Timecode Systems Introduce Timecode Sync Solution for GoPro Cameras at 2016 NAB
At 2016 NAB, Timecode Systems, a specialist in wireless technologies for sharing timecode and metadata, announce the SyncBac PRO, a customized GoPro timecode sync accessory.
Timecode Systems said that by enabling the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver cameras to generate their own frame-accurate timecode, the SyncBac PRO creates the capability to wirelessly timecode sync multiple GoPros and GoPros with pro cameras and pro audio devices over long-range RF.
Over the last few years, wearable cameras have become commonplace on professional film and broadcast sets. But since these cameras are not timecoded, the challenge has always been how to sync the footage captured not only with other GoPros, but also with pro cameras and audio devices.
"Until now, all we could do was advise production houses to visually slate using a digislate," said Paul Scurrell, CEO of Timecode Systems Limited. "It was a decent workaround, but it wasn't the solution productions craved.
“What customers really wanted was timecode generated at source and synced over long-range RF, producing a single file with embedded timecode that postproduction can work with in exactly the same way as media extracted from more traditional professional cameras and audio equipment. This is exactly what we've delivered with the SyncBac PRO."
At the end of a shoot, SyncBac PRO users remove the SD card from their GoPro and hand the footage with embedded timecode to postproduction. The single MP4 file can be uploaded into the chosen editing package in the same way as media captured by large-scale, professional broadcast cameras and audio devices.
The SyncBac PRO neatly clips to the HERO4 Black and Silver cameras via the HERO Bus 30 pin port, with no requirement for external connectors. This keeps the GoPro as small and light as possible and ensures its full compatibility with HERO4 standard BacPac backdoor housings.
The user simply clips on, switches on and runs timecode to integrate the GoPro into a Timecode Systems production workflow.
"The SyncBac PRO adds an important new capability to the GoPro — the ability to integrate into a multicamera film and broadcast workflow in the same way as larger- scale professional cameras," said Adam Silver, director of strategic product partnerships at GoPro.
"This is not only an important tool at the point of shooting, but a powerful workflow enabler for postproduction — it could save hours in edit time, freeing up budget for the production and studios."
The GoPro cameras' compatibility with the entire Timecode Systems range of wireless timecode and metadata products also means that users now have the capability to wirelessly view, control and monitor all GoPros on a shoot over long-range RF from a single application — the B:LINK Hub.
The B:LINK Hub is a new feature embedded within the Timecode Systems :pulse, a miniature base station for timecode and metadata. By connecting the SyncBac PRO to the B:LINK Hub dashboard via a :pulse unit, production teams can view, monitor status and remotely control multiple GoPros from any smartphone (iOS or Android), tablet, Mac or PC.
Price and availability were not given.
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