How Timecode Works with the Wireless PRO
The Wireless PRO generates timecode using LTC encoding (Linear Timecode), which is the most widely used format today. The Wireless PRO receiver acts as the ‘source’ in a timecode setup, meaning that timecode is generated by the receiver and is sent to other ‘sync’ devices, such as cameras and audio recorders.
The Wireless PRO outputs timecode information as an audio signal. If your camera 'understands’ timecode, it will record this data into your video files directly as metadata, but if it doesn’t then you can still record this audio timecode signal into your camera’s mic input just like you would a microphone – this audio is then later recognised as timecode in your editing software.
The Wireless PRO receiver (RX) will automatically send timecode to the transmitters (TX) as long as timecode is enabled via RØDE Central (you don’t need to have a timecode mode actively selected). This means that the transmitters’ on-board recordings will have timecode in their metadata, so you just need to record timecode into your camera(s) to ensure your video files also have this sync information.
Check out the user guide to learn more about Using Timecode with the Wireless PRO.
Other Things You Need to Know About Timecode
What's the Difference Between a Timecode ‘Source’ and ‘Sync’ Device?
Simply put, a timecode source (also known as a timecode generator) is a device with a super accurate internal clock that is able to generate a timecode signal and send it to another device.
A timecode sync device, on the other hand, is a device that can receive a timecode signal, make sense of it, and adjust its own internal clock accordingly. There are also some devices that are both a source and sync device at once.
Why is it So Important to Set Your Timecode Framerate?
As we mentioned, the most common format for timecode to appear in is the 8-digit configuration HH:MM:SS:FF, which represents the hour, minute, second and, finally, the frame of your timecode.
This means that the framerate you select actually determines how your timecode is counted, as ‘frame’ is one of its units of measure. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to make sure you’ve set your timecode to the same framerate that you’re shooting your project in so your footage and audio will properly line up.
What is ‘Real Time’ or ‘Time-of-Day' Timecode and Should I Use it?
Real Time, also known as Time-of-Day, is a timecode format that uses the actual time in your region to fill out the hours, minutes and seconds in your timecode. This format is ideal for organising your footage and recordings as you can quickly see exactly when it was taken in the day.
With the Wireless PRO, you can view the clock that’s used for real time within the companion software, RØDE Central. This clock is set by the time on the device that the app is running on, either your phone or computer.
Another option is to use continuous timecode, which takes the same 8-digit format, but rather than follow your local time zone, you can start the zero point whenever you want, which can be useful if you want it to line up with the start of your shoot. With the Wireless PRO, you set this point within RØDE Central.