Timecode Systems Launches SyncBac PRO

Timecode Systems has announced the release of SyncBac Pro – a customised GoPro timecode sync accessory. The product will be launched at NAB 2016, booth C2221.

By allowing 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.

Wearable cameras have become commonplace on professional film and broadcast sets, but as they are not timecoded, the challenge was how to sync the footage captured with other GoPros, but also with pro cameras and pro audio devices.

At the end of a shoot, SyncBac PRO users can remove the SD card from their GoPro and give 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 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 small and light, ensuring compatibility with HERO4 standard BacPac backdoor housings. The user clips on, switches on, and runs timecode to integrate the GoPro into a Timecode Systems production workflow.

Paul Scurrell, CEO of Timecode Systems, explained: "Until now, all we could do was advise production houses to visually slate using a digislate. It was a decent workaround, but it wasn't the seamless 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."

"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," added 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. Add to this the capability to wirelessly control and remotely monitor GoPros from a single application – now that's true innovation."

The GoPro cameras' compatibility with the Timecode Systems range of wireless timecode and metadata products means users are now able 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.

Image: Timecode Systems SyncBac PRO.

www.syncbac.com

www.timecodebuddy.com

(JP)