM to one of the models with a timecode input, but you'll still need a way to get the external timecode into MTC for Studio One, so it will require two separate purchases at a minimum.

benjaminrecinos

Okay, I'll have to think about it. Thanks again Joel for all your help.

joelwsmith

benjaminrecinos IMO, this sounds more like a way to rethink the workflow instead of spending quite a bit of money to solve a pretty minor issue. Definitely something to think through and work toward as you upgrade gear, though.