Yes, the latest generation HDV/DVCAM VCR has the ability to re-record or “Insert” the timecode into an existing DVCAM recording. – We should also address the other half of the question… How do we avoid unwanted changes in the timecode during the original recording?

Re-recording the Timecode… Most professional video tape recorders have had the ability to insert new time code. Typically the longitinudinal TC track was accessed via insert edit function and restriped with the desired timecode. All DV formats have timecode recorded in the allocated digital data sectors. The Sony HVR-1500 deck has the ability to perform a “timecode insert” on an existing DVCAM recording. The procedures for the TC insert are listed on pages 68-69 of the HVR-1500 operations manual. The link to download a copy of the manual is provided at the end of this article. Unfortunately, the TC insert feature is not currently available for the HDV format.

Timecode Regeneration – Avoiding Problems… If your DV camera or VCR has only basic TC control settings, each new tape will start at 00:00:00:00. To ensure continuous TC the “regen” option must be turned on. Typically, this requires adjusting a switch, or activating a menu function on the camera. With the TC generator set to “regen”, previously recorded video must be played for a moment to allow the TC generator to read the existing TC on the tape. When the TC generator sees the existing TC, it locks to the playback TC (jam-syncs) and generates new matching timecode. The camcorder must perform a back-space edit to allow the TC generator to see the last second of the existing TC before switching to record for the new video. Although uncommon, some camcorders provide a menu setting to de-active the “back-space” function. If the back-space function is off, a break in the TC may be created every time the recording is stopped.

Check the TC Number Display… If TC regen is working properly the TC display should change from 00:00:00:00 to a new running time code when playing an existing recording. If your back-space function is not working try manually cueing the tape to the desired edit point, with tape in pause press the record/play buttons. In essence we want a series of clean assemble edits, with internal regen timecode to avoid discontinuous timecode problems.For additional information take a look at the following links…

Sony HVR-1500 Operation Manual, pages 51-54 & 68-69 http://www.visionaryforces.com/downloads/Sony_HDV-1500_HD_VTR_Operating_Instructions.pdf

Sony HVR-Z1U guide, pages 76-77 http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/docs/manuals/hvr-z1u.pdf

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Chris Vazquez can be contacted at chris.designsmith@verizon.net or 301.953.1427