Timecode A User's Guide, 3rd Edition

Chapter 9Timecode and linear postproduction

The transfer suite

After rushes have been viewed to sort the wheat from the chaff, the 'wanted' takes should be identified and transferred to a format suitable for the off-line edit. Traditionally, Hi-band U-matic machines have been used for this, as the format supports timecode. Some post-production houses, at least one broadcaster, and some manufacturers, have developed VITC generators that will lay code onto Lo-band and VHS. Laying down a proper time-address signal is preferable to burning-in the code, as the off-line editor has the options of switching it in or out, whether to put it in a 'letter-box' or superimpose it, and - important where to place it on the screen. If code has to be burnt in, ...