Companies Partner To Release Integrated Workflow

Sound Devices, Timecode Systems and PureBlend have teamed up to release firmware and software upgrades that aim to make sharing timecode and metadata on set more streamlined.

The seamless exchange of data between Sound Devices' 6-Series mixer/recorders, Timecode Systems' :wave timecode and genlock generator, and PureBlend's MovieSlate 8.5 iOS app ensure the upgrades integrate the capabilities of each company to manage metadata and transport controls within the production workflow.

For the workflow, a Timecode Systems :wave unit operates as the master timecode clock, transmitting wireless timecode and sync data to connected devices. The receiving units output linear timecode (LTC) and genlock to their connected cameras. The upgrade enables users to also sync and share metadata and timecode via a bespoke Timecode Systems Sync lead from the :wave's data port to the USB port on a Sound Devices 6-Series mixer/recorder. It ensures recorded sound files contain the same timecode as the cameras, and also allows exchange of metadata and the ability to wirelessly monitor status and enable the device using Timecode Systems' multi-platform B:LINK Hub production dashboard app.

The MovieSlate 8.5 app, which runs on iOS 8, 9, or 10, connects to the :wave's integrated WiFi interface. This allows users to remotely control the 6-Series mixer/recorder, such as start/stop recordings, arm/name sound tracks, sync timecode and edit metadata. A MovieSlate 8.5 Pro Features purchase is needed.

Paul Scurrell, CEO, Timecode Systems, said: "Higher expectations, greater competition and tighter budgets mean production teams today are under pressure to save as much time and effort as possible. A well thought through, integrated workflow can reduce timescales and costs by making information easier to access and giving production teams more power over the process. This is exactly what our collaboration delivers – more accurate data, enhanced efficiency and greater control."

Paul Isaacs, Director of Product Management and Design, Sound Devices, added: "A lack of commonly agreed ways of working has, in the past, been one of the barriers slowing down the pace of change when it comes to optimizing digital workflows. Our users want technology that works better together. This is exactly what this integration delivers, by not only providing the data they require with absolute accuracy, but also allowing production team members to share it with minimal effort."

"Customers told us what they wanted: a mobile app for remotely controlling their Sound Devices 6-Series mixers/recorders, arming/naming recorder tracks, syncing timecode/metadata and quickly generating daily sound reports," commented Cliff Joyce, CEO, PureBlend Software. "We're pleased to announce that all this is now a reality, thanks to our collaboration with Timecode Systems and Sound Devices."

The firmware upgrades to the Timecode Systems :wave and Sound Devices 6-Series mixers/recorders are free to existing users. The latest update of the MovieSlate 8.5 app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Image: Sound Devices 688, Timecode :wave and MovieSlate.

www.pureblendsoftware.com

www.timecodesystems.com

www.sounddevices.com

www.videodevices.com

(JP/LM)