Project presentation (succint)

This blog is mainly for keeping track of the project and won't be too pedagogical (for now). I'm still in the researching phase (and wiring prototype components). All the pertinent info I collected is gathered under my pinboard.in  ltc and  timecode tags

The goal is to sync video and audio using LTC timecode, with a workflow geared toward FLOSS software and platforms. The syncing will be done with ffmpeg (or ffmbc) adding the audio track to video (with the necessary delay). I do not plan any GUI... CLI only.

The proposition: build a tool costing around 20$ (SAMD21 + MT3339) to replace something that cost 300$ (or even more 700$). For those who are new to video and cinema production, a Linear Time Code generator is a device used to mark continuously both the image recording (on the camera) and the sound recording (on a standalone recorder) when shooting a film, an interview, a news reportage, etc.... In post-production during the editing process sounds and images are put into sync using the time code embedded on each material.

There's such a demand for a low cost solution in the Indy film industry/hobby that a campaign for a similar project reached 120 000 USD on Indigogo in 2014.

Go there to learn more about SMPTE Time Code and why any dslr videographer and boom guy need it: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tentacle-sync-time-to-sync-different#/

After their successful campaign they moved to an independent site: http://tentaclesync.com/ (can't see if they're shipping with expected volume...) Their motto is PROFESSIONAL TIME CODE SYNCING FOR ANYONE'S BUDGET. Well, sorry Tentacle...

Moreover, the Tentacle devices sync between themselves at the begining of the shooting session with a cable (and hopefully stay in sync within tolerable drift after), they are not synced to a GNSS... looking for a gps LTC generator? Horita makes one for 700$... http://www.horita.com/gpsvideo.htm#UTG-50
 

One final note: time code (specifications, understanding, practices) are a mess, but you knew that...