In Broadcast - NABSHOW 2016 - 38


38

www.inbroadcast.com | NAB SHOW 16-21 April 2016 | InShow Guide

Creating a Timecode
Sync Solution for GoPro
By Paul Scurrell, CEO
Timecode Systems launches a game changer
at NAB 2016...

A

s a sounding board for the
broadcast industry's workflow
issues and ideals, timecode syncing
GoPro footage was one of the most
persistent struggles myself and
my team came across during our
discussions with productions. So we
decided to develop a solution - the
SyncBac PRO.
Over the last few years wearable
cameras have become commonplace
on professional film and broadcast
sets. From sports events to
documentaries to feature films,
the capability to film such unique
viewpoints of a piece of action makes
GoPros incredibly powerful tools in
the pursuit of capturing increasingly
engaging content. But as nontimecoded cameras, the problem has
always been how to sync the footage
captured with not only other GoPros,
but also pro cameras and pro audio.
Until now, all we could do was offer
the advice to visually slate these
cameras with a digislate. It was a
decent workaround, but it wasn't the
seamless solution productions craved.
What they really wanted was timecode
generated at source, producing a
single file that post-production teams
could work with in exactly the same
way as media extracted from more
traditional professional cameras and

audio equipment.
Working closely with
GoPro, we've developed
this integrated solution.
The SyncBac PRO is
a Timecode Systems
accessory designed for
GoPro that enables the
HERO4
to
timecode
sync in the same way
as traditional film and broadcast
equipment.
What makes SyncBac PRO
a game changer?
* Embedded timecode at source
The SyncBac PRO enables the HERO4
to create its own timecoded MP4 file
at source.
At the end of a shoot, the postproduction staff receive an SD card
with frame accurate embedded
timecode that they can upload into
their chosen editing package (Adobe
Premiere PRO, Apple Final Cur Pro
X, and Avid Media Composer are
all compatible) as if it were from a
traditional broadcast camera. Use
the MP4 file or transcode to Apple
ProRes or Avid DNxHD - the timecode
remains stable. It's exactly what postproduction teams have been asking
for to enable a swift and cost-effective
edit.

SyncBac PRO allows a time and cost-effective edit

Timecode Systems worked closely
with GoPro to develop SyncBac PRO

*	 A	flawless	fit	for	the	HERO4
The SyncBac PRO is a customised
solution developed by Timecode
Systems working closely with GoPro.
Simply clip it to the back of the HERO4
Black or Silver via the HeroBus 30pin port. No external connectors
are required. This compact design
keeps the GoPro as small and light
as possible, and means it's fully
compatible with HERO4 Black and
Silver standard BacPac backdoor
housings.
*	 Wireless	control
With the GoPro now compatible with
the entire Timecode Systems range
of wireless timecode and metadata
products, there was an opportunity
to add the functionality to wirelessly
control and monitor GoPros using the
B:LINK Hub.
The B:LINK Hub is a new feature
embedded within the Timecode
Systems :pulse (a timecode and
metadata mini base station).
It gives SyncBac PRO users realtime access to a dashboard displaying
every camera and sound unit on a rig.
This includes GoPros with SyncBac
PRO.
By connecting the SyncBac PRO
to the B:LINK Hub dashboard,
production teams can remotely
control and monitor multiple
GoPros from any smartphone (iOS
or Android), tablet, Mac, or PC. This,
among other things, unlocks the
capability to adjust camera settings
and record start/stop remotely - a
great way to maximise a GoPro's
battery life when it's gear-mounted or
not easily accessible.

How does it work in practice?
There are three core ways in which
the SyncBac PRO can be used:
*	 Timecode	sync	multiple	GoPros
Attach a SyncBac PRO to every unit
and timecode sync multiple HERO4
units via long-range wireless RF.
Simply make one GoPro the master
unit, and timecode sync unlimited
GoPro slaves.
*	 Timecode	 sync	 GoPros	 with	 pro	
cameras and pro audio
When docked with a SyncBac PRO,
GoPros can integrate perfectly into
a Timecode Systems production
workflow. This means they can
timecode sync with any professional
camera and audio equipment using
a :pulse, :wave or :minitrx+ unit for
timecode. It's a completely wireless
solution using Timecode Systems'
robust B:LINK RF network.
*	 Wireless	control
Activate the B:LINK Hub by
introducing a Timecode Systems
:pulse to the rig. It gives SyncBac
PRO users real-time access to a
dashboard that can be displayed on
any smartphone (iOS or Android),
tablet, Mac, or PC over Wi-Fi, or
through a wired Ethernet connection
into the :pulse. From here you can
view, monitor, and control every
camera and sound unit docked with a
Timecode Systems product on a rig.
SyncBac PRO will be launched by
Timecode Systems Limited at NAB
2016. Visit the team for an exclusive
first look and demonstration.
http://www.inbroadcast.com http://www.timecodesystems.com
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