Take Control Of Multicamera Workflows

The message we heard at IBC2016 was that technology is not just about achieving amazing special effects and transforming the viewer experience; it's also about the more practical business of enabling production teams to save time, reduce costs, and streamline processes. By Paul Scurrel, CEO of Timecode Systems Limited.

To deliver the incredible visual effects promised by VR and to create the ambitious, polished broadcast productions required to compete with the output from the streaming networks, footage is being captured from an increasing number and variety of camera and audio sources. Ensuring this influx of data is not only captured and stored effectively, but also synchronised, is a persistent headache for both crews and postproduction teams. Manually checking and re-jamming every individual timecode unit at regular intervals throughout a shoot is not always an option, and fixing sync issues in postproduction is a time-consuming, manual process. Our solution provides film and broadcast crews with a convenient, robust and reliable way to sync while they shoot.

The latest additions to our product range have been designed specifically to deliver new synergies to busy crews on multicamera shoots. Firstly, we have the :pulse. Used in its simplest form, the :pulse is a highly accurate timecode, genlock and word clock generator with an integrated RF transceiver to ensure rock solid synchronisation with zero drift between timecode sources. But, as well as being a hub for timecode and metadata exchange, it's also a powerful centre for wirelessly controlling devices on multicamera shoots over BLINK RF.

When we first launched our BLINK RF network late last year, we used the long-range RF simply for one-way timecode and genlock, but we knew that with development, we could make better use of the bandwidth and actually multiplex two-way communication in between the sync data. Our customers can now not only share timecode and production metadata wirelessly, but also control all Timecode Systems devices on the network – which means fewer cables, more control, and greater convenience.

With a :pulse or :wave set as the timecode master unit, Timecode Systems' users can use the integral Wi-Fi of either product or a wired connection to the :pulse's Ethernet port, to open the BLINK Hub app from their smartphone (iOS or Android), tablet, or laptop. This launches a dashboard that centrally displays all Timecode Systems timecode sources on set. From here, users can monitor and control the battery levels, sync status, and change the settings of multiple Timecode Systems' devices centrally from a single screen.

We're now building on this core wireless sync and control capability by adding the functionality to remotely monitor and operate from BLINK Hub the camera and audio equipment to which Timecode Systems' devices are connected. For example, we've developed a bespoke solution for Sound Devices 6-Series users that allows them to use a :pulse or :wave to connect to the BLINK Hub app. This not only enables remote access to basic transport controls for 6-Series mixer/recorders, but also allows users to view all audio tracks, arm tracks, assign track names, mark false takes, and much more, centrally from their smartphone, tablet or Mac.

We're also developing similar remote sync and control solutions for a whole range of cameras, including GoPro. Because GoPro cameras are not timecoded out of the box, in the past, film and broadcast production teams might not have selected a GoPro camera for a certain shot or angle because of the inability to easily move the media into the postproduction workspace. SyncBac PRO enables the HERO4 camera to generate its own timecoded MP4 file at source. This capability allows the creation of a wireless timecode sync over long-range RF, both between multiple GoPros and between GoPros and more traditional broadcast cameras and professional audio devices on set. As a result, GoPro footage can be drawn into an edit workflow in the same way as footage from any other professional camera.

Using the :pulse as a mini base-station, SyncBac PRO users can also see and remotely control multiple GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver cameras centrally from the BLINK Hub app. This includes the ability to start recording remotely or put the camera to sleep when not required – a great way to maximize battery life when cameras are gear-mounted or not easily accessible.

Although VR continues to dominate the headlines from the broadcast industry shows this year, at an operational level, amongst the crews on the ground, there are two smaller, sub-trends emerging that are having a massive impact on day-to-day filming – data management and remote device control. We're expecting these two subjects to dominate many conversations we have with both our user community and integration partners in the year ahead. Fortunately, we're armed with solutions.

www.timecodesystems.com

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 20.

(JP/LM)